Exotic Pour Over Kitchen Countertops

Step #2: Removing the Backsplash

Using a jamb saw, gently remove the backsplash. If you don’t have a jamb saw, you can also use an oscillating multi-tool.

Step #3: Sand for a Mechanical Bond

Create a mechanical bond on your smooth surface existing countertop by 1st sanding with 60 grit on a random orbital sander.

Step #4: Wiping the Dust

Wipe the dust then clean your project with TSP (trisodium phosphate) to remove all the dirt, grime, and grease before applying bonding primer.

Step #5: Adding Backer Rod

Using backer rod, cut to size and fill in the gap made by removing the backsplash.

Step #6: Mixing Bondo

Using Bondo, spread an amount you can comfortably use and spread within a 3-4 minute time frame, then squeeze roughly a 2-3 inch strip of the hardener onto the Bondo and mix thoroughly

Step #7: Filling Gaps with Bondo

Using a Bondo spreader, spread Bondo over the gap in which you inserted backing rod to promote a smooth transition from countertops to wall.

Step #8: Creating Rockface Edge

Scoop up Mixed Bondo into a gloved hand and pat onto the edge of the counters to create a rough rock like texture.

Step #9: Smoothing Out the Rockface Edge

Using an orbital sander, sand the edges of the rock face until there are no high points and it is smooth to the touch while still maintaining a rock texture.

Step #10: Bonding Primer

Apply a thin layer of bonding primer and then wipe the dust once dry.

Step #11: Applying Epoxy Undercoat

Apply a thin layer of Stone Coat Countertops Black Epoxy Undercoat.

Step #12: Building Substrate

Using a piece of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), cut to size for your project, create a drop edge but cutting another strip of MDF the length of your counter. Apply wood glue to for a tight bond, and use 1 ¼ inch 23 gauge pin nails to hold the MDF in place while it dries.

Step #13: Matching the Rockface Edge

Smooth out the hard edges of the MDF with a bondo spreader, then mix Bondo and the Hardener as stated prior. Pat it onto the edges of the substrate to mimic rock.

Step #14: Finishing your Substrate

Sand the high points smooth along the edges, apply a thin layer of Stone Coat Epoxy Undercoat to complete your substrate.

Step #15: Prepping for Epoxy Pour

Sand with 220 grit and then wipe the dust to create a mechanical bond with epoxy.

Step #16: Mixing Epoxy

Mix up 3 ounces of Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy per square foot of countertop. Measure at a 1:1 ratio and mix for 2 minutes with a drill and paddle mixer.

Step #17: Tinting Epoxy

Pour epoxy into as many separate cups as you have colors for your recipe, then add colors to each individual cup. Tint the epoxy with your desired spray paint, metallic powder, or liquid epoxy dye colors. Pour roughly one scoop for metallic powders, 1 to 2 short squeezes of liquid dyes, and 2-3 seconds for spray paints into your cups.

Step #18: Mixing Tinted Epoxy

Mix all epoxy with a mixing stick until there is an even consistency throughout each cups, and avoiding any dry clumps in the metallic powders.

Step #19: Creating an Exotic Pour Bucket

Randomly pour in each individual color back into your original bucket, in between colors try to mix in cups that are tinted with spray paint to promote celling. Do not mix this bucket once colors are poured in as this will dilute the effect of your exotic pour.

Step #20: Wash Coat

Pour out your black tinted epoxy onto the countertops and spread with a mixing stick or a gloved hand until the surface is covered.

Step #21: Pouring Your Exotic Bucket

Pour out you Exotic Pour Bucket onto the countertops and watch as the epoxy magic takes effect!

Step #22: Getting Hard to Reach Places

Use a drywall knife to pour epoxy onto the hard to reach places near the wall. Slowly pour the bucket near the tape edge to fill in the gaps.

Step #23: Adding Final Effects

With remaining epoxy pour onto countertops for desired look and to enhance the natural look and mimic sediment.

Step #24: Removing Bubbles

Use a torch or heat gun to remove any bubbles as well as to further meld your epoxy effects. In a sweeping motion approximately 2-3” from the surface, without spending more than a few seconds on a single spot, remove bubbles from freshly poured epoxy.

Step #25: Clear Coat

Mix up clear Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy at a 1:1 ratio. Measure 3 ounces of epoxy per square foot of countertop. Mix for 2 minutes with a paddle mixer and drill. Pour the clear epoxy on the center of the countertop, use a 1/8'' notch trowel to evenly spread the clear epoxy. Use our Chop Brush and with the heel of the brush randomly chop the top to remove trowel lines and mix one more time. Use a propane torch to remove air from the epoxy. Torch in a sweeping motion 2-3'' from the surface. Torch at least 3 times.

Step #26: Prepping for Top Coat

Using 220 grit, remove any highpoints and imperfections in your clear coat.

For the rockface edges use a sanding pad.

Step #27: Wiping the Dust

Using a sponge and water, wipe the dust clean and allow to dry, to ensure a good bond with the topcoat.

Step #28-A: Top Coat

We recommend for Ultimate scratch resistance and for the best natural sheen, mix and apply Stone Coat Ultimate Top Coat. Fast application and dry time. Mix at a 2:1 ratio by volume and add a cap full of water, mix thoroughly with a slow speed drill and paddle mixer for 2-3 minutes. Pour mixed Ultimate Top Coat in a paint tray. Only mix enough top coat that can be applied in 15 minutes

Step #28-B: De-shed

De-shed two paint rollers. One will be used to apply the top coat wet, and the second will be used to dry roll the top coat. Saturate a paint roller with top coat and back roll excess off in paint tray. Apply to the center of the countertop and roll top coat thin and even. Don't forget the edges

Step #28-C: Dry roll

Dry roll the top coat to remove lap lines from roller. Only a thin coat is necessary. Apply and dry roll the top coat in 8 foot sections at a time. Avoid over rolling to keep excess bubbles Stone Coat Countertops Ultimate Top Coat will be dry to the touch in 8 hours and ready for countertop use in 24 hours! This top coat will keep your project looking natural and is extremely scratch resistant leaving your project looking like the day your poured for many years to come!

Step #29: Enjoy your New Countertops

You have now officially renewed, re-stored, and mimicked exotic stone! Clean your renewed countertops with any non-abrasive cleaners designed for countertops. Enjoy!