how to re epoxy countertops?

Re-epoxying a countertop is not a difficult process, but it does require the right materials. The epoxy we used to re-coat our countertops was an epoxy floor paint from Home Depot.

It comes in two parts: resin and hardener. You mix these together, stir them thoroughly and then paint on the epoxy using a brush or roller depending on what you’re working with (for example if you have large flat surfaces you might use a roller).

In this post, I’ll walk through each step of how to re-epoxy your countertops. It may sound like a lot of work but once you get started it goes pretty quickly!

Can you epoxy over epoxy countertop?

If you have an existing epoxy countertop and want to re-epoxy it, there are a few things you’ll need to do before applying the new epoxy topcoat.

Otherwise, the old surface may not be receptive to adhering properly or could even crack when applied.

  • Clean your existing surface with a solvent like acetone or mineral spirits to remove any leftover residue from the previous application (if there was one).
  • Sand down any rough edges and smooth out any imperfections in your current epoxy finish. You should use at least 80 grit sandpaper for this step; 100-120 grit is ideal if possible but not necessary if you don’t have access to it. Be careful not to scratch through the first layer of your countertop by sanding too aggressively!

How do you restore epoxy resin countertops?

  • Use a solvent to remove the old epoxy.
  • Sand down the countertops and remove any leftover residue.

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

No matter which type of epoxy you use, the number of coats needed will vary with the size of your countertop. For example, two gallons are enough to cover a 12-foot by 4-foot island.

You can also use this guideline to determine how much paint you need if you’re using paint rollers or brushes:

  • Paint rollers should be used only when applying one layer of epoxy (e.g., if there is no top coat). They don’t work well for multiple layers because there isn’t enough surface area for them to trap lots of resin in each pass. To get around this issue, try rolling out some painter’s tape onto your countertop and applying each layer separately with a brush instead!
  • Brushes should be used only when applying a single layer over an existing finish—for instance, if you’re refinishing cabinets rather than building them from scratch like me—because they won’t trap as much resin as other tools do when passing over something like painted woodwork.”
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Why You Should Not Do epoxy resin countertops?

While epoxy resin countertops are extremely durable and stain-resistant, they can be damaged by heat and moisture.

The epoxy resin material is also vulnerable to scratches. Epoxy has a pH of about 11, which makes it an alkaline material.

Acidic foods like tomatoes or vinegar will damage your countertops if left on them for too long, causing discoloration and pitting on the surface of the countertop.

If you don’t want to spend the money on repairing or replacing your existing epoxy resin kitchen counters when they get damaged by heat or moisture, consider using granite or quartzite instead.

They won’t have any issues with staining from acidic foods such as tomatoes because they have a low pH rating (5-7).

Can I put new epoxy over old epoxy?

No, you should not. Epoxy is one of the strongest adhesives available and it’s unlikely that an old epoxy job will ever come off without damaging the surface beneath.

However, if your countertops have been painted instead of coated with a glossy topcoat epoxy, you can probably paint over them.

You’ll just need to make sure that whatever paint you use matches the color of your existing countertops and seams well with them (meaning they aren’t too different).

If at all possible, we recommend removing all old adhesives before reusing these surfaces for new ones or any other application.

Can I redo my epoxy countertops?

Yes, you can redo your epoxy countertops.

You can do it yourself. If you have some experience with home repair projects, then you can definitely take on this job yourself.

The entire process will only take about a weekend if you pace yourself and don’t rush anything along.

And yes, it’s not that expensive! Even though the initial cost of doing this project is higher than normal because of all the supplies that are needed—primer coats alone could run you almost $200—you’ll save money in the long run since these countertops will last longer than traditional ones would have lasted anyway.

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Plus, if done correctly (more on that below), they’ll never need to be replaced again!

How do you sand and refinish epoxy?

Now it’s time to sand and refinish your epoxy countertops. You’ll want to use 120 grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface of your countertop.

Make sure that you sand all of the edges as well because if you don’t do this, there is a chance that you could see air bubbles forming around the edges of your countertop once it dries.

Once you’ve finished sanding, wipe away any dust with a clean rag or paper towel, then apply another coat of epoxy resin (make sure not to get any on yourself or anything else!)

Use a foam brush for best results—your goal is for every part of your countertop to be covered by at least two layers when done applying it!

Let dry for 24 hours before using; after this time period has elapsed and everything looks good, wipe down everything again with rubbing alcohol just in case any dust particles remain on there (if they do come off easily then they’re probably not important).

How long does epoxy last on countertops?

Epoxy is a great choice for countertops because it lasts a long time, is durable, and is easy to clean and maintain. Epoxy can be used to re-coat existing counters or as base material on new countertops.

The best way to tell how long a particular epoxy job will last is by looking at the manufacturer’s warranty information for their product.

Most manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 3 years up to 10 years depending on the brand of epoxy that you purchase and the type of surface (concrete, stone, etc) where you are applying it

Conclusion

Re-epoxying your countertops is a great way to save money and get your kitchen looking new again.

The process is easy enough for anyone to do, but there are some things you should know before starting.

First, make sure the surface of your countertop is free of grease, soap residue, or any other contaminants before starting work on it.

If possible, clean the surface with soap and water or household cleaner before using epoxy primer because this will help ensure that your finished product stays strong longer than if left untreated.

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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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