Comparison of epoxy coatings with other types of surfaces
The first surface is an imitation of a granite surface. In the middle, a stone and to the right, a marble-like covering.
I will tell you about liquid epoxy resin. Designed for renovating and creating more kitchen and countertop surfaces. These epoxies that are used are transparent substances that consist of epoxy resin and a hardener. Epoxy resins are harmful during the manufacturing process when they polymerize. Epoxy remains food safe when cured and treated with food safe oils. They maintain the desired shape and level themselves. Excellent resistance to water, solvents, high resistance to heat and surface scratches. Of course, in order for the surfaces to be durable, a precise pouring and processing process must be carried out.
I would like to share information about how durable epoxy kitchen surfaces are, about their mechanical properties, service life. What should be observed when working on this type of surface. I will tell you the difference between epoxy resin and varnish, which is applied to surfaces as a final finishing material.
Advantages compared to other types of surfaces. Such as quartz, laminate, wood, stone or marble.
How long do epoxy countertops last?
It is important to know that epoxy countertops are very durable. They are resistant to heat, solvents, paints. High scratch resistance, meaning these things won't crack, smudge, or develop defects when they come into contact with them.
Epoxy countertops are also water resistant, so you don't have to worry about them getting damaged if you spill anything on them. They are also resistant to UV rays, chemicals and acids. Epoxy resins of various hardnesses are available, such as D81 and D91.
Generally speaking, there aren't many ways that epoxy finishes can be damaged over time, but proper care should be taken.
To make your work surface or any other surface made of epoxy coatings last as long as possible and remain beautiful:
Never use abrasive cleaners on an epoxy-coated surface (avoid steel wool pads);
Avoid ceilings with sharp objects on the surface, or keep very hot objects on it. With careful use, the first three weeks, even though the surface has hardened. Because the full mechanical properties are reached in about three weeks, speaking from my own experience and observations.
Epoxy resin to varnish - Durability:
Durability is where epoxy stands out from varnish. Epoxy is a hard, durable resin.
Epoxy cures harder than varnish and provides a more durable finish. It provides better protection against water damage, resists scratches, heat better than lacquers, making it ideal for furniture, tables, kitchen surfaces, boat decks, floor coverings, etc.
Lacquers will not be as hard as epoxy, so it will scratch easily, spots will form on the surfaces if you do not precisely apply the lacquers between sanding. Damage from impacts can easily occur. However, they are easier to apply than epoxy.
An epoxy countertop is a great option to have a new countertop in your kitchen. They are durable, scratch and heat resistant. It is possible to mix them with different pigment colors. Creating a kitchen takes at most two days. Epoxy is also a relatively affordable material to replace existing work surfaces that are damaged. You don't need to pay high prices for installing a new kitchen. Ordering kitchen surfaces, which takes some time and finding the right shade. Epoxy resin and pigments can solve that problem.
Are epoxy countertops yellow?
Epoxy work surfaces are not prone to yellowing. The material is designed with a low UV rating, which means it absorbs very little sunlight and therefore won't fade quickly.
It's also good news for homeowners who are concerned about the environmental impact of epoxy countertops, as it means the color will change little over time.
Do epoxy countertops scratch easily?
Epoxy countertops are harder than granite, marble, quartz and wood. So yes, they are very scratch resistant.
But, you know very well that everything can be damaged. However, if you have a steel blade in your knife set and you use it to cut something on the epoxy table top or island, even accidentally - it can scratch the surface of the top.
But don't worry, it is possible to repair them, if there are minor scratches, it will be enough to apply beeswax, then lightly sand the damaged area with 1000-4000 grit sandpaper, adding water. If larger damages have occurred, use sandpaper from 320 grain size and then carry out further processing, up to 4000. At the end, polish with SEA-LINE® S0 polishing paste, which is intended for the final coating of epoxy surfaces, removing scratches, giving shine and additional durability. First using a hard and then a soft polishing pad.
In addition to being scratch resistant, epoxy is also less susceptible to heat damage compared to granite and quartz surfaces. As well as leaving or smearing various oils, mustard or other similar products on marble or granite surfaces, irreparable stains will appear after a few hours.
Although both materials can be damaged by high temperatures, epoxy still has greater durability. Epoxy coating will last longer before showing signs of wear or damage from large heat sources such as hot objects.
Looking for answers to questions for a long time, on the Internet, in YouTube video expert stories. Who are engaged in the creation of kitchen tops. I can answer that the most durable work surface material is epoxy coating.
Durability conclusion for epoxy worktops and other choices such as granite, marble, quartz or laminate and wood surfaces.
As with all things in life, it depends on what your priorities are when considering which worktop material to choose. If the cheapest, laminate or wooden surfaces. One of the most demanded quartz, whose value is at least four times higher than epoxy coated surfaces. Not many will be able to afford to buy. Epoxy is more durable than all natural stone materials and all types of laminate, wooden surfaces, which cannot be restored to their original appearance after the appearance of defects. Of course, some surface defects can be repaired, but will it pay off?
With this article, I would like to point out that this type of surface, as in the USA and Dubai, remains one of the most requested.
Why, because hardware stores, offering customers kitchen surfaces or kitchen islands. It will not always be possible to offer the tone that the customer wants. When ordering, you will always have to wait 2-3 weeks, if not more. If you have to furnish a house or the client needs to create a surface according to the tone of the interior and the surface cannot wait that long. The required shade can be adjusted with epoxy pigments.
Resurfacing with epoxy coating takes place on the existing surface and takes up to two days to complete. If creating a new surface, mdf - wood fiber board is used, but laminated chipboards can also be used. Quartz, stone or marble surfaces are heavy, requiring a lot of work to assemble together with the wall panel. This type of surface will be very difficult to restore. The prices will also be much higher than for epoxy coating.
When talking about epoxy surfaces, it is possible to imitate all the necessary shades. Create a new one individually for you. No craftsmen are needed to assemble, assemble epoxy kitchen surface and wall panels. Epoxy coating 3-4 millimeters, which is moisture resistant, protects against heat, scratches and is easily restored. It is also possible to match the wall panels in the same tone to the kitchen surface. Such epoxy coating surfaces can be repaired by the owner himself, unlike other surfaces. Most importantly, the prices are much cheaper than other types of stone surfaces. It is also possible to restore the stairs, so that you don't have to remove the old steps and restore them in the color you want.
In the next article I will talk about the technological process.
I hope the information was useful, regards epoxysvete.
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