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Epoxy Resin Countertops

27K views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  Elisa 
#1 ·
Hello everyone. I am a long-time lurker of this site and have gleaned a lot of useful information from all of you along the way during my many varied projects. This time I have a specific dilemma that I need your help with.

I recently became the owner of second-hand epoxy resin countertops, like the kind that they use in commercial laboratories. They are solid resin, weigh about 15 pounds per square foot. The countertops are supposed to be impervious to chemicals and heat, and are durable. I am planning to install them during my kitchen remodel. I was able to cut them to size using a diamond blade in a circular saw, sawing about 1/4 inch each time.

Here's my question. During the removal and shipping to my house, the countertops sustained some scratches. I have experimented with different types of sandpaper, machine/by hand, etc. On test pieces, i can get the scratches out, but it leaves the finish duller than the area around it. Has anyone used this type of material before? Any hints on how I can finish it so that the shine is consistent? I have tried traditional sandpaper and automotive sandpaper, which works better but still dulls the finish. Would coating it with another type of paint, etc be more appropriate? I'm not opposed to painting it, but before I incur the cost and time, I wanted to check in with all of you first.

They are great, solid countertops that fit with the overall design of the kitchen, so I am anxious to make them work.

Thanks for any input or design ideas!
 
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#3 ·
The only way you’re going to get that glass like finish back is to pour another layer of epoxy.

I’ve spent way to much time trying to do what you’re hoping to do with less than prefect results.


If you want it to look like glass again then you need to pour it again.
 
#5 ·
Rubbing compound on a rag may also help get the tiny scratches out.
Products lke 3M fiberglass restorer work well to.
It can take an oxidized scratched boat and make it look new.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Sure it "may" get the scratches out but you’ll never have the perfect “glass finish” (at all angles and light) again.

If you (or anyone) can show me how to get that perfect "all angle" glass finish without pouring again... I’ll send you some bucks.
 
#9 ·
I tried the scotchbrite pad last night. It does buff the surface to a mild sheen. It's apparent that any deep scratches will have to be treated differently, either filled with a two part epoxy and then sanded, or just sanding alone. After I used the pad, I sprayed it with a solid surface polisher/cleaner and buffed it. I waited until this morning before I could accurately judge on the result based on evaporation and better light. I have to say that I am fairly pleased with the result, and that it will be acceptable for us. It's not the mirror glass finish, but we really didn't want that anyway with its propensity to show dust, etc.
 
#12 ·
If you want to clean it up (like new) you need to pour it again. It's not that difficult if follow the rules.

You don't mention how large of an area your dealing with but $80 worth of epoxy is (in my area) enough to cover a sheet of plywood worth of surface.

You can not sand an epoxy top and end up with a clear surface.

The best you can do with sanding is ending up with a satin finish and that's using #0000 steel wool.

It's not going to happen with 100 grit or a scotch bright pad.

You can use auto body rubbing compound and the cloth wheel on a dremel for small scratches and the results may be good enough for you but for a like new finish re-pouring is the only way.
 
#16 ·
I have an epoxy countertop that I did myself almost 2 years ago and it still looks fabulous. Every once in a while, someone puts down a plate or a cup with a harsh bottom edge on the counter and it leaves a dent. Sometimes quite deep! I find that during the daytime, when the room is warmer, the dent disappears over the course of a few hours. I'm wondering now about the possibility of you using a heat gun to warm up the area, not holding it in one place for too long, to fill in the gap a little bit without having to use any sanding at all and still leave the glass finish. It's worth a try and can't be worse than scratching it up even more with sandpaper.
 
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