how to epoxy kitchen countertops?

When it comes to renovating your kitchen, you have a lot of options. You can go with traditional granite countertops or more modern quartz.

And then there are epoxy resins like Corian, which has become popular because it’s easy to work with and doesn’t require any special tools or skills.

But does epoxy make a good kitchen countertop? And how long do epoxy countertops last in your kitchen? Let’s take a look at all aspects of these popular materials so you can decide which will work best for your own space!

Does epoxy make a good kitchen countertop?

Epoxy is a great choice for countertops in any room of the house. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and nonporous, so it won’t stain easily. But it’s not the best option for a kitchen countertop because of its hardness.

When you’re cooking up a feast on your stovetop or microwave oven, you want your countertop to be soft enough to absorb heat without cracking (and safety first!).

So while epoxy may be the right choice for other surfaces in your home (such as floors), we recommend using something else when selecting an outdoor surface material like cement or tile—or even commercial projects like office cubicle partitions or hospital wall linings!

How long does epoxy last on kitchen countertops?

Epoxy is an extremely durable material. In fact, epoxy is used to create countertops in most commercial kitchens.

When you choose to use epoxy for your kitchen countertops, you can expect this material to last for many years. In some cases, it has been known to last as long as 20 years and more!

Many people are surprised by how strong epoxy is—and just how much abuse it can take before showing signs of wear and tear.

Epoxy can withstand high temperatures from pots and pans being placed on top of them. If you spill something onto your epoxy countertop, it won’t stain or damage the surface like a ceramic tile would (you’ll still want to wipe up spills quickly though!).

And there’s no need for sanding or refinishing since these materials are resistant to staining anyway; however, if your kitchen gets really messy then regular cleaning should keep things looking fresh year after year.

How do you epoxy countertops step by step?

  • Prepare the surface by cleaning, sanding, and removing any grease or dirt
  • Mix epoxy resin and hardener together according to manufacturer’s instructions on a disposable plate or paper plate (this is usually 1 part epoxy to 1 part hardener)
  • Pour the mixture onto the countertop in a thin layer using an old paintbrush or roller, whichever you prefer
  • Apply another coat of epoxy over top of the first layer using same method as above

What kind of epoxy do you use on countertops?

Epoxy resin is the key ingredient in any epoxy-based project. It is a two-part mixture that comes in liquid and powder form and is available at local hardware stores.

Epoxies are tough and durable materials, so they are ideal for use with countertops. Epoxies can be tinted to match your kitchen’s decor or left clear for an elegant look.

As you can see from this photo, epoxy resin appears as a clear liquid when it’s just been mixed together:

Many companies also offer pre-mixed kits that include everything you need to complete the job—including gloves! These kits typically include all of the following items:

Why You Should Not Do epoxy resin countertops?

Epoxy kitchen countertops are not a great choice for several reasons. Epoxy is a heavy material, and it’s hard to fit into the modern design of most kitchens.

If you choose to do epoxy countertops for your kitchen, be prepared for them to look out of place in your modern or contemporary space.

Another reason why you shouldn’t use epoxy resin countertops in your kitchen is that they can be difficult to keep clean and stain-free.

The surface will never feel like porcelain or granite because it will always feel sticky and tacky due to its chemical makeup.

Epoxy is also difficult to install properly and requires special equipment (like a heated table) that most homeowners don’t have access to or want in their homes anyway!

Does epoxy scratch easily?

Not really. Epoxy is a pretty hard material, so it’s unlikely that you’ll damage your countertop with everyday use. However, certain types of utensils and plates can cause scratches.

Metal utensils like forks or spoons can scratch the surface if they are not washed immediately after use (since some people put them in the dishwasher).

Pans made of metal can also scratch an epoxy countertop if the pan isn’t perfectly flat on the bottom. If you have any sharp knives or other implements stored near your kitchen island, make sure they’re kept safely out of reach of children or pets who might pick them up and try to play with them!

How thick should epoxy countertop be?

The thickness of the epoxy coating you need depends on your project. For example, if you are just covering a small area of your countertop with a veneer or laminate material, 1/8-inch thick is sufficient.

If you want to apply the epoxy over a large surface area, then it would be best to use 3/4-inch thick material instead.

The most common thicknesses for kitchen countertops are:

  • 1/4 inch – This is suitable for repairing minor scratches and blemishes in existing surfaces without having to sand down more than half an inch at any given time; this also provides excellent bond strength when used with appropriate primer material.

Do epoxy countertops yellow?

Epoxy countertops are a great choice for a kitchen, but they can yellow over time. This is because epoxy is made of petroleum and other chemicals, which can cause them to yellow or become discolored.

Though this isn’t too much of an issue with white epoxies, you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a color that the lighter hues may be more prone to this problem.

As far as scratches go, epoxy is pretty durable—so durable that it’s often used on garage floors and sidewalks! However, if you’re worried about scratching your countertop or want something softer underfoot than concrete or ceramic tile would provide… well… then maybe stick with wood?

Epoxy has several advantages over other types of countertops: it’s easy to clean (no grout lines), scratch-resistant (no worries about kids’ toys damaging the surface), and heatproof (wipe up spills right away). But no matter what type of material your kitchen counters are made from—ceramic tile or granite—it’s important for them not only to look good but also stay looking good for many years ahead…

Conclusion

If you’re looking to add some character and flair to your kitchen, epoxy is a great choice! The surface of an epoxy countertop is slick, smooth, and easy to clean.

It also looks beautiful with any kind of decorating style. The only downside is that it can be pricey. Still, if you have the cash on hand then this material will last longer than traditional laminate or granite materials while still providing that natural stone look that everyone loves so much!

Photo of author

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.

Leave a Comment