Bar Top Epoxy

A clear bar top epoxy can provide an attractive texture to any surface whether it’s wood or metal. Easy to apply and easy to maintain, a finished surface is easy to clean and helps preserve the surface integrity of any table. The effects of properly applied bar top epoxy can last up to two years. There are some important things to remember when applying the epoxy, but using some simple to follow guidelines the process is painless and can create a lasting finish that is both attractive and functional. Here are some basic guidelines on which bar top epoxies will result in the best finish as well as ways to properly apply them to create maximum effect.

Many different companies sell epoxy for table tops and are very similar in consistency and quality. You may run into slight changes when it comes to ease in mixing and use, but the differences are usually slight. Kleer Kote has been noted as one of the easiest brands to use due to its simple nature and quality finish. It’s important to measure the area of your surface to ensure mixing the right amount of epoxy, and the surface should be flat before application and mixing. Since the substance is quick drying, you’ve got about 30 minutes to smooth out all of the bubbles and imperfections before the epoxy dries, to in order to save time on this process have everything level and ready to go. Depending on the brand, this time can also vary, so make sure you read the specifications before mixing to ensure enough time to properly apply the bar top epoxy to the surface.

It’s important that the surface is clean before application to avoid any bumps or otherwise imperfections that could create eyesores or an uneven surface. Any stain or oily substance can bleed out into your coating resulting in a cloudy effect that may also prevent the epoxy from hardening. Be advised that mixing epoxy takes a great deal of strength to properly execute. Mixing is best done by hand as automated stirrers may cause unwanted bubbles. Most directions recommend that you pour the hardener into Read the rest of this entry »

The usual mixing time is around 5 minutes per gallon. It’s beneficial to have help with the mixing process as your arm may get tired during the process. Just like stirring a pot of rice, make sure to scrape the mixture from the sides and bottom of the container in order to avoid clumps and unmixed parts. While you’re mixing, make sure to avoid bubbles as much as possible. Once you’ve got a bubble on your surface, it’s almost impossible to get rid of completely, so avoid as many of them as you can while mixing.

During application, again try to avoid bubbles as much as possible. If you find yourself with bubbles in the coat, experts suggest using a propane torch on the surface to get rid of them. Make sure that if you use a propane torch not to char the surface leading to an appearance worse than the bubbles. Use caution not only for your own safety, but for the safety of your surface. If you’ve got a friend with you, use them to spot bubbles so that they can be quickly eliminated. Some experts also recommend a heat gun or powerful hair dryer for this process if you don’t have a propane torch on hand.

The number of coats depends on the material you’re applying the epoxy to. For metal or hard smooth wood, you can probably get away with using just one coat. If you decide to apply more coats for protection, it’s wise to wait about Read the rest of this entry »