If you’re looking for a new kitchen countertop for your home or you have plans to replace your current kitchen countertops, you may want to consider building an epoxy butcher block with epoxy resins. You can make your own butcher block surface with a simple DIY wood kitchen countertop plan. In this article, you’ll learn how to construct a simple but efficient butcher block counter top and add interesting epoxy additives to customize the surface to match your kitchen design.
To get started with this project, you should prepare your surfaces–such as wood, tile, and concrete–to accept the new compound. Apply an even layer of clear sealant to all surfaces with a roller or brush. Be sure to clean any surface with an acid cleaner before applying the epoxy resin. Then, apply three fourths of an inch of thick sandpaper to the surface and let it sit overnight to cure.
Your next step is to choose an acid curing agent for your custom-made epoxy surface, such as muriatic, sulfate, or phosphoric acid. These agents work together to form a uniform hard surface with an increased chemical resistance. Once your wood or other surfaces are properly prepared, you can begin construction on your butcher block countertops.
Now, if you want to use a simpler method of preparing your countertops, you can do so without the epoxy resin. This method is called “slip over” or “slip and seal.” To prepare your countertop for slip over, prepare your slabs or tiles with a rubber or silicon based adhesive. Then use water-based or oil-based solutions to apply them to your slabs or tiles. After applying the adhesive to your countertop, allow it to dry, then wipe it off with a damp rag or paper towels.
If you want to use the epoxy in your butcher block, you need to sand it before pouring the resin mixture. Do not forget to check on the condition of your wood, tiles, and slabs. If you have aged wood on your countertops, you might need to sand it some more before you apply your epoxy. If the wood has been sealed with a sealer, it will probably be too damaged for you to even try.
When your slabs are properly prepared, pour the water-based or oil-based solution into the first cavity of the slab or tray you have chosen. Using a long, serrated knife, cut the epoxy mixture from the upper layer to the bottom or side of the tray or slab. Be sure to keep a steady pace on the cutting edge so that the solution does not drip or seep into the deeper levels of the material. As soon as the first layer dries, it will harden and form a solid support structure for the next layer. Apply the second layer of the resin mix over the first and only the very last layer of the epoxy until the slabs have been fully covered with the resins.
The slab or tray that has been treated with the epoxy will be ready for use. To make sure that the slabs coating is consistent all throughout and does not peel off, apply two light coats of the resin. When the slabs are completely dry, apply the finishing coat of either wood or urethane.
The idea of using a wood-based resin for your butcher block countertops is that these two materials complement each other very well. They are both durable and they can withstand a lot of heat. Wood is also better if you want to install your kitchen island later on. Besides, there is something for everyone in the market, so start thinking now and see which one will fit your kitchen.