It all starts with the right products and materials
We at EPOXY RESIN DESIGNS believe in using the highest quality products available on the market. Our decision to use Stone Coat Countertop epoxy resin for all of our custom countertops, vanities, tables and art creations is based upon our own personal experience, as well as for the bullet points listed below. Also, as a Veteran Owned company, we are proud to be able to say that the SCC products we use are MADE IN THE USA!
our Resin is:
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Heat Resistant up to 450 degrees
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Scratch Resistant
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100% Food-Safe/Non-porous
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U.V. Resistant
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Waterproof
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Renewable
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Easy to clean/No maintenance
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Zero VOC
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Qualifies as Green Building Material
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Epoxy Resin Designs has full liability insurance
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The Process
Scheduling Your Appointment
The process begins when you contact us for a free consultation.
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We will schedule an appointment to visit your home or business. We will bring a few samples of our work to review as we discuss the designs and color pallet you are hoping to achieve. During this visit, we will take a look at your existing countertops (if applicable) and take measurements of the surface area we will be covering/creating. This will help us determine what the project will entail in terms of preparation, design, technique and materials so that we can give you a verbal estimate before we leave.
Creating Your Sample Board(s)
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If you'd like us to move forward with the process at this time, then we get to work on creating a sample board for your review. The sample board is one of the most important aspects of the process as this is how we create the perfect recipe of colors, design and technique to create a counter-top that is customized specifically to YOUR vision. There is a charge of $25 per sample board. We typically nail down the colors and design within the first or second attempt ($25-$50). This process shouldn't take any more than 3 boards ($75). While we are creating your custom sample board we may video-call or text you photos to get your immediate feedback during the process. When the sample board is complete, we bring it to you for your approval. If you are happy with the sample board and you hire us to do the job, we reduce your final cost by the amount that you have paid for the sample board(s). For example, if you paid for two sample boards, we will take $50 off of your balance due. If you decide NOT to proceed with Epoxy Resin Designs, then you will keep the sample board(s) for which you have already paid.
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Once you have approved the sample board, we will draw up a written contract confirming the agreed price of the project for your choice of design. Within the written contract we confirm a starting date and estimated time required for the project. At this time, we require a deposit of 1/3 of the total price.
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Preparing For Our Arrival
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The big day has arrived! To begin with, if we are doing an epoxy resin pour over your existing countertops we will have asked that you please clear your countertops and surrounding areas of countertop appliances and personal effects. You will also want to remove any items from drawers or cabinets that you will need access to during the time that we are working. Once we begin, you will not be able do access the drawers and cabinets beneath the countertops until we are completely done. Depending on the scale of the job, most are completed in 3-5 days.
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Creating Your Custom Countertops
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We at EPOXY RESIN DESIGNS will always be courteous and respectful of your home. Upon entering your home, we place protective foot-wear over our shoes to protect your floors.
Day 1: We use plastic sheeting and painter's tape to protect your cabinets, kitchen appliances, backsplash and floors to catch any pigments and resin drippings. We then prepare the surface by sanding and applying a coat of bonding agent, followed by 2 coats of paint and primer, (lightly sanding in between each coat). At the end of Day 1, the next 1/3 payment is due.
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Day 2: This is when the magic happens! We begin by mixing the epoxy resin and adding the desired quantity of colored pigments, (as well as paints and glitter when applicable). Note: at this time all pets must be removed from the room. We would hate for your cat to jump up on your counters and into the resin! Depending on the ingredients being used to create your desired effect, we may be mixing spray-paints into the resin and therefore you will smell a strong odor but this is only temporary and should disperse rather quickly. As we pour liquid resin, we will be using certain tools and techniques to manipulate the patterns and effects to create your dream counter surface!
The remainder of our work on Day 2 will consist of constantly checking the wet resin surface for anything that may fall into it during the first critical hours of the curing process, such as dust particles, hairs, insects, etc. While we are observing the resin surface, we will clean up what we can, but keep in mind that our materials and work surfaces will need to remain in place. This is why we recommend that you are prepared to dine out or order in your meals during this entire process. Once we feel that the curing process has progressed enough to no longer leave drips, we will leave it to set overnight. We will strongly recommend that you use your kitchen lights as little as possible. The reason for this is because at night-time, insects like flies, gnats and no-seeums will be drawn toward the bright light that is reflecting onto the resin surface. Keeping your kitchen lights off will help ensure that we will not have to sand down the surface when we return the next day.
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Day 3: This is the day when we will will pour the "flood coat"if required or add our extra strength Ultimate Topcoat. The Ultimate Topcoat is what will give your countertops the durability that you should expect from our product. Because there are no additional chemicals or pigments in this coating, you have the choice of either gloss or matte finish. The surface is ant bacterial, scratch resistant, heat resistant upto 450 degrees. This is also cleanup day! Upon arrival, we remove all tape and plastic sheeting and clean up the remainder of our product and materials. this coating will take an additional 24 hours. Once you have signed off on our work, the final 1/3 payment is due minus any Sample Board costs.
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Initial Use of Your New Custom Countertops
The epoxy resin at this time is still considered relatively "soft". After 48-72 hours any stove worktops or faucets (if previously removed) can be re installed, being cautious of the edges while re-inserting. After 72 hours you can carefully begin to use your new stunning countertops. For the first week, we strongly recommend that you do not set small kitchen appliances on the surface and that you do not leave cups, cans, drinking glasses, etc to sit on top for long periods of time, as they can leave marks. After one week the resin will have hardened a great deal, but we recommend that care is still taken while using your countertops. After 30 days the countertops will be fully cured and can be used as you would use granite or marble countertops. Please be sure to read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page for more information regarding the care of your beautiful new, one-of-a-kind countertops!
Why should I choose epoxy resin for my countertops?
Epoxy resin is a fantastic alternative for your countertops, vanities, shower panels and more. There is literally no limit to the number of effects, colors, styles or designs available when using epoxy resin. EPOXY RESIN DESIGNS would love the opportunity to transform your tired, worn or outdated surfaces into beautiful and unique works of art. Whether you are wanting the look of traditional marble/granite/stone or prefer to make a statement with bold and unique colors/patterns/designs, we are the solution you are looking for! The fun part is we work with you to create a design and color palette to compliment YOUR personal style and decor.
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What types of surfaces can be covered with epoxy resin?
Our high quality epoxy resin and vibrant pigments are designed to be used on a number of different surfaces. The most important thing to consider before applying epoxy resin is the type of preparation needed over your existing countertops. As long as they are prepped properly, we can cover surfaces made of wood, granite, marble, Formica and even glass!
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Is creating custom epoxy resin countertops expensive?
Hiring EPOXY RESIN DESIGNS for your space is very cost effective when compared to hiring someone to demolish, remove and replace your countertops with traditional stone/granite/marble surfaces. With our prices starting as low as $20/sqft you'd be hard-pressed to find an alternative high-quality product that compares. If we are pouring directly over your current countertops*, you will save even MORE time, effort and money as there is no need for the demolition and removal of old countertops. In many cases, EPOXY RESIN DESIGNS can mimic the look of real stone if that is what you're going for. After our initial consultation, we return to you with the customized sample boards that we create based upon your specific requests. This will enable you to see the colors and design within your own space prior to finalizing your decision.
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*Epoxy resin can almost always be applied directly over your existing countertops with minimal surface preparation. However, if your current surfaces are not in good condition, you have the option of having us completely replace them once the old ones are removed. In this case, we came and measure your space, create a template, then build the countertop and create the epoxy resin pour in our own workshop. Once fully cured, we deliver and install your new countertops for immediate use.
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How well do epoxy countertops hold up?
We at EPOXY RESIN DESIGNS insist on using the best quality epoxy resin made here in the USA. This durable resin finish holds up extremely well when compared to many others on the market as well as when compared to stone, marble and granite countertops. ​Our countertops will stand the test of time lasting for many years. If after a few years, you think it needs a pick-me-up, we can polish and buff your surface to bring back the shine. Please note countertops with a large amount of white surface like marble can amber over time. Stonecoat Countertops resin has the best uv inhibitor in the industry. AND...if you eventually find that you'd like to change the whole look of your countertops again, we can come in and re-pour your NEW vision for you!
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Is it safe to meal-prep on epoxy countertops?
Yes! In fact, you can eat right off of your epoxy resin surface! Our epoxy resin is ZERO VOC, meaning there are no volatile organic compounds released into the atmosphere or left on the surface. Also, as long as your surface is clean, it's safe to eat on because it's 100% non-porous, and unlike stone, granite or marble countertops, it will NOT be able to trap old food particles, liquids or bacteria.
With my new epoxy resin countertop, do I still have to use a cutting board?
Although your epoxy resin countertop is extremely durable, it was not created to be used as a cutting board or chopping block. Even granite and marble surfaces will show evidence of this type of abuse over time. Be sure to use a cutting board when chopping or slicing. If however, you DO somehow leave scratches on your surface these can be lightly sanded and polished out.
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How do I maintain my new epoxy resin countertop?
Unlike stone, granite or marble surfaces, EPOXY RESIN DESIGNS countertops are virtually maintenance free. With proper care, your epoxy resin surfaces will last for years. Using the right kind of cleaner will keep your countertops shiny and hygienically clean. For light cleaning you can use a non-abrasive liquid household cleaner (ie. Windex®, Myers®, Disinfectant Wipes without bleach). Whichever brand you chose to use, make sure that you do NOT use cleaners containing strong acids or bleach, as this may damage and dull the surface over time. Never let any cleaning solution sit on the surface for an extended period of time. Wipe it with a soft cloth, sponge or paper towel. Do NOT use abrasive sponges or scouring pads. Do not use products with wax. Using mineral or Murphy's Oil® conservatively once a month will really help keep your surface looking and feeling beautiful.
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Your new surface will be stain RESISTANT, not stain PROOF, therefore, as with other surfaces like stone, granite or marble, we always recommend to wipe up any spills as they happen.
Can I place hot food or pans out of the oven directly onto my epoxy resin countertop?
The epoxy resin we use was designed to withstand direct heat of 475ËšF - 500ËšF. Be aware however, that we rate this as being heat-resistant, not to be confused with heat-proof. It is our recommendation that you place your 'hot-out-of-the-oven' items on a trivet to avoid any possible damage, regardless of how unlikely it is. If for some reason, you DO happen to place a 425ËšF tray of bubbling lasagna directly onto the surface, it will be fine. Just don't let it sit there. Place it onto a towel or trivet and enjoy your meal!
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