Are you seeking a low-cost but high-impact solution to update your bathroom or kitchen countertops? Perhaps you have a discolored or worn laminate that you’d like to conceal rather than replace. Resin-based countertops have grown popular among those looking for low-cost worktops and who enjoy tackling DIY tasks.
Epoxy resin is an excellent choice for refinishing old, worn-out kitchen and bathroom counters, as well as various types of flooring. This technique allows you to make the space useful without having to completely replace or refinish the part. You may consider coating your countertops with epoxy for a gorgeous new look if they need a makeover.
Learn more about epoxy countertops in this article. Below, we will discuss how to refinish countertops and the advantages of doing so.
What Are Epoxy Countertops?
Epoxy resin is a liquid that must be put on top of an existing countertop. This can be done as a do-it-yourself task or by a professional. However, you will complete the entire process of developing and finishing the epoxy countertops in your own home.
You may apply the epoxy on countertops built from various base materials, such as wood, laminate, Formica, metal, concrete, ceramic tile, and others.
The technique involves combining the resin with the hardener, which are both liquids. This chemical reaction produces a rock-hard material that can withstand heat, scratches, and other sorts of damage.
Then you may apply the mixture to the desired place, where it will set in a matter of minutes. Because of these characteristics, epoxy is an excellent option for usage on countertops.
How To Refinish Countertops
You can use epoxy to restore the appearance of a laminate countertop that has become a little worn. Here’s how to refinish kitchen countertops.
Remove Backsplash
It is critical to clean and prepare any surface before applying epoxy to ensure that the epoxy bonds well and does not fall apart in the future. To eliminate unevenness and bumps, thoroughly wipe the countertop surface before pouring.
Tarps or plastic sheets should be used to cover the surrounding floor and wall spaces. Attach plastic to the walls around and on the edges of the counter with masking tape. Remove any furniture or other items that may get in the way.
Remove Old Sealant And Buildup Off The Countertop With A Scraper
After removing the backsplash and faucets, use a putty knife to scrape any old sealant and buildup from the countertop.
Then, using a shop towel, wipe down the countertop with a TSP cleaner (trisodium phosphate). Grease and oils are removed from the surface with TSP cleaning. Epoxy will not adhere effectively to a greasy or oily surface and will eventually break apart.
Sand The Resin Surface
Remove the old topcoat with an orbital sander and 60-grit sandpaper, then smooth out any dings, scratches, or scars on the surface. Using an industrial vacuum, remove the dust and debris. To smooth and even the surface, repeat the sanding with 120-grit paper. Vacuum up all the dust and dirt once more. Using a clean cotton rag, wipe down the counter.
If you don’t sand the surface after using TSP cleaner, you’ll end up spreading the grease around with sandpaper. The sandpaper roughens up the countertop surface, which improves the epoxy bond. The idea is for the epoxy to last a long period on the countertop.
Mix The Epoxy
Part A and part B of the epoxy kit must be mixed before applying to the surface. To begin, figure out how much epoxy you’ll need for your project. Multiply the width of the surface by the depth of the surface in feet.
Since epoxy is transparent, add two teaspoons of white epoxy pigment paint to the bucket to make the base color white. Before applying it to the vanity, make sure everything is completely combined.
Apply Resin
Using a paint roller, apply a coat of thick resin to the sanded surface. Roll on the resin in a smooth, straight line down the counter. Each pass of the roller should only barely overlap the previous one until the counter is completely covered. Use a scraper to remove any lumps and ensure that the surface is smooth once the resin has begun to cure.
Allow at least 24 hours for the resin to dry, or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Apply Polyurethane
Using an orbital sander, lightly sand the resin with 120-grit sandpaper. Any roller lines left over from the resin application will be smoothed out in this step. Remove any dust or dirt with a vacuum and a cotton rag.
Using a clean cotton rag, apply a layer of clear polyurethane. Allow the protective layer to dry to a slightly sticky-to-the-touch consistency. Before using, apply a second layer and let it cure for 24 hours.
Benefits Of Refinishing Countertops With Epoxy
Non-toxic
Epoxy countertops are non-toxic after drying. Bacteria, germs, mold, and mildew are all resistant to these surfaces. Nothing can permeate the epoxy countertop’s surface, which means that bacteria can’t get inside and contaminate your counters.
Affordable
Epoxy countertops are reasonably priced. However, the price will vary depending on the pattern and colors you select. Furthermore, the countertop design, the number of cutouts necessary, and the countertop’s finish affect the overall price of epoxy countertops.
Easy Maintenance
It’s effortless to clean because the material doesn’t scratch easily, is water repellent, and has a smooth finish. So to clear crumbs off your countertop, all you need is a moist cloth.
Color Retention
One of the most appealing features of epoxy countertops is that most minor nicks or color disturbances may be sanded out without requiring the entire surface to be refinished. In addition, since less color pigment is utilized in these countertops, they have a slightly transparent appearance that hides color imperfections as they age.
Durability
The most notable virtue of the material is its durability. Epoxy countertops have a stronger impact resistance than other materials and can tolerate temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit without cracking. UV resistance is also a feature of the material.
Conclusion
Now to know how to refinish your countertops. Although casting resins and other epoxies are comparable, there are many reasons why resurfacing using epoxy designed for countertops is the best option. Using a countertop epoxy will make the entire resurfacing procedure a lot easier, thanks to the clarity it provides and the rapid cure times that allow you to get back to your usual cooking routine as soon as possible.
