Epoxy resin countertops can be ordered from a variety of sources, but it’s your application that will largely determine from which one.
Found in many different environments because of its high-end look, epoxy resin is getting more and more popular in homes and workspaces.
While it’s possible to head to the Internet to order refinishing epoxy resin kits for a kitchen makeover, if you’re buying epoxy resin for your laboratory, it’s important to work with a manufacturer that can provide laboratory-grade work surfaces.
Laboratory work surfaces are designed for more extreme environments than those found in an office space or home, so working with a manufacturer that has experience in designing laboratory furniture helps to ensure your product is durable and meets any requirements of your workspace.
When evaluating your options of where to buy epoxy resin countertops, look for a manufacturer that meets the following criteria.
Epoxy resin countertops are made from a mixture of materials that are then cured as a solid continuous product. This mixture, which contains resin, silica, a hardener and filler, is molded and oven cured as a solid slab. The durability of this product is built-in, not added as layers or coatings.
It’s a high-quality product with one major issue. There is only one manufacturer of epoxy resin in the world, which makes sourcing it a problem. Because of this, there is a backlog in the manufacturing process. This means that you may have a longer lead time for your project.
The best manufacturers will work with you to make sure your timeline is met, so when weighing your options of where to buy epoxy resin countertops, keep this possible delay in mind.
Epoxy resin is resistant to bacteria, fungus, corrosion, chemicals, moisture and scratches. Most importantly for many laboratories that are considering epoxy resin, it is flame retardant and can withstand continuous heat exposure above 350 degrees F. This benefit is often why many laboratories choose epoxy resin versus another material.
These advantages come at a cost, however. Epoxy resin is one of the most expensive materials used for laboratory countertops. This material is also a very heavy product, which means shipping costs may be more than another type of material.
The decision to pay the extra price for epoxy resin may come down to whether you need the additional heat resistance and the ability to use open flames in your laboratory. When purchasing laboratory countertops, look for a manufacturer that will not only take your budget into account, but will help you determine whether epoxy resin is the right material for your application.
Epoxy resin’s main advantage over other types of materials is that it can withstand continuous heat exposure above 350 degrees F and is flame retardant. Depending on your application, other materials may work just as well in your laboratory at a fraction of the cost.
Phenolic resin countertops, for example, are in high demand today because they feature many of the same benefits as epoxy resin, including high resistance to bacteria, chemicals, corrosion, fungus, moisture, scratches and stress fractures. They can also withstand continuous heat exposure up to 350 degrees F.
When evaluating whether epoxy resin countertops are best for your application, look for a manufacturer that is an expert in other types of materials as well and can provide advice on whether epoxy resin is a must-have for your laboratory or if another material can offer the protections you need.
Not all laboratory spaces are alike. Buying from a manufacturer that can customize based on your lab’s design is a must. A quality manufacturer will have the technology and ability to ensure your epoxy resin countertops are sized to your specifications.
Even the color of the countertop can often be customized to meet a certain design aesthetic in your laboratory space.
It’s important to discuss what customization opportunities are available with your manufacturer before placing your order to determine how any size or color choices may impact your lead time for delivery.
If buying epoxy resin countertops for a laboratory, it’s important to order this material from a manufacturer that can provide laboratory-grade work surfaces to ensure the countertop can withstand the harsh environments found in a lab.
However, the manufacturer you choose should also be able to meet your timeline and customization requests, help you determine whether epoxy resin fits your budget and offer alternatives that can still meet the requirements of your laboratory.