Epoxy resin has been taking over the internet in jewelry, furniture, arts and crafts, flooring, and even countertops. Epoxy has hundreds of uses and is affordable to purchase in bulk. As the popularity of epoxy continues to grow, many questions have been arising about its abilities.
A popular question is are epoxy countertops durable enough? Yes. Epoxy countertops are well-recognized for their use as they are resistant to stains, stronger than wood, and do not get scratched easily. On top of this, epoxy countertops can be heat resistant to high temperatures, is resistant to mold and bacteria, and can hold up against most chemicals.
If you want to find out more about durability and reliability, the following information will give you more details about the advantages associated with this material. As you will see, an epoxy counter is not only resilient, it provides many design options and keeps its looks year after year.
How Durable Are Epoxy Countertops?
While the above information details the benefits of using an epoxy finish, it still may leave you wondering about the degree of durability. In turn, you need to learn more about how the finish is used. For instance, if you add an epoxy countertop yourself, you can do so by combining a hardener and an epoxy resin. Once hardened, the epoxy coating will dry to a glossy and clear finish.
Below, I added a list of many of the different ways that your epoxy countertop is durable:
- Epoxy is heat-resistant. As noted, an epoxy finish is resistant to heat. Therefore, you can set a hot dish on the counter without worry. Always check with your brand of epoxy, but many countertop epoxies, such as the brand Countertop Epoxy, can resist heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Similar to granite countertops, you will be able to set hot dishes and pans on your counter without cause for concern.
- Epoxy is resistant to mold and bacteria. Part of the durability of an epoxy finish is its resistance to mold and bacterial growth. The surface is not porous. Therefore, it resists mold and bacteria. The hygienic finish is used in both bathrooms and kitchens for this reason.
- Epoxy acts as a sealer. The sealing properties of an epoxy finish make the counter resilient against all types of stains. You just need to make sure you wipe up spills and remove them immediately, as certain things sitting on it over time could cause minor discoloration.
- Epoxy is a one-time finish. Because of its durability, epoxy does not have to be reapplied. Your surface is durable and ready-to-use after the sealant and coating have been applied. Wiping it with water and soap will be enough to keep the surface shiny for years to come. Even if you are to cause scratches, repairing epoxy is simple and affordable.
- Epoxy is a food-safe surface. The gloss finish is safe and provides a non-toxic surface option. You can prepare foods without worrying about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) seeping into your recipes. Even if you add glitter or a resin tint to the epoxy, you don’t have to worry about toxicity. Make sure to read the brands and labels, while almost all epoxies made today are food-safe – some older or industrial epoxies may still not be.
- Epoxy makes cleaning easy. If you install an epoxy countertop or finish a current counter with an epoxy finish, you can use just about any cleaning product – another testament to epoxy’s durability. Thankfully, you will not worry about damage. You can easily clean the counter after preparing food without concern. Just make sure the cleaner is not too harsh or abrasive.
Tips to Help Keep Your Epoxy Counter Durable
Epoxy is one finish that is naturally both durable and aesthetic, but for longevity, you should follow certain maintenance tips. These tips will serve you well in keeping your epoxy counter in tip-top shape. Below are three important recommendations that will keep your counter looking brand new for a long time.
- Avoid Using Abrasive Cleansers
Don’t use abrasive cleaners, as they can dull the shine of the counter. Steer away from waxes, polishes, and especially scouring pads. - Maintaining Glossiness
To maintain the shine of your epoxy counter, add a small dab of mineral oil to its surface. The oil will prevent the surface from looking dull. Only a small amount is needed, as adding too much can cause the epoxy to fade or take on a cloudy appearance. Wipe any excess with a soft cloth. - Avoiding Staining
You usually can avoid staining if you choose a top epoxy countertop brand. All you need to do is make sure you clean up any spills immediately. The best way to clean a stain is to add four parts of baking soda to one-part water. Apply the baking soda paste to the stain, allowing it to sit for about five minutes. Usually, you can easily wipe away the stain when using this approach.
You can also use acetone to rub away the stain. Use a circular motion and a soft cloth. Add a little muscle when rubbing away the stain. Bleach should never be used when removing stains, as it will create its own kind of stain on countertops, including countertops, finished with epoxy.
Should You Install an Epoxy Countertop?
You should definitely consider installing an epoxy countertop. It is versatile, cost-effective, durable, and can be made to match just about any setting. On top of that, you do not need to purchase a new countertop, you can just prep the surface and use the epoxy to cover your old counter. You can easily purchase a kit for epoxy counters, and do all the work yourself – or pay someone to come it right in your home.
For durability and dependability at a low installation cost, you cannot beat an epoxy countertop upgrade. Whether you use a kit or hire a professional, you will see good results. Once the epoxy has set, it will last for decades and the shine will be long-lasting as well. Any cracking or damage is rarely seen, but if it is you can easily fix it. Because of its high-gloss finish, an epoxy counter leaves a bathroom or a kitchen looking absolutely stunning.
Exciting Design Options
Besides the durability of epoxy, you will find that you can choose from a number of exciting patterns and designs – designs that are comparable to marble, and a fraction of the price. In fact, you can embed objects underneath the resin finish. Countertops may be made in mosaic designs using items such as tiles or even bottle cap designs. Backlighting will make your countertop glow and shine all that much more.
Because epoxy is clear, you can combine it with certain colors to enhance the look of a pattern or design. To customize the look, combine a base color and accent color to recreate the patterns and veins seen in stone materials, such as quartz or granite. You may even add glitter to produce flecks of color that support the accent color.
How Much Does it Cost to Get an Epoxy Countertop?
If you are installing the countertop yourself, you can get epoxy countertops for less than $10 sq/ft. Hiring a professional will cost you anywhere from $35-$80 plus materials. The average cost comes out to $300 for self-installation and between $500-$1500 or more for a professional to do it.
If you are handy, you should definitely purchase a kit, much like this one from Countertop Epoxy. If you are less sure of yourself, or have a specific design that you want to be done well, you should hire a professional.
In Summation
If you want a low-cost countertop option to marble or quartz, you will be pleased with an epoxy counter in your kitchen or bathroom. Durable and resilient and glossy and dramatic, this type of countertop can revitalize a worn-looking kitchen counter and notably improve the looks of any bathroom or kitchen. While installation may prove to be labor-intensive, hiring a professional to do it for you will still be cheaper than purchasing a new countertop. It is well worth the cost, as you will have a stylish creation that will last years, if not decades.
