If you are planning to renovate your kitchen or cannot decide what kind of countertops to get, this blog is a perfect read. Here you will learn more about the best material for kitchen countertops, epoxy. Expoxy countertops have quickly become a trend in the industry, and for good reason.
Firstly, it is reasonable and easy to implement, allowing the user to be creative with their approach. It gives your kitchen a more posh look without putting a dent in your pocket. However, to get the best results, you positively have to consider all factors. In this blog, you will further learn what epoxy is, how it is made and much more.
How Is Epoxy Used?
Epoxy is primarily an element that is used to refinish a particular furniture or product. With a coating of epoxy, you can restore any kind of old or worn-out kitchen and bathroom countertop or even floors. Epoxy commercial flooring has really picked up pace in the industry, and with that, epoxy countertops are also leaving an impression.
However, using epoxy for flooring or countertops is not as easy. You cannot just go to a store and buy previously made epoxy countertops like marble, quartz or granite. All finished products have to be made in place.
Nevertheless, this considerable investment will last you many years, given the epoxy resins’ high durability. It is scratch resistant, and its glow stays on after several years of use. It also allows easy cleaning as it can tolerate almost all cleaning materials without any compromise on its luster. More so, epoxy is rather easy to apply.
You can apply it on any countertop material, including laminate, Formica, ceramic, wood, metal, and even concrete. Although very rarely used on granite or marble countertops, that is also possible. There are mainly three kinds of granite that are popularly used, crystal clear epoxy, epoxy color pigments and pro marine epoxy.
Some Application Tips That Can Come In Handy
While most people focus on epoxy preparation, getting the best result requires proper mixing and application as well. Here are some basic tips that can help you ensure the correct application.
- Clean The Countertop Surface:
You should always start by cleaning the existing countertop thoroughly. If there is even the littlest debris while the application takes place, it can get sealed inside. This may cause an uneven surface or be unpleasantly visible. Try using the right cleaning materials and ensure the surface is dry before you apply epoxy.
- Use Plastic Sheeting To Protect Floors And Cabinets:
The second most important thing is to protect all other furniture and your floor. Epoxy, when hot, flows quite a bit. This means it will quickly run off the sides and can fall on the floor and other cabinets. While commonly most people use a kind of barrier to avoid this, sometimes that is not enough. If you are not too sure about your skills, using plastic sheets can help protect the floor and cabinets.
- Create A Seal With A Thin Layer First:
To make sure you are creating a sturdy epoxy countertop, you will have to mix both the epoxy and hardener in a container and then pour it. However, instead of going all in at once, try pouring a thin first layer first and wait for it to dry. This will act as the sealing layer and can help minimize bubbles.
- Epoxy Can Be Harder Quick:
Another thing you must remember is that epoxy can harden quite quickly after the hardner is mixed. You usually have about 20-30 minutes before the liquid turns solid. If any air bubbles show, it is very important that you get them out right then and there. You can use a torch or blow dryer to heat the bubbles, bringing them to the surface.
- Let The Epoxy Resin Harden, And Then Add A Second Layer:
Lastly, you must let the first epoxy layer dry before going forward with the application. Only within a couple of hours after the first application the substance hardens.
That is your cue to add the second layer. Any addition before that can cause unwanted complications. With 24 hours of curing, you will have a new and appealing epoxy finish on your countertop.
With this information, you now understand how epoxy should get applied and why you should choose Epoxy countertops. However, for many people, this can be a cumbersome and confusing process. If you are trying to avoid any such shortcomings in the process, it is best you hire a professional team to help you.
A leading name in the industry right now, Artisan Design Concepts can surely help you with this. They have experienced and qualified professionals who know the ins and outs of the process. With them, you will have nothing to complain about.