What epoxy countertops are
An epoxy countertop is a thick layer of clear and tinted resin poured over a prepared base, usually existing laminate, wood or a new substrate. As the resin is manipulated, colors blend into veining, swirls and depth. Once cured, it forms a seamless, glossy surface that can mimic marble, granite or something completely custom.
Popular uses
- Kitchen counter updates without tear-out
- Basement and home bars
- Cabin and lake home kitchens
- Bathroom vanities
- Wood and resin "river" bar tops and tables
- Commercial bars and reception desks
Our process
- Inspect the existing countertop or base for soundness.
- Sand, repair and prime the surface.
- Mask cabinets, floors and walls.
- Pour base colors and work in veining or effects.
- Apply a clear flood coat for depth and protection.
- Let cure, then reinstall fixtures and hardware.
Design options
Marble looks use whites and grays with subtle veining. Granite looks use speckled earth tones. Lake and river designs use blues and greens, often embedded in live-edge wood, and are a natural fit for homes near the water. We will sketch ideas and show samples before the pour.
Durability
Cured epoxy is hard, waterproof and stain resistant. It is not as heat resistant as stone, so use trivets for hot pans. It can scratch if you cut directly on it, so use a cutting board. With care, it stays glossy for years and can be polished or recoated if needed.
Timeline
Most countertop projects take two to three days, including prep, pour and cure. You will need to keep the surfaces clear during that time. We schedule around your household and try to minimize disruption.
Cost factors
Price depends on the square footage, the complexity of the design, the condition of the base and whether we are working over existing tops or building new ones. A resin-over-laminate kitchen refresh usually costs far less than new stone.
Pairing with floors
Many customers combine a countertop with a metallic basement floor for a cohesive rec room. We can coordinate colors so the bar and floor work together.
Caring for an epoxy top
Wipe spills promptly, use coasters under sweating drink glasses on a bar top and avoid abrasive pads. A non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth keep the gloss bright. Keep wood and resin river tops out of strong direct sunlight to avoid fading in the wood. If the surface dulls after years of use, it can be lightly sanded and given a fresh clear coat without starting over.
Seeing the design before the pour
Resin moves while it is wet, so no two countertops come out exactly alike. To take the guesswork out, we make small sample boards in the colors you are considering and bring them to your home so you can see them under your own lighting next to your cabinets, backsplash and flooring. We also talk through edge profiles, whether the resin should wrap over the front edge, and how sinks and cooktops will be handled. Once you approve a direction, we note the color ratios and techniques so the finished top matches the sample as closely as resin allows. Most people find this step makes the final result far less stressful.
Working over existing tops
Pouring over sound existing laminate or solid surface avoids demolition, dust and plumbing work. We check for swelling at seams and near the sink, since damaged particleboard must be repaired first.
Is epoxy food safe?
Fully cured countertop resin is generally considered food safe. We can provide the product data sheet.
Can you pour over laminate?
Yes, if the laminate is firmly bonded and the base is solid.
Does it smell?
There is some odor during the pour that fades as it cures. We ventilate the space.
Plan your countertop
Contact us to talk through colors and designs.
to plan an epoxy countertop.
Call (920) 289-4844 for a free estimate.