how to epoxy concrete countertops?

For a long time, the most popular option for kitchen countertops was granite. Nowadays, though, many homeowners are choosing to use epoxy instead of granite or other materials.

Epoxy is cheaper than granite and looks just as good in most cases. It’s also easier to clean and maintain as well as stain resistant—two things that can be hard to find in one material! But what exactly is epoxy?

How do you know if it’s right for your home? This article will give you all the answers you need about using epoxy in the kitchen and beyond.

What kind of epoxy do you use on concrete countertops?

Epoxy is a two-part resin that is mixed and applied to the concrete. Epoxies are very durable, chemical-resistant coatings that protect the concrete from stains, moisture, and other elements.

There are several different types of epoxy available for purchase; each one offers its own benefits.

Epoxies for countertops come in many different variations and can be used indoors or outdoors on kitchen counters or bathtubs alike.

For example, polyester resins are more flexible than polyurethanes but not as hard when cured (polyester resins have a hardness of about 5 on the Mohs scale while polyurethanes have a hardness of 7).

They also offer good chemical resistance but may not last as long outdoors due to UV exposure (i.e., they will fade over time if exposed directly to sunlight).

Epoxies made with amine curatives tend to be higher priced because they have an extended open time (the amount of time between mixing the individual components together) making them ideal for large projects where precision is important like painting automobiles but not so much if you’re only doing one or two counters at home!

How do you epoxy countertops step by step?

• Prepare the surface
• Prepare the epoxy
• Mix the epoxy and apply it to your countertops (your project may vary slightly depending on your product)
• Allow it to cure

How do you epoxy outdoor concrete countertops?

Before you start, make sure that the concrete is clean and free of cracks. Use a high-quality epoxy and primer to ensure that it’s applied properly. Then, use a topcoat for extra protection against stains and chipping.

To finish off your countertops with a smooth finish, sand down any rough edges with 150-grit sandpaper on each side of each board before applying an epoxy topcoat over it in one layer—you’ll need about two cans’ worth of powder (about 8 ounces).

Let it dry completely before applying paint or stain overtop of this new layer; then apply another coat of epoxy sealer overtop before letting everything settle again overnight so that all moisture has evaporated out!

How many years do epoxy countertops last?

While there’s no guarantee that your epoxy countertop will last 15 years, it’s common for a good-quality epoxy to have a lifespan of 10-15 years.

To get the most out of your countertops and make sure they stay looking new for as long as possible, keep them clean and free of debris. It’s also important to avoid putting hot pans on your countertops—a hot pan can burn off some of the coating, which will shorten its lifespan.

If you’re interested in resurfacing your epoxy countertop after it has lost its shine or gotten scratched up over time, that’s an option as well! You can hire someone or do it yourself with some simple tools (and some elbow grease).

Do you have to seal epoxy countertops?

It’s really up to you how long your countertops will last. You can choose to seal them with a polyurethane or wax sealer, but if you want the look of an unsealed finish, there are concrete sealers that mimic this look as well.

There are many different ways of sealing epoxy countertops, so consult our guide on how-to for more information about sealing!

Does epoxy stick to concrete?

You can use epoxy to stick to concrete, but it will not stick if you do not use a primer.

The best way to apply epoxy onto concrete is using a high-quality, acid-free primer. Acrylic-based primers work the best for this application and have the best results when it comes to adhering epoxy to surfaces like concrete or granite.

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

This is a question that’s best answered by the manufacturer of your epoxy, but most manufacturers will tell you that you only need two coats of epoxy for countertops.

The first coat is applied to a primed surface and cures at room temperature in about 24 hours. The second coat is then applied within 24 hours of the first coat curing, followed by another curing period of 12-24 hours (depending on the manufacturer).

If these conditions aren’t met, your countertop could be compromised and require sanding down and re-priming before applying more epoxy.

What primer should I use for epoxy countertops?

If you want to get your countertops looking like they’ve been through a war and then some, you’ll need to use a primer that’s made specifically for concrete.

Since the purpose of this primer is just to create a smooth surface, this step doesn’t really matter too much. However, if you want some extra durability on your countertop, then it might be worth it to look into using an epoxy-specific primer before applying the epoxy finish coat.

It’s also worth noting that not all primers are created equal—some will work better than others depending on what kind of application method you’re going for (handheld vs roller).

For example, if you’re going with a handheld application method (like me), then I would recommend mixing up the regular PVA glue from TAP Plastics with pigmented water in order to achieve the desired effect on your concrete surface.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to better understand how to epoxy concrete countertops. I also hope that it has given you some good ideas for your own project!

If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to leave them in the comments below so we can discuss them together. Good luck with your project and happy building!