Epoxy resins are used for the production of semi-transparent or clear coatings on non-porous surfaces like stainless steel, plastic, and polycarbonate, for the purpose of protection, insulation, corrosion control, and chemical vapor absorption. These resins are highly durable and require minimal maintenance, except on the polymerization process which increases the chemical resistance of the finished product. The most common applications of epoxy resin are the resistance to moisture absorption and evaporation, resistance to impact, temperature range protection, thermo abundance, creep resistance, brittleness, and the elimination of toxic fumes.
They are available in various forms such as dry mixes, liquid mixes, foggers, rollers, kits, sealers, tape resins, etc. Many other cosmetic applications of epoxy are also possible. Epoxy resins can be used to strengthen concrete structures, prevent flaking and cracking of concrete, hardening of steel by forming a protective layer, and create a better barrier against ultraviolet radiation.
Epoxy resins have several disadvantages which need to be weighed carefully before deciding to use this in any project. While epoxy countertops are highly durable and provide outstanding resistance to heat, moisture and stains, there are some disadvantages which need to be considered before installing the coating. These include:
It is very easy to stain epoxy floors. There are some low-cost acidic solutions which will etch into the surface providing an excellent ground for bacteria to breed. A simple solution would be to wipe away the marks with a damp cloth, however, this must not be done over again as this can damage the surface of the floor. As a result, any damage to the floor may have to be repaired or replaced.
Epoxy resins do not provide very good thermal insulation. The reason for this is because this kind of coating does not have any gaps or cracks that can help insulate a floor. If you are looking for a great way to keep your heating bills low, then using epoxy flooring is not the way to go. This is because the floors do not provide good insulation and as a result heat is lost through gaps in the concrete. In addition, if you do use epoxy flooring and then install high quality insulators like fiberglass, you may end up wasting a lot of money on energy because the flooring is not able to trap the heat generated by the heating system.
Epoxy resin is very messy. Because it has a sticky nature, when you apply it over bare floors, it can leave unwanted streaks. Even if the floors have been treated with a clear coat, the dirt from the concrete will still be remarkably visible. If you do decide to use epoxy countertops, then make sure you prepare the countertop surface to make it easier to clean.
While there are some clear epoxy coatings available, they are far too expensive to purchase in large quantities. In order to apply a clear epoxy coating to your countertop, you would need to pour the material directly on the surface or have it applied by a professional. Either way, the cost of such an operation can quickly outweigh any benefits you might get out of a resin's countertop. In addition, if you intend to sell your house in the future, having a shiny, clear countertop is not the most attractive thing in the world to prospective buyers. If you want your epoxy resin countertops to be a permanent fixture in your home, then you should think about trying to create a pattern with the material by placing small dots of it on your countertop.