When we want to make sure that our kitchen is safe, with a durable and beautiful countertop, we research everything that is to know about the topic. In order to make the best long-term investment for our home, we learn a lot of new things and even try some DIY.
On this trend, some of the most popular options for renovating your kitchen, bathroom and even outside countertops is epoxy. You probably already knew that it can be used to fix granite and other stones. But did you know that you can have a whole new countertop made of it?
The usual granite, marble and other natural stones are trusted by most people. They are strong, durable, heatproof and stain-resistant. Yet, the epoxy is becoming quite famous for its durability and capacity of completely changing the ambient style. But are epoxy kitchen countertops really a good investment? Keep reading to understand.
What are epoxy kitchen countertops?
There is no such thing as an epoxy countertop. Actually, an existing countertop is covered with an epoxy pour over it, forming an epoxy surface on the countertop. You won’t be able to buy one, you have to install it by having a professional pour it or even you.
They give a nice, shiny refinish to the existing material, but it is not recommended pouring it over just anything. In fact, it’s usually used over formica, laminate, ceramic, metal, wood and even concrete, because it works the best.
Can it be used over granite?
It can, but it shouldn’t. Most homeowners don’t want to cover their expensive stone for the plastic feel of epoxy. There are better ways to treat it, granite and marble can be fixed, refinished and polished to its old glory. That way you keep the integrity of the stone and don’t lose its beauty.
Do they need to be sealed?
This is a common mistake for first time owners. The epoxy indeed doesn’t really need to be sealed. But before installing it, you must seal the surface below, especially if it is a non-porous one. This will prevent bubbles in the epoxy, as it won’t be absorbed by the material beneath it. There are a lot of things to take in consideration over the installation of this countertop, and you will see more of it along with other disadvantages.
Is it a good countertop?
Advantages
- Glossy and shiny finish: once the epoxy has hardened it won’t fade over time, you will be sure to have a countertop that always appears new.
- Creative designs: while pouring the epoxy, there will be a time to explore your creative side. You can use your creativity to create a unique design with multiple colors to choose from. Or you can even have a professional make it look like marble or other designs of granite.
- Non-porous and sanitary: unlike natural stones, this is a synthetic surface, so it is non-porous, so it is more sanitary. No food, grease or mold can get through it, so you will never have to worry about liquids, acids or any chemicals being stuck under the surface.
- Easy to clean: for the same reason as before, it is very easy to clean. No need to brush it hard to try to get all the gunk off. A damp towel with some mild cleaning product will solve all your problems.
Disadvantages
- Too long to install: it is extremely important to let it harden completely before using it daily. And sadly, that process can take up to 3 weeks. Until then, you also have to keep the area ventilated, or it can take more time to harden. The chemicals released in the process also require ventilation. Applying it can take the whole day, with multiple layers, or even more than that.
- No Second Chances: after it is done, it is done. If you end up not liking the design, or it turns out uneven, it is too late. Sanding it or taking it off is harder than applying it, and that is already very tiring.
- The quality of the epoxy matters a lot: there are too many variables for it to work perfectly. And the quality of the epoxy is an essential step. It can take too long to harden or harden really fast, be hard to level or level itself! Be sure to choose right.
- Prone to Staining: you know when you put tomato sauce on a plastic Tupperware, and it stains a lot? That can happen, especially with clear epoxy! Although it is a non-porous surface, it can stain with synthetic food coloring and other substances.
- Not heatproof: it is, indeed, heat-resistant, but don’t leave a hot pot on it for too long. The heat goes through the epoxy and damages the surface below. Remember to always have trivets at reach.
What about the cost?
You can expect it to cost from $3 to $8. But consider checking the price of a professional in your area. It might be worth it to select a specialist to deal with a job that depends on the installation process to really be durable!But if you want something that can last several years and has a simple installation process and very little maintenance, check out our products. Eagle Stones provides you with an affordable variety of granite, marble and other natural stones countertops with simple installation! We guarantee that you won’t have to worry about all these things, just relax and enjoy your new countertop!
