Epoxy resin countertops are easy to make, durable, and can be customized in a variety of ways. They’re also an inexpensive way to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look without having to spend money on a complete remodel.
With the right materials, preparation, and application techniques it’s possible to create your own epoxy kitchen countertops at home using simple ingredients found at any local hardware store.
How much does it cost to make an epoxy countertop?
If you’re thinking of making your own epoxy countertops, the cost will depend on several factors. The first is your choice of countertop material and how much work you want to put into it.
The second factor is whether or not you choose to buy epoxy resin instead of mixing it yourself. Prices for commercially available products hover around $100 per gallon, but if you buy the raw materials instead (epoxy resin and hardener), it will cost about $30-$50 per gallon.
In addition to this basic material cost, there are other things involved in making an epoxy countertop at home:
Table of Contents
- How much does it cost to make an epoxy countertop?
- What to use to epoxy countertops?
- How do you make clear epoxy resin countertops?
- What kind of resin do you use for countertops?
- How long do epoxy countertops last?
- Does epoxy scratch easily?
- How thick should epoxy countertop be?
- Do epoxy countertops yellow?
What to use to epoxy countertops?
The most important ingredient in the epoxy resin countertop recipe is the epoxy resin. This is what gives your countertop its strength, durability, and bondability to concrete.
Epoxy resin comes in many different forms and sizes. Some of these include:
- Epoxy Hardener (also known as a catalyst)
- Epoxy Pigments or Colorants
- Epoxy Resin Glue
These are all necessary for making an epoxy resin countertop, but there are also a few optional items that can be added to give your countertops extra protection from water damage or scratches:
- Epoxies Filler Additives
How do you make clear epoxy resin countertops?
First things first: there are a few different kinds of resin that you can use to make epoxy resin countertops. These include polyester and epoxy resins, which have different properties.
Polyester resin is easy to find at hardware stores and makes a great clear finish for your project, but epoxy resin is stronger and more durable, so it’s better suited for commercial environments like restaurants or hospitals.
If you’re using polyester or epoxy (or any other kind of clear) resin, the next step is mixing it with hardener according to the instructions on your packaging.
Once both components have been mixed together thoroughly in equal parts by volume—you can check this by using an eyedropper—apply them directly over whatever surface area needs protection from damage caused by water and heat.
The next step depends on which type of countertop coating you’ve chosen: polyester will cure within 24 hours if left untouched; however, if you want more protection against scratches or staining from hot pans or knives then consider adding a protective layer like polyurethane before letting everything sit overnight after applying an even layer onto each individual surface area underneath where people walk around often (for example kitchens).
What kind of resin do you use for countertops?
You can use two-part epoxy resin to create a countertop. This type of resin is commonly used in the construction industry and is strong and durable, making it a good choice for counters.
The resin will harden over time and become waterproof, meaning it can be placed anywhere in your home or office.
The best part about using this type of product is that it comes in an array of colors that allow you to give your countertop any look you want!
You can choose from clear, black, blue and many more options so that no matter what kind of kitchen or bathroom style you have going on at home there will definitely be something out there to match!
How long do epoxy countertops last?
Epoxy countertops can last for years, but they will eventually need to be replaced. The good news is that epoxy resin countertops can last for years if they are properly maintained.
In order to extend the life of your new countertops for as long as possible, keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
Stainless steel bowls can help protect against scratches caused by knives and other utensils (just make sure not to use them near a stove).
If you want your quartz or granite countertop to be more durable than natural stone, consider using an alternative material such as concrete or glass that’s made with fewer impurities than real stone—these materials won’t stain so easily when exposed to water or food spills, which means fewer repairs down the road!
Does epoxy scratch easily?
Epoxy countertops are not scratch resistant. They can be scratched by hard objects and soft objects alike.
Hard objects: Anything that you would use to cut through wood or metal, like a saw blade or nail, will scratch your epoxy flooring.
Soft objects: Don’t even think about it—if you’re thinking of scratching up the surface of your epoxy with something soft like a fingernail, don’t do it!
This type of damage is much harder to repair than a large gouge in the surface of your flooring caused by something sharp like glass or metal.
How thick should epoxy countertop be?
The thickness of epoxy countertops varies depending on the application. Thinner epoxies will be easier to apply, but they are more susceptible to scratches, impacts, and heat.
Thicker epoxies are more durable and resistant to scratches and impacts, but they may expand during curing and make it difficult to apply. The best choice depends on your intended use of the countertop.
If you’re concerned about durability in areas that see heavy use, such as kitchen counters or workbenches, look for epoxy with a minimum thickness of 2mm (0.08 inches).
If you want a countertop with a glossy finish that will resist scratches from knives or other hard objects (such as children’s toys), consider using an even thicker layer of 4-5mm (0.16-0.20 inches)
Do epoxy countertops yellow?
A common question from people who are interested in epoxy countertops is, “Do epoxy countertops yellow?”
The answer to that question is no. Epoxy resin countertops do not yellow. An epoxy resin material is a polyester resin that forms a hard coating that can be applied as a finish or glaze on many surfaces including concrete, metal, plastic, and glass.
Epoxy resin materials bond well with other materials and are resistant to many chemicals. Because of this strength and durability, they are considered one of the best options for your home’s kitchen or bathroom counters.
Epoxy resins will not get marked up by everyday cooking utensils such as spatulas and knives; they also resist stains so you do not have to worry about spills staining them over time. You may want to consider clear coating your new countertop after installation if you want it protected against scratches as well!
Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful! It is important to remember that when working with epoxy resin, safety comes first.
Be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions on your products. You’ll also want to wear protective clothing like gloves and eye protection while working with them so you don’t get injured by accidental spills or splashes into the eyes or mouth area.
