Resurfacing Countertops with a Concrete or Epoxy Overlay

Epoxy coatings

Another option is to use an epoxy coating system designed for countertop surfaces, such as Ultra Z Poxy from Concrete Countertop Solutions. These two-part resinous coatings are usually brushed or rolled onto the prepared substrate and can be enhanced with solid-color pigments or metallic powders to create an endless array of decorative effects. Like epoxy coatings for floors, they are extremely durable and resist staining, scratches, heat, and impact.

Feather finishes

At its simplest, a countertop resurfacing system may be nothing more than a feather finish, like Ardex. This is a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers because the materials are readily available, require only water for mixing, and can be applied with nothing more than a trowel and putty knife. However, the decorative options are limited and these finishes are not designed to be waterproof, stain-proof, and heat-resistant – all important qualities for a countertop surface.

DIY countertop refinishing kits

These kits offer easy roll-on application so that you can redo your own countertops in just a few days. They come in a variety of colors and can be used over existing laminate, MDF, plywood, particle board, concrete, tile, Formica, Corian, cultured marble, butcher block and granite.

Some popular kits you might want to consider are:

• Daich SpreadStone
• Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations
• Giani Countertop Paint Kit

CAN ALL TYPES OF COUNTERTOPS BE RESURFACED?

Both cement-based and epoxy countertop resurfacing systems can be used over any existing countertop surface as long as it’s sound without significant cracking or delamination. Corian, granite, marble, quartz, laminate, tile, and existing concrete countertops are all candidates for resurfacing.

Note that some paints and coatings sold in home-improvement centers for refinishing worn countertops are only designed for application to nonporous laminate surfaces and are not intended for use on concrete or stone. Be sure to choose a system that will work with your countertop type.

WHAT SURFACE PREPARATION IS REQUIRED?

Regardless of the material you’re resurfacing, it should be properly prepared to promote good overlay adhesion. In most cases, this will mean sanding, grinding, sandblasting, or acid etching to produce a clean, slightly roughened surface and to remove existing sealers and coatings. If your countertops have thin seam lines or scratches, these products will typically cover and hide them.

WHAT DECORATIVE OPTIONS ARE POSSIBLE?

Design options are virtually unlimited with countertop resurfacing. If you are using a cement-based overlay system, it can be integrally colored before placement or topically colored after the overlay has dried by using concrete dyes and stains. If you like the appearance of natural gray concrete, you can simply coat the overlay with a clear sealer.

Some epoxy-based systems allow you to replicate the look of granite or marble by using a second batch of epoxy in a complementary or contrasting color. Typically, metallic powders are used for veining and highlights but solid pigments can be used as well. These accent colors can be poured, drizzled, or splattered onto the wet topcoat then manipulated with a squeegee, brush or putty knife to create the desired look. It’s also possible to mix materials such as crushed glass, decorative color chips, and mica flakes into the topcoat to create a terrazzo-like finish.