We spend most of our time indoors, so we must focus on the interior for a good living. A comfortable, calming, and inspiring environment can make lives much better. When it comes to interior design, a mix of modern trends and contemporary styles is what we need to refashion our spaces. But budget is always a concern, so what is the solution?

Interiors may include aesthetics, furniture, wall designs, architecture, accessories, and much more. It can be replaced whenever you like, however, there are a few things that are a lifetime investment. One major example is the kitchen and bathroom countertops that can completely revolutionize the interior looks.

So, if you are planning to renovate your kitchen or bathroom, you must keep in mind the new interior design trends. Epoxy countertops are becoming popular due to their appealing look, easy installation, and affordable cost. Below is a comprehensive guide about epoxy countertops to help you make the best decision.

An Insight into Epoxy Countertops

When you have to select material for your countertops, there are different choices available including marble, granite, laminate, or quartz. These are not only expensive but involve a complicated installation procedure. So, what’s the alternative to revamping your home without spending extravagantly? You may hunt for epoxy countertops that will help you refinish the existing material and give a new look to your interior. The best way is to cover tattered concrete, wood material, ceramic countertop or laminate with an epoxy countertop for a glossy finish. It will safeguard the surface from further wearing out and will be a long-term investment.

How to Create Epoxy Countertops?

Epoxy is a combination of resin and hardener that is easily available in the market. Epoxy countertops come with user instructions, which you may have to follow when applying. As a custom, you will have to start by applying a thin epoxy layer as a base, and then proceed towards the thicker coats. While epoxy is ideal for revamping countertops, you can also use it to refinish your walls and floors. If you love DIY house revamping, then it will be your ultimate favorite. However, the product solidifies quickly and may create a mess.

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How to Create Your Epoxy Colors?

Although epoxy is a transparent material and can be perfectly combined with a clear hardener. However, if you want to be creative, you have the option to create stone patterns or different designs. You may combine various resin colors and acrylic paints for this purpose. Some of the most commonly used epoxy colors are silver, white, copper, red, green, gray, and metallic colors. You can also embellish it with metallic glitters for added prettification. Moreover, you can also create a granite or marble-like look, by creating swirls, lines, or patterns.

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How Much Does Epoxy Countertops Cost?

While quality is a major aspect to consider, we cannot underestimate the importance of cost. For countertops, epoxy is the most affordable choice. If you want to have an estimate then the material price would range between $100 - $350 and labor would cost $45 - $140 per sq. ft. However, the total cost of the project will mainly depend on the quality grade, surface area, and thickness. If you have a small-sized kitchen or bathroom with 100 sq. ft. max will cost you something less than $4500, while a huge kitchen or bathroom covering more than 200 sq. ft. may cost around $3000 - $9000.

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What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Epoxy in Home Renovation?

Now that you know the value of epoxy countertops in this fashion-forward era, you must be knowledgeable of epoxy countertops' pros and cons. It will rightly guide your decision.

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Pros of Epoxy Countertops

Versatility

Epoxy countertops featuring resin as their main ingredient are highly durable and best for revamping interior spaces. You will not have to worry about scratches, stains, or damage as it can easily withstand harsh chemicals and cleaning products. So, it’s value for money.

Durable

The epoxy countertops are damp proof so they will last for a lifetime.

Best Sealing Properties

Epoxy has extraordinary sealing properties and is ideal for resurfacing concrete countertops. When the liquid seeps into the concrete pores, it makes it hard and stain-resistant.

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Glossy Finish

Who would not love shiny and polished surfaces that will elevate your interior looks? So, if you have the same expectations, then epoxy countertops will never disappoint you. Materials wear down with time, so you may consider applying a mineral oil coat for a durable finish.

Creative Designs

Making epoxy countertops can be a DIY project, and will allow you to try your creativity. If you are planning to redesign your kitchen, toilets, or other spaces, you are free to create any design or pattern that matches your interiors. You may even create a marble or granite look without spending a heavy budget.

Heat-Resistant

If you are concerned about epoxy resin countertops' pros and cons, then you would be amazed to find out that it is heat-resistant. So, if you plan to revamp your kitchen counters, epoxy countertops will last a lifetime.

Non-Toxic

For a healthy living, everyone wants to be safe from toxic materials. Another great reason to choose an epoxy countertop is its non-toxic properties, making it food-safe. So, you can prepare your favorite cuisine in the kitchen without having to worry about hazards.

Easy to Clean

The epoxy countertops are convenient to clean as they have smooth and glossy surfaces. And the non-penetrable surface will never allow mold or bacterial growth.

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Cons of Epoxy Countertops

Not the Best Refinishing Material for Marble or Granite

Though epoxy can be used to revamp marble and granite surfaces, you may find better alternatives in the market.

Emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Though epoxy is a food-safe material, the chemicals that create the tough surface emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). So, when using epoxy, you must create proper ventilation that will allow escaping of VOCs. You should not use the new epoxy countertop for about 7 to 8 days allowing the pollutants to escape.

Only Experts Can Create Designs

Though you can be creative and experiment with different designs for epoxy countertops, it's an expert’s job. Novices may end up creating bumpy surfaces and fail to professionally level the surfaces. So, you will have to hire an expert to create appealing epoxy countertops.

Time-consuming Task

While epoxy countertop installation may seem easy, you must know that it involves a lot of preparation time. You need to prepare the base before you apply the resurfacing material to the countertops. Moreover, you may have to cover your other interior surfaces with plastic to secure them from any damage. Though epoxy sets quickly on surfaces, however, you will have to wait for 24 to 48 hours to see the results. So, if you are working on your bathroom or kitchen countertops, you may not be able to use them for a few days.

No Experiments

If you are experimenting with epoxy countertops, then you must know that you cannot take any chances. You need to have expertise to create designs with epoxy. Otherwise, you might need more resources.

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Takeaway

It is always a good idea to upgrade and maintain your living spaces, however, cost is a major factor to consider. Epoxy is a standard and affordable option to renovate interior surfaces, however, it depends on everyone’s preferences. You may consider epoxy countertops' pros and cons to make the best decision. Conversely, you may find other alternatives in the market such as quartz, Caesar stone quartz, phenolic resin, and many others. The best approach is to explore the specifics of each option before planning your home renovation project.