
Professional Epoxy Countertops: Correcting DIY Mistakes
October 15, 2023
Over the past few weeks, we have been engaged in a DIY epoxy project at Arboleda in The Scottsdale Quarter, a stunning dining establishment. Our involvement began when the contractor brought us in to rectify an issue. Upon our initial assessment, things appeared to be in order, but we observed that the wood was beginning to separate due to inadequate sealing of the original woodwork in the bar area.
The original scope of the project was rather straightforward: we were tasked with applying a single layer of clear epoxy to seal the wood properly. However, before we could proceed with the epoxy application, the contractor was responsible for filling in all the cracks in the wood, ensuring that the epoxy wouldn't seep through. Once this preparatory stage was declared complete, we were given only a 12-hour window to pour and allow the epoxy to dry before the venue's opening, despite our insistence that the epoxy required a full 24 hours to dry, followed by an additional 24 hours for the top coat.
Unfortunately, the rushed timeline hindered the curing process, and matters were further complicated when the cleaning crew came in after our departure, inadvertently disrupting some areas. Additionally, the wood cracks in the bar, which were supposed to be filled, remained unresolved. This project quickly became a recurring challenge, requiring us to return repeatedly to rectify issues caused by external factors.
We diligently addressed the areas that had been tampered with and proceeded to apply the top coat. However, on our subsequent visit, we discovered that someone had attempted to clean the bar with a cleaner, leaving visible streaks from the rag motions. This project has proven to be a formidable challenge, prompting us to undertake several additional pours and re-pours at our own expense.
We take pride in delivering nothing but high-quality work and stand by our craftsmanship. However, this particular project has continuously demanded more than what was originally agreed upon. It seems to be stretching our patience and resources, and we are growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing challenges it presents. We are left wondering why we continue to invest our time and effort in a task that was initially meant to be a straightforward wood-sealing job but has now been completed more than four times over.
Amidst the ongoing challenges of the epoxy project at Arboleda in the Scottsdale Quarter, it's important to highlight the remarkable dedication of the project manager. Throughout this journey, the project manager has been a reliable and collaborative partner, working tirelessly to navigate the unexpected hurdles that have arisen. Our team is equally committed to delivering a satisfactory result, going above and beyond the original scope of the project to meet the demands that have been continuously placed upon us. Together, we are determined to overcome the obstacles and ensure that the final outcome exceeds expectations, all while maintaining our unwavering commitment to quality workmanship.