Resin-based countertops have become a trend among people looking for cheap countertops and who are not afraid of DIY projects. However, even if you embrace and love to do things yourself, it’s important to consider the disadvantages of epoxy countertops before you decide to use it in your kitchen.
How Are Epoxy Countertops Normally Used?
Epoxy is primarily used for refinishing. It’s possible to apply a coat of this material on top of old and worn countertops to revitalize them. It is generally used on top of the following materials:
- Formica
- Laminate
- Ceramic
- Metal
- Wood
- Concrete
It won’t ever be used on top of natural stone countertops, like granite and marble, since those can be easily restored with repolishing.
It’s also possible to create countertops fully made of epoxy, even though it’s less common.
The result is a solid surface countertop, that if created properly can actually look really nice for a very small price tag. Moreover, it resists scratches pretty well, and although it won’t last decades like a stone countertop it will endure for a few years.
How Are Epoxy Countertops Made?
You can’t really buy it in slabs like quartz or laminate, an epoxy countertop must be made at your kitchen.
The process involves mixing the resin with a hardener while both are in a liquid state, the mixture must then be applied to the location and it will solidify within a few minutes. The idea behind pouring epoxy is that it is self-leveling, which means you need to let it flow over where it’s supposed to solidify.
Although the endeavor is often tackled by brave DIYers, it’s also possible (and advisable) to hire a professional team to carry it out instead.
Disadvantages Of Epoxy Countertops
Although the results can be interesting there are a number of disadvantages in opting for epoxy countertops.
Complicated Process
Although some YouTubers and websites try to sell the process of making epoxy countertops as something easy and even enjoyable, reality begs to differ.
Epoxy requires a careful and even application to ensure the surface will be smooth and trap no air bubbles. It demands tons of preparation
Really Messy
Because of the “pouring until the resin flows over edges” aspect of the installation you can expect a lot of quick solidifying epoxy all over the place.
The best thing to do is to cover your entire kitchen with plastic canvas, but don’t expect any of your clothes and shoes to survive the day. They won’t. Don’t even try not wearing clothes. The resin is also really hard to remove from skin, so it’s something to watch out for.
Time Consuming
Thoroughly preparing the space, carrying out the installation, waiting for the 24 hours curing time, finishing off the surface and cleaning the whole mess your kitchen has become.
I guess you’ve caught up with what we mean by time-consuming at this point.
It’s Toxic
You better ensure that your kitchen has good ventilation and that you wear the right protective equipment.
The resin used emits toxic particles into the air while it’s wet. Which means that, if you’re not applying it the right way and using the right equipment, you’ll end up with some serious health problems down the line.
Not only that, but it can take as much as a week for it to fully stop emitting those particles. That’s one entire week in which you’ll have to completely avoid your kitchen and keep it well ventilated to avoid getting even more problems.
Not Sustainable
You will notice the insane amount of trash generated, mostly plastic. Nothing epoxy touches, from its own container to the brushes and scrapers used for the application, will survive.
That’s not what is worse, none of that is able to be recycled either. The resin just ruins it. It will just be trash, long-lasting slowly decomposing trash, forever on our planet.
Mimicking Natural Stones Is Not Easy
Much of the rush behind using Epoxy Countertops is that it’s possible, with creativity and handcraft, to mimic the appearance of stone countertops. However, achieving this kind of look is really much like creating art.
Colors need to be combined to recreate veins and patterns found in stones. Metallic powders can be added to help contrast. But there is so much that can go wrong and come out in an unexpected way. It doesn’t end on the chemistry of it all.
Hand techniques must be used to add swirls, veins, and patterns. Some results are really great, but it takes effort and a lot of artistic skill.
If It Goes Wrong…
There are no second chances.
That’ right, there’s no fixing it, at least not in an easy way. You need to scrap what you’ve done or sand it down, and then try the same complicated, messy and time-consuming process again.
It Stains
If everything went right, great. But it doesn’t mean it will remain great for long. Epoxy countertops get spill stains easily.
Liquids must be cleaned right away, even water. Epoxy countertops are definitely not a good choice for a busy kitchen
Inconsistent Quality
The end result of installing epoxy countertops is always a surprise. And not only because it depends on how well the application was carried out.
Hard To Repair
If you end up scratching it too much, or damaging it in a way you can’t easily hide, you’ll have to redo many of the steps you took to make it.
You can’t just polish it up, seal it, and put it to use again like with natural stone. You have to sand it then apply the resin again, then wait a week for it to cure again.
It’s not really possible to just take the shortcut of applying resin directly on top of it. It won’t adhere, because the surface is too polished. You need to sand the entire surface before applying the resin. Meaning that the work never stops.
Invest In Long-Lasting Options
Some products are simply much better than the others presenting less heat resistance and a more brittle surface.
Resin products are definitely a cheap choice that can work, but we believe the disadvantages of epoxy countertops speak higher than what good they offer.
Going for a stone countertop isn’t a matter of being fancy. It’s an investment. They’ll last much longer and require less maintenance, being one less thing to worry about for the next few decades.
If you live near Sarasota, FL, and want to know more before you make your decision, be sure to contact us! We’ll send you a specialist to find you the best stones for your home and give you a free estimate!
