DIY Epoxy Countertop Success? Tips and Lessons from Making Faux Marble Counters over Plywood

Can we call our DIY Epoxy Countertop Success? We definitely learned some lessons that will help us pour a better epoxy counter next time BUT we took the failures and turned them into a successful result and a beautiful faux marble counter top.

Bit thanks to @TotalBoat for supplying the product for the counters and sponsoring the channel.
http://www.totalboat.com/

You can also purchase total boat products on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3s8BEGG

Get your DIYTyler Swag and all other work gear from @KeyApparel https://DIYTyler.com/merch

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We used Total Boat tabletop epoxy resin to pour the counter tops over a double layer of 3/4" particle board.

1) We installed the particle board substrate, sealed the wood with a rolled on layer of epoxy (Lesson 1, we should have tinted this layer of epoxy to help us get better final color coverage. I mentioned painting the particle board in the video but this may not be a good idea, may cause the epoxy not to adhere perfectly.)

2) Sanded the seal layer and taped off the counters to get ready for the main epoxy pour. Make sure you do a good tape job, don't want the epoxy to run away on you! Drop cloths as well!

3) Mix up enough epoxy in your base layer of color. Flood the counters with this layer and spread evenly, this layer will help the colored layers of epoxy flow better.

4) Build up your bucket of epoxy that is colored. We went with a dirty pour method were we mix the colors together in layers separated by a shot of spray paint. Be sure to have small buckets of your accent colors set aside if you want to accent the counters after the main pour.

5) Pour the main bucket of color in a patter of choosing. (We did A LOT of trial and error to get what we wanted.)

6) Accent the counters as desired.

7) After the epoxy has set up a bit take the tape barrier down and let the epoxy slowly drip over the edge. Use trowels and glove covered hands to keep things in control.

8) After the color coat has cured if you want a thicker counter and more protection you can add a final clear coat as we did. Same process, sand, pour clear...watch your edges.

Most of the trouble we had was with the edging, we didn't get enough coverage for good color so we had to trim the edge back down to add a trim that was painted the base color. A bit more work but we got a satisfactory result in the end. Hopefully our mistakes will help you!

Some tools we use (affiliate links):
Propane Torch: https://amzn.to/3s66zTY
Plastic Trowel for Tile or Resin: https://amzn.to/2LfZCz7
Mixing-Mate Paint Lid: https://amzn.to/2vXsq7P
Epoxy Mixer: https://amzn.to/3q5reWA
FastCap 16oz Glue Bot: http://goo.gl/X5aNZ0
FastCap 4oz Babe Bot: http://amzn.to/1KEuIUf
Tool Belt: http://goo.gl/XZnWRx
IsoTunes Free: https://amzn.to/3saPoRi
Kreg R3: https://amzn.to/2DxC6t3
Kreg ACS Track Saw: https://amzn.to/2OZXVVw
Kreg Drawer Slide Jig: https://amzn.to/355rIBp
Kreg Drawer Pull Jig: https://amzn.to/3fqy5VA
Kreg Screws: https://amzn.to/304j2KK
Kreg Clamps: https://amzn.to/2ZlRyRz
Switchpod (mini tripod): https://bit.ly/2JUMET1
Moisture Meter: https://amzn.to/2SwBy9i
FastCap Tape Measure: http://goo.gl/t2lWJD

Items specific to the finishing setup:
Fuji Q5 5 Stage Turbine Spray System: https://amzn.to/2J2DMei
Harbor Freight Toolbox: http://bit.ly/2VRIEI6
3M Full face Respirator: https://amzn.to/2BmP3Sb
3M Organic Vapor Cartridge: https://amzn.to/2VTffgN
3M PPS 2.0 Fitting #18 - 26054 (for T70) http://bit.ly/2IZlbzp
3M PPS 2.0 Fitting #2 26003 (for T75G) https://amzn.to/35HjVuH
3M 177 ml Pressurized H/O Cup - 26121 http://bit.ly/35HrfGB
3M 850 ml Pressurized H/O Cup - 26124 http://bit.ly/2P006sM
3M PPS Large Cup Ratio Inserts - 16091 https://amzn.to/2OVvCYF
3M PPS 13. 5 oz Mix Ratio Insert - 16155 https://ebay.to/2MTx4Z6
3M PPS 2. 0 Cup Lid - 26204 for 177 H/O Cup https://ebay.to/2J35NSS
3M PPS 2.0 Cup/Cap/Liner/ Lid Standard https://ebay.to/31qF0pX
3M PPS 2. 0 13. 5 oz Midi Liner https://ebay.to/2J2h45Q
3M PPS 2.0 mini liner https://ebay.to/2MO32G4

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#epoxycounters #fauxmarblecounter #epoxykitchen