Transform Kitchen Countertops With Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is quickly becoming an essential material for many home improvement projects, including transforming kitchen countertops.
15/05/2021
Wherever you look on the Internet these days, someone is doing a project with epoxy. Epoxy is quickly becoming a go-to product for anyone wanting to create unique furniture such as poured or epoxy tabletops and now there companies and suppliers that specialise in epoxy products that you can use to transform kitchen and bathroom countertops. Before we take a look at an easy and affordable way to upgrade your Formica or laminate countertops, we take a look at epoxy.
Originally widely used for its adhesive properties, many people have used epoxy adhesive for jobs in and around the home.
WHAT IS EPOXY?
What most people call epoxy resin is actually called epoxy. However, there is a surface treatment that is also called resin and this tends to cause a bit of confusion. Epoxy {polyepoxides} is a 2-part material that, once combined, hardens into a solid surface that offers chemical resistance and high thermal properties. The difference between epoxy and resin is that epoxy is more widely used as it cures faster than resin.
WHERE CAN YOU USE EPOXY?
I am sure that many of you are aware of epoxy products that can be applied to floors and garages and now you can buy epoxy countertop kits, which are not yet available in South Africa, and might not even become available due to their high cost. Epoxy can be used for a wide range of applications and is commonly used in industry as a structural adhesive. Epoxy is also used in vehicle manufacturing, aircraft construction and other commercial applications.
One application that has gained a huge following in the DIY field, is the use of epoxy and resin to apply a decorative finish that resembles a river on all types of tables. This trend has moved into the home improvement field and is now being used to refinish kitchen and bathroom countertops for DIY application.
Whereas epoxy kits are priced at anywhere from R1000 upwards for a 500-litre kit, a 2-pack of epoxy resin goes for around R500 for 1.5 kg of product and can be purchased at Makro or Takealot. That means doing it yourself can save you plenty if you are wanting custom countertops, stone-look or wood countertops that are finished with a durable and stable high-gloss coating that is tough and durable.
SAFETY FIRST WHEN WORKING WITH EPOXY
Because a chemical reaction takes place when combining 2-part epoxy or even resin, you should exercise care and caution and take protective measures. Don a gas mask that offers clean air, such as those on offer at Takealot.co.za or Toolcraft.co.za. Protect your hands with disposable gloves and when pouring or sanding epoxy wear safety goggles.
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EPOXY KITCHEN OR BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS
Formica or laminate kitchen or bathroom countertops are an inexpensive option for many homeowners who want to renovate or makeover their kitchen. Priced at around R800 per running metre, Formica or laminate countertops are affordable when compared to other stone or composite materials. The downfall is the lack of choice as regards pattern and colour, as well as the lifespan of the product - a Formica or laminate countertop should be good for about 10-years.
With the application of spray paints and epoxy coating, you can extend the life of kitchen or bathroom countertops for a further 10-years with proper application and care. Below we show some kitchen transformations where standard particleboard or MDF {SupaWood} countertops have been done and you will see for yourself the results that can be achieved.
BEFORE and AFTER the application of epoxy resin to kitchen countertops.
Just like paint techniques, numerous designs can be applied using epoxy resin and epoxy paints, as well as spray paints to mimic the look of real stone or composite materials.
Doing it yourself allows you to choose the perfect colour and finish for your kitchen or bathroom vanity countertops. Before you apply to your countertops, do a couple of test projects to build up your confidence and skill.
Kitchen countertop finished with epoxy and stone-look design.
Not only great for kitchen countertops, but you can apply an epoxy finish to boards to create custom countertops for a bathroom vanity. The epoxy finish withstands water and heat just as marble or granite would.
HOW TO APPLY EPOXY RESIN TO KITCHEN OR BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS
The video below from stonecoatcountertops.com takes you step-by-step through the process of epoxy countertops using a 2-part epoxy resin and Rust-Oleum spray paints. You can use the technique shown in the video to transform an existing kitchen countertop or make a custom countertop for a kitchen or bathroom vanity.
You can also use this method on raw MDF {SupaWood} to create your own custom countertops at a fraction of the cost to buy new - as long as you are prepared to put in the effort.
Check out the video below to see how you can apply epoxy to kitchen or bathroom countertops.