Why Are Epoxy Countertops Bad?

Resin-based countertops have become a trend among people looking for cheap countertops which are not afraid of DIY projects. However, even if you embrace and love to do things yourself, it’s important to consider the disadvantages of epoxy countertops before you decide to use them in your kitchen. 

Epoxy countertops have become a rising trend among fearless DIYers looking for cheap countertops or creative ways to update their bathroom and kitchen style without breaking the bank.

The results can be amazing and unique, but the disadvantages of epoxy countertops should be well-considered before jumping in.

We’ll look at how they’re made, all the pros and cons, cleaning, installation, and costs to help you decide if you’re up for it. 

What Are Epoxy Countertops?

Epoxy is primarily used as a refinishing product. Applying a coating of this material can help restore or revitalise old, worn, or out-of-style bathroom countertops, kitchen countertops, and floors.

So, you can’t go out and buy pre-made epoxy countertops or slabs like granite, quartz, marble, or laminate countertops.

They must be made in place. Although, interesting to note. Corian and cultured marble are resin-based countertop materials, and epoxy is considered a solid-surface countertop as well.

It’s a popular choice for refinishing due to the durability of the epoxy resin. It can resist scratches and provide years of use before the surface dulls. It can also tolerate most cleaning materials without losing its lustre.

You can apply epoxy over most countertop materials, including:

• Formica
• Laminate
• Ceramic
• Metal
• Wood
• Concrete

It is rarely used on marble or granite countertops, but it can be done. Most homeowners do not want to cover their expensive granite or marble countertops, which add more value to your home than epoxy or any other type of countertop.

Traditional natural stone restoration is the best way to refinish or revive these surfaces.

With some epoxy products, you can recreate the look of these surfaces at a fraction of the cost, which is a definite advantage. In addition, epoxy is often used as a sealer for concrete countertops. There are many epoxies and brands, but some are much better for countertop projects.

Disadvantages Of Epoxy Countertops

Although the results can be interesting, there are a number of disadvantages to opting for epoxy countertops.

Complicated Process

Although some YouTubers and websites try to sell the process of making epoxy countertops as something easy and even enjoyable, reality begs to differ. Epoxy requires a careful and even application to ensure the surface will be smooth and trap no air bubbles. It demands tons of preparation. 

Really Messy

Because of the “pouring until the resin flows over edges” aspect of the installation, you can expect a lot of quicks solidifying epoxy all over the place.

The best thing to do is to cover your entire kitchen with plastic canvas, but don’t expect any of your clothes and shoes to survive the day.

They won’t. Don’t even try not wearing clothes, and the resin is also really hard to remove from the skin.

Time Consuming

Thoroughly prepare the space, carry out the installation, wait for the 24 hours curing time, finish off the surface, and clean the whole mess your kitchen has become. They guess you’ve caught up with what we mean by time-consuming at this point.

Not Sustainable

You will notice the insane amount of trash generated, mostly plastic. From its container to the brushes and scrapers used for the application, nothing epoxy touches will survive.

That’s not what is worse; none of that is able to be recycled either. The resin ruins it. It will be trash, long-lasting, slowly decomposing trash, forever on our planet.

Mimicking Natural Stones Is Not Easy

Much of the rush behind using Epoxy Countertops is that it’s possible, with creativity and handcraft, to mimic the appearance of stone countertops. However, achieving this kind of look is much like creating art.

Colours need to be combined to recreate veins and patterns found in stones.

Metallic powders can be added to help contrast. There is so much that can go wrong and come out in an unexpected way. But it doesn’t end on the chemistry of it all. Hand techniques must be used to add swirls, veins, and patterns. Some results are great, 

If It Goes Wrong…

There Are No Second Chances

That’s right, and there’s no fixing it, at least not in an easy way. Instead, it would be best if you scrapped what you’ve done, sand it down, and then try the same complicated, messy, and time-consuming process again. 

It Stains

Suppose everything went right, great. But it doesn’t mean it will remain great for long. Epoxy countertops get spill stains easily. In addition, liquids must be cleaned right away, even water. As a result, epoxy countertops are not a good choice for a busy kitchen. 

Inconsistent Quality

The result of installing epoxy countertops is always a surprise. And not only because it depends on how well the application was carried out. Some products are much better than others presenting less heat resistance and a more brittle surface.

Resin products are an affordable choice that can work, but we believe the disadvantages of epoxy countertops speak higher than what good they offer. 

How Are Epoxy Countertops Made?

DIY epoxy countertops are created by mixing a resin with a hardener. Both substances are sold in liquid form and become solid when mixed.

However, it hardens quickly, is tricky to work with, and is messy, which are the main disadvantages of epoxy countertops, as we’ll discuss more thoroughly below. However, once installed, a crystal-clear and glossy finish for your countertops unless you choose a textured epoxy product.

How Are Epoxy Countertops Made?

DIY epoxy countertops are created by mixing a resin with a hardener.

Both substances are sold in liquid form and become solid when mixed. However, it hardens quickly, is tricky to work with, and is messy, which are the main disadvantages of epoxy countertops, as we’ll discuss more thoroughly below.

However, once installed, a crystal-clear and glossy finish for your countertops unless you choose a textured epoxy product.

How Are Epoxy Countertops Normally Used?

Epoxy is primarily used for refinishing. It’s possible to apply a coat of this material on top of old and worn countertops to revitalise them. It is generally used on top of the following materials:

• Formica
• Laminate
• Ceramic
• Metal
• Wood
• Concrete

It won’t ever be used on top of natural stone countertops, like granite and marble, since those can be easily restored with repolishing. However, it’s also possible to create countertops fully made of epoxy, even though it’s less common.

The result is a solid surface countertop that, if created properly, can look nice for a very small price tag.

Moreover, it resists scratches pretty well, and although it won’t last decades like a stone countertop, it will endure for a few years.

How Are Epoxy Countertops Made?

You can’t buy it in slabs like quartz or laminate, and an epoxy countertop must be made in your kitchen. The process involves mixing the resin with a hardener while both are in a liquid state, the mixture must then be applied to the location, and it will solidify within a few minutes.

The idea behind pouring epoxy is self-levelling, which means you need to let it flow over the area where it’s supposed to solidify.

Although brave DIYers often tackle the endeavour, it’s also possible (and advisable) to hire a professional team to carry it out instead.

Epoxy Resin Application Tips:

The process involves careful preparation, mixing, and application of the epoxy resin across the countertops.

• Thoroughly clean the old countertop surface.
• Any debris that you leave on the surface gets sealed in place. It may then be visible or create an uneven surface.
• Protect cabinets and floors with plastic sheeting.
• As epoxy flows like honey, it can quickly run off the edges of the countertop onto the floor or into the sink! It’s common practice to add a piece of wood or barrier around the edge to keep the epoxy mixture from running to the ground.
• Start with a thin layer to create a seal.
• The epoxy resin and hardener are mixed in a container and then poured onto the countertop. Applying a thin first “seal” layer is called flooding and helps minimize the risk of bubbles.
• Epoxy hardens quickly after mixing the two substances.
• You typically have about 20 to 30 minutes before the liquid hardens. If air bubbles appear, it’s important to get them out immediately using a blow dryer or torch, causing the bubbles to heat and rise to the surface.
• Let epoxy resin harden before adding a second layer.
• The epoxy finish should be hard enough to add another layer within a few hours. After 24 hours of curing, you should have a nice, new epoxy finish on your countertops.

Pros And Cons Of Epoxy Countertops In Your Kitchen

There are several great reasons to consider applying an epoxy finish to your kitchen countertops. But the disadvantages of epoxy countertops should be seriously discussed before moving forward with your project to help avoid any kitchen remodelling mistakes.

Advantages Of Epoxy Countertops

Durable Resin Finish

When epoxy hardens, it creates a solid surface that should last for years. We love epoxy due to its long-lasting shine. Unlike varnishes and other coatings, you don’t need to reapply the material when it starts to dull continually.

The durable finish holds up well compared to other countertop materials and coatings. Cracking or damaging the epoxy surface is something that we rarely see.

High-Gloss Finish

If you like a super-shiny and glossy polished finish, you’ll love epoxy. You can’t get much glossier. It does wear down some in time, but you can maintain that high-gloss look with periodic applications of mineral oil.

Unlimited Design Potential

Epoxy is likely the most versatile countertop material when it comes to design possibilities. Essentially any colour or pattern you can dream of can be created.

Seamless

Epoxy is the only type of countertop that can offer a seamless surface for continuous colour and pattern.

Heat resistant

You can set a hot dish on the surface without instantly ruining your countertop. However, keep in mind that if you leave a heated baking dish or a hot coffee carafe on a layer of epoxy, it will eventually damage the surface.

Epoxy is heat resistant but not heatproof. It’s smart to use trivets for hot pots to protect epoxy counters or any type of kitchen countertop from heat damage. 

Nontoxic And Food Safe

Most epoxy products are considered non-toxic and food-safe for countertops once the epoxy resin is cured.

However, the chemicals you combine to create the hard surface usually contain some volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so proper ventilation is required during the application and for a few days after the VOCs evaporate. The epoxy brands that we trust strive to limit the presence of these harmful substances.

Easy To Clean

You can use almost any cleaning product on it without damaging the epoxy, ensuring that you have a safe place to prepare your foods. The nonporous surface is also resistant to mould and bacteria growth.

Privacy cleaner is very popular and highly recommended. Natural, non-toxic, and effective for cleaning all types of grease and grime.  

Disadvantages Of Epoxy Countertops

Challenging And Messy To Apply

One of the main disadvantages of epoxy countertops is the troublesome task of applying epoxy. Sure, you’ll see photos online of some stunning colours and designs made with epoxy countertop kits,

But it ain’t easy even for a fearless DIYer. Adding an epoxy finish to an existing countertop is messy and complicated, primarily if you’ve never worked with the material.

So it’s a good idea to practise first before tackling the first major project that you don’t want to mess up.

Epoxy requires even application to avoid creating a lumpy surface and air bubbles. If you’re not careful, you may end up needing to remove the epoxy and start over, wasting your time and material.

Also, most epoxies are “self-levelling”, which means they flow across the surface and over the edge. That’s how the epoxy becomes level. So, you’ll get lots of dripping off the countertop edges.

Time-Consuming To Apply

Besides being problematic, an epoxy application is also time-consuming and labour-intensive. It would be best if you took the time to thoroughly prep the surface. You may need to sand the countertops, remove surface stains, etc.

Also, you need to cover the entire interior of your house with plastic sheeting.

They  exaggerating a bit, but seriously, you do need to mask off with tape and plastic sheeting everything around the countertops (cabinets, floors, sink, cooktop, walls, backsplash), and even add boards around the countertop edges to catch the drips as the epoxy flows over the edges. Get the pre-taped plastic sheeting.

Makes it waaaaaay easier to apply and cover cabinets, walls, etc. Use heavier tarps for the floor to avoid tearing or tripping over the plastic. And be careful with the application to avoid defects or air bubbles.

The curing time may also take up to 24 hours. For these reasons, making DIY epoxy countertops isn’t a quick or easy process.

No Second Chances

Creating the colours and pattern of an epoxy countertop is done live on the fly. You’re winging it and hoping you like the results. Now that is both an advantage and a disadvantage of epoxy countertops.

On the one hand, you are creating an individual and unique piece of art. On the other hand, maybe you get a little too crafty, and the result looks like a kid just learning to colour.

Still art, but likely not as cool as you had envisioned. You can redo it, but that’s a lot more time, effort, money, and even more mess. Keep it simple with colours and designs if it’s your first time.

Inconsistent Quality

Another issue is the inconsistent quality of the materials.

Not all epoxy products offer the same results.

We’ve come across many inferior products that are either more brittle or less heat resistant compared to some of the recommended brands. You can detect the quality of the epoxy as soon as you start pouring. The less expensive epoxies are runny.

Quality epoxies are thick. With a less expensive epoxy, you get a thinner layer that may not hold up as well compared to the better products. Before using an epoxy finish, you should learn more about it. Read reviews, etc. 

Prone To Staining

While epoxy is durable, it does stain easily if spills are not adequately cleaned. Always clean food or drink spills immediately to reduce the risk of permanent stains.

Epoxy Countertop Design Options

Epoxy countertops do excel at providing some exciting design options. Any design, pattern, or colour you can imagine is possible. This is done by creating your design on the existing countertop material that you’ll be covering with epoxy or created within the epoxy resin itself.

Objects can be embedded within or under the resin. Some homeowners use epoxy resin to create countertop mosaics out of bottle caps, coins, or pieces of tile. 

In addition, backlighting can be used to make your countertop glow. Of course, we also like the look of a clear epoxy coating over a nice hardwood countertop. Covering wood countertops is one of the most popular uses of epoxy resin.

You can also add epoxy to almost any surface, helping to add shine to a worn laminate or Formica countertops. Epoxy coatings on stone countertops may help prevent the etching of limestone or marble, although other factors should be considered first.

Some manufacturers create specialty finishes that mimic marble or granite countertops, such as Stone Coat and Legare.

Or you can create natural stone patterns yourself.

Creating Your Own Epoxy Colours

The epoxy is a transparent substance and can be combined with a clear hardener.

You can also choose colours to recreate a stone pattern or other design effects. Various epoxy manufacturers allow customers to create their distinct epoxy finish by choosing different resin tints. This often starts with the selection of a base colour.

The base colour and an accent colour can be combined to help recreate the veins and patterns found in natural stone. Common base colours include white, silver, grey, green, red, and copper. You can then add a metallic powder to accent this base colour. Some manufacturers also offer glitters that can add dots of colour to your epoxy finish. 

These glitters work best when they complement the accent colour. If you want the look of granite or marble, choosing the colour combination is just half the battle. Special techniques need to be used to add the swirls, veins, and patterns found in real stone.

We recommend that you watch video tutorials on how to use these techniques before attempting them yourself. You could also try pouring the epoxy on a small sample board before trying it on your countertops.

This is done by creating your design on the existing countertop material that you’ll be covering with epoxy or created within the epoxy resin itself. Objects can be embedded within or under the resin.

For example, some homeowners use epoxy resin to create countertop mosaics out of bottle caps, coins, or pieces of tile. In addition, backlighting can be used to make your countertop glow.

Of course, we also like the look of a clear epoxy coating over a nice hardwood countertop. Covering wood countertops is one of the most popular uses of epoxy resin. You can also add epoxy to almost any surface, helping to add shine to a worn laminate or Formica countertops.

Epoxy coatings on stone countertops may help prevent the etching of limestone or marble, although other factors should be considered first. Some manufacturers create specialty finishes that mimic marble or granite countertops, such as Stone Coat and Legare.

Or you can create natural stone patterns yourself.

Creating Your Own Epoxy Colours

The epoxy is a transparent substance and can be combined with a clear hardener. You can also choose colours to recreate a stone pattern or other design effects. Various epoxy manufacturers allow customers to create their distinct epoxy finish by choosing different resin tints.

This often starts with the selection of a base colour. The base colour and an accent colour can be combined to help recreate the veins and patterns found in natural stone. Common base colours include white, silver, grey, green, red, and copper. You can then add a metallic powder to accent this base colour.

Some manufacturers also offer glitters that can add dots of colour to your epoxy finish. These glitters work best when they complement the accent colour. If you want the look of granite or marble, choosing the colour combination is just half the battle. Special techniques need to be used to add the swirls, veins, and patterns found in real stone.

We recommend that you watch video tutorials on how to use these techniques before attempting them yourself.

You could also try pouring the epoxy on a small sample board before trying it on your countertops. You also need to factor in the cost of labour, and then costs go up considerably. You may get charged $35 to $85 per hour of work, which may equal about one hour per square foot.

When you combine labour and material, you may spend between $25 to $100 per square foot to hire a professional to coat your kitchen countertops with epoxy. However, professionals can create some stunning epoxy countertop designs.

Doing it yourself can save you considerable money if you apply the epoxy correctly. However, if you end up needing to remove a layer due to air bubbles or improper preparation, the costs go up.

While the square footage of your countertops is the most significant factor in determining the cost, you also need to consider the thickness of the epoxy. If you plan to apply an extra thick layer, you may need to spend more on materials.

FAQs About Epoxy Countertops

What Do You Need To Make Faux Marble Countertops?

To create your faux marble countertops, you’ll need: the countertop (we got our 36″ deep, rounded edge countertop at the ReStore for $5!), a white primer for glossy surfaces (they used Valspar Contractor Primers/Bonding Primer), grey paint (mine was leftover latex paint, but you could use craft paint, too)

How To Use Epoxy To Make A Marble Countertop?

When the epoxy has been mixed for two minutes, you can pour it over your countertop. Next, spread the epoxy out with a trowel. Kind of like you would frost a cake.

The same type of motion. After the epoxy is spread evenly over your countertop, use a brush to chop out or break up any lines the trowel may have made.

What Kind Of Paint To Use On A Marble Countertop?

Start painting by dipping the sea sponge into the lightest grey paint and dabbing it to create the light/dark marble variations. Next, add the marble veins by dipping the tip of the feather into the darker grey paints and dragging and wiggling it across the countertop.

Water- or oil-based acrylic paints work well, as does two-part water-based epoxy paint. Textured spray paints can also be used to give your countertops a faux marble, stone, or granite finish. One can even use water- or oil-based latex house paint!

What Is The Best Countertop Material For Refinishing?

Although, interesting to note. Corian and cultured marble are resin-based countertop materials, and epoxy is considered a solid-surface countertop as well. It’s a popular choice for refinishing due to the durability of the epoxy resin.

Epoxy also can be used to refinish or protect existing surfaces. It works well with all kinds of composite and laminate countertops (including Formica) as well as with solid wood, concrete, or stone. If desired, you can even use epoxy to pour a complete new epoxy resin countertop.

How Much Does An Epoxy Countertop Cost?

When comparing the cost with other materials, such as marble countertops which start at about $45 per square foot, epoxy is much cheaper. Yet, it has an enormous degree of flexibility with its look!

This kitchen with epoxy resin presents a look similar to white quartz countertops. Cost is a top reason to consider using epoxy. Compared to most countertops, refinishing a surface with epoxy is incredibly cost-effective.

The least expensive products tend to cost about $3 per square foot. When using some of the better options, you may spend up to $7 or $8 per square foot.

Are epoxy floors a good idea?

Extremely safe – Epoxy is a very safe coating for your hard floors. It’s slip resistant, shock resistant, and less abrasive than concrete and other types of industrial flooring. It’s also water resistant, and will protect your floor from any spills, including harsh chemicals that would harm other types of floor.

What are the disadvantages of epoxy flooring?

Cons of Epoxy Flooring

• Strong Application Fumes. During the epoxy application process, wet epoxy gives off an unpleasant smell. …
• Long Curing Time. …
• Slippery When Wet. …
• Economical Flooring Choice. …
• Resistant to Damage. …
• Weather-withstanding. …
• Aesthetically Pleasing. …
• Protects and Decreases Wear & Tear.

How long do epoxy floors last?

10 to 20 years   Long-Lasting, Environmentally-Friendly Floors Epoxy floors typically last 10 to 20 years and can last even longer with the proper maintenance and touch-ups. When it finally comes time to replace your floor, there will be no need for removal, and no need to throw away your old flooring.