Installing Countertop Epoxy
Important Note
Wipe all surfaces down with a clean dry cloth and remove all debris such as dust from the surface. If the solution will be applied to stainless steel, formica, copper or laminate you can go on to Step #1 skipping the Seal Coat step below. If your surface is copper based, apply an oil based polyurethane sealer first before applying the Epoxy. As stated earlier, you should do a small scale application to test the reaction between the Epoxy and your surface. If you are applying Epoxy on top of a wood, cork, concrete, granite or tile surface you absolutely MUST follow the seal instructions below. Failure to do so will result in a bubbly surface that will leave permanent negative impressions on your Countertop Epoxy.
Sealcoat Information
Make sure that any previous finishes are completely dry before going on with installation. Any spots of moisture can and will leave fisheye bubbles or other solution curing problems. If your surface has a previous stain or oil based coating, you must apply 2-3 coats of oil based polyurethane before coating with a seal coat. Epoxy does not bind with oil based surfaces. Our Epoxy solution is installed in two stages, first and foremost is known as the seal coat. It is a small batch of Epoxy that is brushed on with in a thin layer to seal any crevices in the surface and prevent air bubbles from appearing in the following coat. The second stage is known as the flood coat. Both stages use our Epoxy solution. For both the Seal and Flood coats the ratio of mixture is 50/50. For the Seal coat mix a small portion of Epoxy, about 16oz. of both resin and hardener for a few minutes and stir well by hand. Follow by using a paintbrush to apply to the surface. Epoxy cures rapidly in the container so it is highly important that you apply the seal coat quickly. Once the Seal Coat is applied wait 4-6 hours before you apply the flood coat. Don’t wait over 10 hours to apply the Flood Coat because you will be at risk of not binding the two coatings perfectly.
Make sure you mask off the area you are working on. Painters plastic with painters tape is ideal as using a substitute like cardboard will allow the epoxy to bleed through the cracks and crevices into unwanted areas. Epoxy is extremely durable once it is cured, so removing unwanted Epoxy will be difficult. Save yourself the trouble and mask off areas well.
If the surface you are coating is refrigerated or cold by nature, make sure you find a way to heat the surface to room temperature before proceeding with your epoxy install as the cold surface will compromise the Epoxy binding process.
- Flood cats are typically a single coat of countertops and tables. They are applied in 1⁄8” coats at a time and can be reapplied as many times as desired as long as there is a 4-6 hour drying interval in between coatings. If drying interval exceeds 10 hours, a light sand is required followed by a cleaning with denatured alcohol before the next coat can be applied.
- Make sure the area you are applying Epoxy in is above 75 degrees a few hours before mixing the epoxy. It is critical for proper curing that during the curing process the temperature stays above 75 degrees.
- We urge you to heat up the container containing Resin (DO NOT heat Hardener) with warm/hot water for a few minutes. This will cause the Epoxy to mix easier. However, heating up the resin prior to mixing causes the Epoxy to harden quicker. Pour the entire solution onto your surface following mixing.
- Batches are not meant to be mixed simultaneously. Mix one batch at a time as the epoxy will begin to harden immediately in the container. Mix a single batch, pour it and level it. Afterwards you have 20 minutes to pour the next batch, continuing the smooth seamless surface you are creating.
- Stirring by hand is an acceptable method to use. We recommend a mixing drill as it will blend the solution much better. Mixing is highly important, improperly mixed Epoxy will not cure the way it should and will result in a surface that is sticky and not aesthetically pleasing. Mix the solution for 2 minutes when using a drill, avoiding mixing at too high of speed (this avoids making bubbles in the Epoxy). Make sure to evenly mix the container, moving the drill all around to ensure all material is being mixed. After two minutes of mixing, use a stir stick to scrape Epoxy from the bottom and sides of the container to make sure all material is mixed. Mix the resulting solution for an additional two minutes. Pour the solution immediately after mixing is complete.
- Countertop Epoxy coating levels off at about 1⁄8” inch think. Additional coatings can be applied if a thicker Epoxy level is desired. It is necessary to wait at least 4 hours and a maximum of 10 hours before applying an additional coating. The most effective way to install Epoxy is to begin pouring on one end, going left to right (or vice versa) working your way to the opposite end. Pouring slowly with control of the container is the key to a successful pour. Any areas that were missed can be compensated by pouring more Epoxy in that area.
Bar Rails
Install the bar rail first and seal the rail with a small bead of Elmer’s Glue or Latex Caulk to keep
air bubbles from emerging during the Epoxy coat. Do not use glues containing silicone to secure the bar rail, Epoxy does not stick to silicone. It is recommended that you coat the bar rail with a polyurethane instead of Epoxy, polyurethane is much easier to work around the bar rail as it has a smaller thickness than Epoxy.
Edges
To create coatings on edges, Epoxy can be allowed to run off the edges slowly. Instead of forming icicles like other coatings, Epoxy forms 1⁄2” under the bar rail. If unwanted these drips can be removed by sanding after curing.
Once Epoxy is poured and air bubbles are visible, you will need to remove them using a heat source. We recommend using propane torch or heat gun. When using the heat source, keep the source a few inches from the surface of the Epoxy to ensure that the Epoxy does not burn. This is a quick process and should take no longer than a minute or two. After the first heating, wait 5-10 minutes and check again for bubbles. Repeat the process as needed, however don’t use a heat source if the Epoxy has been curing for 20 minutes or longer as it can cause permanent waves or ripples.
For best results on your Countertop Epoxy, use coasters when placing extremely hot items on it. The initial months following application are critical as most 99% of the Epoxy is cured but has not developed full heat protection. Epoxy should not be treated like stone with heat. Place heated objects with caution.
Clean Up
Tools used for application, such as the drill bit or stir sticks can be reused without cleaning. Wet Epoxy cleans off of hands with acetone, floors or other surfaces can be cleaned with acetone but should be cleaned with caution as the acetone may affect your surface.
Maintenance
To clean your Epoxy finish do not use abrasive chemicals. Instead, use warm soapy water with a soft cloth.
