EPOXY OVER LAMINATE COUNTERTOP

One of the most common questions that we get from our customers is just what surface they can cover with epoxy. The answer is virtually any surface can be covered! However, there will be preparation involved for porous surfaces. Below, we have categorized a list of the substrates that don’t require prep, porous surfaces that require preparation, and those few surfaces that cannot be covered with epoxy.

The surfaces that you can directly apply your flood coat of epoxy to include:

• Ceramic
• Porcelain
• MDF Board
• Formica
• Laminate
• Formica
• Tile
• Glass
• Metal

Damage, stains, or discoloration on your laminate countertop can ruin the appearance of your kitchen, but this doesn’t mean you have to replace the laminate. Epoxy over laminate countertops offers homeowners an inexpensive way to make laminate countertops look new again and when applied properly, epoxy coatings create a finish that is durable and attractive. You can even choose among different countertop epoxy colors to match your decor.

Paint laminate countertops with epoxy can be a cost-effective alternative to replacing them with natural stone. With just a few steps and some patience, you can achieve a stunning and durable look. 

Let's take a look at the steps involved when applying epoxy over laminate countertop:

Step one: Sink removal

In order to apply epoxy over laminate countertops, the sink will need to be removed. Removing a sink involves unhooking the water lines and the drain lines from the sink, removing the silicone caulk from around the sink, and removing the hardware that attaches the sink to the countertop. After this, the sink can easily be lifted from the countertop.

Step two: Protect cabinetry and flooring

The epoxy used to transform a countertop can be messy; therefore, the cabinetry and flooring, and countertops must be protected. A roll of three-mil plastic and painter's tape is used to prevent the epoxy from getting on the floors or cabinets. In addition to this, rosin paper is used to protect the feet and prevent slips and falls during the installation process.

Step three: Prep the countertop for Epoxy application

Properly preparing laminate countertops is key to ensuring the epoxy adequately bonds to the countertop surface.

Step four: Mix the epoxy

Step five: apply the epoxy to the laminate countertop

Step six: Torch the countertop

A small propane torch or a heat gun is used to remove air bubbles from the epoxy.

Step seven: Curing the Epoxy Countertop

Step Eight: Reinstall the sink

Step Nine: Caulk the Epoxy Countertops

Two different types of caulks will be used. Silicone caulk will be used to caulk the area where the countertop meets the backsplash. In addition to this, latex caulk will be used where the backsplash meets the wall.

Step ten: Clean Up 

The last step of the process is to clean up the area. The painter's tape and the plastic sheeting will be removed from the cabinetry. The rosin paper will be removed from the floor. Once they have been removed, the floor will be swept and mopped.

If you want to update your countertops but are on a budget, epoxy over laminate countertops may be the answer. These durable countertops will provide you with many years of enjoyment.

Please contact us for further information.