Epoxy Countertops, A great Alternative!
Epoxy Countertops are a great alternative!
Epoxy is a popular choice for countertops in kitchens, bathrooms and floors due to the durability of the epoxy resin. It will resist scratches, will tolerate most cleaning products without losing it’s shine, and will give you years of use before dulling!
Epoxy can be used to cover many materials however is often used as a sealer for base concrete countertops.
The pros and cons of epoxy countertops will definitely help you make your decision.
· Epoxy has a durable resin finish.
When it hardens it creates a solid surface that will last for years. It has a long-lasting shine, and you don’t have to continually reapply it to keep it from dulling like varnishes and other coatings.
It will also hold up better that other materials. Cracking or damage to the surface is something that rarely happens.
· Epoxy has a high-gloss finish.
Epoxy is a super-shiny and glossy polish finish. It does wear down some with time, but if you just apply a mineral oil occasionally, you can keep that high-gloss look.
· Designs are unlimited.
For design options, from colors to shapes, logos to patterns, you can’t make a better decision. There’s nothing epoxy resin can’t give you.
· It’s seamless.
For many countertops one issue is the cracks made by the separate pieces being fitted together. Those are hard to clean and can end up harboring bacteria. With epoxy, there are no seams, so no need to worry.
· It’s heat resistant.
You can set a hot dish on the surface without having to worry about immediately burning or damaging the surface. Just remember, if you leave it sitting there you may end up damaging the surface. Heat-resistant isn’t the same as heatproof.
· It’s food safe and nontoxic
Most epoxy resins are considered nontoxic and food safe once they’ve cured.
· It’s so easy to clean!
You can use just about any cleaner on it without damaging the epoxy. The surface is also nonporous and resistant to mold and bacteria growth.
One disadvantage to consider is that while durable, epoxy will stain easily if spills aren’t cleaned properly and quickly.
Another thing to consider is the cost. For the best results it’s recommended that you have a professional install the countertop. With a professional, expect to pay a bit more. It will also depend on the material chosen, the surface area of the countertops, and the thickness of the epoxy layers.
Cleaning Epoxy countertops is easy!
The main things to remember are simple.
· Avoid using abrasive cleaning products as they will scratch or dull the finish. Also avoid scouring pads, waxes or polishes.
· Avoid stains by cleaning up spills as soon as possible with a paper towel or washcloth. If you should end up with staining, you might have a chance to remove it before it causes major damage. Combine one-part water to 4 parts baking soda. Allow the paste to sit on the stain for 5 minutes and then wipe away with a cloth. With luck, the stain should be gone.
· Never use bleach. Bleach itself can cause staining on the countertop.
There are so many things to take into consideration when considering an epoxy coating for your countertops. But one of the things that may make the decision easier is the amount of options when it comes to the appearance. Remember to keep in mind the pros and cons when you make your decision. But no matter what, if you choose to go with an epoxy resin, you won’t be disappointed!