The Benefits of Epoxy Countertops
Epoxy countertops have recently become an increasing trend amongst bold DIYers seeking out creative new ways to upgrade their kitchen or bathroom design without busting the bank. The results can be truly amazing and totally unique, but sometimes the drawbacks of epoxy countertops need to be well considered before leaping in. Before beginning any project involving concrete or other epoxy surfaces, it’s always important to consult a professional or do-it-yourself epoxy contractor who will advise you of the pros and cons of the epoxy countertop options available. That’s why we composed this guide to all benefits of epoxy countertops.
Although there are countless DIY epoxy kits and instructional manuals available online, it is important to remember that while these can save time and money, they may not necessarily offer the professional result or durability you’re seeking.
Appearance of your countertop
In general, epoxy countertops are durable because they harden when applied correctly. It is usually recommended that you apply the coating as described on the package to ensure that it hardens properly, providing an extremely solid barrier against moisture and stains. It can take from two to four hours to fully harden, depending on the size and thickness of the coating. Once hardened, you will begin to see a gradual transformation in the appearance of your countertop. The colors will be more vibrant, the surface will be much harder and more durable, and the base color of the countertop will begin to turn into a beautiful, natural tone.
One of the drawbacks of epoxy countertops is the potential for surface air bubbles. While the coating does provide a strong barrier against moisture and most stains, the final result is no barrier against air bubbles. When air bubbles begin to form, they can quickly expand to the point that the epoxy coat becomes ineffective and must be re-applied to achieve optimal performance.
Epoxy paint also has a low water solubility level, which means that it is ineffective at preventing water from seeping up through the surface of the plastic sheeting. If water does get through the plastic sheeting, it can easily ruin the appearance of your countertop or even etch the finish completely into the wood or metal.
Best choice for countertops
Some epoxy countertops are available in a variety of colors, but they are not always the best choice for countertops with high traffic. Most kitchen countertops have at least some type of traffic. The more traffic a countertop has, the more chance that stains from food and other substances will appear. If the countertop is used frequently during the cooking process, epoxy countertops may provide little or no benefit in preventing stains. In most cases, the best solution for preventing stains is to purchase a stain guard which is available in almost any size.
Another issue epoxy countertops present is that since the color matching the rest of the kitchen is not evenly dispersed, the resulting stained area is usually much darker than it should be. Typically, stains should show up as dark brown, black, or other colors within a one inch to one and a half foot radius. To solve this problem, it is often necessary to apply a second coat of stain to completely cover the original stain. The additional coats just ensure that the entire area has been covered, so there is no dark or spotty area where the original stain was.
Epoxy is durable
Although epoxy countertops are relatively inexpensive when compared to many other kitchen countertops options, there are several benefits to purchasing an epoxy countertop. One benefit is that it can create a custom look that cannot be duplicated by using cheaper materials. Another advantage is that if the original finish on the countertop is damaged, it can easily be repaired. Epoxy is durable and can handle many different conditions and types of traffic without any defects or pitting the finish itself. It is important to remember that this finish does require more maintenance than a typical laminate or wood finish because it is more permanent, and because it needs to stand up to temperature fluctuations.
High-quality
The reason why epoxy countertops are so desirable is that they offer the consumer a solid, high-quality, low maintenance surface that will last for years, even decades. Unlike many other materials, this type of finish will not chip, crack, or fade. These finishes are great for kitchen countertops in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom, because they provide a very durable, protective barrier against food, liquids, and grease. Because of these features, epoxy countertops are often used for outdoor kitchens or swimming pool decks.
Customizable
The appearance of epoxy countertops is completely customizable and can be designed to match virtually any decor. In addition to being available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, epoxy material provides excellent resistance to chemicals like chlorine and acids, making it an environmentally-friendly choice. If you want your kitchen to have a high-gloss finish, epoxy material is also great, because it can withstand a high level of heat without cracking or chipping. This type of finish can also be sealed to provide a longer lifetime of protection.
Popular Kitchen Countertops Is Hard To Maintain
Countertops are a vital part of any kitchen. They assist in the preparation of foods and beverages, as well as other functions such as cleaning and hygiene. A countertop is simply a flat, horizontal surface in kitchens, bathrooms, or other food preparation venues, and work areas in general. It is often installed upon and supported on cabinets. The countertop is then positioned at an optimal height for the intended user and that particular job for which it was designed. That means choosing from among the many different types of countertops.
Concrete countertops, for example, are one of the most popular countertops among consumers and restaurant owners. While it may be the most expensive countertop option available, it is considered to be a sound investment. For one thing, concrete countertops are very durable. They do not chip, crack, break, or splinter. In fact, they can even withstand high temperatures from the cooking area, such as those experienced by chefs preparing meals.
Fabricators also offer vinyl countertops, which offer the same benefits as tile, but at a reduced cost. They are easy to clean, but because they are made of synthetic material, they can be prone to being damaged by foods and liquids. Some fabricators have gone so far as to place non-slip patterns on their vinyl countertops in order to provide additional protection. Vinyl is, perhaps, the best kitchen countertop materials available.
Types Of Countertops
Wood Countertops – Wood countertops are a popular choice with homeowners, too. Because wood countertops are durable and attractive, they can blend into any decor theme. Many people choose hardwoods for bathroom countertops, because they require less maintenance than some of the other countertops mentioned. In addition, wood countertops can add charm and beauty to any home. They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, making wood countertops an excellent choice for remodels or renovations.
Natural Stone – Natural stone is becoming an increasingly popular option for kitchen design. Because of its beauty, durability, and ease of cleaning, stone countertops are a practical choice in kitchen design. Stone countertops work well with tile backsplashes, as they are equally beautiful under this type of kitchen design. Because of the many options that are available in stone countertops, it can be easy to find the perfect material for your space.
One type of natural stone that is growing in popularity is slate. Slate countertops are becoming more popular as designers look for ways to incorporate natural stones into their kitchen design. Slate is a form of limestone and it has many desirable characteristics. From its natural green color, to the fact that it is available in an extremely wide range of shades, slate is a great material for backsplashes and countertops.
Granite – Granite countertops have been popular countertop materials for many years. It has a beautiful color and people love the look of granite countertops. However, granite countertops are very expensive and it is difficult to maintain them in the most effective way. Granite countertops are extremely heavy and they can crack if they are not installed correctly. Furthermore, granite countertops are very fragile, and if something is dropped on a large granite countertop, it can easily shatter. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on countertops, but you would like to have a very durable countertop material, then you should consider getting porcelain.
Conclusion
Many consumers are now choosing sinks with a glass top. Sinks with glass tops are becoming more popular as they offer a more durable surface and they also give the appearance of elegance. However, many consumers believe that countertops with glass tops may cause too many problems in the long run. For these reasons, many people are opting to go with granite countertops or sinks with glass tops. If you have more questions about countertops simply browse through our huge base of tips.