Clear epoxy for granite countertop repair ?

[rfuerst911sc]

Hey guys I noticed a top edge chip in our granite countertop . Of course front and center so easily visible . The chip is maybe 1/8 deep and half the diameter of a dime . Countertop is black/grey/brown/silver so tough to color match . Because it is granite the color remains in the chipped area so I am thinking of doing the repair with clear epoxy . Thoughts ?

I am thinking to take a wooden paint stir stick , cover with painters tape and tape it to the front edge of the countertop . Mask around the chip then mix epoxy and push it in with a small putty knife . Scrape off excess with a razor blade and let cure . Then do a final sand and polish . Anyone done a similar repair ? Any tips on a specific clear epoxy that really dries clear ?

[blucille]

If you have access to some extra material, grind up some stone dust that matches the granite and add it to the epoxy, the repair will be invisible. Except to you.

[GH85Carrera]

Small bubbles in the Epoxy will be your biggest challenge. Mix the epoxy slowly and carefully. Maybe use the slow setting type, not the 5 minute epoxy. And I agree with the above post, try to find some of the materiel to grind with a Dremel to add some color too the epoxy is possible.

[rfuerst911sc]

I think we may have a scrap piece of material , thanks for the suggestion .

[TimT]

Don't use painter tape, the epoxy will stick to it, use something like Tyvek tape or packing tape.. epoxy wont stick, and you'll be able to remove the form more easily..

For the tables I make I buy epoxy in 1-3-5 gallon kits depending on the table, way more than you'll need.. If there is a Michaels, or Hobby Lobby near you they have pourable epoxies in smaller quantities.. I don't think the epoxy in tubes from the hardware will work as it seems to thick.

Regarding the air mixed in...if its a slow cure epoxy much of the air will migrate out on its own...You can speed things along with blasts of heat.. on large tables I use a Mapp torch or heat gun....

This is one of the epoxies I use.

Counter Top Epoxy

The smallest kit they make is a pint..

https://www.superepoxysystems.com/product/designer-art-resin/

[craigster59]

They make repair kits for granite, you can ask at your local granite contractor.

Ours needed to be done due to a crack at the edge of the sink. I was going to DIY but due to the extent of the repair I had a pro do it. Cost was $200.

[rfuerst911sc]

^^^ Wow that's quite the repair ! Looks great . My repair is barely 2 pencils in diameter and not very deep .

[Zeke]

Honestly, Craig, that repair could have been done better. Your repair person didn't take the time to add variations to the color. This can be done by mixing the epoxy base thoroughly then adding various colored chips and powder and not mixing much more at all. When poured into the repair area the color won't be consistent.

I'm not saying that each fleck will be a match to the existing, that would require some dandy work, but it would not appear as a solid line. I have done very little marble but I'm called on to match wood grain all the time. If using soft putty alone, I start with 3 balls of putty each a little different from the lightest shade to the darkest. I put the medium shade in first and then add same pieces of the other 2 colors to match the grain, then smooth it all blending it.

I have Mohawk epoxy sticks in colors and do the same on wood. Marble needs liquid epoxy though in order to seep all the way down to the bottom of the crack for a good bond. Another way is to only partially fill the crack leaving a slight depression to add the variants.

This is a piece of antique marble that I cut, drilled mounting holes, polished and repaired for this German clock. The base was missing when I got it.

[look 171]

A good installer should be able to make that completely disappear. Just need to color match a certain part along that crack. Like Milt said, it takes a bit of time and anyone should be able to do it.

Go to any granite supplier and buy a small can of two part epoxy and some color or tint and get to it. Play with it and there's no need to use any tape. Leave it on slight proud of the surface and scrape it flat with a razor on edge once dry.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Honestly, Craig, that repair could have been done better. Your repair person didn't take the time to add variations to the color. This can be done by mixing the epoxy base thoroughly then adding various colored chips and powder and not mixing much more at all. When poured into the repair area the color won't be consistent.

I'm not saying that each fleck will be a match to the existing, that would require some dandy work, but it would not appear as a solid line. I have done very little marble but I'm called on to match wood grain all the time. If using soft putty alone, I start with 3 balls of putty each a little different from the lightest shade to the darkest. I put the medium shade in first and then add same pieces of the other 2 colors to match the grain, then smooth it all blending it.

I have Mohawk epoxy sticks in colors and do the same on wood. Marble needs liquid epoxy though in order to seep all the way down to the bottom of the crack for a good bond. Another way is to only partially fill the crack leaving a slight depression to add the variants.

This is a piece of antique marble that I cut, drilled mounting holes, polished and repaired for this German clock. The base was missing when I got it.

The crack ran the entire length of the sink. It's a common problem in the houses in our subdivision (and elsewhere) that to repair properly you have to cut out the full counter edge, clean, reinstall and epoxy.

It was tough just getting someone to come out and do it, 2-3 hour job.

I've seen your repairs Milt. Your Craftsmanship is sorely missing in the trades today. It's come down to the point to either throw it out or "close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades" types of repair. I'm sure you and Jeff have done your share of "cleanup work" after the previous guy screwed it up.

[cjh]

What would be a good product to use when you are going to fill a chip that will take maybe 3 drops to fill?

[look 171]

Same thing, post #9. Its the only way I know of that will stay put.

[Rusty Heap]

Clear or Black Shoe Goo?

[WPOZZZ]

What about surfboard resin?

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by cjh

What would be a good product to use when you are going to fill a chip that will take maybe 3 drops to fill?

Cyanoacrylate glue once known as Super Glue.

[cjh]

Thx!

[Alan A]

For $200 I’d call a pro. That way if it goes wrong it’s not your fault…

[rfuerst911sc]

Yesterday I performed the repair using a clear 2 part epoxy from Hobby Lobby . I taped around a paint stick with clear packing tape . Then taped the paddle to the countertop edge . Mixed up the epoxy and filled in the chipped area . The epoxy was advertised as 5 minute dry so after 10 minutes I removed the paddle and all tape .

This morning I cut excess with a razor blade then started sanding . Final sanding was with 1000 grit . I have the repaired area flush and front edge rounded to match the rest . Hit it with some auto polishing compound and it's getting there . May have to do some machine polishing . I would say I am 90% there . The pen is pointing to the chip repair .

[Sooner or later]

You did good!

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Sooner or later

You did good!

Thanks . I am happy and more important the wife is happy 😊 . The garbage can is in the cabinet directly under the repair . I would see the chip every time using the garbage can . And worse was I would run my fingers over the jagged chipped edge it drove me nuts . The universe is whole again .