In this Epoxy Resin Guide:

• Introduction
• Why Epoxy Resin?
• Applications Overview

It seems that most homeowners have a ‘go-to’ set of tools that they use to keep their home and property in good repair – often passed down from a father, grandfather or other relative or relationship. Augmenting these with a variety of adhesives and tapes is always a good idea as well – especially adding epoxy resin to the mix due to its versatility, strength and durability; addressing myriad residential repairs.

Why Epoxy Resin?

Epoxy resin can be used to repair and restore a wide variety of materials including wood, plastic and concrete. Mixing, applying and shaping epoxy for use around your home (or home office) is easy, may usually be accomplished using tools you already have, and creates a durable surface for a long-lasting repair. Once cured, epoxy resin may be painted to blend in with your refurbishment – good as new!

You’ll find answers to many ‘Epoxy Resin Questions’ in the FAQs Section of our Online

Resource Library; but perhaps the best way to highlight the features, benefits and many uses of this wondrous polymer is to provide examples of some of the variety of ways that epoxy resin may be employed for so many home repairs and maintenance projects (with links to more detail); so, without further ado – let’s get to some practical applications…

Applications – Using Epoxy Resin Around the House

From replacing rotted wood in columns and windowsills, to repairing counter, table tops and floors; epoxy resin fits the bill in so many residential maintenance projects. Keeping a ‘to-do’ list at bay is so much easier when you have the proper tools at hand – and this polymer is so handy to have. Quick curing, providing superior bonding, sealing and coating properties and able to be integrated seamlessly with so many other materials; epoxy resin gives home owners and handymen a ‘leg up’ when tackling residential projects. (Addresses business tasks too!)

Epoxy Resin Experiences

For instance, my first personal experience with an epoxy resin repair occurred a few years ago when we purchased a house. Some of the windowsills were rotted and needed replacing. We repaired the damaged sills with new hardwood, and to ensure we wouldn’t need to address this issue again, we sealed the replacements with – you guessed it – epoxy resin! You can read the blog HERE.

Although my do-it-yourself (DIY) prowess tends to be limited; there are many out there who are experienced mentors in the DIY space – helping homeowners with repairs, renovations and additions, all online at the touch of a button (or two) …

Repairing Wood Furniture & Structures

A common household DIY surface to be repaired with epoxy resin is wood such as furniture (tables and chairs), doors and casings, window sills, and columns, pillars and balustrades. Virtually any worn, cracked or rotted wooden surface may be refurbished using epoxy resin. The Family Handyman writes in a column titled, ‘How to Use Epoxy on Wood for Repairs’;

“Epoxy is the perfect material to make permanent repairs of rotting window sills, door jambs and exterior molding that are difficult to remove and expensive to replace. Epoxy is easy to handle too. You mix it like cookie dough, mold it like modeling clay and, when it hardens, you carve and sand it just like wood. It sticks like crazy and is formulated to flex and move with the wood, so it won't crack and fall out like some wood fillers.”

Another tried and true resource, ‘This Old House’ speaks to the fact that “rot happens, even to the best of houses,” in ‘How to Repair Trim with Epoxy.’ The article explains that the combination of “wood, water and warmth” can turn the best lumber from a solid to something much less so. However, this issue can be quickly addressed using epoxy resin as filler and sealer as the polymer is easily shaped and cured into a long-lasting repair.

Restoring Bar, Counter & Table Tops & Floors

No matter how hard a surface is or seemingly imperviable to damage; over time there will be some wear-and-tear to almost any surface – even hard-shell epoxy resin furniture and floor tops. Minor surface wear may be cleaned with soap and water and buffed out with a soft cloth, or a dust mop for flooring, and furniture polish. Deeper scratches or chips in the finish will, however, require repair using epoxy resin as a filler to repair chips and cracks in countertops, tabletops and other hard-surface furnishings; or to completely refinish surfaces if so desired; bringing new life to home furnishings.

“If you have a clear epoxy resin countertop or a countertop that will need repair, epoxy resin is worth consideration. Home improvements are pricey and time consuming, but the benefits are wonderful. If you can do it yourself, you have got it made. A kitchen is one of the features of our home that we like to have looking beautiful. And the countertop is one of the first things that you notice when you enter a kitchen. It is just a matter of doing the job properly. Epoxy leaves a clear hard coating to help protect your counter top from future damage,” from ‘How to Repair a Clear Epoxy Resin Countertop.’

For floors, epoxy resin may be applied over virtually any solid and cured substrate. When installing an epoxy coating over concrete for instance, the slab should cure for at least 30 days; then a durable and decorative epoxy resin coating may be applied. ‘How to Apply Epoxy Resins on Floors’ from SFGate Home Guides explains;

“The surface is durable and easy to clean, which makes resin floor covering ideal for a garage and other high-traffic locations. Many of the epoxy resin products on the market today are intended as do-it-yourself projects. Kits are available, or you may purchase the individual components to customize your decorative floor coating.”

Epoxy Resin Flooring too, may be buffed of light surface wear after washing using soft mops/cloths and furniture polish – but beware of making the surface too slick! More major damage such as chips and deeper scratches will require cleaning, sanding and filling – just as with tabletop surfaces.

In an upcoming blog posting, we’ll discuss how epoxy resin is used to help restore and maintain historic buildings such as those in Colonial Williamsburg and other centuries-old structures. Since epoxy resin meets the strict requirements of these homes on the National Historic Register – using this polymer in your home means you’re in good company.

Access the PDF version of this Guide: Home Repairs & Maintenance Using Epoxy Resin

And we're always open to topical ideas from you - our Epoxy Pro audience - so please feel free to submit comments and suggestions HERE