When you’re looking to create a backyard patio that is both a beautiful and practical outdoor space, epoxy is an excellent choice. Epoxy is one of those durable outdoor flooring options, weather and moisture resistant and can be customized in various ways to match your specific needs.
This article will take a closer look at epoxy patio ideas for your backyard, including its practicality, durability, cost, and more. We’ll also explore some fantastic epoxy patio ideas and answer common questions about this versatile material. So if you’re considering an epoxy patio and want to know if it’s the right choice, read on!
What Precisely Is Epoxy and How Is It Produced?
Epoxy is quite a broad term. It mainly refers to a group of polymers or reactive-resin-like substances. A common thing between these polymers is that they all contain the epoxide functional group. Epoxy materials are manufactured via the curing process.
A functional group controls the reactive characteristics of a substance. Therefore, any molecule that contains the epoxide group can yield a simultaneously rigid and flexible material after a chemical reaction.
Epoxy substances are organic compounds. Which means they contain elaborate chains of carbon. And these carbon chains are attached to other elements, such as hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen. Chemically, these attachments are strong covalent bonds.
Synthesizing of Epoxy
The standard method to create these epoxy materials is via a chemical process known as Curing. This is a process of hardening a material by exposing it to a catalyst, such as air, heat, or some chemical additive. In the case of epoxy curing, chemical additives are used.
The initial substance to which the hardeners are added is the epoxy resin or liquid epoxy. This is a reactive prepolymer that will turn into a thermoset polymer after curing.
Additives used in an epoxy curing process are polyamines, aminoamides, or phenolic acid. They are also known as hardeners.
During the curing process, these catalysts increase the rate of the chemical reaction. As a result, an exothermic reaction occurs. Subsequently, there is cross-linking in the polymer. And this cross-linkage provides the unbelievable strength and sturdiness of epoxy materials.
However, the curing process might also happen without the use of hardeners. In that case, the epoxy resins react with themselves. This is known as Catalytic homo-polymerization.
There are Numerous Variants of Epoxy.
It might help you know that over fifty different kinds of substances can serve as epoxy resins. Plus, according to various requirements, hundreds of hardeners can be used to bring out the desired material. And if you want, you can use plasticizers and fillers to manipulate the final epoxy product.
What Are the Advantages of Utilizing Epoxy For a Backyard Patio?
Epoxy patio ideas are awesome for several good reasons. It makes your backyard patio more resistant to weather impacts. Meanwhile, it also adds life and beauty to the concrete. Moreover, it saves you a lot of money since frequent repairs are unnecessary.
Extremely sturdy
The sole purpose of epoxy materials is to be solid and resistant. Weather conditions impact like rain, sunlight, snow wrecks your concrete patio in just a few years. Even months if the job wasn’t done correctly.
Moreover, simple changes in temperatures will continuously expand and contract the concrete. Eventually, making cracks and pores in it.
However, these natural impacts can do nothing to your patio when you add just a simple layer of epoxy. Being a thermoset polymer, regular weather changes have little to no effect on epoxy materials.
As a result, you can go on for decades without worrying about repairing or rejuvenating your backyard patio, making epoxy an excellent option for outdoor use.
Easy to Clean
This is another great thing about having an epoxy patio. Unlike standard concrete, epoxy doesn’t soak liquids. Nor does it clutch onto dirt or filth, and if it starts to lose its sparkle, a good compound can be utilised to polish it.
That’s because regular concrete is porous and penetrable. So, liquids can easily seep inside. Or, dirt and filth can set amid the pores. Therefore, despite best efforts, one hundred percent cleaning is impossible.
On the other hand, epoxy is impenetrable and non-porous. It is just one continuous unwavering spread-across layer. Therefore, if liquid falls on epoxy, it doesn’t leave a stain. In the same vein, dirt or filth cannot be set onto it. So, cleaning is quick, easy, and proper.
Safe and Beautiful
Epoxy patios make your backyard safer for mainly two reasons. First of all, it has slip resistance. So, if you have small, active children and are looking to slip-proof your backyard, then epoxy is your number one option.
Moreover, epoxy doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds. Therefore, doesn’t release toxic fumes. Which is a problem with some of the other home decoration options. In other words, epoxy is the healthiest rejuvenation method for your backyard patio.
And needless to say, epoxy significantly enhances the look of your backyard. Standard concrete looks old and dull. But when you add the glossy reflecting appearance of epoxy, your whole backyard starts looking more admirable and more attractive.
Colours that stand out may be added to perk things up a smidge more. Another helpful addition to the mixture will be U-V resistant substances. This will prevent your epoxy patio from turning yellow from prolonged sunlight exposure.
Saves you money
Applying epoxy to your patio is the most cost-effective way to enhance or repair it. Firstly, you can do the job yourself. You merely require a foam roller and an epoxy kit. Which is not possible in another repairing, reconstructing, or enhancement processes. So, you are saving on service charges.
Secondly, epoxy itself costs much less than polished concrete. There are no costly specialist tools required to deal with it, which makes it more attainable.
And thirdly, once you have successfully epoxied your patio, you won’t spend a dime on repairing or decoration works for decades. Therefore, you are saving money in many different ways when using epoxy. You can also polish with cheap polishing compounds to make it more aesthetic.
How Is Epoxy Applied to a Concrete Patio Surface?
After repair and preparation of the patio’s surface, you can apply epoxy to the surface using foam rollers. You also need to mix your epoxy correctly and get the proper tools. Bring those epoxy patio ideas for your backyard to life by spending a few hours.
Applying epoxy to a concrete patio surface isn’t tricky or complicated. However, you need to have a little idea about what you are doing to avoid epoxy mistakes. The following instructions can help you in that regard.
Getting the Tools
It is good to arrange and keep all the necessary tools close at hand before you start working. Because if you have to leave the work halfway to go and search for a piece of equipment, your project might be ruined.
You will be alternating between a broom, stiff brush, paintbrush, roller with an extension handle, and garden hose during the job. So, keep them ready. For protective purposes, you will be wearing hand gloves and light goggles.
After the tools, check for the materials. The first one is, of course, the epoxy floor coating kit. Epoxy kits are available in your local hardware store. Or, like everything else these days, you can order them online. Such kits usually contain two-part epoxy and etching solutions and colour chips.
Painter’s tape may be used to effectively outline the area; plus, you will need a concrete degreaser and soap water to clean and prepare the surface. If repairing is an issue, then you will need concrete patching products.
Preparing the Patio
Good preparation is critical for good finishing. Here is the first step checking the surface for cracks and pores. Do this a few days before the job. You can quickly treat a minor gouge with concrete patching products. However, if the condition is more severe than that, seek professional help.
The Foundation for Epoxy is a Pristine Surface.
Your backyard patio is likely to be a dirty and dusty surface. Even if you clean it every day. So, you have to clean it thoroughly before starting anything.
First, broom and vacuum the debris. Then use the stiff brush and degreaser or soap water to rid the patio of the more stubborn and sticky problems. After that, Fire the garden hose and wash everything away. Allow time to dry the surface.
Emboss the Patio
Before applying epoxy, you have to etch the patio. This will abrade the concrete of the sealer and make it more porous. As a result, the concrete will bind the coating more strongly.
You will find the etching solution in the kit, but keep in mind that this is a corrosive substance. So, be extra careful with protection. Start working the solution on the surface with a broom into a fizzing hissing foam. Again, wash away with the garden hose and let dry.
Measure the Area
The last step is marking the space. Use a tape and plastic sheet to cover the bottom of any adjacent structures, such as columns, staircase, the exterior wall of your house, etc.
Mixing And Applying
The epoxy mixture is a two-part solution. Remember earlier what we learned about resins and hardeners. Well, it’s the same thing. One part of the solution is the catalyst. And another one is the reactive resin liquid. You shall mix the two right before the application.
Mixing is all about stirring. Stir the epoxy resin. Then start pouring the catalyst into it. Meanwhile, don’t stop mixing the liquid epoxy. After you are done pouring, keep on stirring. Now put the lid on and let the liquid rest for the amount of time the product manufacturers recommend.
You have a Finite Window to Apply Epoxy Mix.
Applying the epoxy should start as soon as the mixture is ready. Because it will start to act unfavourably within two hours. Or sooner if you are working in hot temperatures. Use the foam roller (preferably a nine-inch roller) to apply the epoxy. To get the tricky edges of your patio, you can use a paintbrush.
If you want to decorate with colour chips, then sprinkle them after evenly spreading out the epoxy. After all, is done, leave the surface undisturbed for at least twenty-four hours. And if you are planning on a second layer or another topcoat, then wait 12 hours after the first one.
What Are Some Amazing Epoxy Patio Ideas That Will Inspire You?
There are so many lovely epoxy patio ideas for your backyard. However, some of them are classic and adored by all communities. These are the epoxy pebble, gravel, and concrete patios.
Epoxy concrete patio: Concrete is porous. But not so much to absorb water. This makes the concrete patio one of the ideal surfaces to apply epoxy. Because it will not trap water during the installation process. Meanwhile, tightly hold onto the applied coating.
An epoxy concrete patio looks good, survives long, and is easy and cheap to maintain.
Epoxy Pebble patio: Another great epoxy patio floor coating option is using pebbles. They add a natural aesthetic and cohesive look to your patio. It also makes your patio stand out from typical commercial zone epoxy designs.
Epoxy gravel patio: if you want a sharper and more detailed design, go for an epoxy grave patio for your backyard. Rusty brown, grey tones and white are popular with gravel patio ideas and solid colours.
Is Epoxy Good for the Outdoor Patio?
Epoxy is excellent for an outdoor patio. An outdoor patio is vulnerable to sunlight, extreme temperature, and rain. Applying a coat of epoxy can protect your patio from all of these. Plus, the low-cost affordable option with ease of application makes epoxy a perfect solution redecorating methods for an outdoor patio.
However, proper installation is vital for getting the expected results. Plus, epoxy patios can be dangerously slippery after rain. This is due to the unwavering water-resistant quality epoxy surfaces. Although mildly wet to dry, epoxy has superior slip-proof quality.
Can Epoxy Be Used on the Concrete Patio?
Absolutely, epoxy may be used on a concrete patio, and concrete is among the ideal substrates for applying the epoxy. It has the necessary amount of porousness. So that it doesn’t absorb the water when the epoxy mixture is used. But at the same time can tightly attach to the coating when it dries.
Your concrete patio has a seal over it to make it less absorbent. This reduces the porousness of the surface. That’s why etching is essential. The corrosive properties of the etching solution break the seal and make the surface more suitable for epoxy.
Is Epoxy Cheaper Than Concrete?
Yes, epoxy is cheaper than concrete. It would cost you around fifty dollars per square meter when installing polished concrete flooring. On the other hand, coating with epoxy costs around thirty dollars per square meter.
Besides, epoxy coating application is something you can do yourself. But concrete installation requires some professional help. However, if you want your epoxy coating to be more decorative, it might cost a few more bucks hiring a team of professionals, but the results will be worth it for that dream patio.
Can You Epoxy Over Old Concrete?
You cannot apply epoxy over old concrete floors if it is severely damaged. Before any kind of epoxy application, the surface must be adequately repaired. Even minor cracks and crevices need patching up. An old concrete surface is likely to have multiple major repairment issues. So, it’s a good idea to take care of them first before doing anything.
If you patch up old concrete stains and apply epoxy to them, you will significantly enhance its longevity. Not only that, the old surface would even look and feel new.
How Long Can an Epoxy Floor Last?
A residential epoxy floor, such as a backyard patio, can last for 10 years or even more than that. This, naturally, is indicative of the quality of the installation phase as well as the types of activity that takes place on the epoxy floor.
A backyard epoxy floor must withstand potential problems like heavy equipment and serious foot traffic activity in a usual home backyard. Commercial sites like malls and restaurants can see their epoxy floors decay in as little as 2-3 years due to the daily heavy foot traffic industrial environments.
A Short Epoxy History
In the early 1900s, scientists conducted all sorts of chemical experiments to create the perfect coating. They were trying to find a binding agent for these coatings that could withstand the degrading effects of a caustic base. And multiple scientists found success around the same time. The product of these simultaneous projects was epoxy.
In 1934 Paul Schlack, a German scientist, claimed the first invention of epoxy. This scientist has been successful in condensing epoxides and amines. In 1943, Pierre Castan discovered bisphenol-A-based epoxy resins.
Castan used phthalic acid and anhydride to condense the epoxy. Another inventor of epoxy is Sylvan Greenlee. This scientist made resin from bisphenol-A and epichlorohydrin.
Castan’s work was patented in Switzerland. The Swedish company Ciba used Castan’s method to produce epoxy on an industrial scale. Eventually, they became one of the world’s largest epoxy manufacturers. In the 1990s, it became Vantico. And later, in 2003, after another change of ownership, it became a unit of Huntsman Corporation USA.
Sylvan Greenlee worked at Devoe and Raynolds Company when he invented the epoxy resin. Greenlees’ epoxy resins were known as BADGE or DGEBA. This was widely commercialized and is one of the most popular epoxy resins. Devoe and Raynolds were eventually sold to Shell Chemical. And currently, it is a part of Hexicon inc.
The scientists who discovered epoxy were just looking for a binding agent. But after its invention, the many other possible uses of epoxy became apparent. Nowadays, from floor coating to spacecraft, epoxy is everywhere.
Epoxy Manufacturers across the Globe
There are many epoxy manufacturers around the world, and many of them are serving the local market with honesty and integrity. And some have managed to expand themselves beyond the border. Let’s know about some of them.
In the United States, Total Plastics, CVC Thermostat, Copps Industries and Koch night are some of the leading manufacturers of epoxy. These companies also produce other kinds of plastic materials such as ABS, acrylic, and acetate. These manufacturers mainly serve the aerospace, electronics, automobile, and construction businesses.
Moving to the European epoxy resin market, no one company holds a monopoly. Instead, many competitors are all striving for excellence. These names are Huntsman International LLC, Hexion, Covestro AG, Olin Corporation, 3M, and others.
Marblo products is an Australian-based company specializing in durable products with little to no VOC. That’s why epoxy resin is one of their main priorities. Other epoxy resin companies in Australia are Challenge Investments, Paramount Diagnostics, Axson technologies, and PVC industries.
In New Zealand, the leading epoxy manufacturer is UROXSYS LTD. Alongside epoxy resins, they also produce a wide range of other polyurethane products. Another company worth mentioning is Adhesive technologies NZ LTD. They are the largest manufacturer of liquid epoxy in the country.
Let’s have a look at Asia. China’s leading epoxy resin manufacturers include Shenzhen Meitaibang Chemical Co, Yueqing Zeen Appliance Co, Sinopec Chemical Commercial Holding Company Limited, Wuxi Luhuan Cleaning Machine Company limited.
Average Price of Epoxy – NZ to the United States
Thus in the United States, a gallon of epoxy costs an average of 35 dollars. Regular epoxy starts from around 30 dollars and can go up as high as 50 dollars a gallon. However, if it is a hundred percent solid or solvent-based epoxy, then the one-gallon price starts from 45 dollars to 150 dollars.
For New Zealand, a gallon is akin to around 3.7 litres, and the typical price range begins at $60 per litre, resulting in a significant cost increase.
A gallon of epoxy (professional kit) in European countries shall cost you around 80 pounds. Meanwhile, in China, a gallon shall cost you approximately 45 dollars.
Services & How to Calculate & Order Epoxy
If you are not comfortable with applying the epoxy on your own, then take the help of a professional service. You can easily find the floor costing services in your locality on Google. Just type in ‘epoxy floor coating services near me, and the search engine will give you a list of available services and their ratings and contact info.
The proper calculation is necessary for ordering epoxy. You don’t want to run out of liquid halfway into the job. Nor do you want to waste it by mixing too much. So, get an accurate idea of how much you need.
It’s a straightforward calculation. Just go back to your school’s math class. First, mark your patio correctly. Then find out the length and width. Decide on the thickness of the epoxy layer you are planning to apply. Suppose it’s half-inch thick. In that case, half an inch is the ‘height’. Now multiply all three together. In other words, length X width X height.
The result you get will be in cubic units. Convert the cubic unit into litters by typing ‘Covert X cubic units into litters’. The answer you get is the amount of epoxy you will need for the job.
Patio Epoxy Kits
Professional kits can be beneficial to bring the epoxy patio ideas for your backyard into life. These kits tend to hold all the essentials you need to coat your floor or patio with epoxy and help with the entire process. You can buy them online or at hardware stores.
A patio epoxy kit usually comes with a two-part solution. One of them is the liquid epoxy. And the other one is the catalyst or hardener. The equipment pack shall also provide a Stir stick to mix the two. Another essential part of the epoxy kit is the etching solution used to abrade the concrete. These kits might also contain a roller, colour chips, and instructions.
Coating your patio in epoxy is mostly a DIY project. However, you should have a good idea of what you will do. As already mentioned in the previous section, proper surface preparation is vital. First, repair the concrete, then clean it, etch it and only then you will be ready to apply the epoxy.
Another thing to remember is protection. Use protective gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from the chemicals. Plus, mixing the solutions will indeed emit some number of chemical fumes. So, wearing a face mask can’t hurt. And lastly, have the right tools at your disposal.
Epoxy Tips & Tricks
Working with epoxy isn’t tricky. However, proper technique and knowing the right tricks can make a big difference in the results. Here are a few tips and tricks.
- Examine your patio surface a week before the actual job. This will give you time to repair the cracks and, at the same time, not throw you off schedule
- The epoxy mixture can start getting hard in as little as two hours. So, mix only the amount you can apply in two hours
- Always give proper time to dry in every step of the application. This will make a massive difference for the long-term results.
- Have a helping hand to do the brushing on the sides or spread the colour chips. This will save you more time and cover larger areas.
- Apply multiple coats to get the best results. Wait at least 12 hours between each layer.
Eric Cortina from Texas Barndominiums shows us how to prep a concrete floor for an epoxy coating by grinding it to 200 grit and scrubbing it. They employ an epoxy and polyurethane foundation. They add the grit with a leaf blower and then apply the epoxy compound in 3-gallon batches. This channel is a must for building and DIY enthusiasts who want to learn more and have fun. Please support them.
Texas Barndominiums. (2020, August 16). How to do OUTDOOR epoxy floors [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3taSdZz4LQ
How to get the best results with epoxy?
You can get the best result with epoxy when you have prepared a good surface for the application. Heal the surface from all its scars and bruises. Then wash with etching solutions to make it more welcoming to the coating. After that, it’s just about rolling your foam roller.
How do I make my epoxy smooth?
You cannot expect to get a smooth finishing if you start on a dirty and dirty surface. So, that’s the key. To further ensure smoothness, you can sand the finished and dried epoxy with high grit sandpaper. You also apply multiple layers of epoxy to get the desired smoothness.
How do you spread epoxy evenly?
To evenly spread the epoxy, you have to ensure no air bubbles are forming during application. Use a roller or brush dusted with talcum powder or corn-starch to achieve that. The powders will push out the air, meanwhile not disturb the liquid too much. And lastly, apply multiple layers to ensure the spreading is even.
Epoxy Water Features
Epoxy patio ideas for your backyard are most often complementary to other epoxy features. For instance, epoxy swimming pools, shower decks, or a pool-side might have been the main project. And you just thought that applying an epoxy coating to your patio can also work. Or it might have been the other way around.
Let’s look at how you can use epoxy to enhance or add water features to your backyard.
Epoxy swimming pools
Applying an epoxy coating to your pool surface is far more cost-effective and convenient than tile installation. In this case, you will be installing a water-resistant and pressure tolerant mat first. After that, an epoxy coating will be applied.
This has several benefits. First of all, it’s less expensive. Moreover, if the work is done correctly and the epoxy pool bed remains intact for years to come.
Needless to say, accurate calculations are necessary here. First, you have to know the dimensions of your pool frame. Then find the exact amount of water force the pool bed must withstand.
Plus, also consider solar effects. You will also want a material that is not vulnerable to temperature-related cracking. Which happens when the weather changes, contracts or expands the material. In other words, it should have proper elasticity.
Epoxy Shower Deck for Outdoors
Outdoor deck showers can be complementary to the pool. Or it can exist as a sole entity. If your backyard doesn’t have a pool or isn’t big enough to have one, you can consider an outdoor deck shower.
Epoxy can play a significant role in making your backyard shower a reality. Because, again, it lowers cost. And at the same time provides an effectively slip-proof and, therefore, safe shower deck.
Additionally, applying epoxy to the concrete steps and floor of your shower makes them look brighter. And to enhance the effect, you can add some decorative woodwork, stones, and pebbles.
Epoxy Pool Decks
The slip-resistant properties of epoxy find their use in another essential part of your backyard architecture- the pool decks. There are several reasons why applying an epoxy coating on your pool deck is a fantastic idea.
First of all, you will be making your pool-side safer. Most pool accidents involving children and old people happen on a slippery deck.
Second, adding a knockdown finish to your deck can significantly enhance how your pool deck looks and feels. Moreover, the deck feels more comfortable when you walk on it.
Apart from these, the weather-resistant properties of epoxy also make a significant contribution. Your pool deck will be safe from heat and radiation from the sun when you epoxy it giving it a protective coating.
Epoxy Water Fountain
If you don’t have the means to make any of the above epoxy features into reality, you can go for a ready-made epoxy water fountain. You can buy one from online stores. You can always find a suitable epoxy water fountain, no matter how small your backyard is.
These pieces are usually constructed from high-performance, durable epoxy resins. Which makes them rust-proof and all over weather-resistant. So, you don’t have to bother yourself with maintenance much.
An epoxy water fountain usually comes with a pump. Installation is not that difficult. And once installed, you can enjoy the calming natural sound of water flow in your backyard.
Epoxy Art For Outdoors
You can complement your epoxy patio ideas by installing different DIY art pieces in your backyard. Such as a wind chime or an epoxy pond. Here are a few instructions to get you started.
Epoxy Wind Chime
Wind chimes are a brilliant touch to any backyard. Every time the cool breeze flows, it creates the most perfect music that eases off your stress at least a little bit. Moreover, it becomes more memorable when you start it with your own hands.
The initial step is getting an epoxy resin art kit. Find one that is not too expensive and is friendly for amateur artists. Next, arrange for the other necessary materials. Such as mixing tubs, sticks, colouring powder, strings, metal ring, parchment paper, and a metal tray,
After you have all the materials at hand, start creating. Mix the epoxy mixture according to the instructions of the kit. You can also add the colours at this point.
You can pour the mixture into relevant moulds if you have specific shapes in mind. Or you might run the epoxy mixture onto the metal tray and break it afterwards to get random shapes, aka the broken glass effect.
Before putting the mixture into the metal tray, seal it carefully with parchment paper. Be sure the paper doesn’t have any leaks. Otherwise, the epoxy will permanently get stuck to the metal tray. Wait 24-48 hours after pouring.
When the mixture on the tray has hardened sufficiently, it will be time to start breaking it. Lay a piece of cloth or parchment paper over the hardened epoxy surface. Now start beating it with a hammer. Beat gently and yet effective enough to create and break out the shards.
After that, take the broken epoxy chips and drill at one end. Tie strings at the end of these chips and hang them from the metal ring. Congratulations! Your very own wind chime is ready now.
Epoxy pond for the backyard
An artificial epoxy pond is another excellent addition to your backyard. If you have a garden at the back of your house with too little place for anything else, then consider installing an epoxy pond. It’s a simple DIY project which can significantly enhance your backyard landscape.
The first step of the project is designing. You have to decide what kind of theme you want to go with. For example, you can create a fish-themed pond. In which case, you will add fish figurines to your epoxy design. Or it can be a holiday theme, such as frozen winter pond during Christmas or ghosts and ghouls during Halloween.
Following that, take a paper and pencil to outline the pond. You will also point out all the details in this step. Such as the figurines, stones, artificial grass, or trees you want to add.
When you have completed the design, transfer it to a one-inch-thick piece of Styrofoam. Size choice is independent. Although ideal dimensions are one by one foot. This Styrofoam piece is the base of your epoxy pond.
Now cut off the outline from the Styrofoam piece. You should be using a fine craft knife to do this. The Styrofoam piece will convert from a rectangular block to the shape of your pond-to-be.
Begin digging out from the middle. Eventually, you will turn the piece into a basin. Keep some jagged edges at the bottom to add more texture. You can create moulds for the finer details (trees, fishes, foliage) from the Styrofoam parts you had cut out.
When you have created the basin, layer it with plaster. Make sure there is no leak in the plastering. Otherwise, the resin will eat through Styrofoam. Use sandpaper to smooth the roughness of the plaster layer.
Wait until the plaster dries and settles, paint it according to your pond’s theme. You can use acrylic paint for this purpose. Draw some of the details like fish and foliage at this point. Paint the middle part darker than the outer edges to give the impression of depth.
You can also attach some of the models in your designs to the bottom, such as a clam, stones, miniature treasure chest, etc.
Lastly, mix your epoxy and pour it into the basin. As usual, follow the instructions to properly prepare the mixture. Apply heat to your resin after pouring with a blow dryer to get rid of air bubbles. Now, wait 24-48 hours for the project to dry. You can then do some spot painting and add the other details.
Epoxy Kitchen Countertop
If epoxy patio ideas for your backyard serve you well, then epoxy kitchen countertops can suit you better. You can use epoxy to revitalize your worn-out countertop and give it a longer and better life.
Epoxy can work on a variety of kitchen countertops. Such as metal, wood, Formica, laminate, ceramic, and concrete. Although epoxy works on granite or marble, too, it is better to rejuvenate them using natural stone restoration techniques, considering how expensive they are.
Creating an Epoxy Kitchen Countertop
You create a one-eighth-inch of epoxy coating on your kitchen countertop. This can be a DIY project. In that case, prepare the countertop surface properly before application. Plus, mix the solutions properly and work within the time frame.
Before applying epoxy, ensure the protection of other structures in your kitchen, such as the cabinets, floors, etc. So, cover them up with a protective sheet. And when working on the counter, secure the edges so that it doesn’t run to the ground.
During the application, you want to go with multiple layers. So, the first layer needs to be thin. This will seal your surface and prevent air bubbles. As a result, you will get a nicer, smoother finishing. If air bubbles still appear, use heat from a blow dryer or torch to drive them up to the surface. This will make them disappear.
Keep in mind that you have to wait between the layers. The thin layer might take around a few hours to dry up. The thicker layers will require more time. Be patient and let the layers dry.
Benefits of an Epoxy Kitchen Countertop
As with any epoxy project, these countertops come with the advantage of being long-lasting, easy to clean, and affordable to install. Once you have applied a coating of epoxy, you can rest for years. This is impossible with varnishes and such coatings, requiring frequent re-application.
Epoxy coating also gives the countertop a smart, glossy, and shiny look. There’s no other coating that can compete with epoxy in this aspect. Plus, you have a lot of design possibilities. For example, you can use paint and textures to make your epoxy coating look like marble, wood, granite, etc.
Heat tolerance is another excellent feature of epoxy countertops. You can put a hot plate or mug of coffee directly on the counter without any mat or anything. Epoxy coating can withstand a lot of heat.
Another benefit of epoxy countertops is health safety. Countertops with epoxy coating won’t release any toxic fumes in your kitchen, and as a result, you get a safer kitchen environment. Plus, the epoxy surface is non-porous. So, it doesn’t permit any fungal or bacterial growth.
Also, cleaning your kitchen becomes easier when you have an epoxy countertop. It doesn’t let grease and other sticky materials adhere to it. As a result, you can clean quickly and adequately. Moreover, virtually all kinds of cleaning products work well with epoxy countertops.
Choosing Epoxy Colors
You can go wild with the colours of your epoxy coatings. There are many options available.
However, below are a handful of recommendations to help keep abreast of current popular trends.
- When applying epoxy to special-purpose rooms, such as a cellar, reading room, or game room, go for metallic colours.
- For the floor in the living space or bedrooms, use an epoxy colour that is bright and cool. This will create a calmer atmosphere in the room.
- Garage floors are subject to dirt and grime. So, go for jet black colours when you apply an epoxy coating here.
- If you want to create granite or marble effects, it is best to get help from professional services.
- Gray and beige colours can work well for an outdoor structure like your backyard patio. Such colours complement the dirt and dust these structures are subject to.
That’s it. You can see that there are many chances you can take with epoxy besides epoxy patio ideas for your backyard. Proper preparation, getting the suitable material, and following the correct safety protocols are necessary for whatever epoxy project you attempt.
Final Thoughts on Using Epoxy for Your Backyard Patio
Epoxy patio ideas for your backyard are limited only by your creativity. You can experiment with different kinds of designs colour chips. Manipulating the shape and size of pebbles and gravels can yield new and unprecedented exterior finishes that will make your backyard a special place in anyone visitor’s mind.
As you can see from the above discussion, epoxy patio ideas are the cheapest yet most effective solution to protect your backyard patio from weather impacts. Once done, you can rest for years without worrying about repair issues.
Sources of Information
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