EPOXY VS GRANITE, MARBLE & OTHER STONES

About Epoxy vs. Other surfacesEpoxy has become popular in the last decade. However, other conventional materials are still in demand. Is one better than the other? How would you know what’s more cost-effective? In this brief guide, we seek to explore everything there is to know about epoxy surfaces and their comparison to trending surface remodeling materials.  History of epoxy Epoxy is known to humans for more than a hundred years. It first became popular during the 1900s when a group of Russian chemists synthesized the very first epoxy compounds. In the United States, the first attempts to synthesize epoxy were made in early 1927. In the early days of its discovery, epoxy was used as a primer to magnify paint adhesion. Later, epoxy was specifically used in the marine to protect and repair decks and hulls of the ships. Later in the 1950s, the use of epoxy expanded to construction work and aerospace. In construction, it was utilized as a structural adhesive, mainly because of its high resistance to chemicals and heat. In the aerospace industry, epoxy materials served as structural glue for heavy objects. Fifty years later, today, epoxy has become one of the most utilized materials for residential and commercial renovations and remodels. Most commonly, epoxy surfaces are used for the construction of bathrooms, kitchen countertops, and floors. What are epoxy surfaces   Known for its adhesive qualities, epoxy resin has been around for a while as a primary product in a number of industries. In technical terms, epoxy is a resin that is derived from a polymerization process of two epoxides. It is a thermosetting resin that forms tight-linked polymer structures creating robust toughness and unparalleled adhesion. These characteristics make epoxy a perfect choice for both residential and commercial use. Why has epoxy become such a big thing Epoxy has become widely popular because of the plethora of benefits that make it cost-effective and durable for both residential and commercial projects.Epoxy is generally non-toxic after the curing period and is 100% VOC free. Epoxy also doesn’t contain styrenes and isocyanates, which makes them highly user-friendly. In addition, it is a durable element and can be easily utilized with other materials including glass, wood, China, and Metal.  In order to understand the popularity of epoxy, you need to understand its benefits.THE ADVANTAGES OF EPOXYEpoxy offers dielectric properties and robust corrosion resistance that makes it one of the strongest materials in the market for residential projects. Epoxy has a high bonding strength. Epoxy is highly resistant to chemicals and other products like Alcohol, Acetic acid, and Diesel oil. Additionally, epoxy has a strong resistance to other chemical products, which makes it a perfect choice for a number of residential and commercial projects. Moreover, epoxy is also scratch resistant. Its resistance to chemical products and wear and tear makes it a durable choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom showers, and floors. Epoxy is easy to install compared to other conventional materials used for home remodeling. With epoxy, you don’t have to worry about maintenance all the time; it is easy to clean and maintain through regular cleaning methods that do not require much time, energy or money. Epoxy coatings come in a number of design patterns that give you a lot of options for your kitchen or bathroom remodel. DIY vs. Custom epoxyIn recent years, there has been a strong DIY trend for almost everything. People take pride in creating things by themselves and DIY helps with that. Epoxy DIY countertops have become increasingly popular too. And although they may offer a quick fix (and something for you to do over the weekend), they are not always as professional as epoxy done by an expert. There are a number of things that can go wrong with DIY epoxy, especially if you are doing it for the first time. For the most part, DIY epoxy can create a huge mess and, if gone wrong, it can only cause frustration. On the other hand, custom epoxy is designed from scratch to match your certain preference in color and design. Professional epoxy contractors carefully select and mix colors to create unique blends that are usually not available in DIY epoxy kits. Custom epoxy vs. Other materials There are a number of materials that the experts recommend for kitchen or bathroom model. Some of these materials include porcelain tile slabs, concrete, marble, granite, quartz, metal, stainless steel, solid surfaces, recycled glass, laminate, palm wood, recycled paper, recycled glass, and recycled HDPE. Every material has its own distinct advantage and certain cons that you have to consider before you make the decision to purchase. Some of the most common materials used for countertops and shower remodels are porcelain tiles, granite, and quartz. Epoxy surfaces do slightly better than porcelain tiles, granite, and quartz when it comes to durability. We looked at the most popular materials available in the market and compared their properties and price to epoxy surfaces. Read below. EPOXY VS. PORCELAIN SLABSPorcelain slabs are usually popular for their aesthetics. However, when you look at the myriad cons that come with the tile surface, you would want to reconsider your decision. One of the biggest problems with porcelain slabs is their delicate nature. Slabs can easily crack and break requiring a replacement, which is very costly. They are certainly expensive to maintain in the long run. In addition, porcelain slabs react to high temperature, moisture, and humidity. They are also much more susceptible to bacteria and stains due to a porous surface. If you are investing in a porcelain slab, it may chip from the sides after some time. In any case, the slabs are not cost-effective solutions as compared to other conventional materials including epoxy. The price range for porcelain slabs is around $60 - $120 compared to epoxy’s $45 per square foot. EPOXY VS. GRANITE Granite is naturally beautiful and is known to add style and elegance to the spaces where it’s installed. On the plus side, it is absolutely stunning with properties that make it highly durable for residential remodeling projects. On the other hand, granite surfaces are porous, which makes them hard to clean and susceptible to bacteria and food stains. Granite must be sealed regularly for proper maintenance. Additionally, granite is costly to move from one place to another which can add to the overall cost. Epoxy, compared to granite, offers a non-porous surface with high durability that promises longevity. It is also cheaper, starting from $45 per square foot. Granite costs (per square foot) are around $45 - $225. EPOXY VS. MARBLE Marble is a naturally stunning metamorphic rock that contains a crystallized form of carbon and mineral deposits that appear as veins on the surface. The mineral deposits and the carbon in crystalline form give marble an extraordinary look that elevates the interior of any space where it is applied. However, marble has its good and bad sides. On the good side, it looks great and offers a number of variations in colors, and additionally, it is highly heat-resistant. On the bad side, it is porous and can stain very easily. Marble is vulnerable to mustard, vinegar, citrus, and other household acids. These substances can remove natural polish and make the marble look dull. Additionally, marble, like granite, needs to be sealed regularly in order to protect the surface.Epoxy, on the other hand, can give you a marble-like look (if that’s what you want) while being highly resistant to heat, scratches, and other types of regular wear and tear. Marble is also quite expensive as compared to epoxy with the price range between $70-$250 per square foot. EPOXY VS. QUARTZ Also known as the engineered stone, Quartz crystals along with a binder make a perfect choice for countertops and other surface materials that are used in home remodeling projects. Quartz is naturally hard and durable just like natural stone. It also looks like natural stone. It has a non-porous surface, which allows for hassle-free cleaning without any worries about the food stains. As compared to the natural stone, quartz is less heat-resistant.In comparison to epoxy, quartz is less durable and requires costly maintenance. Epoxy is both heat and scratch resistant. Quartz can cost around $60-$180 per square foot.EPOXY VS. CONCRETEWhen people think of concrete, they think of a huge unattractive slab sitting on their countertop. That is not the case for concrete when it comes to remodeling kitchen and bathrooms spaces. Concrete can be stained and tinted to make gorgeous looking countertops and other spaces in your houses.On the plus side, concrete is highly robust; it won’t chip or form cracks on the surface, which makes it a highly cost-effective solution. But, on the other hand, it has a heavy price tag. The price can vary depending on the type of style you choose and the number of embedded materials on the surface. Concrete materials can cost anywhere between $75-$200 per square foot. EPOXY VS. LAVA STONE Lava stone materials are made out of volcanic craters. They are exceptionally durable and offer a unique style with a number of color options. Lava stone material has a non-porous surface, so it does not harbor any bacteria and is easy to sanitize and clean as compared to other materials. It also doesn't stain or become fade in the long run, which makes it a cost-effective option. However, it is quite expensive with a price starting from $250 per square foot. Epoxy can give you a Lava stone-like design will all the properties for a durable product without costing you a lot of money. EPOXY VS. STAINLESS STEEL Stainless steel has been a popular material for countertops for a long time and it still remains a widely used material. What makes stainless steel so great is its high durability that won’t allow the material to corrode, rust, crack, or stain. Additionally, it is highly heat-resistant and robust enough to absorb impact. However, there are a number of disadvantages that make it less cost-effective solution compared to epoxy. For the most part, it is not scratch-resistant and can easily show minor scratches and fingerprints. In addition, it is expensive with a price range between $67.76 - $95.51 per square foot. Epoxy, in comparison, can offer all the benefits with a smaller price tag. EPOXY VS. RECYCLED GLASS Recycled glass is another popular material commonly used to create distinct styles for countertops. Recycled glass countertops are designed with pieces of glass embedded in a resin. They look pretty spectacular, but they aren’t as durable as they crack pretty quickly especially if the installation includes stress points. However, they are still a pretty good option as they are resistant to scratches and chips. For those who love to go for a green option, recycled glass is a great option as it is made out of post-consumer glass and turned into appealing material for countertops and bathrooms. As compared to epoxy, it is slightly expensive with the price range between $52-$127 per square foot.Other popular materials for countertops and shower remodel include Bamboo end grain, palm wood, recycled paper, laminate, and recycled HDPE materials. All of these materials can range anywhere between $50-$150.After looking at a number of popular materials for countertops and general home remodeling projects, we have come to the conclusion that epoxy generally offers a better package in terms of both price and durability. Custom epoxy pricing covers stunning designs and installation. For the price, you get gorgeous looking home spaces while having the peace of mind that you won't have to invest much in maintenance. HOW TO CARE FOR EPOXY SURFACES Although epoxy surfaces do not require much maintenance, you still need to care for your epoxy surfaces to make sure they remain good as new. Epoxy requires special care when cleaning and here’s what you can and can’t do while cleaning your epoxy countertops or other surfaces. AVOID ABRASIVESForget about the all-purpose cleaners. They will only dull the epoxy surface that you may have to replace in the near future. So be very careful when using any harsh chemical-based kitchen cleaners. Additionally, avoid any form of a polish that contains wax and the wax itself. Also, never use abrasive pads; they can leave scratches.Choose the right cleaner Generally, non-abrasive cleaners and household dish soaps are perfect for epoxy resin surfaces. Once a week, you can use Murphy’s Oil for cleaning but only conservatively. Too much of oil can make the epoxy surface look dull. In the event that there’s a substantial spill, you can use paint thinner and acetone to clean the surface. Use the right kind of cloth We recommend Chamois cloth for cleaning any stains caused by spills. In case of accidental spills, do not wait; grab a cloth (preferably Chamois but any towel would do just fine) and dab it dry. Chamois is much more gentle and absorbent compared to other cloths. You can use steam-cleaning equipment sometimes The mix of heat and water will not damage the epoxy surface. In fact, it will help with quick stain removal. You can use both small and large steam cleaners depending on the size of the surface. However, make sure to do this once in a while only.Avoid alcohol-based cleanersAlcohol may be a perfect disinfectant for everything but it’s not an option for epoxy surfaces. Alcohol can, in fact, do more damage than good. In conclusion, you can only use the following to clean epoxy surfaces: Mild SoapHousehold CleanerAcetonePaint ThinnerLemon juice mixed with waterCitrus OilFinish Oil (Mineral Oil) Crystal Simple Green Murphy’s OilSpongesChamois ClothRegardless of what material you choose for your countertops and bathrooms, you need to have a maintenance regimen. Dirt and debris can, over time, reside and damage the surfaces in your house. Use the above tips to make sure your countertops and other home surfaces remain sparkly clean for long-term preservation. If you are looking for quality and cost-effective service to replace or remodel your kitchen countertops/backsplashes, shower spaces or floors, one of our experts can help you find the best epoxy design. Contact us and we’ll help you find something that suits your budget.