How to Apply Epoxy Over Laminate Countertops

PREPARATION

Before starting your project, it's essential to properly prepare the work area to prevent any potential problems. First, remove any fixtures, such as the sink. Check that the shut-off valves are functioning by testing both the hot and cold water. Once confirmed, detach the sink from the countertop by removing the hardware and silicone that hold it in place. Keep all the hardware safe for reinstallation after the epoxy laminate countertops are complete.

Before working with epoxy, ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area. If you don't have sufficient ventilation, a respirator mask must be worn. Also, make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear. Prioritize safety at all times!

PROTECT YOUR CABINETS

We recommend using 3 things to cover your space:

• 3 mil plastic
• Masking paper
• Masonite board

To protect your lower cabinets from epoxy drips, cover them with 3 mil plastic sheeting. It's also crucial to shield your flooring to prevent any messy spills. To effectively cover your floors, use masking paper combined with tape and Masonite boards to secure it in place. This approach ensures thorough protection and minimizes the cleanup afterward.

Preparation is key, especially if you plan to remove existing backsplash. Removing backsplash can generate dust that compromises the adhesive quality of the tape. By taping and covering all areas beforehand, you ensure a smoother workflow and avoid any unnecessary cleaning challenges caused by dust interference.

Backsplash Removal (if applicable)

If you need to remove coved backsplash for your DIY countertop project, you have several tool options. These include a reciprocating saw, a multi-tool, and a jamb saw. Among these, the jamb saw is the most effective choice, which is why we recommend using it along with a multi-tool for best results.

Begin by adjusting the cutting depth of your jamb saw to match the thickness of your backsplash to ensure a clean cut. Use the jamb saw to remove all the coved backsplash. After the majority of the backsplash is removed, switch to a multi-tool to precisely finish the inside 90-degree cuts, allowing for a neat and smooth edge.

Following the removal, you should install a backer rod into the newly created gap to prevent any substances from seeping under the countertop. Choose a backer rod that matches the thickness of the gap. Carefully insert the rod using your fingers or gently tap it into place with a small pry bar, ensuring it fits snugly and securely. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity and appearance of your countertop installation.

Fill in the gaps and cracks with polyester putty

For this step, you will mix polyester putty and its hardener in small batches. Use this mixture to fill the gap created by the removal of the backsplash, where the backer rod is now placed. Start by thoroughly mixing the polyester putty and hardener until you achieve a uniform color. Apply the mixture using a flexible spreader, making sure to fill any cracks, voids, and pits along the front edge and surface of the countertop.

Next, begin sanding the putty using 60-grit sandpaper to remove excess material. Before starting, ensure you're wearing a respirator, ear protection, and eye protection. Sand down the putty until it is flush with the surface of the countertop. Continue to sand the entire surface with the same 60-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish.

Clean with an All-Purpose Degreaser

Thoroughly clean the entire countertop using an all-purpose degreaser to eliminate any grease and grime. This ensures a clean surface for the next steps. Once the countertop is clean, prepare to apply a bonding primer.

Before applying the primer, sand the surface one more time to create a strong mechanical bond. After sanding, remove any dust generated and wipe down the surrounding plastic to minimize debris. This preparation is essential for a successful application of the bonding primer.

Apply Bonding Primer

Apply a thin layer of bonding primer to the sanded and clean countertops. Allow to dry for 4 to 6 hours.

Sand the initial layer of bonding primer to create a smooth base. Carefully remove all the dust before proceeding. Next, apply two coats of a combined paint and primer product. Since we're using a lighter base color, we chose gray for our paint and primer. Apply each layer separately and allow sufficient drying time between coats to ensure the best finish.

Build your backsplash (if needed)

Measure to determine how much backsplash you need to create. You’ll want to build your new backsplash tall enough to cover any previous paint lines for a clean installation. Next, cut and router your backsplash. We use MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and a ⅛-inch router bit for our backsplash.

Apply bonding primer and two coats of paint and primer in one. Sand between coats with 220-grit sandpaper and let the paint fully dry before applying the epoxy.

Organize Your Workspace

Gather all your supplies (epoxy, mixing supplies, epoxy additives, personal protection) and lay them out the backsplash so that it can be easily coated with epoxy.

Mix and Pour Your Epoxy

Mix Stone Coat Countertops Epoxy Art Coat with a mixing drill attachment. You will need 3 ounces of mixed epoxy per square foot of your project. Use our Epoxy Calculator so you know how much product you'll need in total. When you go to add your Alumilite White dye, start out with a little and adjust accordingly.

Mix this for two minutes and make sure you scrape the sides and bottom of your container while mixing slowly to pull in any epoxy sticking to them. Then mix at a slightly faster speed to thoroughly incorporate everything.

When you’re working on larger projects, it’s okay to combine your epoxy in batches. For this project, we mix two quarts at a time, pour and spread out that section, and then chop any seam lines we see with a brush.

Next, pour out the mixture in the center of your project’s surface. Evenly spread the epoxy with a 1/8-inch by 1/8-inch square notch trowel.

Pro tip: use a paper towel to wipe down your gloves while you pour epoxy so that you don’t get epoxy on your tools.

Chop the Top

Be sure to pull out any loose bristles from the chop brushes, otherwise they make sneak out later onto your counter. Prime your brush and use the heel of it to “chop” or dab the wet epoxy in a random pattern. The process of chopping breaks any surface tension and allows the epoxy to flow evenly into all areas. Trowel and chop the backsplash and use your brush to even out the epoxy and any edges where it has dripped.

Torch & Mist

First, use a propane torch to help remove any air bubbles introduced during the mixing and pouring of the epoxy.

Now it’s time to add color to your DIY countertops! Start with a mixture of 91% isopropyl alcohol and Stone Coat Countertops Silver Metallic Pigment Powder in a spray bottle. Typically, we use a ratio of half a bag of pigment powder to 8 ounces of alcohol. This mixture creates a vein-like appearance, similar to those found in natural stone.

Next, apply a spray of isopropyl alcohol mixed with Stone Coat Countertops Gold Metallic Pigment Powder. It’s common for surface tension to occur with these mixtures, but you can easily break it by gently touching the surface with a gloved finger, helping the mixture to level out.

Continue by adding a layer of black spray paint combined with isopropyl alcohol and Stone Coat Countertops Pearl Metallic Pigment Powder. You can apply the black spray paint generously to ensure it adheres well and contributes to the depth and complexity of the countertop’s pattern.

Highlight random areas with Antique Brass Rust-oleum and finish by sprinkling Stone Coat Countertops Diamond Dust Metallic Pigment Powder over the top for a beautiful and dimensional effect.

Finally, remember that the colors mentioned here are just a few of the many options available. Feel free to experiment with different colors and techniques to achieve the desired look for your custom countertop.

Let it all dry for 24 hours until fully cured and then lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper. This will help make the bond with the next layer stronger.

Plastic Bag Technique to Create the Appearance of Natural Granite

To create realistic, hard lines similar to those found in granite, start by applying spray paint to a crumpled plastic bag. Use this bag to tap the paint onto your project in random patterns. Begin with black and white paint, and then incorporate some Antique Brass for additional depth. Feel free to layer these colors according to your preference.

If you need to adjust or blend the colors more naturally, use the same crumpled plastic bag technique but with some acetone. Apply the acetone to areas where you want to remove excess paint or soften the effect, helping the colors to blend seamlessly.

Apply Final Epoxy Layer

Next, we'll apply a final layer of epoxy. Calculate the amount needed by using 3 ounces of epoxy per square foot of surface area. Spread the epoxy evenly using a square-notch trowel. After spreading, use a nylon brush to chop the epoxy for a more uniform texture. Then, pass a propane torch over the surface to pop bubbles.

Once you've applied this final coat of clear epoxy, use a chop brush along the edges to prevent and minimize any runs or drips.

This color application technique is suitable for both the countertop and backsplash surfaces. Using the same method on both areas will ensure they match and create a cohesive look.

Scrape the Drips

Before you scrape any of the epoxy drips, give the epoxy time to gel first. We recommend around 3 to 4 hours. Once the epoxy has gelled, use a trowel to remove the drips. If you find any debris, such as bugs or bristles from a chop brush, embedded in the curing epoxy, an old toothbrush can be an effective tool for removing them. This simple technique is a simple, but effective, solution!

Backsplash Drip Removal

Whether you've crafted a new backsplash or are updating an existing one, it’s important to sand down any cured resin drips for a precise fit against the wall. If you've created the backsplash yourself, consider using a table saw to trim a ⅛-inch section from the bottom. This creates a flat edge, ensuring the backsplash sits flush and perfectly aligned on the countertops.

Clean Up & Enjoy

If you made your own backsplash, now is the time to install it. Otherwise, peel the tape and remove the plastic protecting your cabinetry. Lastly, sweep and vacuum the floor and you’re free to enjoy your new DIY countertops!

Care and Maintenance

To keep your new DIY countertops looking their best, clean regularly with a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap (avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners). Keep a set of epoxy polishing compound and cleaner on hand to repair any microscratches that may occur over time with heavy use. Not only will it repair the scratches, it makes your counters dazzle like they were just installed!

We hope you enjoy the new custom counters that you created with your own hands!