How to Remove Bubbles From Cured Epoxy Countertops

Bubbles appearing on cured epoxy countertops is a  common problem. There can be many causes behind the appearance of air bubbles on the epoxy surfaces like inappropriate room temperature, outgassing, dusty surface, etc. Don’t be nervous about the air bubbles. Use the correct method to remove the bubbles. Hence, we discuss all these problems and their solutions in this guide. This article will guide you through the most effective methods on how to remove bubbles from the cured epoxy countertops.

Utility Lighter:

Removing bubbles on the countertop surface with a utility lighter is one of the most effective methods. Don’t flame at any part of the surface for more than 1-4 seconds. Avoid overheating the surface, and only use the lighter on the surface where bubbles appear.

If you don’t want to use a utility lighter to heat the surface of your epoxy countertop, then you can use a propane torch to remove bubbles from the surface of the cured epoxy countertop. Keep the torch at a distance of 8 inches from the surface of the countertop.

Toothpick:

Toothpicks or pins can come in handy when used to remove bubbles from the countertop surface. This method is suitable for smaller pieces. Use a toothpick on the countertop surface where tiny bubbles appear. Try to get the bubbles out of the surface by using a toothpick around the bubbles. This method may not work on some cured epoxy surfaces. If your epoxy countertop is large and has lots of bubbles, then you should consider other ways.

Pressure Pot:

A pressure pot is a system used to remove bubbles from cured epoxy countertops. If you want to use it, make sure you put the bubbled surface of the epoxy countertop under the pot. It will create pressure to remove the bubbles or make them too small.

Straw:  

You can also use the straw to get the bubbles out from the surface. Use straw on the bubbled surface gently to pop up the bubbles from the epoxy surface. Before using this method, make sure the epoxy surface is not hard because it can be difficult to remove bubbles with straw on a solid epoxy surface. Like a toothpick, this method is suitable for smaller pieces.

Hair Dryer: 

A hairdryer is a general household product. Its light heat may help you to remove air bubbles from the cured epoxy countertop. However, a hairdryer is less intense to fight against bubbles efficiently as compared to lighter.

Use Powder or Liquid:

You can spread mica powder or liquid resin dye on the bubbles. This method may effectively remove small-sized bubbles from the surface of your epoxy countertop. But in some cases, this method may not work. Not getting it right has a lot of problems and consequences. Hence, to prevent this problem, here are some mistakes, which can cause bubbles on the surface of the cured epoxy countertop.

Not Properly Mixing the Epoxy:

Note that not mixing your epoxy thoroughly is another factor that can cause bubbles on the surface of a cured epoxy countertop. Mixing it for at least 3 minutes can save you a whole lot of dilemma.

Using the Wrong Product:

There is a broad range of epoxy products in the market, and as such makes it very confusing to select the best. Make sure you choose the right epoxy product.

Room Temperature:

Appropriate room temperature is mandatory to cure the epoxy countertop properly. If the room temperature is too cold or hot, then you can’t get satisfactory results. You need to maintain the room temperature between 70 to 75 degrees for the best results.

Storing Epoxy at the Inappropriate Temperature:

You must store the epoxy at the appropriate temperature. Store the epoxy at a temperature of 60 to 70 Fahrenheit. If the temperature crosses the above limits, then the epoxy gets hardened.

Dusty Surface:

Clean the surface from dust and oil before applying the epoxy. To get your desired result, you have to ensure that the surface is very dry.

Outgassing:

Outgassing is the release of air from the surface of the epoxy countertop even after being covered with resin and therefore, can cause bubbles on the surface of the cured epoxy countertop.

Nevertheless, the best way to fix this problem is to apply another coat of epoxy on the surface. But if you still get a bubble or two, you need to pour another epoxy coat again to get all the bubbles out from the surface. Wait for 24 hours to cure the surface properly.

Pros and Cons of Epoxy Countertops

We cover the pros and cons of epoxy countertops so that you can understand the properties of epoxy countertops well. Keep in mind that the pros and cons of epoxy countertops depend on the quality of epoxy, the thickness of each layer you apply, and the surface of your countertop.

Pros of Epoxy Countertops

• Countertops with epoxy coating are durable and can last for years.
• Epoxy countertops have limitless design possibilities. You can apply any color or pattern on the epoxy countertop to give it a high-end and glossy look.
• Epoxy coating is cheaper than replacing an old countertop with a new one. Other natural stone countertops require proper maintenance. However, epoxy countertops don’t have any maintenance costs because they are rarely damaged.
• Epoxy countertops are heat resistant if installed correctly. However, keep in mind that epoxy countertops are not heatproof. Practice safety precautions, and put a mat before leaving a hot dish on the surface of the epoxy countertop.
• Epoxy countertops are easy to clean because you can use almost any cleaning product to clean the surface without damaging it.

Cons of Epoxy Countertops

• Applying epoxy coating on the existing countertop can be messy and complicated, especially if you have never done work like this in the past. If necessary, seek the services of professionals such as Caesarstone for this task.
• As much as epoxy countertops are durable, they can get stained easily if any liquid or food item falls on it and remains on the surface of the countertop for a long time. Keep the surface of your epoxy countertop dry and take care of your countertop so that it can last for years.
• Avoid using an epoxy countertop for about a week after installation because epoxy releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air even if the room is well ventilated. After one week, it will be safe to use.
• Epoxy coating is not ideal for granite or marble countertops. There are better restoration options available for these kinds of materials.
• For best results, it requires skilled hands to apply an epoxy coating over the tile countertop.

Conclusion

In this article, you have read various ways to remove bubbles from cured epoxy countertops and also learned what to do to avoid them in the future.

If you still face problems, you should consult with experts of epoxy countertops.