Epoxy resin has become the go-to technique for almost all kinds of projects. Any cursory glance on social media will bring up videos of people using it for a variety of projects ranging from making gorgeous tables where it is interposed with wood to kitchen countertops and everything in between.
However, this substance has been used for decades in industrial settings thanks to its durability and cost-effectiveness. This post will examine how much it might cost you to get started using it, along with the primary benefits of choosing it for your projects.
The Cost Of Starting To Work With Epoxy Resin Depends On Your Specific Needs And Goals
As you can probably imagine, the cost of working with any kind of material or substance will vary greatly depending on what you intend to do with it. If you plan on using a large amount, you might want to use a deep pour epoxy calculator, which can provide a detailed estimate of how much you will use.
Once you have the data, you can calculate your total cost depending on the epoxy you will use and where you will purchase it from (trade shops will be slightly cheaper than those aimed at the DIYers). Therefore, there is no concrete way to provide a figure. Nonetheless, you can expect to pay around $0.37 and $1.40 per square foot, depending on the quality and type of epoxy you wish to use.
You Will Need To Factor In The Peripheral Items Used To Work With The Substance
When calculating the cost of a project, you must also include all the additional costs involved with it. This will include things like:
• Safety gear
• Tools
• Pigments (more on that later)
• Permits
• Labor (unless you are going the DIY route)
These costs can add up pretty fast and, in the case of permits, could even delay your project until the relevant bureaucracy is sorted out. Regarding safety gear and tooling, these costs will either be high or minimal if you already have most of the stuff from previous projects. Regarding safety equipment, you will need to have the following at a minimum:
• Goggles: Eye protection should be your number one concern when performing any practical work. It doesn’t take much to change your life’s course when something gets into your eye and blinds you. Epoxy resin can be pretty harsh stuff, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
• Gloves: Epoxy is quick-setting and can stain your hands pretty fast. Moreover, it can cause irritation in its liquid state, which is why you should invest in a pair of disposable gloves for this job.
• Respirator: When working with large quantities of the stuff, a respirator will help you avoid breathing in the toxic fumes it can emit. This will likely be the most expensive part of your safety equipment. However, once you have purchased one, you can use it for all kinds of other jobs (not necessarily involving epoxy)
• Protective clothing: Because this substance can stain, you might want to avoid wearing your best Gucci when applying it to a floor and opt for some old work clothing or overalls instead.
Pigments And Dyes To Add Color To The Resin Will Add More To The Final Bill
Unless you are laying a clear top coating on a surface, you will need to add a special pigment to get it to your desired color. Pigments are specialized particles, and the best varieties can be pretty costly, which is why you should factor them into your calculations. Further, you should really opt for the higher-end pigments that will ensure the colorfastness and stay looking great for longer.
You May Need Additional Supplies, Such As Molds Or Tools, Depending On The Project
Just as you will need to factor in the equipment necessary to remain safe, you should also consider any tooling or molding that might be required to complete the job. Most folks think you only need a power drill with a mixer to blend the epoxy up. However, you might also need molds if you are making a table (usually acrylic, which is easy to remove and flexible). Additionally, a power sander might be required to achieve a shiny, glossy surface.
Advantages Of Using Epoxy Resin
There are plenty of reasons why epoxy has become the material of choice for IDYers and professionals everywhere. From durability to customizability, there is a lot to love.
It’s Incredibly Strong And Durable
Epoxy resin’s strength and durability are unparalleled. It can withstand immense pressure and harsh environmental conditions without losing its integrity. This versatile material has a myriad of applications, from industrial to artistic. Its strength and durability make it a popular choice for the construction, marine, and even aerospace industries in some cases. Its ability to bond with various materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics, makes it a go-to choice for repairs and restoration work.
Epoxy Resin Can Be Used To Create A Glossy, High-End Finish On A Variety Of Surfaces
The primary reason that it is used in various applications, aside from its durability, is that it is a relatively affordable way to achieve a very high-quality finish with less effort than might be required using other types of materials.
Its ability to adhere to a variety of materials makes it an ideal choice for interior design projects, furniture refinishing, and even jewelry making. With epoxy resin, the possibilities are endless, as it can be tinted, layered, and even combined with other materials to create truly unique finishes.
It Is Easy To Mix And Apply, Making It A Great Choice For Diy Projects
If you are going to epoxy an extensive surface area like a floor or kitchen countertop, hiring pros with the tools and experience to make it look amazing might be wise. However, if you are planning on employing it for smaller jobs like making furniture, it can be an incredibly forgiving substance to work with. As long as you take your time and plan ahead, you should end up with something incredible.
The versatility of epoxy resin makes it a fabulous material that can be used for all manner of things, from floors to art. When considering the cost, you must take into account the various things laid out in this post to get a reasonable estimate.
