If you are reading this, you probably have an old granite countertop. It is worn out, discolored, or simply doesn’t match your style anymore. And, while they are famed for their durability and beauty, depending on the owner, they may become out of date over time.
Changing the countertops is the simplest way to completely renovate the kitchen. Sometimes alternating the color of the cabinets or the floor can not be enough. But this can be quite expensive. Granite countertops are beautiful, stain and heat-resistant, necessary pieces to a modern kitchen. But maybe you just want a quick change of scenery, without the mess of replacing a countertop.
And putting epoxy over granite countertops seems to be the perfect short-time solution to a lot of people. But before committing to this big change, make sure that you know what you are doing. Can epoxy really be poured over granite? So keep reading this article to find out if this is really the option for you!
Looking for some more information on granite countertops? The our definitive guide has got you covered! It’s a short read, but we’ve gathered all of the most important information into a single article to make things easier for you.
What are epoxy countertops?
Epoxy countertops are not constructed entirely of epoxy. In reality, the epoxy is poured over an old countertop, transforming it into a polished, lustrous, and completely new surface. It is referred to as a full surface due to its non-porous nature and capacity to entirely cover the previous one beneath it.
These are the materials epoxy is used to be poured over for best results:
- Formica.
- Laminate.
- Ceramic.
- Metal.
- Wood.
- Concrete.
It is not a pre-made thing. In fact, it is very hard to find one in good shape to just put in your kitchen and they can be really expensive too. The easy way is to buy a kit and pour it over your already existing countertop.
This will be a messy procedure that can take up to three weeks to complete. A thick layer of epoxy will be glossy and shiny for a long time if done right. If not, this will give you a pretty bad headache. It is hard to get all the product off, and if not made by a professional can not look at all like you expect it. So let’s see if it is really worth it.
Pros
Versatility and cost
You can try to DIY and take the risks. It can cost you less than U$8 per square feet to make it. Kitchen, bathroom, and even outdoor countertops can have this method applied. You can play with the designs and spruce up your kitchen with your own hands.
Multiple color choices
There is no limit to what your countertop can look like. From marble to bold designs, you can make your epoxy look however you like. Most people use it to transform their already existing countertops with marble-like designs. But you can try primary colors, splashes, streaks and all you can imagine.
Easy to clean
Contrary to granite and other stones, this is a non-porous surface. This means that mold and hard to take off stains are no longer an issue. A rag and some regular cleaning products will do. It is also a very sanitary choice, great even for laboratories and bathrooms.
Cons
Not heatproof
It is fine to put a hot pan on the counter, but don’t leave it for too long. The heat can go through the epoxy and damage whatever is under it, even its seal. Although it is a heat-resistant material, it can cause harm if exposed to heat for an extended period of time. Don’t forget to use trivets for the hot pots, to prevent accidents.
Not DIY recommended
Although there are thousands of videos of people doing it by themselves, and it is indeed very possible, we don’t recommend it. If done wrong or not leveled right, repairing it or redoing it can be a terrible experience. A professional will make the design look exactly how you want it, and with a great installation it can last several years.
The quality of the epoxy matters a lot
Once you find the right epoxy for your countertop, you will have almost no problem. But cheaper ones can lead to multiple issues. Staining, difficulty to level and longer time to harden, are a few of the difficulties you can face with low quality epoxy. It may cost a lot more, but it is worth it.
Takes a long time to harden
After 72 hours you can use it lightly, but only after approximately 3 weeks you can put your things back over it. If it isn’t completely hardened, you won’t be able to use it properly. Items will still leave marks and the epoxy will be uneven.
Doesn’t really work with granite
If you were thinking about using this technique on your granite countertop, I have bad and good news for you. The bad one is that you will be wasting some money and losing a beautiful stone, unless you really want to change the looks of it. But really, the good thing is all you need to do is refinish or polish it, and it will be all new again! Epoxy is great for fixing cracks, chips and fissures in the stone. But overall, it doesn’t need much more than that.
In conclusion…
We believe that pouring epoxy over your beautiful granite countertop has more cons than pros. At the end is up to you. But if you want to learn more about the stone countertop world, have a look at our blog!
