The Best Epoxy Countertop Kit For Your Kitchen Makeover

An epoxy countertop kit can transform your existing countertops. However, choosing the best countertop kit can be tricky if you don’t understand how they work.

If you’re working with natural stone or want a high gloss finish, there are things you should know beforehand that will help you in the long run.  

Today, epoxy is a common countertop paint for home renovations. It is often used for countertop refurbishing as it holds up against abrasive cleaners and can be applied for outdoor use.

What Are Epoxy Countertops?

Known for its high-quality adhesive properties, epoxy resin has been used in various industries for a long time. Epoxy resin is a versatile material that can be used for various applications. It features a high-quality structure and strong adhesion.

With quartz, granite, or laminate countertops you can purchase pre-made slabs that are easy to install. With epoxy, it works as a refinishing substance that you buy as a kit.

People choose an epoxy countertop over with worn-out material like wood, ceramic, or concrete. This results in a bright, high gloss coating that protects underneath and from abrasive cleaners.  You can use a stone coat countertop epoxy, for example, when working with stone surfaces.

Epoxy Countertops: Pros And Cons

When you want to give your kitchen a new vibe, epoxy is a good place t to start. 

Pros:

• Works with a variety of countertop materials. Because of the resin’s longevity, epoxy countertops are often the go-to choice for many people for refurbishing projects. 
• Epoxy surfaces are easy to clean. If you’ve decided to install an epoxy countertop in your kitchen, you may use nearly any cleaning agent on it without fear of harming it. 
• It provides a heat-resistant surface. One of the biggest benefits of having an epoxy countertop in the kitchen is its excellent heat resistance. The multiple layers of epoxy do a great job in protecting your counter.

Cons:

• Epoxy doesn’t pair well with marble or granite. Although the epoxy restoration technique may potentially be used on granite and marble. 
• There is VOC released during the curing process. When epoxy cures, it creates a non-toxic surface that you can use to prepare your food. However, the chemicals that come together to form the hard, durable end result do include some volatile organic compounds (known as VOCs). 
• Preparing the surface is time-consuming. If you’re determined to refurbish your countertops using epoxy, you must first prepare the surface accordingly and this process takes up quite a lot of time. To guarantee that no stains remain, your countertops may need to be carefully sanded. 

Best Epoxy Countertop Kits

Here are the best countertop kits for your kitchen.

Giani Carrara White Marble

Giani Countertop Paint is a three-step process that will transform countertops made with cultured marble, ceramic tile, Corian, Formica, laminate, and others, into a beautiful and durable surface. The Giani countertop paint kit comes with all the necessary tools and supplies to properly coat and protect your kitchen countertops.

This product is safe for interior use and doesn’t emit a strong odor since there are no VOC emissions. The kit also contains an Epoxy Resin Topcoat product to create a beautiful finish that’s resistant to everyday use.

Pros:

• Provides a durable and glossy finish
• Safe for interior use, very low odor, and zero VOC.
• The three-step application transforms Formica, laminate, Corian, ceramic tile, and butcher block

Cons:

• The rollers in the kit aren’t durable
• Finishing might turn yellow

Giani Countertop Paint Kit

Another product by Giani is this countertop paint kit that comes with a paint sponge, a foam brush, a roller arm with pads included, 16 oz. of glitter topcoat, 4 oz. of bronze mineral, 6 oz. of Black Onyx Mineral, 6 oz. of Pearl Mica Mineral, and 12 oz. of IronCore Primer-Base Coat.

Make sure you have at least one 2 gallon bucket before you start. This stunning black granite accent features a starry finish and pearl flecks. There are other color options to choose from, including white diamond, slate, Sicilian sand, and chocolate brown.

Pros:

• Perfect fit for budget conscious DIY kitchen makeovers
• Project time is 4 hours of painting and 16 hours of drying time
• Each kit covers up to 35 square feet of countertop surface area

Cons:

• Difficult to apply so it looks “granite-like”
• Not as durable or long-lasting as other kits

Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations Kit

Countertop Transformations is a simple and affordable way to transform a worn and outdated kitchen or bathroom countertop. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to give your countertops a natural look. This durable finish will not fade or stain. The kit is pretty generous too, as it comes with decorative color chips, wetting agent, adhesive base coat, protective topcoat, stir sticks, a diamond-embedded sanding tool, and a sanding block.

The additional material’s list includes smooth painter’s tape, two synthetic brushes, two paint trays, a foam roller, a microfiber roller, protective sheets, and personal wear, lint-free rags, one 2 gallon bucket.

Pros:

• Ideal for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms
• Easy to use for DIY projects 
• Covers up to 30 square feet or 12 linear feet

Cons;

• Tool that disburses the chips is too fragile
• Base separates like oil
• Can’t be used over cracked countertops

Clear Table Top Epoxy Resin

This particular epoxy-based product is formulated to give a smooth finish and minimize bubbles. It is ideal for use on wood, bar, and tabletop surfaces. When fully cured, it creates a glossy surface that excels in durability and makes your kitchen appear brand new.

If there’s any leftover material, you can always use it in your art projects. It is a food-safe product and delivers a self-leveling formula that makes it very easy to apply.

Pros:

• Low odor 
• Minimal bubbles, goes on smooth, helps eliminate fish eyes
• Rock hard versatility

Cons:

• Resin gets hot when mixing
• Persistent micro bublles

DIY Project Ideas for Countertops

Here are a few DIY epoxy countertop ideas:

DIY Countertop Refinishing

Refinishing your countertops is another brilliant idea for those of you interested in DIY projects to improve your home. For this project, you’ll need in Daich Coatings Mineral Select SpreadStone Countertop Finishing Kit, and other tools like degreaser, a sanding block, an orbital sander, and a power drill.

Other tools you’ll need include a broom or vacuum cleaner, power drill with a paint stirring attachment, and dust mask.

Refinish Bathroom Vanity Top With Epoxy Resin

What if we told you it is possible to remake your bathroom vanity tops for just $140 and it doesn’t take more than 12 hours?

The project uses epoxy resin to refinish the vanity tops, as resin works with materials like ceramic, concrete, laminate, or wood. 

Metallic Epoxy Countertop Resurfacing

Here is a YouTube video that teaches you how to resurface countertops with metallic epoxy. 

Epoxy Countertop Kits

Epoxy protects your countertops, and virtually any surface, but there are a few things you should know before applying epoxy. 

Applying Epoxy

Even if it has many different applications, epoxy can be used to repair or protect already existing surfaces. It is suitable for use with all types of laminate and composite countertops, as well as stone, concrete, or wood. 

Existing Countertops

Since you will most likely need to apply a second coat of epoxy to your countertop, cure time is a key issue. Rapid-drying epoxy resins may require 4 to 6 hours before applying a second coat. You’l want to protect them from sunlight.

DIYers will most likely have to wait about 3 or 4 days before they can utilize the countertop. Even so, experts recommend using it sparingly because a full cure might take anywhere from 7 to 30 days, depending on the substance.

UV Resistant Urethane Varnish

When fully cured, epoxy resin has a high-gloss sheen that is resistant to water, ordinary wear, cracking, and scratches. Resistance to UV radiation in sunshine varies, however, this may not be an issue depending on location and direct sunlight.

If the countertop will be exposed to natural elements, you can either buy resin with UV protection or a coating of UV-resistant urethane varnish. 

Food Safe

Epoxy resins are nontoxic but they’re not always FDA-recognized as food safe. Many goods do comply with the appropriate certification, so keep this in mind if the planned usage is for a kitchen countertop. With laminate countertops, you’ll also want to protect them from direct sunlight.

Epoxy Countertop Kits

Epoxy countertops are very resistant to moisture and stains, making cleaning a breeze. When possible, clean up spills immediately away. If a towel and warm water aren’t enough to erase the stains, try a little dish soap. You want to use a white cloth when cleaning these surfaces to prevent the color of the fabric from transferring to the surface.

Acetone and glass cleaner can be used to remove more persistent stains. Another option is to dilute baking soda with water in a 2-gallon bucket. Do not use bleach as it will change the epoxy color. Never use abrasive cleaners since they can leave microscopic scratches on the surface.

Required Materials for Epoxy Countertop Kits

An epoxy kit comes in a bottle or box with a product that you apply to your kitchen countertops per the manufacturer’s directions.

There are many different epoxies, but they mix hardener and resin to create a transparent, long-lasting solid. As a first seal, instructions call for saturating the countertop material with a thin epoxy coating. With this process, you can avoid bubble formation as you apply more coats of epoxy on top.

Materials needed:

• 80- and 220-grit sanding sponge
• Drill
• 4 x 1-qt. Cups
• 2 x paddle mixers
• Isopropyl alcohol
• 2 gallon buckets (2)
• Trim router
• Plastic sheet
• Spray bottle
• Orbital sander
• Oscillating tool
• 2 x 6 inches. 3/8 inches.-nap roller sleeves
• Painters tape
• Wiping cloths
• 6 inch paint roller
• Brushes

Applying An Epoxy Countertop Kit

 Here are the steps to follow when working with a countertop kit:

• Use all-purpose body filler to cover seams and gaps. If you have a particle board left exposed when cutting or routing, make sure to fill it out and smooth it as well.
• When all these gaps have been filled, proceed to sand the surface to make sure everything is smooth. Use 60-grit sandpaper for this process.
• Tape plastic to the floor underneath the counters. Roll the plastic over the bottom edge of the cabinet, and then tuck it in the toe-kick.
• Have all your materials prepared because timing is everything when pouring epoxy. Keep them handy in 2 gallon containers.
• This primer is a must-have for any epoxy project. Mix a couple of parts into a small bucket and roll it on the counters. Once the old color is gone, apply more primer.
• The primer should cure for about an hour. To avoid staining, mix the metallic powder into the highlight epoxy.
• After about an hour, the primer is tacky and won’t leave residue on the surface.
• Use a thin line of leftover epoxy to push the front edge of the counter. Once the base coat is even, move the base coat around or add more epoxy.
• By using a brush and dragging it across the top, you can feather the highlights for a beautiful end effect.
• The metallic powder and isopropyl alcohol solution give a more natural look to the epoxy. 
• Pay close attention to the counters in the upcoming hours and remove any epoxy drips as they occur. 
• The next day, prepare the counters for the protective topcoat. 
• Mix the two-part coat in a 2 gallon container and apply it to the surface. Roll the coat over the top of the surface. Use the backsplash as your guide. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How Much Does It Cost To Epoxy A Countertop?

Kits designed to cover your countertops in epoxy can cost between $50 to $250, which means you can get really good products for around $150 to $180.

Do Epoxy Countertops Scratch Easily?

Epoxy is one of the most durable materials that you can use for a kitchen countertop. It doesn’t scratch easily unless you plan on cutting bread on the counter instead of using a cutting board underneath.

Is Epoxy Good For Countertops?

Yes, epoxy provides a lot of benefits when used as a countertop material, from its heat and scratch resistance to the fact that it can easily be cleaned.

Are Epoxy Countertops Cheaper Than Granite?

Epoxy countertops cost around $45 per square foot. Granite prices also start at $45, but they can go as high as $225. 

When Can I Use A Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy?

Stone coat countertop epoxy is renewable and designed to withstand heavy kitchen and bathroom use. The countertop kits have a full cure time of 30 days, so plan ahead before you use it. 

Epoxy Countertop Kit Conclusion

With epoxy resin, you can transform an old kitchen countertop into a modern masterpiece. This material will last for many years. It can be used to make a new countertop that’s as beautiful as real stone.

Since epoxy has become more prevalent, a variety of resins and color options exist.

When selecting a countertop paint, you’ll want something that matches your kitchen. Before you choose a countertop kit, make sure you pick one that won’t clash with the overall theme of your kitchen.

If this is your first time working on an epoxy project, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You’ll need to know when to increase quantity or decrease quantity, especially when working with laminate countertops.

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