With a large number of different epoxies available on the market, you want to make sure that you get the one that will work right for the jobs that you need to do. When it comes to getting epoxy made for countertops, you need to know that the epoxy you purchase is made for the use that you will put it through, or else it could end up not lasting as long as it should.

What is Epoxy?

Epoxy is a resin that is mixed with a hardener so that you can refinish surfaces with a clear layer of shine and give new life to older, scratched surfaces like countertops, tables, and floors. This mixture is made by blending a base resin with a curing agent that allows the resin to change from a liquid for pouring into a hard substance that dries flat and hard.

Epoxy can be poured onto sanded tabletops to create a shiny, clear finish, or can be used to resurface bathroom or kitchen countertops so that you can cover up scratches and imperfections that have accrued over time with normal wear and tear. Using epoxy with pigments on countertops to create a faux marble look is becoming increasingly popular.

How is it Different?

Tabletop and countertop epoxies differ from other mixtures because of the thickness of the pour and the durability. Casting resins and other epoxies are made for thicker pours and can be used for projects like encasing a valuable item in resin or the ever-so-popular river tables.

However, countertop epoxy is a coating epoxy meant to be poured onto a flat surface. Countertop epoxies should be poured with a thin layer (usually up to 1/8 or 1/4 inch per application) and offer a faster cure time because of that thinness. This allows you to use the surface in less time, which is something that is beneficial considering that you will need to use your kitchen to cook. That being said, although most coating epoxies will feel hard to the touch after 12 hours, we do not recommend placing items on your countertop for at least 7 days to allow a cure throughout.

The thinness of the pour doesn't just allow for faster cure time, but it also allows for a clear finish so that no cloudiness covers the pattern or design underneath the layer. Countertops may have granite or marble material, which has a beautiful pattern, and you will not want to cover or block that. So, having a clear layer will keep that from happening.

OUR FAVORITE TABLE TOP EPOXY

Why Shouldn’t You Use Casting Resins for Tables/Counters?

Casting resins are better used for certain projects, but when it comes to resurfacing countertops, they should not be used. The main reason for this is the amount of time that they take to cure. These resins are made for deep pours and can take up to several days to fully cure. If you are redoing your whole kitchen, then that means that you will not have kitchen counter space for cooking for that time.

This can negatively affect your day to day schedule and ability to cook and prepare food the way that you need to, and it will make the whole process much longer than it needs to be.

If you use countertop epoxy, then the cure time will only be between 12 and 24 hours. This allows you to use less time to resurface, because the pour is thinner, and you will only have to wait one day before being able to use your countertops again.

Another reason that these epoxies work better is that many of them are self-leveling. This feature allows the mixture to level itself as it is poured so that you don't have to do it yourself as you work. This keeps the mixture from bubbling up and causing air pockets to form in the surface and keeps the layer smooth and clear in all areas without having to do extra work.

This self-leveling also keeps you from having to use a torch to pop air bubbles that form. Not everyone will have this type of tool to do that, so negating the need for it will allow you to get through your project faster.

How Long Do Epoxy Countertops Last?

Before resurfacing your kitchen counters, you might be asking yourself; how durable is epoxy on countertops? Well, luckily, epoxy countertop durability is very high. This layer creates a solid surface that will last for years and maintains a long-lasting shine as well. Plus, unlike other varnishes and finishes, you will not need to continually reapply this layer to keep it looking like new.

This solid resurfacing epoxy also stands up well to wear and tear with high resistance to scratches and other minor damages that you might see due to heavy use. This material is also crack-resistant and will not be damaged like glass or other coatings and will stand the test of time.

The shininess that comes with a fresh coat of epoxy will last a long time, but when it does begin to dull, you can revamp it with a quick and easy application of mineral oil.

Ways to Prevent Yellowing

One of the biggest disadvantages of using epoxy is the fact that it is prone to staining. If you have spills or from food or drinks that are not cleaned up right away, then you will likely have to deal with the effects of staining of the epoxy surface. Because it is used on kitchen countertops, this is something that could happen often and could cause the epoxy layer to lose shine and consistency.

However, you can help prevent this by cleaning up all spills as soon as they happen. Using a damp rag with water and soap you can get the food or drink off of the counter so that there is less of a chance that the color will be affected. Also, the use of mineral oil can be used to protect the shine of the epoxy can could be used after cleaning.

Although epoxy yellowing is inevitable with time, it is possible to delay the process by using an epoxy with UV inhibitors, like Promise Epoxy U.V. Art.

Conclusion

Although casting resins and other epoxies may be similar, there are many important reasons why using epoxy that is made for countertops is the best choice for resurfacing. With the clarity that comes with countertop epoxy and the quick cure times that let you back to your regular cooking routine as soon as possible, using an epoxy made for countertops will make the whole resurfacing process a whole lot easier.

When using epoxy resins for resurfacing things around the house, you may find that you can use it for several different projects. From kitchen countertops, bathroom counters, or tabletops, you can add a layer of resin to give a fresh new shine to an older surface and add a layer of protection for the material. However, coating epoxy isn't always the best option to use for certain household projects.

With several major differences between these options, each one has its advantages and disadvantages. The intended use is one of the biggest ways that these choices differ. With epoxy resin being used for coating surfaces, and casting resin being used for casting molds, figurines, and jewelry.

Deep pour epoxy, or casting resin, has different properties that make it a better choice for some projects, like making river tables. With the thicker pour and the slower cure times, this makes casting resin a great option for making these tables.

Epoxy Resin Vs. Casting Resin For River Tables

Besides the difference in intended use, these resins differ because of two major reasons: the thickness you can pour and the cure times. When it comes to the thickness of both of these resins, the deep pour epoxies offer a thicker pour that will cover a lot of surface and volume for larger areas of coverage, which makes them the preferred product to use for river tables.

Coating resins are different because they only allow a thinner pour that doesn’t offer the same amount of coverage of an area, but will allow for multiple layers of resin. This option works better for resurfacing because of the thin nature of the mixture so that you can add a layer of shine to refresh the look of the surface without adding much resin over it. When using table top epoxy for river tables, you will likely need to apply multiple applications to build up your desired thickness. This means also trying to get each batch of epoxy mixed the same color so that you don't see variations of coloring in each layer. 

To sum it up, both products can be used for river tables and will still achieve the same outcome. Many still prefer to use table top epoxy because it is often less expensive of a product. But its important to also remember that time is money so its something to consider when estimating jobs for river tables. Deep pour resin, on the other hand, can be used for one single pour of your river.

How to Make a River Table

River tables are made from large pieces of flat wood using deep pour resin to create a solid surface that is clear (or colored with pigment) and shows the grain of the wood.

To begin this project, you want to choose a piece of wood to use. This piece can be whatever type you would like, but getting a flat piece that has an interesting wood grain to it will make the finished project that much nicer. Live edges are increasingly popular for the character that they bring to the table. Then, you will want to cut the wood in half so that you can use both sides to create the river between them.

OUR FAVORITE DEEP POUR EPOXY FOR RIVER TABLES

Next, you will begin to prepare your mold by making barriers to keep the resin in place. This is done by using a mdf or chipboard under the wood for a base, and a seaming tape to these barriers to ensure that they won't allow the resin to seep through cracks or gaps. 

Next, you will want to apply a seal coat to help minimize bubbles from appearing in your flood coat. It is best to use a table top epoxy to fill in any cracks or holes and seal the wood from releasing air into the epoxy. Leave the resin to cure for the full amount of time, then sand the area down so that it is even, if necessary. We always suggest scuffing the surface lightly with 320-grit so that the epoxy can properly adhere to the surface. Clean the surface thoroughly after sanding with Isopropyl Alcohol 99%.

Next, you will mix the resin. This is done by using the ratio that is recommended on the bottle of resin that you purchase, typically 2:1. It is critical that each part is measured accurately otherwise, you could encounter curing issues. You will thoroughly mix the liquid until it is no longer cloudy, and then add your pigment if you are coloring the epoxy. Mix again thoroughly and then you are ready to pour. Double check the maximum recommended thickness for the product you are using. If you pour too thick, you could encounter an accelerated reaction, which could lead to heating up, smoking, yellowing, etc.

Once the river is filled, you will likely need to run a heat source (i.e. industrial torch, heat gun) over the top to eliminate small bubbles. The bubbles should be minimal, assuming you applied a seal coat. Once bubbles are removed, you can leave the deep pour resin to cure fully. Again, this can take up to 72 hours depending on the product and room temperature.

After the full cure time, you can check to ensure that the resin is solid, then you can remove the barriers and the base. With the table on its own, you can seal the wood with oil for a more natural look, or apply table top epoxy for a high gloss shine.

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between coating epoxy and casting resin can help you choose the right option for the project that you are working on. Thick pour epoxy has many uses and is a great choice for making a river table. So, if you want a river table to be your next household project, then use these instructions and casting resin to create a new table for your home.

If you are doing multiple pours of epoxy to achieve your desired thickness, or perhaps the result of your first pour didn’t come out exactly how you expected, then you may be wondering if you can epoxy over epoxy. When using epoxy, it can be a helpful process to add a second layer, but you want to make sure to follow the correct procedures.

With most coating epoxies, if you are trying to build up to your desired thickness, it is recommended to pour your second coat once the first coat is tacky to the touch (usually 4-6 hours). However, if the coat is hard and has cured, its best to sand the surface before you re-pour in order for the second coat of epoxy to adhere to the first.  

If your surface is hard to the touch, follow these steps to prepare for your second coat, and what to do to make sure that your final finish comes out nice and smooth.

Can You Sand Epoxy?

Now, you might be asking: can you sand epoxy?  The answer is, yes. In fact, it is an important factor in being able to add a second layer of epoxy. You can also give your surface a light sanding in order to achieve less gloss/shine if you desire. But thats a tutorial for another time...

First, if you're epoxy has cured properly and is hard to the touch without imperfections, you can do a light sanding with 320-grit sandpaper in order to scuff the surface so that you can apply your next layer. If your epoxy has not cured properly or you have imperfections, its important to take care of these before you pour your next layer. If your epoxy is still tacky after 12 hours, it is likely didn’t mix the correct ratio of resin and hardener, or you did not mix them thoroughly. In this case, you would need to remove the tacky areas and sand it down, otherwise the layer will remain tacky underneath the new layer or epoxy and you risk your top layer not curing properly as well. This video goes into more detail on how to do that... 

Preparing for the Second Coat

When you are all done with the sanding and are happy with the smoothness and evenness of the surface, then you need to begin preparing for the application of the second coat. To do this, you want to make sure that you have a clean surface and work environment that will be free of debris and dust. These things may end up in the epoxy as it dries and sticks to it. This will cause imperfections and may leave the item in the layer.

Cleaning the area that you will be working in will go a long way to keep your epoxy resin clear of dirt and dust or other particles that could show up in it once it is dried. We suggest using Isopropyl Alcohol 99%. It is important that you use 99% as anything else will have water in the alcohol, and epoxy and water do NOT mix. 

After you have cleaned the area liberally, then you will want to ensure that you have a new container to mix your resin in. The container that you used last time, for the first coat, will not work because any unmixed epoxy can contaminate your next batch.

Get a fresh container and stirrer, and measure out the 1:1 ratio precisely, or as directed by the brand you are using. If this is not done well, then your resin will not harden as it needs to and will end up with a sticky finish that feels wet to the touch. Once this happens, there isn't a way to fix it without adding more resin, which costs more, so you want to double-check this stage every time you mix to ensure that you are doing it properly and not wasting any mixed product, especially because you won’t be able to use it again.

-Top Epoxy Pick-

Pouring the 2nd Coat

When you have sanded down the first coat and finished preparing for the second coat, then you are now ready to pour on the second layer of epoxy resin. When doing this, you want to be generous with your pour so that the entire area is well coated with liquid and the self-leveling feature will work better. It is also best to mix a large amount at a time so that you can pour continuously before the resin hardens, and so you do not run out mid-pour.

You also want to use a heat source to pop any air bubbles that may form while the epoxy resin is leveling out. As you pour the mixture onto the first layer, there may be some pockets of air that form bubbles, and using the heat source to pop them and smooth out the area will stop the resin from starting to harden, which can keep the bubble in place and enable you to see the air bubble in the finished coat.

Then, you will let the second layer cure for 12-24 hours. You can continue this process to build the coat to your desired thickness.

Conclusion

Adding a second layer of epoxy resin can be a great way to fix leveling issues, get rid of imperfections, build up the thickness and ensure that your surface has hardened properly so that you have a solid surface once the resin has fully cured. Following these tips will ensure that you get the best results so that your project comes out as good as possible.

Epoxy is typically as clear as glass, and many people prefer it that way. Unfortunately, even the best epoxy will tend to yellow over time, and what was once a smooth, glass-like covering becomes unsightly and old-looking. Colored epoxies don't suffer from this yellowing effect, so they tend to age better than clear epoxies.

Colored epoxies can also create stunning works of art that just as functional as they are beautiful. A quick image search for "river table" will show you the kind of visual appeal that colored epoxies can have. Those are far from the only thing you can do, though. You can use colored epoxy to fill in cracks and gaps in an old table, creating a totally unique design. You can also use different colored epoxies, applied at different stages, to create multicolored designs.

Colored epoxies have been used to create furniture pieces that sell for thousands of dollars online, but the truth is that they're dead simple to make and use at home. You can make your own designer furniture for a fraction of the cost.

What you can do with colored epoxy?

River tables are the most common example of what colored epoxy is used for right now. If you love the look of these tables, but don't want to spend the money, you're in luck. River tables are among the easiest colored epoxy projects you can take on. All you need is a wooden table with at least one wooden side (or just a wooden table of you like the color scheme but don't care about the river effect).

What you'll do is mix up a batch of blue epoxy, and apply it to the center of the table. You can create a perfectly straight line of blue if you want by using small pieces of wood or plastic to line the center of the table. If you want a more irregular design, often called a live edge, you'll need irregular slabs of wood. In these case, the colored epoxy is both decorative and an adhesive to hold the wood together.

Colored epoxy can also be used to decorate stainless steel tumblers, create a unique finish on a counter top or table, and to create works of art to hang on the wall. It's most common use is as a way use irregularly shaped pieces of wood as decoration. It fills in the gaps nicely and creates entirely unique works of art. It can be used anywhere you would use clear epoxy, though.

Using colored instead of clear epoxy prevents yellowing in the epoxy coat. Yellowing occurs over time with clear epoxy, and it doesn't look good. Colored epoxy ages much better than clear epoxy.

How to add pigment to your epoxy

Adding pigment to your epoxy is easy. Follow the normal instructions for mixing your epoxy. Once it's mixed, add the pigment and mix it in. That's it. The type of pigment you choose matters a lot, though. There are many different types of pigment, but not all of them are really good for your epoxy.

EPOXY & COLORANTS USED IN THIS VIDEO

Water/oil based paints

If you already have some paints lying around, it may be tempting to simply use them to add color to the epoxy. Do not do this. Water or oil based paints will cause problems with the cure and could ruing the epoxy. Remember that your epoxy is based on a precise chemical formula, and adding anything to it could throw off the chemical reaction that makes epoxy.

These paints also will not effectively color your epoxy. They are not meant to be diluted, and using them in epoxy would require a lot of dilution, leading to dull colors.

Liquid epoxy pigments

These are probably the most popular choice, because it's easy to mix them in evenly. You can get great results from these and you'll get nice, even coloring. Unfortunately, because they are liquid, even coloring is all you will get. Your epoxy will be one flat color, and will be evenly colored throughout. If that's what you want, then these are perfect. If you want more variation in the coloring, keep reading.