Creating a Claramarble design, using alcohol dyes & Stone Coat Epoxy and applying Ultimate Top Coat.

KCDC Designs - Watch how I create this Claramarble vanity top using alcohol dyes & Stone Coat Epoxy as well as applying Stone Coat's Ultimate Top Coat.
The alcohol dyes are made by mixing Alumilite Dyes with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol as well as Resin Arte Mica Powders, some alone and some combined.
🔴Need custom epoxy countertops: / kcdcdesigns
👉Chapter Breakdown:
0:00 - Intro to Watch how I create this Claramarble vanity top using alcohol dyes & Stone Coat Epoxy
0:06 - Waking up metallics in the base coat
1:26 - Beginning the technique
2:46 - Having an "oops" moment
6:38 - Flyover after colors laid out
7:35 - Prepping for the Ultimate Top Coat Gloss
8:50 - Homemade Lint Roller before UTC application
9:45 - Mixing UTC
11:00 Applying UTC Gloss
14:00 Flyover after applying UTC
Magic eraser: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Epoxy training: www.rk3designs.com
Stone Coat products: www.rk3designs.com
www.stonecoatcountertops.com
I'm Keith McGinnis with KCDC Designs out of SE Nebraska. I buid and install epoxy kitchen countertops, epoxy resin coated bathroom vanities, epoxy wall art and more, since I formed my company in 2019. Working with epoxy resin as a decorative finish is one of my passions, as well as sharing how-to tutorials to help other business owners and do it yourselfer's gain confidence working with epoxy, and different epoxy resin design and fabrication techniques.

[@judichristopher4604]

BEAUTIFUL

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you so much, Judi!

[@thomasbreslin7759]

Great job it’s beautiful

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that!

[@belindagalle97]

Clara and now you have completely changed my attitude toward "wishy, washy watercolors". The inks and dyes y'all use are so different from what I have seen in most watercolor art. I think this project is beautiful and unique. Your client was smart to choose you for this project. They're getting a real one-of-a-kind vanity.

[@kcdcdesigns]

You're very kind, Belinda and I so appreciate your kind words! Thank you!

[@pollymontgomery2568]

Keith. I'm so upset with u rt now. After watching 100's of videos I was all set for my final decision on counter technique and now I see this...?! I bought inks n mica powders initially n wish I could decide now. Lol This is just so beautiful n eye catching. The colors immediately put me in a great mood. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen n deserve something different despite what others say. Right? Lol People quick to say "tone it down." Why??? God gave us beautiful colors to enjoy so let's utilize them. Most kitchens r colorless&drab mainstream copycats of each other. I dont like to play follow the leader. Ur so awesome at explaining this to us. Much appreciated. Ty. Excellent job again.

[@kcdcdesigns]

Polly, as a creator I can't tell you much I appreciate your response, thank you! And there's so much to unpack in what you wrote. I couldn't agree more on the mood that technique inspires, and I also coudn't agree more on utilizing, and even more importantly, enjoying the colors God gave us! If you've looked through my videos you've likely seen the Peacock Granite that my customer wanted in their kitchen, and I initially thought she was loco but looked amazing installed and she was over-the-top thrilled. She knew what she wanted and it really opened my eyes to "why not have what makes us feel good", instead of following trends and/or toning it down". So I say, Go For It and please keep me posted!!! PS - Just a FYI, but you do know there were no alcohol inks used in that technique, it's strictly with alcohol dyes and mica powders as inks can have a tendency to fade. Thank you so much for your kind words, Polly I really do appreciate it!

[@pollymontgomery2568]

@@kcdcdesigns Ha Ha. My bad! It was an oversight. I realize its dyes&powders mixed with alcohol. I haven't lost all my marbles...just yet. Omg! Marbles. Marbles Keith! It just hit me. We could get inspiration from them. Think about it. lol Going to watch Peacock Granite again. Do u have pics from the installation of that job by chance? The curiosity is killing me now. I am intrigued. My kitchen is still under demolition so I haven't poured yet. My contractor is down in the basement now and waiting on me to finish some things up before kitchen completion. But I have over 1,800 sq ft in basement that was unfinished and waited over 15 yrs to make it finally come alive. Exciting times for me. I'll pour the bartop down there and I'm think of building long counter type thing along one wall by future pool table and pouring that as well. Also installing pinball machines, darts, poker table&75 inch TV plus art studio, full bath&bedroom for guests and whatever else I feel like. My kids r now out of house and time for mom to have some real fun with her friends. Sorry kids. lmao

[@kcdcdesigns]

@@pollymontgomery2568 LOL, love it! Yes, I have installation photos of the Peacock granite, how can I get them to you since you're not on FB?

[@pollymontgomery2568]

@@kcdcdesigns I found the installation job u did. Loved it. Good for her for being unique.

[@jamespatrick1548]

Fantastic! Different than anything else out there. I appreciate the originality, great job! We all want to see more.

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you, and I will be sure to do more of this technique! Thanks again for your comment!

[@rebeccaandrew1988]

Wow!!! This is so Beautiful it made my heart skip a beat. Great to see after some pretty ugly vids I just watched and thought against epoxy coating my counters. Going to check out your others now.

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that! This has been my full-time business for over 3 years now, and I'm still just amazed at what can be created! If I can help in any way, please feel free to reach out via email at [e-mail] Thanks again!

[@StoneCoatCountertops]

This is epic!!!!!! Can't wait for the next episode. I am so excited to see what happens in the rest of the story! It's like a roller coaster ride, full of suspense and surprises at every turn. Definitely worth watching! :)

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you! Definitely a fun technique!!!

[@michellen8937]

Stunning!! Thanks for sharing your talents and always providing tips! Another masterpiece for the books! 🏆🍻

[@marysorrells]

❤❤Love

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you so much, Mary!

[@shannontipton2768]

Love this!!!❤️❤️

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you, Shannon!!!

[@shannontipton2768]

Love!!!

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you, Shannon!

[@ArtGeekTeaching]

Awesome job Keith! Looks great.

[@kcdcdesigns]

I appreciate that, Tim thank you!

[@HighlandsStudioArt]

Gorgeous

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you!

[@tanyarambler656]

awesome!!!!!!!

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you, Tanya! I appreciate your comment!

[@alisonjohnston1665]

That came out really great 👍

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you!!

[@devonteevans9785]

Grrreat Job Buddy!!!

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! Do you work with epoxy as well?

[@devonteevans9785]

Yes. I do. I'm just always curious about other ideas when dealing with epoxy. I Love what you have going on brother. Keep it up. @@kcdcdesigns

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thanks, I appreciate it! 30 + years selling insurance until I discovered epoxy. I've been full-time for 3 years now, it's certainly addicting! Have fun and I'd love to see some of your creations.

[@troyziems322]

Very informative👍

[@kcdcdesigns]

Well, thank you 😉

[@marshafogall2067]

Absolutely STUNNING! Wow you are gifted!!!

[@kcdcdesigns]

That's kind of you to say, Marsha thank you!

[@MixedMediaGirl]

You're amazing!!!

[@kcdcdesigns]

You're too kind, thank you Marcy!

[@hobbythomas4414]

Good jobs Keith…I like your work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you, Hobby!!

[@robyn3270queenofcups]

Keith!! WOW, so amazing beautiful 🥰. Thank you so much for sharing this technique and teaching!😊❤️

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you, Robin and you're so welcome!

[@denab72]

Beautiful top! You do amazing work🎉 someday soon I’m gonna start doing the alcohol ink.

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you Dena! That technique really is fun, so get started :) .

[@bibbibibbi251]

Acetone cleans it better. I used it and it worked really well. Love your work. I did a whole bench did not like it I wiped and started over….❤

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thanks, Bibbi! I would worry about the acetone softening the fresh (24 hrs) epoxy, but now that you've tried it, I know better 😁. Although, for the sake of ease, my alcohol spray bottle is right there (and cheaper). Thanks for your comment and the heads-up with acetone!

[@bibbibibbi251]

@@kcdcdesigns yes my epoxy was more than 24 hours so it did not soften it. Here I Greece bulk acetone is cheaper than isopropyl. Here we can only find 99% and over isopropyl. I found that it lifted all the colour off. I have learnt so much from you Clara Erica Mitch and of course Rhonda thank you for sharing with us 💜😃

[@kcdcdesigns]

@@bibbibibbi251 that's very interesting, thank you for sharing! Here, acetone is more expensive and thank you again for your kind words!

[@floratemporali4346]

Hi Keith, loved your work, that's amazing, would love that on my new island bench. Just a few questions. When u started the video, you had already had the board prepped. Can you pls explain what you did before you put the coloured dyes on. Did you use MDF, did you then use the SCC Undercoat White, how many coats, sanded after each one? then waited for it to dry and then did you mix Art Coat Epoxy Resin with white Aluminite dye and spread over the board and added or White Metallic and Blue Pearl Metallic together or separately and poured the white first then poured the BPM over sparingly? Then blended slightly? Then you waited and hour and a half and used paper towel to bag it and wake up the metallics. How long did you wait after that before you started adding the colours and it seemed quite dry once you had to remove all that ink you put on "the ooops moment" lol. I read through all the Transcript but a few steps seemed to be missing. Thanks again

[@kcdcdesigns]

Hi Flora and great questions! Here's the steps/process. I used MDF, painted 2 coats of SCC Undercoat white, sanding between coats and waiting at least 4 hours prior to pouring epoxy. All of the colors were poured randomly on the surface, then melded with my hand, being careful to not mix all the colors together. Mainly just being sure the entire surface was covered. Since the white metallic and blue metallics tend to settle, I used a plastic bag (not paper towel) once the epoxy was "sticky" to wake them back up. If the epoxy is still relatively fluid when you bag it, the metallics will tend to settle again. Then I let the epoxy completely dry (minimum 24 hours) prior to applying the alcohol technique. Thanks for the great questions and please let me know I didn't address them all. And thank you for the kind words, Flora!

[@floratemporali4346]

Thanks so much for your reply Keith@@kcdcdesigns . I have done a 4ft x 2ft sample board using the epoxy and resins as that's what I always intended doing for my new island bench but I couldn't achieve the soft look of mixed colours I wanted. As my kitchen in the new house build has royal blue cupboards with white stone bench tops I always wanted the island bench to stand out as a feature....I think I've found it now 😊 Just wanted to know because I'm using a white base can that amber just as much using the alcohol dyes as using the white resin with colours through it? Or is it the same. I have read alot about the ambering and emailed Rhonda but am taking all the steps to try and avoid it plus my island bench is not in direct sunlight and have blinds on my windows to prevent that also. Is there a cheap base I can use to practice with the dyes before attempting the island bench, like an art paper or something so I don't have to prep so much? I did see a video of Erica's partner (ATD) prep canvas boards by wetting them on the back then drying them and putting a layer of paint on them before doing anything. would that be sufficient? Also can I sand back with 220 grit the 4 ft x 2 ft sample board I did of epoxy resin and just use that? What would be the steps, just to repour the white epoxy with the blue pearl, etc and continue from there? Also I was going to use Art Coat, is that correct as it ambers less that the other products?

[@husseinkadhim]

❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@robyn3270queenofcups]

Keith what is the magic eraser?

[@kcdcdesigns]

Hi Robin, I've since added the link in the description, but it's called a Cleaning Eraser Stick and works amazingly well! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H69U7G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@tericrappel4548]

Is it possible to spray UTC to avoid texture?

[@kcdcdesigns]

Hi Teri, that's been tried and failed. Although the UTC Gloss does have a visual orange peel/texture, it's still smooth to the touch. Personally, 80% of my customer jobs choose the UTC Natural (matte) which has zero orange peel/texture, the other 20% that choose gloss have loved it, via my follow-up with them. Just my $.02 and thank you for your question!

[@Fullloaf]

What are you using to make your show boards??? Where can I buy the board

[@kcdcdesigns]

If you're referring to my sample boards, I use 1/2" MDF. Most are 12: x 16", but I do have some that are 18" x 24" as some designs are better represented on a larger piece.

[@lisanelson1027]

What colors and brands did you use in this video?

[@kcdcdesigns]

Hi Lisa and sorry for the late reply! That technique uses alcohol dyes, which are Alumilite (epoxy) dyes mixed with 91% isopropyl alcohol. As far as the colors, I mixed and matched to get the colors I was after. Here's a video that will explain more about the technique and colors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ-8ZYxul9-Bd5Y

[@nwalker2619]

How do you make the alcohol dyes?

[@kcdcdesigns]

Here's a tutorial on how I mix the colors. You just want to be careful not to add to much dye to a ratio of alcohol or it will bead up on the surface. So if that happens, you'll know you need to add more 91% isopropyl alcohol. Great question and thanks for asking! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ-8ZYxul9-Bd5Ysi=-hhUpyqHltgUMZYJ

[@hannahminard1]

I cannot believe you did that with the UTC. If I was doing that on the job I would have had to sand it all off and do it over again. That is a money looser. If your roller doesn’t work, then you are screwed. Especially with 160 Sq ft. How many rollers do you expect to use? Where is the profit margin? This is not a user friendly product as you just demonstrated. I’m sorry for the negative comment, but at some point their needs to be some honesty. I love stone coat products and use them all the time. This is one that I stay clear of.

[@kcdcdesigns]

Hi Hannah, I appreciate your comments although, many people have great success with UTC, myself included. If it's a product that doesn't work for you, I understand, and respect your choice to not use it. But that does not make it a bad product. I've been using UTC since it first came out, but I also took the time to research, learn about the product and practiced with it prior to applying it to a countertop, especially a customer's countertop. The same learning, research and practicing as I did, and continue to do with epoxy resin. My intent when I publish these videos (and I have many on the application process of UTC), is none other than to help others who are seeking help. It's my way of paying it forward to the others who have helped me get where I am today. And based upon the feedback and comments shared by others, I'm told I'm doing just that. In my opinion, the negative comments about UTC seem to primarily come from those who may only have the intention of using UTC once, possibly on their own projects, and haven't taken the time to research, learn and practice. But again, that's just my opinion. And as a side-note, I am in no way affiliated with Stone Coat, nor am I compensated in any way by the use of their products. I'm sorry you had a bad experience with it, but if you would like to learn more about it, or if I can help in any way, please feel free to reach out. Keith McGinnis

[@mickhymes9864]

Is it my computer ??? It seems like you whisper.

[@kcdcdesigns]

Hey Mick, I'm using new editing software but had the volume at nearly max. On my devices it's plenty loud but I'll check with others as well. Thanks for the heads-up!

[@michaeloliver6745]

This is a great video bud!!! I love the technique and all that you share while doing it and the video is great!

[@kcdcdesigns]

Thank you, my friend!