Counter Top & Bar Table Epoxy

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Countertop Epoxy FAQs:

Q. How much countertop epoxy do I need?

The following is a coverage chart in square feet based on kit size and coat thickness in inches.

Q. How do you finish a bar or countertop with epoxy resin?

Creating DIY epoxy countertops is an easy and affordable way to update any kitchen or entertaining space. Epoxy countertops can resist scratches, withstand heat from everyday objects like hot coffee and tea mugs, and adds a crystal-clear finish to any bar or countertop. To finish a bar or countertop with epoxy resin, you’re going to need an epoxy countertop kit that includes epoxy resin and hardener. Once you have the epoxy countertop kit, follow these steps to finish a bar or countertop:

1. Clean the surface of your bar or countertop, as any dust and debris will be permanently trapped
2. Line your walls, floors, and edges of your countertop with 3 mil painter’s plastic  barriers to prevent the epoxy solution from dripping and hardening on other surfaces
3. Mix the epoxy resin and hardener in your epoxy countertop kit according to the directions provided and add a thin first layer to create a seal. You can roll the first layer on with a foam roller. You can use a paintbrush to apply the epoxy on any edging. Make sure to wipe up any drips before they harden.
4. Once you’ve laid down your first layer of epoxy, wait 8-12 hours for the epoxy to harden before adding the second layer. You can pour the second layer on to achieve a thicker coat. Keep a heat gun ready to remove any air bubbles that may occur. You can pour up to an 1/8” at one time until your countertop is to your desired thickness. Most restaurant table coatings are 1/8^” thick.

Q. Can you sand an epoxy bar or countertop?

Yes, you can sand an epoxy bar or countertop. The main reason to sand a bar is to prepare the bar for resurfacing with new epoxy. When sanding epoxy, it’s best to use wet/dry 60 to 80 grit sandpaper and to sand the epoxy parallel to any scratches or uneven finishes. Once the countertop is sanded, you must wipe away any residue with acetone or isopropyl alcohol. Once the surface is clean and dry, you can pour a new thin layer of epoxy resin onto the countertop to get a shiny, updated finish. The new epoxy coating will fill in the scratches made by the sandpaper.

Q. What type of epoxy is used for countertops?

If you’re looking to create DIY epoxy countertops, you need to choose the right epoxy, such as AeroMarine’s Bar Top Epoxy. Bar top epoxy can be used to embed pennies and coins, pre-sealed baseball cards, bottle caps, pre-sealed comic books, pre-sealed photographs, and more onto a surface to create a one-of-a-kind finish. Epoxy resin can also be used on a variety of different types of countertops, such as cement, wood and most metals. AeroMarine Bar Top epoxy uses a natural mix ratio of 2:1, epoxy resin to epoxy hardener. This creates a finished countertop that’s smooth, glossy, and durable.

Q. I’d like to embed bottlecaps, baseball cards, photographs or posters in my countertop. Is this possible?

A. Yes, people do that all the time. Don’t put anything irreplaceable in epoxy because you will never be able to remove that item. Paper products like comics, photographs, and collectible cards must be sealed before embedding them into epoxy to prevent the colors from bleeding. You can use decoupage glue or spray sealant for this.

Q. How thick should I make a countertop or bar top?

A. We generally recommend 1/8 of an inch. That is typical of what you will see in sports bars and restaurants. Keep in mind that doubling the thickness will double the cost of your project. The maximum thickness that we recommend pouring at one time is 1/8” but you can build up to thicker layers over time. This is because the epoxy generates heat in order to cure- the thicker the pour the greater the heat- It’s called exotherm.

Q. How big a batch should I mix at one time?

A. The first few batches should be small, about a quart, so that you learn how to use the epoxy. After you get the hang of using the epoxy, then you might mix a gallon at a time.

Q. Can I pour additional layers over a cured layer?

A. Yes, generally there is no prep required between coats when pouring a table top as long as the additional pours are done within 7 days. You must wait at least 12 hours before pouring the next coat. Make sure to keep all dust and debris off the epoxy while it is curing. If you are concerned about possible contamination from oil, wipe the table top with a clean cloth and some acetone.

Q. How do I handle the edges?

A. Most pros use the slick side of formica strips or polypropylene pieces to create a dam. Alternately, a wood strip can be used as the dam and left in place. A third method is just to brush, roll, or pour several layers onto the countertop and let the excess run off- but this can take several coats if you are trying to build up a lot of thickness. Any epoxy drips on the under side of the table can be cut off within a few hours and then sanded down evenly after the top is fully cured.

Q. Will I need more epoxy if my surface is porous?

A. Yes. You may need to increase the amount of epoxy you buy in order to get the coverage you desire. Factor in about one and a half times additional epoxy to the quantity you would order from the coverage chart. This is just an estimate. It is essential that you have correctly calculated the amount of epoxy that you will need before starting your project!

Q. Is this epoxy UV (sunlight) resistant?

A. This epoxy is more UV resistant than most because it is a cylcoaliphatic system, but it is not totally UV resistant and should not be used in direct sunlight without applying a UV resistant top coat such as a spar varnish.

Q. Does it matter whether I apply AeroMarine Bar Top Epoxy over a water-based or an oil-based stain?

A. Yes. Apply AeroMarine Products Bar Top Epoxy over a water-based stain. Wait until the water-based stain has cured according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, apply a thin priming coat of AeroMarine Products Bar Top Epoxy. **Avoid using any oil-based stain because the epoxy will have problems adhering to it. If you already have an oil-based stain on your bar top, please call us for technical guidance before applying any epoxy.**

Q. How much heat can this epoxy take?

A. About 250F, which means that you can put hot cups of coffee or tea on it. Never put a hot pan or skillet from the stove directly onto the epoxy.

Q. I’ve read on other sites that you should use a torch or a heat gun to break air bubbles. What do you recommend?

A. We only recommend using a heat gun on low to break air bubbles. Keep the heat gun a few feet above the epoxy to prevent ripples. DO NOT use a hair dryer–it may cause waves in the surface. The same holds true for propane torches. Propane is under a lot of pressure and leaves the torch at a high speed, often causing waves in the countertop. Plus, it is tempting to use too much heat. In this case, “if a little is good, then a lot is better” doesn’t apply here.

Q. Can I thicken this epoxy by adding more hardener?

A. No! More hardener will not thicken it. Instead, use a filler like microspheres or aerosil to thicken this epoxy to your desired consistency. Please note the color of the epoxy will change when fillers are added.

Q. How do I remove bumps/smooth out the surface of epoxy on the bar top?

A. 1.) Let the epoxy cure for at least 72 hours at 70F. 2.) Use a palm sander with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper and sand the cured epoxy just below the desired surface level. **Do NOT use a grinder or a belt sander because it is too easy to remove too much material! 3.) Clean the surface with acetone or isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth. 4.) Pour a coat of epoxy over the sanded cured epoxy.

Q. What do I use for clean-up?

A. For minor spills, use carbuerator cleaner or lacquer thinner. For cleaning hands, we recommend using a pumice hand soap.

Q. Do you have any other tips?

A. You must keep all dust off your counter top for the first 18 hours after the pour. It’s a good idea to close off the room for the day to prevent dust from settling on the countertop. Do not get the water or moisture on the epoxy for 72 hours.