To choose the best bar top epoxy, consumers should guarantee that the product they select is labeled specifically for use in coating table type surfaces and that it has UV blockers. Using other types of epoxy and polyurethane products tends to destroy bar top surfaces and often fails to cure completely. Purchasing the right product for the job can create a beautifully finished table top surface that is protected and will last for many decades. This product can also typically be reapplied in the future to further extend the life of the furniture.
Epoxy is a liquid contained in two parts that, when blended, harden to form a plastic shell. It is common to use this mixture on top of bars and restaurant table tops to prevent scratching and scuffing. The first layer of this product seals the surface to which it will be applied, filling any porous holes on the bar top and preventing air bubbles from becoming trapped beneath the second layer. The epoxy is then brushed over the sealant in thin coats. Generally between three and four coats are required to achieve a desirable thickness in spans of eight hours or more, allowing the product to heat and harden before applying the next layer.
Only products that are labeled specifically for use as a table or bar top epoxy should be used to coat these types of surfaces. Each polyurethane and epoxy based material is formulated to dry and harden at specific thicknesses and withstand limited levels of heat. These chemicals are designed to interact in a specific way with the surfaces listed on their labels. For example, consumers should not try to use epoxy designed to coat flooring on their bar top. The layers will dry too thin, will not be as heat resistant as actual bar top epoxy, and will darken immediately, creating a foggy, unattractive appearance.
Individuals who will be coating a surface in a room with multiple windows should choose a bar top epoxy that is UV resistant. Many epoxies and other clear coat sealants do not have any UV protection, and those that do label it clearly on the outside of the packaging. All epoxies, even those that provide UV blockers, tend to fade and yellow slightly over time. Those with blockers, however, do so at a slower rate and with less noticeable changes in color than those that do not. Once the surface area has been covered in the maximum number of required coats, it should be kept out of direct sunlight to protect the product as much as possible.