How To Redo Epoxy Countertops?

Have you ever considered redoing your kitchen but don’t know where to start? If so, this article will help! We’ll go over the process of removing old epoxy countertops and replacing them with new ones.

This project can be done by anyone who is handy with a toolbox and has some spare time.

Can You Epoxy Over Epoxy

The answer is yes, you can. However, it does take some work and preparation to ensure that your countertops won’t chip or crack over time. But if you want to try it, here’s how.

You’ll need:

• polyester resin
• hardener for epoxy resin
• fiberglass cloth
• sandpaper (various coarseness levels)
• disposable stir sticks or paintbrushes for mixing the two parts of the epoxy together. You will only use these once and then throw them away.
• Rubber gloves are also necessary as this is a messy process!

Can I Paint Over Epoxy Countertops

No. You cannot paint over epoxy countertops with anything else, even if you think they will look good together.

Why? Because the finish is not made to hold another coat and using different material on top of the original could ruin your entire project!

How Do You Resurface Epoxy

To resurface epoxy you will need to sand down the countertop. Use an 80 grit sander and work your way up to 220 or 400 depending on how smooth you want it.

Get rid of any rust that may be present as well as old caulk and grout lines if needed.

There are several sealants available, we recommend using an epoxy primer followed by two coats of high gloss sealant (the best option is West System Epoxy).

If there is something like a glaze in the finish now, make sure to use a solvent-based pre-paint cleaner before applying anything else(because water base cleaners don’t cut through waxes from previous finishes).

Sand everything down with 120 then clean all dust off very thoroughly. Next brush on the epoxy primer.

Make sure it is completely dry before applying two coats of high gloss polyurethane sealant.

Can I Sand Epoxy Countertops

Yes, you can! Sanding epoxy is a great way to remove some of the compounds and create a better surface for paint or glaze to adhere to.

You can start this process with 120-grit sandpaper and then go over it again at 220 grit after the first round of sanding.

You may need more than one round if you really want to smooth out your countertops, but make sure that you wear safety equipment like eye protection while doing so!

This is also an excellent time for repair work on any chips or scratches in the epoxy surface.

The final step would be using some sort of glaze or polyurethane spray paint specially designed for clear finishes (such as these ).

There are even kits available that come with both primer and topcoat which will give you an all-inclusive package deal! 

Should I Sand Between Coats Of Epoxy

No, it is not necessary! But you can sand the epoxy if there are any visible seams or bubbles. We recommend using #220 grit for this task. You want to avoid creating more work than needed for yourself and your client by having to clean up a mess of dust that may come from sanding between coats of epoxy.

How Long Will Epoxy Countertops Last

Epoxy countertops can last indefinitely if maintained properly.

To maintain epoxy countertops, homeowners should follow proper cleaning guidelines.

However, homeowners should always check with their manufacturer before attempting to clean their counters as each product is unique.

Do Epoxy Countertops Scratch Easily

is extremely durable, it can scratch. There are a few ways you can fix this problem without having to retake your countertop.

First, sand down the scratch with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe away dust using wet rags or paper towels.

Then clean with soap and water before applying another coat of epoxy over top. Let dry for at least 24 hours (or according to manufacturer instructions) before use.

If your countertops were applied by someone else, make sure they know not to put anything on them until fully dry!

Do Epoxy Countertops Look Cheap

Epoxy countertops are generally less expensive than granite or marble, but they also have a reputation for looking cheap. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make epoxy look more high-end without spending too much money on it.

How Do I Prepare My Countertop For Epoxy

Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated over time.

Then, use a solvent such as acetone and a clean cloth to wipe it down. Next, sand with fine-grit sandpaper until smooth before wiping it again with another dampened towel/rag.

For best results, use 220 to 320 grit sandpaper. Start by wetting the counter surface and then sprinkle some fine particles onto it before rubbing them into the stone with light pressure.

Then rinse out your cloth often as you work until all of the residues is gone from that area of your countertop, this process should not take long depending on how much built-up gunk there was in the first place.

Use another clean rag to wipe off any dust or debris leftover after drying off with a dry towel/rag.

What Is The Best Epoxy For Countertops

I recommend using a product that has been specifically developed for countertops. There are some epoxy paints that can be used, but these products aren’t always as durable and sometimes they don’t stick to the substrate as well.

By far my favorite brand is Rust-Oleum Epoxyshield Countertop Coating. This paint will give your kitchen a nice finish or you can use it on other projects around the home too!

Disadvantages Of Epoxy Countertops

They are very expensive to purchase. -It can be difficult for newbies to apply it correctly on their own.

FAQs

What Are The Steps To Redo An Epoxy Countertop

First, you need to sand down your old counters so they are smooth. Then, you need to clean the surface with water and dish soap before applying a thin layer of epoxy resin that’s mixed up in small batches.

Once it has dried for about 20 minutes, another thin coat is applied on top followed by sanding everything down again once dry.

How Much Does It Cost

The average cost of redoing epoxy countertops is about $35 per square foot. This includes the cost of materials but doesn’t account for labor or any other factors that might make your specific project more expensive than this average price tag.

Are There Any Other Options Available That Might Be Less Expensive Or Easier Than Doing An Entire Kitchen’S Worth Of Counters At Once

Yes, there are other options available than redoing the whole countertop in epoxy! One such option is to do a different material for your backsplash and then paint the rest of it with chalkboard paint so you can use that area as an additional workspace or just write messages on it while cooking.