Can You Epoxy Over Existing Countertops? (Laminate, Tile, Wood)

One of the most common questions we hear from Bay Area homeowners is: "Do I have to rip out my old countertops before getting epoxy?" The short answer is no — and that's one of the biggest advantages of choosing epoxy resurfacing over a full countertop replacement.

At Brooks & Company Epoxy, we regularly apply professional-grade epoxy over laminate, tile, wood, and concrete countertops throughout Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, and the greater Bay Area. Here's everything you need to know about which surfaces work, how preparation differs, and what results you can expect.

Surfaces That Work With Epoxy

Laminate Countertops

Laminate is the most common surface we epoxy over in the Bay Area. Those Formica and Wilsonart countertops from the 1990s and 2000s are everywhere, and they're ideal candidates for epoxy resurfacing.

Preparation process:

• Thorough cleaning and degreasing
• Light sanding to create a mechanical bond (80-120 grit)
• Filling any chips, seam gaps, or edge damage
• Application of a bonding primer designed for non-porous surfaces
• Epoxy application and topcoat

Laminate provides a smooth, stable substrate that produces excellent results. The flat surface means fewer complications and a beautifully even finish.

Tile Countertops

Tile countertops are another great candidate, and homeowners are often thrilled to finally get rid of those grout lines that trap grime and bacteria.

Preparation process:

• Deep cleaning of tile and grout
• Repair of any cracked or loose tiles
• Filling grout lines with a leveling compound to create a smooth surface
• Sanding the tile surface for adhesion
• Primer application
• Epoxy pour and design

The key with tile is properly leveling the grout lines. If this step is rushed, you can see ghost lines through the epoxy. Our team takes extra time on tile surfaces to ensure a perfectly smooth result.

Wood Countertops

Butcher block and solid wood countertops accept epoxy beautifully. The natural warmth of wood beneath a clear or tinted epoxy creates a unique depth that many homeowners love.

Preparation process:

• Sanding to bare wood or scuffing the existing finish
• Filling any cracks, knots, or imperfections
• Ensuring the wood is completely dry (moisture content under 12%)
• Seal coat to prevent air bubbles from the wood grain
• Epoxy application

Wood does require extra attention to moisture. Bay Area humidity levels are generally moderate, but we always test moisture content before proceeding. Wood that's too damp will cause bubbles and adhesion problems.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete is perhaps the most natural pairing with epoxy. The two materials bond exceptionally well, and epoxy solves concrete's biggest weakness — porosity.

Preparation process:

• Cleaning and degreasing
• Grinding or sanding to open the pores
• Filling any cracks or voids
• Moisture testing
• Epoxy application

If your concrete countertops have minor cracking or staining, epoxy resurfacing is far more cost-effective than replacement.

Surfaces to Avoid

While epoxy is versatile, a few surfaces present challenges:

• Glossy or sealed surfaces without proper sanding will cause adhesion failure
• Severely water-damaged substrates where the core material is swollen or crumbling
• Countertops with major structural damage — if the countertop is sagging, separating from cabinets, or has large holes, the substrate needs repair or replacement first

During every project consultation, we assess the condition of your existing countertops and let you know honestly whether resurfacing makes sense or if substrate repairs are needed first.

Why Resurfacing Beats Replacement

Choosing to epoxy over your existing countertops rather than replacing them offers several advantages:

Cost savings: Professional countertop epoxy in the Bay Area runs $1,000 to $2,500, compared to $3,000 to $10,000+ for new granite or quartz with installation and demolition.

Less disruption: No demolition, no plumbing disconnection, no weeks of waiting for fabrication. Most epoxy projects are completed in 1-2 days.

Less waste: Keeping your existing countertops out of the landfill is a meaningful environmental benefit.

Same stunning result: Modern epoxy finishes replicate the look of marble, granite, and custom designs that rival or exceed the aesthetics of natural stone. Explore our colors and finishes options to see what's possible.

The Professional Difference

We strongly recommend against DIY epoxy countertop kits sold at hardware stores. The epoxy formulations in retail kits are dramatically inferior to professional-grade materials. Common DIY problems include:

• Yellowing within months
• Bubbles and fish-eyes in the surface
• Peeling and delamination
• Uneven thickness and drips
• Surfaces that scratch easily

Professional installation uses commercial-grade, UV-stable epoxy with proper primer systems matched to your specific substrate. The difference in longevity and appearance is night and day. Learn more about how long professional epoxy countertops last.

What to Expect During Your Project

Here's a typical timeline for an epoxy countertop resurfacing project with Brooks & Company Epoxy:

Day 1:

• Surface preparation (cleaning, sanding, filling, priming)
• First epoxy coat with design work
• Initial cure period

Day 2 (if needed for complex designs):

• Additional epoxy layers or detail work
• Protective topcoat application

Days 2-4:

• Cure time — light use after 24 hours, full use after 72 hours

We protect your cabinets, backsplash, and surrounding areas during the process. Cleanup is thorough, and we walk you through care instructions before we leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the epoxy peel off my laminate countertops? A: Not with proper preparation. Professional bonding primers create a chemical and mechanical bond that prevents delamination. Our installations carry a quality guarantee.

Q: Can I still use my sink and faucet during the project? A: We work around your plumbing fixtures. There may be a brief period during the pour where you'll want to avoid the area, but we minimize disruption.

Q: What about the edges and backsplash? A: We epoxy the edges for a seamless look. If you have a tile backsplash, we create a clean transition line. We can also epoxy the backsplash area for a fully unified surface.

Q: Is epoxy food-safe? A: Yes. Once fully cured, professional-grade epoxy is food-safe and non-toxic. It's also heat resistant to 500°F.

Get Started With Your Countertop Transformation

Whether you have laminate countertops in your Oakland kitchen, tile surfaces in your San Francisco bathroom, or wood countertops in your Berkeley home, epoxy resurfacing can deliver a dramatic transformation without the cost and hassle of a full replacement.

Our countertop epoxy services start at $1,000, with a flat $500 deposit to reserve your installation date. See our complete cost breakdown for Bay Area projects.

Get a free estimate and tell us about your existing countertops — we'll let you know exactly what's possible.