Is Epoxy Scratch Resistant?

Epoxy resins, if you haven’t used this formula to finish your kitchen tables, garage floors, or countertops, then you need to consider it sooner than later-the next time you are refinishing. This formula is tough and can withstand different kinds of impacts, but Is Epoxy Scratch Resistant?

An epoxy coating lasts longer than most types of coatings you’ll likely interact with, and yes, epoxy is resistant to scratch thanks to its composition. You can even make your surfaces coated with epoxy more abrasion and scratch resistant by reinforcing it with other finishes- polyurethane.

There’s a lot of heavy activities in a garage, and if you are thinking of the best formula to use on your floors, an epoxy will prove helpful. Additionally, epoxy products require very minimal maintenance, which allows every time you need to work for days without worrying about the need to do serious maintenance.

How Long Does Epoxy Coating Last?

Epoxy is a fascinating formula, and once you apply it, it becomes part of the structure for an extended duration. This formula adheres to wooden and concrete surfaces to provide lasting protection. Epoxy floors can last between 10 to 20 years or even longer with the proper maintenance practices.

You might not necessarily remove your epoxy coat on the floor if you intend to replace the floor. Additionally, the epoxy formula does not offer any threat to the environment; hence you must not think of a landfill to dispose of such a product.

How To Keep Epoxy Resin Finish In a Top Shape Over Extended Duration

Most people don’t find it hard to apply epoxy formulas to their different surfaces, such as floors and countertops. However, a lot of people get it wrong with the maintenance practices to keep the epoxy finish in good shape. 

A polished and protected epoxy finish will always look new and impressive as when they were first applied. So why do people love epoxy products as a flooring finish? Well, this formula comes with a beautiful crystal-clear finish as well as a tough protective coating. However, it is normal even for the hardest materials to wear as time passes. So here are some of the best ways that you can use to keep your epoxy resin in a top condition.

Scratch Repairs

You can buff light scratches or minor spots of wear by using a soft lint-free cloth plus furniture polish. If your surface has slightly deeper abrasions and scratches, sand the area lightly until it becomes smooth and follow that by wiping away any sanding wastes. Follow it with a furniture polish then buff.

Deeper Scratch Repairs

If your surface has deeper scratches, contains cracks or chips, then first clean the area that you intend to repair using soap and water, you may want to brush the area to help loosen the debris such that they won’t be trapped in the repair. After cleaning all the scratches from the surface, you need to clean the surface and allow it time to dry properly. You can use a dry cloth to wipe it out or even use a hairdryer.

After the above steps, the next thing that you need to do is mix some epoxy resin on cardboard, and fill the area using a craft stick until it repairs completely. After you have filled the blemish using the epoxy resin, use a small flat surface tool to remove the excess materials and even out the repair. You can use a ruler or razor blade to do that.

As soon as your epoxy resin has cured ( use the hairdryer to speed up the dry and curing process), consider sanding the surface lightly to ensure that it is very smooth and clean off all the debris present. Pour a fresh flood coat on the freshly repaired surface; you will find your epoxy resin surface crystal-clear and ready for any impact it will experience.

The Properties/Types Of Epoxy and Where To Use Them

If you are into woodworking or are a fan of epoxy resin as a finishing product, you must be aware that many different kinds of epoxies perform better on different projects. 

Countertops, for example, need epoxies with features that wooden floors might not necessarily need. I have highlighted some of the properties or types of epoxy products and the areas that will see them giving a maximum return.

Self-Leveling Epoxies

If you are going to buy an epoxy resin, ensure that you buy one that has self-leveling features. With this formula, you don’t have to struggle so much about leveling. Once you have applied the formula using your spreader, you guarantee to end with a smooth finish.

Buying an epoxy resin that does not have a self-leveling feature will likely give you a finish with some parts, not level. A poorly applied epoxy resin with bumps is not appealing to the eye and may compromise the reward of your hard work and hard-earned resources.

The Size of The Epoxy Resin 

In case you are working with a surface such as a bar table top, ensure that you have enough formula so that you don’t run out of the epoxy in the middle of your project. It would be a setback for you to pour your formula to a painting pan in preparation for your project to find that it will not cover the whole of the surface.

Therefore, I’d always advise my readers to ensure that they work with at least a gallon of this formula. Usually, if you read the formula’s container, you will find that they have indicated the amount of area that it can cover. Compare the area of coverage of a formula with that of the area that you intend to finish so that you don’t run out of the formula before you are through.

Heat-Resistant

A heat resistant epoxy formula is best for structures located in high-temperature areas such as the kitchen. So if you need an epoxy product for kitchen structures, ensure that you are dealing with a formula that will provide your surfaces with high resistance to heat and hot temperatures.

Resistance to Scratch

Surfaces such as countertops and garage floors deal with so much pressure and impact daily. Therefore, this gives you a reason enough to go for epoxy resin products that offer a high level of resistance to scratch. If you love your countertops, ensure that you do it a favor by adding a scratch-resistant epoxy formula as a finish.

Watch the video below with different tips for epoxy beginners:

Conclusion

If you are thinking of finishing your wooden structures, especially those that see a lot of traffic and impacts, I’d advise you to go for epoxy resin. This formula is durable and cures into a tough finish that can serve you for several years, especially with proper maintenance. Overall, epoxy has a reputation as one of the best performing formulas out there. One question though, is…

Is Epoxy Scratch Resistant?

Yes, this formula comes with a high level of resistance to scratch, and if you can watch over this formula always for many years, you will find it worth every penny that you shall have spent.

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