how to epoxy coat countertops?

Epoxy coat countertops are a great way to give your kitchen an update, but they can also be expensive.

It helps to know what you’re getting into when you epoxy your own counters, as well as some of the pros and cons of this kind of project.

How do you apply epoxy to countertops?

Now that you have your countertops clean and dry, it’s time to mix up some epoxy. You’ll need about one gallon of epoxy for every 80 square feet of countertop.

To make sure you’re getting the right amount, use this handy calculator from Epoxy-Plus (or another reliable source) to figure out how much hardener and resin you need based on what type of epoxy you’re using.

Once you’ve mixed together these two ingredients, you can start applying the mixture using whatever tool feels best in your hands: a roller, brush, or sponge work well for large areas; paintbrushes are great for smaller surfaces like cutouts or edges; sponges can help smooth out uneven spots where two sides meet at an angle (like corners).

Can you epoxy over existing countertops?

It is possible to apply epoxy over existing countertops, but it’s not as simple as just applying the product.

First, you’ll need to remove the old surface carefully so that you don’t damage your existing sink or backsplash.

Once your surface is ready for priming, you should seal it with a quality sealant like varnish or shellac before applying the epoxy.

That way, when you apply the epoxy over your newly sealed surface it will stay in place instead of peeling off later on due to moisture build-up within its pores!

In addition to sealing and priming your countertop before applying this stuff (yes—it needs both), make sure that whatever type of epoxy coating substance

How do you epoxy countertops step by step?

You’ll need:

  • An old towel or cloth to wipe off the epoxy
  • A degreaser cleaner like Simple Green or Fantastic to clean your countertops before applying epoxy. This step is important because it helps remove any oils from your hands and food prep, as well as any dirt or grime on the surface of your countertop. You can also use a soap solution if you don’t have a degreaser, but this won’t be as effective at removing oil from your hands and utensils—so make sure you give yourself plenty of time between applications so that everything dries completely! I would recommend waiting for at least 24 hours before applying epoxy.
  • Epoxy resin (like this one) and hardener (like this). You’ll need one part resin per one part hardener by volume; some brands suggest mixing by weight instead, which is easier than measuring cups but still not precise enough for me! Just mix until they’re both clear with no clumps left behind in either container; mixing them together in an airtight container will help keep everything smooth until it’s ready to use. The package should include instructions on how much product you’ll need based on the size of your project – just make sure not too much gets wasted by overfilling containers or putting too little mixture onto surfaces where there may be gaps between tiles/grout lines later down the road!

How many coats of epoxy do you need for a countertop?

Though it’s possible to apply just one coat of epoxy, we recommend applying two or three coats for the best-finished product.

The more coats you use, the longer it will take for them to dry. Typically, each coat will dry in about an hour or so; however, if you have multiple layers of epoxy on your countertop then this time frame can increase significantly.

Don’t worry too much though—you can always stack up some books or heavy boxes and prop something heavy on top so that everything stays put while drying.

How long does epoxy last on countertops?

Epoxy countertops are extremely durable, and lasting for years when properly applied. They will not fade or discolor over time and can be resurfaced to look brand new multiple times.

Epoxy is an ideal choice of material for kitchen countertops because it is non-porous and non-porous materials are easier to clean than porous ones.

However, epoxy may not be the best option for other parts of your house; you should think twice about using epoxy as a bathroom or laundry room countertop because these areas tend to get wet more often than kitchens do.

Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops?

The short answer is yes! You can put hot pans, plates, and pots on your new epoxy countertops.

The long answer is that it depends on the pot or pan you’re using. If your pot has a flat bottom and isn’t too heavy, then it should be fine.

However, if your pot has a rounded bottom (like a wok) or is made from cast iron then you may want to wait until the surface cools before placing it on the countertop.

Should you sand between coats of epoxy?

No. Sanding between coats will scratch the epoxy and countertop, which would ruin your hard work.

Sandpaper can also remove the epoxy, so don’t use it to sand between coats.

Instead, use a high-quality foam roller to apply each layer of epoxy in order to avoid scraping or scratching the surface when you wipe off excess product afterward.

Does epoxy scratch easily?

No, it doesn’t scratch easily. You can use a metal spatula or spoon to remove food from the surface.

The only thing you’ll have to be careful about is if you are using a non-stick pan on your stovetop and then place that pan down on the epoxy countertop.

This may scratch it slightly but we’ve never seen this happen in our lab tests.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in answering your questions about epoxy countertops. We know that it can be a lot to take in, but if you follow all of the steps correctly and give yourself plenty of time to prepare and let the epoxy cure properly, then you’ll have beautiful new counters in no time!

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Martin Flood

Martin Flood has been working in the construction industry for over 20 years as a general contractor with expertise in remodeling projects that are large or small. He has furthered his career by specializing in epoxy resin flooring, providing excellent service to both commercial and residential clients. Martin’s experience enables him to offer professional advice on how to choose the right type of project based on your needs and budget.

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