Epoxy coating is one of the most treasured materials in commercial establishments and industrial facilities. Now, it has found its way into households, too. Epoxy applications for home use have become prevalent because of its noteworthy benefits.
Here are some of its benefits (among other):
- It comes in a wide selection of colors and it yields a more vibrant appearance than other coatings
- This coating is tougher and more durable than most materials
- It requires minimal maintenance
- The surface is cool and waterproof
- It creates a seamless surface that looks smooth and polished
An epoxy coating consists of two parts: an epoxide resin and a polyamine hardener. When equal parts of these two materials are mixed together, they cross-link and produce a hard material that is resistant to damage.
It has a rather short pot life. It can start to cure and dry to a solid material in several minutes to a few hours. Its quick-drying feature makes it a popular resurfacing material in any industry.
Due to its numerous benefits, the demand for epoxy coating in residential properties has increased. They saw it as the new finish that would replace varnish, emulsion, and all other coatings used to protect surfaces. Here are cool ways you can use epoxy coating in your home:
Resurfacing Concrete Floors with Epoxy Coating
Epoxy coating is ideal for use on concrete floors. It creates a tough, almost indestructible layer on top of an old slab, making it more durable and long-lasting.
One great thing about epoxy coating is that it can be customized. This way, you can choose a look that is appropriate for the room you are planning to install it to. You can add micro paint chips to make a garage floor look more elegant. A metallic epoxy coating will make any living room stand out. The possibility for design is almost endless.
Creating Decorative Countertops
Kitchen countertops need a tough material that can withstand everything involved in cooking and food preparation. Granite, marble, and other natural stone slabs can do the job but not everyone can afford it.
Tile and grout are traditional materials for a countertop but it requires tedious installation and maintenance. The new and affordable trend is epoxy coating.
Multiple colors can be used and custom poured to replicate the look of a natural stone slab. This material is resistant to impact, water, and heat, making it an ideal material for a kitchen countertop.
Finishing a Wooden Table
Whether your table is made of wood boards, wood panels, or one huge wooden slab from a tree trunk, a clear epoxy coating would make a great finishing material.
First, fill out any gap or hole on the wooden table with an epoxy filler. You have the option to stain the dried filler to make it match the rest of the wood. The wood is then sanded to smoothen the surface. Before applying the epoxy, make sure to clean the surface until it is free of any dust and debris.
Personalized Coffee Table
Using an epoxy coating mixture, you can create a personalized coffee table top with family pictures in color or in black and white.
Print out the images you want to use and lay them out on the table. Secure each image with an adhesive. Put some tape on the edges of the table to keep the epoxy from spilling over the edge. Pour the epoxy on the table and allow to spread. If you must, use a brush to spread it. If bubbles should form, you can use a propane torch to remove them.
Tile Mosaic
Tile mosaic is an art that involves the use of tile and grout to create beautiful images or patterns. Once the mosaic is done, a layer of clear epoxy coating can be applied to make the surface shiny and to keep the mosaic intact and protected from damaging elements.
Paintings
Epoxy coating is also an ideal sealer for both oil and acrylic paintings. Make sure that the painting is completely dry before applying the coating.
The coating serves as a protective layer against dust and moisture while also adding a bit of sheen to the painting itself. It is highly recommended to do a test application in an inconspicuous area to make sure that the paint won’t react or discolor when it comes in contact with the epoxy coating.
Buttons
If you are planning to make your buttons, a blend of epoxy resin and hardener is a good material to use. Mix equal parts and pour it into a button mold. You can add some tints, glitters, small beads, and other little things to customize the button. Leave it to cure for at least 24 hours before taking the buttons out of the mold.
Round Drawer Handles
This type of handles is very easy to make with epoxy coating. Find a round mold, like small bowls or a contact lens container. Pour the epoxy coating into the mold and insert a metal screw right in the middle.
Like in making buttons, you can customize each handle with tints, glitter, beads, or any small item. Leave to dry for 24 hours before removing the mold. This adds a cool personal touch to your cabinets and it would also make a lovely handmade gift.
Paperweight
Another great gift idea is a paperweight. They may not be used in holding some paper down but they make great decorations. A small bowl is an ideal mold but you can use any shape that you want. Pour a mix of equal parts of resin and hardener into the bowl. Insert a decorative material like a flower, some beads, marbles, and anything that will fit into the resin material. You may also add some glitters to give it a good sparkle when the light hits it.
Table Napkin Holders
You can use unused molds for cookies or chocolates to make decorative table napkin holders. Pour the coating into the mold and leave to dry for at least 24 hours.
Once it is dry and hard, take them out from the mold and stick it to a napkin band, scrunchie, or elastic hair band. Just insert a rolled napkin and place it on a table setting during dinners or other events you host in your home.
Jewelry
Resin jewelry is a popular craft. You can experiment with designs using different molds and decorations, like glitter, tints, buttons, and anything you find fancy. You can create dangling earrings, pendants, rings, brooches, and more with the epoxy coating as a material. Just stick the pieces you create to bands, strings, ribbon, earring hooks, and pins to make it ready for wearing.
Closing Remarks
Epoxy coating may be a popular flooring material but a lot of people will be surprised to know that it can be used for all these wonderful things and more. You can also try out other crafts using this material. You can use it as a sealer for wooden furniture or concrete pots, and anything else you could think of. Just make sure to test the area you are applying it on to make sure that there will be no unpleasant reaction. You may consult an expert in epoxy to know which materials will and will not work with epoxy coating.