When you are working with any type of existing tile, you may want to dress it up quickly without having to remove the tile first. This can be done on a countertop or floor, but is it possible to put epoxy over it?
Generally speaking, epoxy offers an excellent way to produce a beautiful countertop or floor when you already have tile in place. Rather than going through all of the difficulty and mess of tearing up the old tile, you can simply leave it, apply the epoxy, and be happy with the beautiful results.
There are many reasons why people choose to put epoxy over tile, both on the floor and on the countertop. There are also many choices that need to be considered so that you can make a decision that will be best for your home.
Can You Put Epoxy Over Tile Flooring?
People tend to choose tile because it is a very durable surface. It also provides a beautiful surface for both tile floors and tile countertops.
Typically, this type of floor or countertop will last for many years. The only problem is, when it comes time to make a change, you might struggle because of the difficulty of tearing the tile out.
Removing tile is a very dirty, dusty, and labor-intensive job. You might even have a difficult time getting the floor to the condition it needs to be before you make the change to the new floor.
That is one of the reasons why people use epoxy. It’s an excellent way to cover over the tile and if you make the right choice, it can be just as durable and beautiful, if not more so. It will make your tile floor last a lot longer and will make a change that can be enjoyed by the entire household.
Perhaps one of the most important things to consider when putting epoxy over tile is the size of the grout lines. If you are dealing with Mexican tile or another type of tile that tends to have wide grout lines, it can be difficult to cover them fully.
In fact, you may find that it is necessary to cover the tile floor with a self-leveling compound so that all of the grout lines are filled. Otherwise, you are going to see the lines in almost all cases.
That is why it is important to consider the job carefully. First of all, if you are going to add a self-leveling compound over existing tile, you are adding a lot of weight to an already heavy floor. Are you sure the floor joists are able to handle it?
You could easily compromise the safety and quality of your home if you choose to use a self-leveling compound and overpower the floor joists with the weight. In addition, you may not be adding a lot of height to the floor but it can be enough to make a difference.
If you have a floor that can handle the extra weight and additional height, it’s an excellent way to have a smooth, level surface so you can apply the epoxy.
Then again, some people tend to really appreciate the look of the grout lines. When you apply any type of epoxy along with a decorative flake, the grout lines are going to disappear to a large extent. You may see them, but you will not see them in great detail.
Think about the way you want your finished floor to look. If you want a smooth, glassy surface, then a self-leveling compound may be necessary. If you don’t mind the faint outline of the grout line, however, you can just leave them in place.
It’s also important to consider the type of floor and the way that you want to use it. In addition, there may be some repairs that need to take place and this needs to happen before you put the epoxy down.
Fortunately, there are some types of epoxy floor mortar that can be used to fill cracks and other issues with the tile floor. It is a stronger option than many of the other types of epoxy flooring, but it can be the first stage in a process that will make the finished floor look beautiful.
If you are applying the epoxy floor in a high traffic area, you need to consider the strength of the finished floor as well. Typically, if the epoxy floor is self-dispersing, it is going to add a lot of strength along with beauty to the floor.
Then again, there are other considerations that may make a difference in the type of floor that you add. For example, if you have an area that may need some extra anti-slip qualities, then you can get an epoxy that includes some quartz sand.
Another type of anti-slip flooring is graveled epoxy flooring. This tends to be a very decorative option but it is not typically as easy to lay as other types of self-dispersing epoxy. It is still something to consider, however, because of its beauty.
If you are putting down the epoxy flooring in a part of the home that is regularly used, you might want to consider a self-leveling epoxy floor. Not only is it going to be beautiful, but it is also easy to maintain and extremely durable.
Self-leveling epoxy floors are a great choice for use in kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, and other areas of the home where you need to consider daily maintenance. Since they are easy to clean, they also provide a health benefit to the family as well.
There are other types of epoxy flooring that can be considered as well. Many of these offer various benefits and in some cases, can significantly change the way that the floor looks.
For example, you can get a terrazzo epoxy if you are going to be laying the floor in a large area. Rather than having a solid floor that is uniform, it helps to break things up and provides more beauty to the home.
There are even some antistatic epoxy options. These are not typically included in the home but if you want to limit static, then this is certainly an option that can be considered.
As you can tell, it’s not simply a matter of choosing your epoxy and putting it down. You really need to consider all of the options and then choose the one that is going to be best for use in your home.
Should You Put Epoxy Over Tile Flooring?
Before you put epoxy over a tile floor, it’s good to consider both the good and bad of doing so.
The top reasons why putting epoxy flooring over tile is good is because it is easy to clean, safe, and durable. Since you are going to be living on the floor day by day, you want to consider those three factors as a very important part of the floor you choose. Epoxy is used in many homes, as well as in industrial settings, and is a floor you can live on for many years.
Let’s consider the pros and cons of epoxy floor over tile.
Pros:
Clean – Maintenance is a very important part of the flooring in the home. Since you have a solid floor that is durable, you can easily sweep it, mop it, or scrub it if necessary. You can wash it every day without having to worry about ruining the finish. In fact, an epoxy floor is often used in dirty environments, such as in garages, so having it in your dining room is not going to be a problem.
Safe – If you choose the right epoxy floor, it can offer a smooth surface that is also slip-resistant. Since you can clean it every day, it offers some health benefits for the family as well.
Durability – If you want to have a floor that lasts for many years, you really can’t beat what epoxy brings to the table. Considering the fact that you could drive on it if it were in your garage, it is not going to be a problem to walk on it every single day.
Beautiful – There are many different options when it comes to epoxy. This includes various flakes and even colors that you can choose. You might even want to try going with a combination of colors that provides a beautiful look for the home.
Cons:
Installation – Although there are probably a few things we could discuss when it comes to the downsides of epoxy flooring, the only one that is really worth mentioning is the installation process.
Installing epoxy is going to be very time-consuming and it can get messy. It’s not an easy project for the homeowner to undertake, but when you do install the floor and do a good job of it, it’s something you can be proud of.
Can You Put Epoxy Over Tile Countertops?
Most people would consider putting epoxy over a tile floor but can you use it on tile countertops?
Epoxy provides a safe, beautiful, and usable overlay to the countertop. After the epoxy sets properly, it can be used without any problem and you might even find that you are cutting and working directly on it. Choosing the right type of epoxy is important, but if you choose one that is food safe and highly durable, it can add much to your kitchen or bathroom countertop.
Some people are concerned about using epoxy as a countertop because they feel as if they are introducing chemicals to the kitchen area. Although there are chemicals associated with epoxy, there are chemicals associated with a tile countertop as well.
That is why it is important for you to choose an epoxy that is appropriate for use in the kitchen or bathroom. There are going to be various options, including some that may be low VOC.
Once the epoxy sets, all of the chemicals associated with it are going to be locked in place. You will have a difficult time cutting into the epoxy, as it can also be used in industrial settings and stand up under extreme use.
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of using epoxy over a tile countertop is the fact that you have a very usable surface. It also adds a lot of beauty to the home and can be a custom showpiece you can be proud of.
Should You Put Epoxy Over Tile Countertops? Reasons Why Not And Why Yes
People may consider putting epoxy over a tile countertop for a variety of reasons. For the most part, however, it is to dress up the area.
There may also be some who wonder if it is a good idea to put epoxy over a tile countertop. Here’s the good and bad to consider.
For the most part, and epoxy countertop is an excellent choice for use in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other part of the home where a tile countertop now exists. It can be put over the tile directly and add a lot of beauty and functionality to a part of the home that may have been showing its age.
Let’s consider a few pros and cons of putting epoxy over a tile countertop.
Pros:
Ease of Use – Tile countertops can be difficult to use. The grout can get dirty quickly and they may not provide the flat surface that is necessary for most kitchen use.
On the other hand, an epoxy countertop is a flat, smooth surface that is extremely durable.
Durability – Although we did touch on it briefly, the durability of epoxy countertops is unmatched. You will find that it is just as durable as natural stone but it also has the benefit of being more usable.
Installation – Rather than tearing out the old countertop, you can get an epoxy DIY kit and have the new epoxy countertop down in no time.
There may be times in which you want to start with a smoother surface. This can be done by using a self-leveling compound over the tile before you put down epoxy.
Price – Compared to putting down many other types of countertops, using epoxy over tile comes at an excellent price. It might still come close to some of the less expensive countertop prices but the durability is much higher with epoxy.
Cons:
Curing time – If you use your countertop every day, you will have to forgo using it for a few days while the epoxy cures. It may be solid to the touch within a day but it might not stand up to abuse for a few days.
How To Put Epoxy Over Tile (Is It The Same For Floors Vs Countertops)
There are important things to consider when putting epoxy over tile. Fortunately, it is a fairly straightforward process.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 16, 2021.
The most important factor for installing epoxy over tile is the preparation. The tile needs to be prepared properly, regardless of whether it is cleaning it, sanding it to give it some texture, or floating the tile with a self-leveling compound. After the tile has been prepared properly, then you can proceed with the epoxy process.
One factor that should not be understated is the application of primer. Trying to install epoxy over tile without using a primer is likely going to result in problems, at best.
The primer is what allows the epoxy coating to stick to the tile, regardless of whether it is on the floor or the countertop. In addition, using a clear primer is going to allow you to prep the tile without destroying the color in the process.
There may be times in which you want to start with a clean slate and for that purpose, you would use a white primer. Make sure that the entire surface is primed, including the corners and edges.
It may be possible to paint the tile if you want to change the color that shows through the epoxy. You would do this in a similar way to how you put down the primer. Make sure that you use a three-coat process so that everything is covered.
One other option is to float the tile with a self-leveling compound. This is typically done to provide an even smoother surface and to stop the grout lines from showing through the epoxy.
Finally, finish everything off with the epoxy coating. Work your way across the surface slowly to ensure even coverage and to keep brushstrokes from showing up in the finish.
The first coat can be lightly sanded and then the second coat can be applied. Make sure you allow the epoxy to cure fully before walking or putting any weight on it.
What Tools And Preparation Are Needed?
Have all of the tools and materials necessary for the job available in advance. You don’t want to be rushing around trying to find your next tool when the process is started.
In order to prepare the floor, you will need a grinder, sandpaper, and shop vac.
Make sure that you have plenty of 5-gallon buckets on hand throughout the entire process. In addition, have utility knives with plenty of blades
You will have to measure the epoxy. In some cases, it comes with its own measuring implements but at other times, you will need to have measuring containers.
For the installation process, you will want to have a variety of squeegees and rollers available. In addition, you should have trowels, putty knives, and paint sticks on hand.
Have the appropriate PPE on hand for the job. This would include kneepads, safety glasses, dust masks, and ear protection.
Finally, have plenty of rags, trash bags, and other items on hand to clean up after yourself. Keeping your work area clean will allow the job to go as smoothly as possible.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 16, 2021.
You can apply epoxy over both a tile floor or countertop. It provides a usable, beautiful, and livable surface for the entire home. As long as you prepare things properly ahead of time, the epoxy job will go smoothly and after it cures, it will be ready to use for many years to come.
Related Articles
Can You Put Epoxy Over Concrete?
Can You Remove Epoxy From Concrete/Tile?
Can You Epoxy Over Laminate Floors?
Can You Epoxy Over Laminate Countertops?
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 16, 2021.