Over the last few years epoxy countertops have grown into a growing trend amongst creative DIYers seeking out cheap, low maintenance countertops or innovative ways to modernize their kitchen or bathroom style without breaking the bank.
Benefits of Epoxy Countertops
The benefits of epoxy countertops are endless; from the durability, to the sleek appearance and long-lasting usage. The only drawbacks of epoxy countertops are the potential disadvantages if not carefully looked into prior to installation.
As with any other type of surface, epoxy countertops require some basic preparation before installation. Typically, a layer of plastic sheeting is applied to the surface to act as an extra barrier to moisture. Then the area is pre-cooled, which causes the plastic sheeting to harden, thus creating a solid barrier.
The plastic sheeting will create a smoother surface, while also creating an air-tight seal that holds the epoxy surface to the surface it is applied too. This creates a seamless epoxy countertop surface.
Advantages of Epoxy Countertops
The key advantage of epoxy countertops is that they have the ability to resist extreme temperatures, like those found in areas with high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens. This allows for countertop materials like granite countertops in these high-moisture environments, because it is difficult for granite or other surface materials to withstand the high levels of moisture found in bathrooms and kitchens.
Epoxy countertop materials are also resistant to stains from food, drinks, or any liquid spills, as the material hardens again immediately on contact with any liquid. Because of these properties, epoxy countertops are great for use with hot pots or pans, which may damage traditional ceramic or glass countertop materials.
One more benefit to epoxy kitchen countertops is that they have nearly no absorption, which means that the surface is safe from most food and drink spills. This is great for countertop materials used in children’s kitchens. Absorption is a major concern with laminate countertops, since the material is so porous, especially when new.
Epoxy has very little absorption, which makes it a sanitary and easy to clean surface, even in high-traffic areas like kitchens. It is also less likely to become damaged by heat, as epoxy countertops are already nearly impossible to burn.
Epoxy is an extremely durable and scratch-resistant surface. Since resin is naturally occurring, it naturally forms a tough and durable barrier to protect the underlying materials. When mixed with other materials, the resins can bond with even tinier pores to create a thicker and stronger barrier than ordinary paints or coatings.
As a result, epoxy surfaces can resist scratches from everyday items, such as a wooden spoon or hot sauce bottle, which are some of the most common causes of countertop damage. Moreover, these durable bonds between the epoxy and underlying materials mean that even dirt and oil will not be able to penetrate into the surface, allowing your kitchen to remain beautiful for years.
Best of all, epoxy resin surfaces require virtually no maintenance, since the hardening compounds make it impossible for water to seep into the surface. With regular sweeping and mopping, your countertop will remain clean and dry, and the chemicals in the hardeners will keep the surface smooth and shiny. This means that your countertop will continue to look great, even as you age.
While epoxy finishes are extremely durable and difficult to destroy, some countertop materials are naturally more fragile. Because of this, epoxy finishes are not recommended for countertops made from granite or marble. Even if your countertop is protected from scratches and heat, it is still easy for heat to cause small air bubbles to form. Air bubbles are very easy to remove with a small brush, but they are also extremely difficult to prevent. If air bubbles start to form, they may eventually collapse, damaging the surface underneath and making it necessary to replace your countertop.
The best countertop for your kitchen countertop may not be the epoxy that you are looking for. However, epoxy resins can provide many benefits when it comes to protecting your kitchen countertops from scratches, heat, and water damage. Not only does the resin guarantee that your countertops will never need to be replaced, it will also provide years of hassle-free protection. Look for a quality resin that has been specifically engineered to be the best choice for your kitchen countertops.
