Epoxy Countertops: 4 Simple Steps to Cutting Perfectly
Epoxy resin countertops are a beautiful, durable and affordable option for kitchen and bathroom countertops. You may have used the method of pouring resin over the existing countertop you may have all of the holes cut into the original countertop and you will not need to make further cuts, the resin will flow around the existing cuts. However, If your epoxy resin countertop is new you will need to cut holes out for a sink and cooktop.
Another reason you may need to cut epoxy resin countertops is if you are installing your new countertop and the wall you are installing it against is not square the back may need to be trimmed so that the countertop fits snugly against the wall.
Tools and materials needed
- Drill and drill bits
- Angle grinder with a diamond cutting wheel
- Circular saw
- Masking Tape
- Marking Pen
- Silicone
- Jig Saw
Cutting into countertops looks daunting because you only get one go and if you stuff up you might have to bin the countertop, however, with a bit of planning it’s actually an easy job.
The cutting method will also depend on any additional materials that make up the countertop. For instance, you will have to use a different tool for an epoxy and stone/concrete countertop than you would cut an epoxy and wood countertop.
Here are three easy steps to cut epoxy resin countertops in your home:
Step 1: measure and mark the countertop in place
When you are installing a new countertop into an existing location, chances are the wall behind the countertop will not be square or straight this means that you will need to trim the back of the countertop to fit the wall. To do this, measure and mark a cutting line behind the countertop along the wall. this is done by placing the countertop against the wall and tracing the contour of the wall onto the countertop. Once the line is scribed a cut can be made to replicate the contours of the wall. Be sure to cut away as little as possible so that the countertop still fits over the supporting cabinets supporting it with an overhang.
Step 2: Secure the cutout template onto the countertop.
When you purchase a sink or hot plate there will often be a template guide for cutting out the right-sized hole. This template will give you the perfect sized cut out in your resin countertop. Appliances have a lip that needs to rest on the countertop. The best way to cut the hole is to secure the template to the epoxy countertop with masking tape following the instruction on the template for the spacing from the splashback, also make sure that you are following any local codes when installing your appliance. Also, ensure that the drawing lines up with the plumbing underneath and that if your sink has a drip tray, its correct orientation is drawn on the template.
Step 3: Drill out the corners
Drilling out the corners of the countertop will ensure that you get a nice rounded edge, this will help create a smooth transition between walls and cabinets. To do this, first, use a drill bit or hole saw to create the desired radius of the corner be care full here as the placement of the center drill bit of the hole saw will determine where the lines will need to be cut. If the holes are cut outside of the template lines there is a risk of the hole being too large for the appliance making the appliance not fit properly.
Step 4: cut along the marked lines
Once the corners of the cutout have been made it’s time to make the straight cuts this stage is where the makeup of the countertop will determine the cutting tool that needs to be used.
Diamond Wheel:
If your epoxy countertop is solid epoxy or a composite with stone or concrete the best cutting method will be to use an angle grinder with a diamond wheel like this one. The idea is to cut in a straight line using shallow passes to avoid cracking the resin the diamond wheel will cut through the hard materials.
Jig saw:
Cutting epoxy resin countertops with a jig saw is an easy and efficient way to customize your surfaces as a jigsaw has a reciprocating motion rather that a circular spinning motion.
This means that a jigsaw is able to make adjustments to its cutting line quickly and also cut right up to the edge of a previous cut in a tight space. For best results use a blade with a high tooth count that has been designed for cutting plastic.
One drawback is that it is easy to stray off the line with your cut unless you have a straight edge for support.
Circular saw:
Circular saws are much like jig saws, except that they are designed for use with a straight edge guide. Skill saws are great for cutting large pieces of wood or metal and can be used to cut through hard materials such as epoxy resin countertops. This is ideal to make fast accurate and straight cuts on the countertop.
Conclusion
Always remember that it doesn’t matter which tools you use to cut epoxy resin countertops there is always going to be epoxy dust, that if inhaled can be dangerous to your health. Make sure that you always use personal protective equipment like a respirator mask and protective eyewear at a minimum.
