How To Transform Your Countertop Using Mica Powder

Nothing transforms a kitchen or bathroom like new countertops. Rooms seem lighter or darker depending on the change and go from outdated to modern in a day when creating new countertops. However, countertops are a big investment. Everyone likes to save money where they can when remodeling. Thankfully, countertops are one area you can save a lot. Transform your countertops using mica powder and resin. Follow along as we go through the steps for this amazing transformation.

Existing Countertops or Built From Scratch

You have two choices when it’s time to DIY your countertops: stick with the ones you have and change the color, or build new countertops using MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and color them however you like. Both are great options, but each comes with pros and cons.

Pros of Existing Countertops

• There’s no need to build anything.
• Counters are already smooth and fitted to the cabinets.
• They’re solid and sturdy.
• Save on the cost of building supplies.

Cons of Existing Countertops

• You lose the original finish.
• Permanent existing colors.
• It’s tough to start over when a mistake happens.
• The process is done in place rather than in a separate work area.

Pros of Building New Countertops

• Start with a blank canvas.
• Reacts well to epoxy resin.
• It’s inexpensive if you have no existing countertops.
• Easy to start again if a mistake happens.
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
• No mess in the kitchen or bathroom.

Cons of Building New Countertops

• It’s an extra step.
• It could be difficult if you’ve never done it.
• Lower quality than granite or quartz.
• Not as heavy as other counter materials.
• You lose the strength and finish of a stone countertop.

Now that we understand the pros and cons, let’s look at the steps for each method when transforming your kitchen countertops with mica powders.

Building Countertops With MDF

You can use MDF (medium-density fiberboard) to create just about anything, and it’s a great material for building a countertop and coating it with any color or design you like. Once finished, you can have a surface that looks like granite, wood, or whatever you choose. Creating a granite or marble look is the best option when using mica powder.

Here are the steps when building a countertop using MDF and mica powder:

1. Cut the MDF to fit the cabinets.
2. Place the piece or pieces on sawhorses.
3. Sand everything until smooth and wipe away dust.
4. Fill in any cracks with resin or a crack filler.
5. Seal the entire piece with clear epoxy resin.
6. Allow the resin to dry for 24 hours, then sand everything again.
7. Choose your desired mica powder colors and mix them with epoxy resin.
8. Pour the mixture in linear patterns.
9. Swirl with a spatula for the desired swirled effect.
10. Heat the finished project using a torch. Use long, even strokes and go over the entire piece twice.
11. Cure for 72 hours before installing and using.

You can also add epoxy flakes to the resin mixture for a speckled look on the countertops. The flakes are great for hiding imperfections.

Transforming Your Existing Countertops

You can sand down your existing countertops, no matter what the material is, and transform them with colored epoxy resin if you are happy with the material’s strength. The process will be very similar to the MDF process, except you skip the construction. Instead, you must prepare the existing surface. Let’s look at the steps for transforming your existing countertops using mica powder.

1. Prepare the room by removing items and covering furniture and nearby cabinets.
2. Sand down the countertops. Don’t forget the edges and caulking.
3. Prime the counters with counter priming paint and allow the paint to dry completely.
4. Choose your mica powder colors and mix them with epoxy resin.
5. Pour the mixture in linear patterns.
6. Swirl with a spatula for the desired swirled effect.
7. Heat the finished project using a torch. Use long even strokes and go over the entire piece twice.
8. Cure for 72 hours before using.

Whichever method you choose, epoxy resin is strong and needs no other sealer when you finish.

How To Mix Mica Powder Pigments With Epoxy Resin

The mica powder color choices are up to you when painting your countertops. Once you have an idea of the look you want, there are two ways to mix in the colors, but first, you must mix the epoxy resin.

Mix resin with a hardener at a 2:1 ratio (two parts resin with one part hardener) to create a strong surface for your countertops that cures properly. A handheld drill works well for blending.

Next, separate small amounts of the epoxy mixture into different containers and add color to each if you want separate colors. Mix each one in its own container for a colored epoxy resin. Another option is to add multiple mica powders into one epoxy container and allow them to swirl slightly.

Pour the epoxy resin solution onto the surface and spread it out if you choose the swirling option. You’ll use the spatula method to create swirls when using separate colors. Either way works, but you’ll have more control over the swirling when you pour them separately.

Are DIY Countertops Worth It?

Before you begin a time-consuming project like creating epoxy resin countertops, you must decide if it’s worth your effort. Here are the benefits of a DIY countertop using mica powders and epoxy resin:

• Epoxy is a durable surface.
• You’ll save hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on how much counter space you are updating.
• Feel satisfied knowing you did the work.
• Design unique countertops in your personal style that no one else can replicate.

Transforming your countertops with mica powder may be right up your alley if that all sounds like what you’re looking for. Our team at Eye Candy Pigments is here to help you navigate new counters and all other DIY projects that involve powdered pigments. Contact us with your questions, and we’ll point you in the right direction so you can enjoy all things creative.