Make When Installing Epoxy Countertops

Many people attempt to DIY their kitchen renovations and install their own epoxy countertops, which can be challenging for beginners. While it is not impossible to install epoxy at home on your own, there are certain steps that must be followed to ensure a proper installation and seamless finish. If you ever have any questions, reach out to the professionals at Countertop Epoxy before proceeding with any installation or epoxy work. Below we will discuss the 5 most common mistakes that DIYers make when installing their own epoxy countertops and what you can do to avoid these situations.

When installing epoxy, you will have to mix two components together to create the material that will be poured to form your countertops. There are a variety of different materials and formulations available which are often confused by at-home installers. It’s important to pick the correct products that will meet your kitchen needs and withstand daily use. When improper products are used for countertops, it can cause issues with curing and over functionality. Be sure to reach out to the manufacturer or a licensed epoxy installer with any questions regarding products, specifications, or measurements.

Much like painting over a pre-existing surface, applying epoxy to your countertops will require proper preparation techniques for a successful installation. If your countertop material is not properly cleaned and prepared, it can lead to issues with bonding or separating over time. When professionally installed, epoxy countertops have a seamless finish and are designed to last for years and years. To ensure your DIY epoxy countertops are a success, be sure to clean the surface of any dust, debris, or grease. Next, depending on the material, you might need to repair damages or grind the surface. There are different steps that should be taken when working over tile or wood so be sure to reach out to the product manufacturer with any concerns.

Many DIYers fail to realize that the temperature and overall weather conditions can play a huge role in how your epoxy countertop cures. It’s important that the room the epoxy is being installed is between 70 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a proper curing process. If the room or surface is any hotter or colder, it may result in product failure through a soft countertop. Once the countertop has been poured, it’s important that the area remains in the suggested temperature range for the entire curing process, which can take anywhere from 1-2 days. If rain is in the expected forecast or your area is experiencing humid conditions, it may be best to postpone installation until there are cooler, more stable temperatures.

Both of these epoxy preparation steps are crucial to the overall quality and functionality of your final countertop product. When you are measuring the epoxy resin components, you must be sure that the ratio is exact to ensure a sleek and durable surface finish. It’s recommended that you refer to any manufacturer’s instructions and write down any ratios so you can easily look back on them at any time. Another helpful tip is to utilize large gallon-sized buckets for measuring and mixing components. These buckets usually have measurement markers on the inside and will help with mixing large quantities of product. It is also important to be sure that the epoxy is thoroughly mixed with a paint mixer for a minimum of 6 minutes. Be sure that all of the components are thoroughly mixed to avoid clumps forming on your countertop. Typically, epoxy resin is a one-pour material with little room for error but certain coatings and finishes can be added to help hide imperfections.

When you are not working with your epoxy mixture, it’s important that you properly store any materials to ensure they stay at the proper temperature to avoid crystallization. This usually happens when there are extreme temperature fluctuations and the epoxy is allowed to get too cold. You can avoid this situation by storing your epoxy in a tightly covered container and making sure that the temperature stays warm, around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain formulations of epoxy can also be stored in heavy-duty freezer bags, with putty being the most common for this method.

While a DIY epoxy countertop installation may seem challenging or overwhelming, with the proper research it can be a fun project to take on. Adding epoxy to your countertops helps to preserve the material, add increased durability, and allows you to customize colors. There are many DIY kits and online resources available to ensure that your installation process goes smoothly. With the proper precautions, you can create new countertops and the kitchen of your dreams.