Performance
Stain Resistance
The most important factor to understand when it comes to stain resistance is the type of sealer used.
Any unsealed, natural state of concrete or Natural Stone will stain because it is porous.
In order for concrete or natural stone to be used as a countertop material, it must be sealed.
iCoat Countertop Epoxy blend creates an impermeable surface that is highly tolerant and resistant to staining.
Common sense precautions are required as sealed countertops are not guaranteed as a non-staining surface.
The concrete overlay system itself is virtually indestructible, but staining occurs when the sealer is compromised. This can happen when cutting, chopping or preparing food affects the sealer, or when a hot pan is placed directly on the sealer.
Spills from juices, wine and other liquids typically do not affect the countertop surface when they are cleaned up.
Heat & Shock Resistance
A common question posed about countertops is if they can withstand heat. Overall, a concrete overlay countertop is a durable, tolerant material.
iCoat countertops are virtually indestructible and capable of withstanding the shock from dropped articles and being scorched by indirect heat to 500 F.
As a general rule, it is best to avoid placing hot pans directly on your countertops. Concrete overlay countertops are very heat resistant, but the concern should be in damaging or discoloring the clear epoxy sealer.
Using trivets of stainless steel, brass or copper are the best way to avoid damage to your sealer.
Another one of iCoat Canada’s concrete overlay’s versatile features is that you can embed a trivet(s) directly into the countertop, providing an easy access place for setting hot pans without the worry of doing any damage.
You can also use hot plates or hot pads but embedded trivets are a unique and functional design option.
Scratch Resistance
“Will my concrete overlay countertop scratch?”
A common question is whether or not you can cut on a concrete overlay countertop or will it scratch.
Because concrete overlay countertops are a popular surface for kitchens and food prep areas, it’s a reasonable question to ask. So in answering, it is recommended to always use Cutting boards when chopping or preparing foods.
Cutting on the countertop won’t hurt the concrete, but it can damage the sealer. This can affect the epoxy sealer’s ability to keep out water and stains.
Cleaning and Maintaining Concrete Overlay Countertops
Concrete overlay countertops are really no different than any other type of countertop surface when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
A mild soap and warm water is recommended for daily cleaning. It is best to avoid using abrasive soaps, pads, or cleansers directly on the countertop, which could scratch or mar the sealer.
Some contractors recommend routine maintenance to include applying a wax to the surface of the countertop every few months.
Regardless of how often you perform the recommended maintenance, the durability of your concrete countertop will not be compromised.
Part of the appeal of concrete overlay countertops is their natural ability to become worn with time and use. This can be prevented with a strict maintenance schedule, or you can do what most people prefer and simply allow your countertop to develop patina and character with use.
With a few precautions, iCoats system of overlay products can be one of the most durable surfaces for countertops. All professionally installed countertops come with a sheet on maintaining your finished countertops.
