How to Epoxy Countertops in 8 Steps

Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is usually expensive, but what if there was a way to make a dramatic upgrade for just a few hundreds of dollars? DIY epoxy countertops may be the answer. As long as you can follow the directions below, you can learn how to epoxy countertops and level up your home.

Why Install Epoxy Countertops?

Epoxy countertops look great and are a budget-friendly option. They are non-porous, heat resistant, and durable. Best of all, you can install epoxy on top of your existing countertop, which will save you a ton of money. There are DIY kits for almost any surface type, including laminate, wood, stone aggregate, metals, ceramic, and concrete.

How to Prep for Epoxy Countertop Installation

When preparing for epoxy countertop installation, you should learn about the necessary safety precautions. Although there are different product options available, some of which are low-VOC, working with epoxy requires proper safety measures because it releases fumes.

During installation, you should wear goggles, gloves, and a mask. In most cases, you will not have much ventilation during installation, so use a cartridge mask to protect your lungs. Also, if you have respiratory issues, skip this DIY project and hand it off to a pro. Keep children and pets out of the area until the curing period is over.

How to Install Epoxy Countertops

Here are the eight steps you need to follow to install epoxy countertops.

1. Clean the Countertop

First, do a deep clean of your countertop. This includes removing any chemicals, wax, grease, or oil from the surface. Depending on what is on the counters, you may need to use solvents or acetone.

2. Prepare the Countertop

The countertop should be level and damage-free before you move on to the next step. You should fix any cracks with all-purpose body filler, and sand down any bumps. You do not have to worry about small scratches. It is just important to fix anything significant that might prevent the self-leveling epoxy from spreading evenly.

Also, if there is caulk on the countertop or backsplash, you need to remove it. Use a box cutter to cut into the caulk, and then peel it off. Afterward, wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol.

If you are installing epoxy on top of a tile counter, you will need to fill in the grout lines and seal them to make a level surface.

3. Sand It Down

Use a handheld angle grinder and #400 sandpaper to sand the countertop. Once finished, wipe the surface with water and let it dry. Thoroughly cleaning all debris and dust off the surface is important, since anything left on the counter will get trapped in the epoxy.

4. Tape and Tarp

Next, you need to tape and tarp the whole area. Cover the sides of your cabinetry, appliances, sinks, and fixtures. Tape the countertop edges and double-tape the backsplash and walls. Be mindful that, after you pour the self-leveling epoxy onto the counter, the excess will drip off the edges. So, carefully cover the floors around the countertop.

5. Time to Prime

Mix your primer and apply it to the counter using a paint roller. Focus on covering three-foot sections of your counter at a time, blending the sections to avoid seams. Let dry, and follow with a second coat. If you can still see your counter beneath, apply a third coat of primer. Let your primer dry for two to four hours before proceeding with the next step.

6. Paint the Veins

This step is all about learning how to paint countertops and, more specifically, how to paint the veins to mimic the look of natural stone. The best way to prepare for this is to go online and find some reference photos of marble, granite, quartz, or the like. Once you find photos of natural stone that you are interested in replicating, you should print them out to use as a guideline.

Mix the epoxy and metallic powder, and then start painting the veins. You can do this in a few different ways. You can either pour onto the surface from a cup and then use a stir stick to spread the color, or you can paint the veins with a paintbrush. Either way, it is best to start with the larger veins first. Once you paint the veins, feather them with a dry brush. Then spray water onto the veins with a misting bottle.

Once the large veins are done, you can work on painting the smaller veins. You can also use a pipette for the thinner veins.

Wait four hours to dry after finishing.

7. Install the Epoxy Coats

Do some quick prep before cracking open the cans of epoxy. You do not want any air blowing around, so you should close windows, turn off fans, and turn off any HVAC. Get your pets out of the space, so their hairs do not fly up and stick onto the epoxy. 

Mix the resin and activator thoroughly for 3.5 minutes. Once you mix the epoxy coat, you will have 30 minutes to pour it onto your countertop before it starts curing. Each batch will cover six feet of countertop, which should take you five to 10 minutes. So, as long as you do not take any unnecessary breaks, 30 minutes should be plenty of time.

For best results, pour three lines of epoxy onto the counter lengthwise. This is a self-leveling solution, so all you need to do is use a brush or foam roller to spread it across the counter. The excess will naturally drip off the edges, and you should end up with epoxy that is ⅛-inch thick.

Once you finish the first six-foot area, move on to the next one. Blend the two sections so you do not have any seams. Continue until you have covered all of the countertops.

The next hour is crucial because it is the last chance you have to get any stray debris, dirt, or dust out of the epoxy. Use a flashlight to get a good look at your counter and use tweezers to get anything loose out of the epoxy. Also, pop any bubbles with tweezers.

Finally, remove the tape from the countertop edges within one to two hours. If you forget or wait too long, the tape will not come off.

8. Let It Cure, Then Caulk

Now comes the easy part. You should wait at least 48 hours after installing epoxy on countertops before you start using it, and even then, it should be for light use only. Ideally, you would wait seven to 10 days before you start using the countertops heavily.

After 48 hours, you can caulk the countertop and backsplash.

Tips for Installing Epoxy Countertops

If possible, ask a friend to help so you can have a second set of eyes and hands to help you get all the steps done promptly. Here are additional tips that will help you enjoy a smooth installation process:

• Have all of your materials on hand because you will have to work quickly.

• Check the epoxy kit directions for best results.

• Room temperatures should be 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Carefully measure epoxy, and mix it for the right amount of time.

• When drawing veins, avoid making veins that are too thick or straight.

• Do not get impatient during the final curing period.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

It is likely that you will keep coming across epoxy when researching kitchen countertop ideas on a budget—and for good reason, too. If the photos have inspired you and you have set your mind to tackle this DIY project, chances are, you can get it done. Just follow all of the steps carefully and pay attention to detail. You will also have to work quickly. Most DIY epoxy countertop kits cost $100 to $350.

You may want to hire a countertop installer near you if you do not have any experience working with countertops or epoxy. Professionally installed epoxy countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot.