How to make an epoxy countertop?
Who doesn't want to have beautiful kitchen or bathroom countertops? Everywhere we look, we see stunning countertops made of granite, quartz, or marble, but we all choke a bit when we see their prices, even without installation included! Fortunately, there is now an innovative, splendid, and super affordable solution to make your own countertops: epoxy.
In this article, you will discover all the steps to learn how to make an epoxy countertop.
Safety and Equipment
Before proceeding, we would like to remind you that epoxy resin is a toxic product. Therefore, it is important to wear proper protective equipment during its installation. During application, we recommend wearing a mask with vapor cartridges and gloves. Wearing safety glasses is also recommended. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in serious injury.
All necessary protective equipment is available in our stores.
Surface Preparation
Preparing the surface for an epoxy countertop is obviously different from preparing it for a floor. It would be difficult to use a 200 lb sander on the countertop!
The first step is to sand the surface using 60 or 80 grit sandpaper to open the pores and ensure good adhesion of the primer. If needed, you can wipe the surface with 99% isopropyl alcohol and let it dry.
Primer Coat
Next, apply a bonding primer specifically designed for countertops. This primer will ensure good adhesion of your epoxy on surfaces such as laminate, wood, ceramic, and even plastic.
Applying Primer
We recommend applying two coats of this product on your countertop before moving to the next step, but one coat may be sufficient. The important thing is to conceal your old covering and no longer see the background.
Next, sanding is necessary before applying epoxy over the bonding primer. Allow the primer to dry for 3 hours or more, sand with 180 or 240 grit sandpaper, and proceed to the next step!
Preparing for the Final Coat
Before applying your epoxy coat, it's important to cover the edges with masking tape to prevent epoxy from dripping onto the sides during the creation of your countertop. Remove the tape when the epoxy begins to harden.
Final Epoxy Coat
Now it's time to have fun and unleash your creative side!
You'll need between 4 to 6 ounces of epoxy per square foot to cover. The amount you use will depend on your preferences and the design you want to achieve for your epoxy countertop. If you aim for a lot of veins and effects, lean towards 6 ounces, whereas for a simpler design with fewer colors, you can use around 4 ounces per square foot.
For creating a countertop, we recommend using a 1:1 ratio epoxy such as Art Resin or MPC-191. A 1:1 epoxy is thicker than standard epoxy, which helps in creating edges and maintaining easier design control.
When it comes to design, there are no right or wrong ways. It's truly up to you to decide what you want to create. It might be beneficial to practice on samples before tackling your countertop project. One piece of advice is to reserve at least 1/3 of your epoxy in a single color to create a "base layer" onto which you'll add your veins. You can spread this layer using a plastic trowel.
If bubbles appear, you can eliminate them using a torch. A 1:1 epoxy tends to trap bubbles because it's too thick for air to escape easily. 
You can also use a heat gun or isopropyl alcohol to create effects in your epoxy.
Protective Layer
Your countertop will always be at eye level. The issue with this is that unlike a floor, every flaw, scratch, or stain will be visible.
Therefore, it is recommended to protect your countertop with an additional protective layer. I recommend using a product from the BallistiX range such as NCO, CounterAttack, Squire 2.0, or CounterAttack+. These products offer different finishes, from invisible to completely matte. Simply choose the finish that suits you best and the product that best meets your needs. It's important to let the protective layer dry for 5 days before using the countertop.
There you have it! Your new countertop is now complete! The surface should be dry in less than 24 hours, but as mentioned earlier, it is recommended to wait for full curing before using the countertop to ensure the product has reached its maximum hardness.
Please note that all epoxy products, paint accessories, and protective equipment mentioned in this guide are available in our stores.
Interested in learning how to make an epoxy countertop with the help of our experts? Sign up for our in-person training sessions where you'll have the opportunity to be guided through the creation of an epoxy countertop.
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J’aimerais avoir les contacts avec les gens qui étaient sur la formation du 12 juillet merci
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