Can you use epoxy on granite countertops
Is It Possible to Use Epoxy Resin on Granite Countertops- A Shortcut to an Answer?
Yes, you can use epoxy resin on your granite countertops if you are using it in conjunction with a two-part professional epoxy system that qualifies as a high-quality epoxy resin. There are basically four uses for epoxy resin on your granite countertops. They are to:
– Repair cracks in granite countertops
– Fill in joints
– Seal the micro-pores of the granite
– Re-surface the entire countertop
When you do epoxy use properly, it will give you a long-lasting and durable, strong, and waterproof coating for any shape of granite countertop.
This guide will help you learn the proper procedures for applying epoxy resin to your granite countertops safely and correctly, and will provide you with information on the different application techniques you can use to achieve the desired results.
What is the Effectiveness of Using Epoxy Resin on Granite Countertops?
Two-part professional epoxy resin can be used both indoors and outside on granite countertops for repair and especially for maintenance. There are many different reasons why you may want to repair granite and use epoxy if you do decide to repair your granite.A two-component epoxy adhesive provides:
– excellent long-lasting performance
– user safety (safe and dependable)
– high bond strength
– low shrinkage
– superior resistance to water
These properties share the same qualities as all granite (hard, dense, and stable) due to the microporous, natural state of granite; many microscopically small cracks will form throughout the original thickness of granite as it is used over time and as the edges of granite chip off as a result of damage. The small openings in the surface of granite counters will hold and retain dirt and oil, which leads to staining, and contamination every time the product is used, with exception. Epoxy resin can be used professionally to adhere broken pieces, fill voids, and plug those pores so that epoxy creates a very strong surface on top of granite and adds years onto the life of the countertop.
When working with natural granite, professionals will use stone specific epoxies, like a 2 part epoxy adhesive. 1. Typical construction epoxy will not include UV inhibitors, and there will not be many, if any, epoxies that are intended specifically for use in stone; therefore, typical construction epoxies will change colour, flake, and develop a crust after a very short period of use. Typical construction epoxy adhesives will not have enough bond strength to adequately adhere to natural granite countertop material.
2. Applications of Epoxy Resins on Granite Countertops
2.1.Crack, Chip, and Minor Stone Fillers.
By using epoxy resin, any surface scratches or minor chips to a natural stone can be restored to their original shape. Once the resin has been applied and allowed to cure, the restored area of the stone will become an integral part of the entire stone and will visually create a flat surface. If the epoxy resin used is also tinted to match the colour of the stone, no trace of the repair job will be visible on the finished product, producing a magnificent look to the completed area.
Granite Joint Filling & Sealing
Granite naturally has a space between two slabs of granite, which allows for moisture build-up, dust build-up, dirt build-up, and/or mold-build-up over time. When a joint is filled with epoxy resin, the joint becomes watertight, thus preventing moisture from reaching the inside of the stone, breaking down the stone and allowing for a flat, smooth, and aesthetically appealing finish on the joints. This is often completed by the granite installation team.
Granite Countertop Reconditioning
An epoxy resin finish will give old surfaces the benefits of an extremely durable and high gloss finish, as well as hide any imperfections that exist on the surface of the stone, while at the same time providing the stone with waterproof properties and providing a resistance to scratches. There is an excellent chance that you can restore a countertop that needs to be replaced using epoxy resin.
Stabilising Loose Granite Joints
Granite joints can become loose due to heavy loads and a change in temperature. An epoxy resin bond creates a more solid bond between the joints and helps to increase the overall strength of the granite countertops and limit the likelihood of further damage to the granite countertops.Using Epoxy Resin to Enhance the Functionality of Granite Counters
Durable – The surface and texture created by an epoxy resin are extremely durable, and will withstand significant impacts and temperature fluctuations which can be commonly found in most kitchens. When properly maintained, an epoxy resin should last for five years or more despite normal use.
Waterproof, Stain Proof and Anti-Absorbent – Since the epoxy resin cures into a solid mass that completely fills in any microscopic surfaces/holes on the granite material there is no way for moisture or stains (ie oil, coffee, and/or gravy) to be absorbed into the granite, it will GREATLY reduce the amount of effort needed when removing stains and/or maintain the surface of the granite by simply washing it down with soap and water.
Uniformly Integrated – Since there are so many different colors/pigments available for use with epoxy, there are virtually an endless number of design options available that can complement the various types of patterns and/or colors in the finishes of granite. After the epoxy has cured, the surface will have a high-gloss and smooth texture that appears solid color-wise regardless of the type of color that was used, and it will have an effect that creates greater depth to the countertop surfaces that are constructed from granite.Affordable and Practical: Refinishing and repairing granite worktops is much cheaper than replacing them with new solid slab granite worktops and the refinished granite worktops will look the same as when they were new so there is a lot of value in the refinished granite worktops. Before applying epoxy resin as a construction material, there are some property limitations or issues to consider with the material. 1. Epoxy systems without an anti-UV (Ultraviolet) resin will suffer yellowing due to UV light which is not how you want to use epoxy on countertops, so per the standards of industry best practices always use a professionally made epoxy countertop resin for the entire procedure of applying epoxy to a countertop. 2. The waxes from the existing finish, the oils from food, the dirt and dust and the old finish on the countertop create not enough surface area for the epoxy resin to adhere to the countertop surface. As a result, the epoxy may not properly adhere to the surface of the countertop which would ultimately result in complete failure and delamination of the epoxy from the countertop. 3. If not enough epoxy is applied to the countertop surface and the coating has maximum coverage the coating must be professionally ground down to return the countertop to its original finish and polished. 4. Epoxy is able to withstand the everyday heat generated from cooking in a kitchen although with repeated exposure to a high heat source such as from a hot skillet, the physical structure of the epoxy will deteriorate through time. 5.Choosing the right epoxy resin for granite is critical. Granite relies on two different types of epoxy systems that each have their own unique characteristics and advantages. By evaluating the type of granite you will be working with, you will be able to figure out what epoxy will work best. The two types of epoxy available are:
Epoxy Stone Repair Specific Two Component (2C)(Two Packet) Epoxy: This is the epoxy that can be used to repair cracks, chips, and joints on granite in a local application. This epoxy has low shrinkage, excellent bond strength, and is available in an assortment of colours to match the natural stone colour.
100% Solid Content Epoxy Countertop Top Coat: This type of epoxy is 100% solids, solvent-free, UV resistant and will not change colour over time. This epoxy may be used to make new and fully covered epoxy surfaces as well as to renew granite countertops.
DO NOT use fast-dry, commonly used epoxy, general-purpose construction adhesive (a.k.a. glue) or economical, clear epoxy products because these products typically have a short service life and suffer from poor adhesion, yellowing and peeling.
Application of Epoxy to granite countertop construction Step 1: Prepare the base surface (this is an area that is critical to the following steps in building granite countertops).Before installing the granite, the base surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned (all old wax, oil, dirt, and old sealers have been removed from the surface); previously repaired areas must be lightly scuffed for maximum bonding; granite surfaces need to be clean and free of dust or contaminants to ensure they are completely dry.
Mix the epoxy resin.
Never change the manufacturer’s mixing ratio, mix thoroughly; this will help prevent air from being introduced into the epoxy and you need to check the colour of your substrate, and if necessary, add colourant pigment to your epoxy.
Application/leveling.
Repairing areas – fill any cracks or gaps with filler and immediately remove any excess.
Applying a complete surface – pour a uniform amount of epoxy across your entire surface, trowel the epoxy out evenly with a trowel and use foam rollers to remove all surface bubbles.
Curing/polishing.
Cure the epoxy in a controlled (preferably between 20C – 25C) and clean, draft-free area, allow the epoxy to cure per manufacturer’s recommendations 24 to 72 hours.
Helpful hints for successful epoxy used on granite countertop repairs.
While applying epoxy, keep the ambient air temperature between 20C – 25C. This will allow for proper cure and set of the epoxy.
Avoid working in humid or dusty conditions and always use food-safe epoxy resins when coating your countertops.
To decrease the chance of damaging the epoxy with high heat, always use heat insulating pads under very hot cookware.
To extend the life of your epoxy coating, clean the coating every day with a neutral (or pH balanced) cleaning product.
In summary, epoxy resins represent an extremely safe, cost effective, durable, and easy-to-use material that can be used to repair, seal or renovate granite countertops. By utilizing proper surface preparation procedures and standardizing when applying epoxy, you can achieve a very strong, durable, visually attractive, as well as waterproof, protective coating. Additionally, epoxy can also be used to upgrade/renovate existing granite countertops made with resin.
