When you plan to do a DIY kitchen remodel involving epoxy resin, perhaps you might face any condition that requires you to cut that material.
That’s why knowing how to cut epoxy resin countertops is essential if you want to get a perfect finish of a kitchen countertop.
Epoxy resin countertops offer a solid and stable surface for you to do all the kitchen work. This material is made by mixing and pouring the substance into molds.
The manufacturing process ensures this material has optimum strength following the manufacturing guidelines and quality control.
How to Cut Epoxy Resin Countertops Properly
Since epoxy resin is a durable material, cutting countertops made from it can be a little bit tricky.
It would be best to use the proper tools to support the work and know-how to cut epoxy resin countertops to ensure a perfect finish.
Here are the tools and steps needed to cut this kitchen countertop.
Tools Needed
Here are several tools you will need to help you perform how to cut epoxy resin countertops appropriately.
1. Measuring tape
To measure the countertop area that needs to be trimmed, especially when it includes parts that need to be added to the kitchen countertop, such as stovetop or sink.
2. Ruler
Help you draw straight and steady lines on the kitchen countertops that need cutting.
3. 1/4 inch diamond drill bit
Make a hole as the starting point in the countertop where you need to cut the particular part.
4. 2-inch hole saw
Enlarges the holes you have been made previously with a drill bit.
5. Diamond saw blade
To cut particular parts of the countertop that have been measured and lined.
6. Resin sealer
To protect an epoxy countertop, it is more long-lasting and has a better appearance.
7. Paintbrush
Applying the resin sealer, the countertop’s surface is more protected.
8. Soft cloths
To remove any dust left on the countertop surfaces after the cutting process is done.
9. Head protector
A head protector includes eye protection. Ear protection and a dust mask are important to wear while working with epoxy resin because their small particles can reach vital parts in your head, such as the eyes, ears, and nose.
Hence, you need to protect those body parts by wearing eyes and ear protection, and a dust mask.
Cutting Instructions
After all the tools and things used are all set, you can try how to cut epoxy resin countertops.
If you have never experienced doing this kind of work on your own previously, you can follow the following steps. Pay attention to each step, and you can get the best result at the end.
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Determine parts to cut
Decide which parts of the resin countertop you will cut. Cutting particular parts of the countertop during installation might happen to fit with the place.
Otherwise, you might need to create a shape used for installing a sink or stove.
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Measure the cutting parts
When you want to include a sink in the countertop, measure the inside diameter that covers both length and width with a measuring tape.
Reduce the measurement from each side by 1 inch. This gives space for the edges of the kitchen sink to be installed later.
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Marks the parts to cut
The next step in cutting epoxy resin countertops is marking the parts you will cut. Draw the outline of the part that will be cut using a pencil.
To make clear and steady outline lines, you can use a ruler. Mark a spot 1 inch on the inner part of each corner of the outline you make.
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Drilling the shape
Wear a dust mask and protector for your eyes and ears because the process will be started.
Wearing protectors will keep your body parts safe from any dangerous tools or particles produced in the countertop cutting process.
Turn on ¼ inch diamond drill bit and drill each corner of the outline. Then, enlarge the holes you have made in the corners so that each has 2 inches diameter using a 2-inch hole saw.
This will be easier for you later on to cut epoxy resin countertops.
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Cut the countertop
Adjust the diamond saw blade into the hole you have made to create a 1/8 inch deep cut in the countertop.
Saw the lines along the outline on the countertop in 1/8 inch deep. Next, set the saw blade to cut the countertop in ¼ inch deep and saw along the lines.
Adjust the saw blade to trim the countertop 1/8 inch deeper than the ¼ inch cutting. Saw those lines again.
Just continue the process of cutting epoxy resin countertops by adding the depth of the cut about 1/8 inch from the previous one until the counter is cut completely.
By cutting a small amount of the countertop and increasing the depth, you can prevent cracking and get a smoother cutting finish.
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Clean the surface
After the cutting process of the countertop is done, remove all the dust from the countertop using a dry cloth.
Repeat the wiping process using a damp cloth to clear away all the remaining dust that hasn’t been cleaned using the dry one.
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Apply sealants
To make sure the edges of the cutting parts are smoother, you can apply edge dressing as suggested by the manufacturer.
Use the paintbrush to apply the edge dressing into the cut edges of the hole made in the countertop. Let the layer of edge dressing dray within 24 hours.
As for the countertop surface, you can brush some resin sealer. By applying resin sealants, you add protection to the countertop and prevent further damage.
Wait for the sealer to dry in 24 hours before installing the sink or stove into the cutting part.
Performing how to cut epoxy resin countertops can be done well if you use the right tools and follow all the steps of cutting properly.
