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Numerous ways exist to update the countertops in your home, but epoxy resin offers perhaps the best combination of versatility and durability. Using epoxy resin to revitalize an old countertop or make a new one allows for many creative possibilities, including the opportunity to mimic expensive quartz and marble at a fraction of the cost of real stone.
Since epoxy has become increasingly popular, a number of resins are on today’s market, which can make choosing the right one a challenge. In this guide, we list what we consider to be the best epoxy for the countertops suitable for any home and explain the technical and practical applications of this durable material.
- BEST OVERALL: Stone Coat Countertops Epoxy Gallon Kits
- RUNNER-UP: Pro Marine Supplies Crystal Clear Epoxy Bundle
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Polytek Promise Tabletop Epoxy Resin
- BEST KIT: Giani Epoxy Marble Countertop Paint Kit
- BEST FOR SMALL COUNTERTOPS: Dr. Crafty Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin Kit
- MOST VERSATILE: FGCI Superclear Tabletop Epoxy Kit
How We Chose the Best Epoxy for Countertops
In building our list of recommendations, we made sure to look at odor and VOC content to avoid highly toxic brands that leave behind odors for long periods of time. Our top picks are made without any VOCs and can be used safely around the home. We made sure to also include several options that are completely food safe for added peace of mind.
Since curing time is a major factor for shoppers to consider depending on the needs of their specific project, we have included products whose curing times vary from just 3 days up to a full 30 days to become fully heat resistant. In addition, our recommended brands are all easy to use, most with a simple 1:1 ratio and with self-leveling mixtures that are suitable for both DIY beginners and professionals.
Our Top Picks
Shoppers with a specific countertop epoxy style in mind may wish to consider our list of recommendations for a product that suits their needs. The following options are top-performing products from well-known brands.
Best Overall
Stone Coat Countertops Epoxy Gallon Kits
Stone Coat Countertops’ epoxy is a low-odor, eco-safe product that contains no VOCs. It’s self-leveling, UV stabilized, and won’t yellow. Once fully cured, it’s food safe and ultraviolet (UV)- resistant. The manufacturer offers a wide range of compatible dyes and powders to customize the effect.
This epoxy is available in ½-, 1-, 2-, and 4-gallon kits to minimize waste. A full 24 hours is recommended between coats. Ready for light use in 3 days and very hard in a week, this epoxy requires 30 days for full heat resistance.
Product Specs
- Volume: ½-, 1-, 2-, or 4-gallon kits
- Curing time: 3 days for light use; 30 days for full cure
- Additional features: UV-resistant, food-safe
Pros
- Versatile curing times and finishes; can combine with multiple colors and metallic powder effects
- Multiple volumes available; suitable for covering both small or large project areas
- UV-resistant; can handle hot pans and dishes without getting damaged
Cons
- Full heat resistance takes 30 days to cure, a considerable amount of time to wait
- Eliminating bubbles during application can be quite tricky for novices
Get the Stone Coat Countertops epoxy at Amazon (1 gallon), Lowe’s (1 gallon), or Stone Coat Countertops.
Runner-Up
Pro Marine Supplies Crystal Clear Epoxy Bundle
Pro Marine Supplies’ crystal clear tabletop epoxy resin can be applied to virtually any flat surface, including laminates, solid wood, stone, and metal. It emits low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), levels itself, produces minimal air bubbles, and offers good UV resistance. Additionally, it produces minimal odor during application and is food safe when fully cured. Color can be added with a resin dye. Versatile and relatively inexpensive, it might have taken the top spot except for its modest temperature resistance.
Sold as a 2-quart kit and a 1- or 2-gallon option, this clear tabletop epoxy resin can be applied at temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It requires 4 to 6 hours between coats (and not exceeding 10). Although it’s dry to the touch in around 12 hours, curing time is 72 hours.
Product Specs
- Volume: 2 quarts; 1 or 2 gallons
- Curing time: 72 hours
- Additional features: UV-resistant, food-safe
Pros
- With 0 VOCs in the formula, there is low odor during application
- Fast curing time of just 72 hours (or 3 days) and food-safe once cured
- Simple 1:1 pouring and mixing ratio is easy to use
Cons
- Relatively low temperature tolerance; may require a trivet for hot pots and pans
Get the Pro Marine Supplies epoxy kit at Amazon (1 gallon, disposable gloves included) or Pro Marine Supplies.
Best Bang for the Buck
Polytek Promise Tabletop Epoxy Resin
Promise epoxy from Polytek has self-leveling properties for furnishings like resin tables, bars, and countertops. It can also be used on handcrafted river tables and live-edge tables. This epoxy resin cures to a strong crystal-clear finish, bringing shine and durability to furnishings.
This high-glass, UV-resistant epoxy formula from Promise creates minimal bubbles during application. Its smooth coating helps eliminate fish eyes, craters, and various other imperfections found in countertops and furnishings, providing a sturdy crystal-clear finish.
For best results, this epoxy must be applied between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels of no more than 85 percent. Subsequent coats can be applied 4 to 6 hours later. The manufacturer doesn’t provide an exact temperature rating for this product.
Product Specs
- Volume: 16 or 32 ounces; ½, 1, or 2 gallons
- Curing time: Unspecified
- Additional features: FDA 300 food-safe; water-, blush-, and impact-resistant
Pros
- Can be applied to countertops and a variety of surfaces and furnishings
- Affordable compared to similar options that cover the same square footage
- Formulation goes on smooth and helps eliminate fish eyes, craters, and various other imperfections
Cons
- Some users say several microbubbles surfaced during application despite manufacturer’s claim
- Some users may find that this epoxy has a strong odor
Get the Polytek Promise epoxy at Amazon or Promise Epoxy.
Best Kit
Giani Epoxy Marble Countertop Paint Kit
DIYers interested in revamping their kitchen countertops with an epoxy resin could pick up this full kit from Giani. It comes with every tool and accessory required for the job; including rollers, bristle and foam brushes, a sponge, sandpaper, gloves, a drop cloth, and a spray bottle. It even comes with a practice board so users can have a go at their design before attempting the real thing.
This epoxy kit is suitable for covering areas of up to 35 square feet, which is typically more than enough for an average kitchen countertop space. It creates a white-marble effect that users can accentuate by painting in darker veins and marble patterns that match their individual style and preference.
Product Specs
- Volume: 31-ounce primer, 6-ounce veining mineral, 3-ounce white highlight mineral, 27-ounce epoxy activator, and 54-ounce epoxy resin
- Curing time: 48 hours before light use, 7 days for full cure
- Additional features: Full kit with the necessary accessories; food-safe
Pros
- Creates a sophisticated white-marble effect countertop, which is very trendy
- This kit comes with everything needed to get started on an epoxy project
- Veins can be removed and repainted easily during the process; design mistakes are less daunting
Cons
- The 7-day cure time keeps the kitchen countertop out of commission for quite a while
- Some level of artistry is required to paint good-looking vein lines
Get the Giani epoxy kit at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Giani.
Best for Small Countertops
Dr. Crafty Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin Kit
The 64-ounce kit from Dr. Crafty offers an affordable solution for those new to using epoxy resins for countertops. The kit includes mixing cups, stirrers, and spreaders. It creates a low-odor, low-VOC, UV-protected, and food-safe surface once fully cured. To achieve various effects, users can mix it with dye or powder.
Application takes around 45 minutes while working at a warm room temperature. Like most epoxy resins, this one should take around 72 hours to fully cure.
Product Specs
- Volume: 64 ounces
- Curing time: Unspecified; should take around 72 hours
- Additional features: UV resistance
Pros
- Small and manageable bottles are easier to use for quick projects
- Mixing cups, stirrers, and spreaders included with this kit; ideal for beginners
- Versatile; can also be used for small arts-and-crafts projects
Cons
- Some users report difficulty achieving a consistently hard cure; can sometimes remain flexible
Get the Dr. Crafty epoxy at Amazon.
Most Versatile
FGCI Superclear Tabletop Epoxy Kit
FGCI’s Superclear epoxy resin, termed a “tabletop” epoxy, is also good for deep pours. It can be applied to virtually any surface, and mix it with a wide variety of dyes, color additives, metallic resin powders, and inks. The U.S.-made formula is low VOC, provides a high-gloss finish that the manufacturer calls “super wet,” and offers good UV resistance. It’s food safe once cured.
Room temperature should be between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, though temperatures below 77 degrees Fahrenheit will extend the curing time. Unlike many resins with a maximum thickness of ⅛ inch per pour, this epoxy can be applied in ¼-inch coats. Pour a second coat while the first is still tacky, which is usually anywhere up to 24 hours. Full cure takes 7 days.
Superclear countertop epoxy, which is sold as a commercial-grade product, is available in 1-pint and 2-quart bottles as well as 1- and 2-gallon jugs
Product Specs
- Volume: 1 pint; 2 quarts; 1 or 2 gallons
- Curing time: 7 days
- Additional features: Scratch- and water-resistant
Pros
- Suitable for various materials like wood, concrete, and most countertop surfaces
- Can be used in thicker-pour projects up to ¼ inches thick (unlike similar brands)
- Compatible with pigments, dyes, and mica powders; can be painted over
Cons
- Mixture may be too thick for certain projects, especially in colder areas
Get the FGCI epoxy at Amazon, Lowe’s, or FGCI.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Epoxy for Countertops
Although all resins are two-part products that must cure after they’re mixed, they’re not identical. Here are some important points shoppers may want to consider before making a purchase, as well as the benefits and practical aspects of using epoxy as a countertop material.
Application
Epoxy also can be used to refinish or protect existing surfaces. It works well with all kinds of composite and laminate countertops (including formica) as well as with solid wood, concrete, or stone. You can even use epoxy to pour a complete new epoxy resin countertop if desired.
When considering ease of application, a couple of features come to mind. Many of the best epoxies for countertops have fairly low viscosity (relatively thin), which means they flow well and level themselves. They’re much easier for DIY use, especially when trying epoxy for the first time. Ease of application also is affected by the nature and texture of the original surface.
Most applications require two coats, which makes curing time another important consideration. Rapid-drying epoxy resins may take 4 to 6 hours to cure before a second coat can be applied, though up to 24 hours is possible. DIYers likely will have to wait another 3 to 4 days before they can use the countertop. Even then, experts suggest only light use since a full cure can take from 7 to 30 days, depending on the product.
Historically, epoxy resins have not been particularly pleasant to use, producing strong odors and containing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are now recognized as a health hazard. Fortunately, modern formulations produce low or zero VOCs and emit less odor.
Durability and UV Resistance
Once fully cured, epoxy resin provides a high-gloss shine that resists water, general wear, scratches, and cracking. While a pan straight from the oven can burn it, it typically resists heat well enough to allow cups containing hot beverages to sit on it. Resistance to the ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight varies, but depending on location, that may not be a factor. If the countertop is for outside use, use a UV-protected resin or coat it with a topcoat of UV-resistant urethane varnish. Some epoxy resins are not designed for outdoor use, so use care when choosing a product.
Epoxy resins are nontoxic when cured—they’re technically an inert plastic—but not necessarily FDA approved as food safe. Many products do comply with the relevant certification (Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, part 175.300 and 175.105), so if the intended use is for a kitchen countertop, consider this as well.
Design
Epoxy resins present almost limitless design opportunities. For example, most can be dyed, so the color can be changed to match new kitchen cabinets. But that’s just the start. Users can create marble, granite, or quartz effects or include metallic powders to add another dimension to the surface.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Epoxy countertops resist both stains and moisture quite well, so cleaning is typically easy. Mop up spills right away when practical. If a cloth and warm water don’t remove marks, use a little dish soap as well. Always use a white cloth so the fabric color won’t transfer to the surface.
For more stubborn stains, use glass cleaner or acetone. Mixing baking soda with water (4 parts soda diluted with 1 part water) is another solution. Avoid bleach as it can stain epoxy. And also avoid abrasive cleaners because they can mark the surface with tiny scratches that eventually cause it to go dull.
If the shine does eventually wear off in places, rejuvenate it with mineral oil or liquid countertop polish. Spray it on and buff it off with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. In extreme cases, use a special laminate or epoxy polishing paste.
Tips for Buying and Using Epoxy for Countertops
One topic that often crops up when buying epoxy concerns the amount required, which largely depends on the thickness of each coat of epoxy. Most people apply a skim (thin) coat and one or more additional coats to achieve a total thickness of between ⅛ and ¼ inch. A gallon of mixed epoxy equals 231 cubic inches of volume, which can be used to calculate how much epoxy you’ll need for your countertops. Most of these products have similar coverage, and manufacturers frequently provide guidance about the required amount.
Epoxy resins always come in a two-part kit: a resin and a hardener (also called a curing agent). Unmixed, they can be stored for a year or more without degrading. As soon as the two components combine, they start to cure, so application time is important. As time passes, the epoxy becomes thicker and more difficult to spread. Most epoxies allow for around 45 minutes of application time, so plan the job in advance and have everything required at hand.
- A 1-gallon kit contains ½ gallon of resin and ½ gallon of hardener, or a gallon in total.
- If you’re refinishing countertops on-site, mask off the cabinets below with plastic sheeting and masking tape.
- Many experts recommend running a heat gun or small butane torch over the surface of the countertop to release air bubbles from the epoxy. A powerful hair dryer might work.
- Have plenty of cleanup materials on hand before starting the project.
- If you get epoxy on your skin, remove it as soon as possible to prevent irritation.
FAQs
This article has explored some of the top epoxies available, offered some useful tips on their use, and suggested several of the best epoxy products for countertops to buy. However, a few questions may still remain. The following questions about epoxies crop up frequently.
Q. Can you epoxy over laminate countertops?
You can, and it’s a popular solution for revitalizing tired or worn countertops. Curing time will be several days, so your countertop will probably be out of use for at least a week. You can paint laminate like formica or use a wipe-on product called a polyacrylic to refinish your laminate countertops
Q. Is it easy to make an epoxy countertop?
Yes, it is. However, while it’s not difficult, whether you decide to refinish existing countertops in place or make a whole new one makes a difference. The former is straightforward, and most kits are designed for the job. The latter offers the opportunity to create something unique and special, but it can take considerable time and effort.
Q. How long does epoxy last?
In its unmixed state, epoxy has a shelf life of around 2 to 3 years, but check the manufacturer’s information for specifics.
How long epoxy countertops last depends on the wear and tear they receive, although they’re durable. Refinished laminate countertops may need attention after around 5 years. Solid countertops could last much longer, and if the surface eventually starts to dull, a light wipe with mineral oil will usually revitalize them.
