Penny Bar Countertop: Your Next DIY Project
Looking for a unique DIY bar countertop idea that will surprise your guests as they pull up a stool? If you’re searching for a sleek, impressive counter option but don’t want to drain your wallet for granite, search no more. The penny bar countertop is functional and wonderfully unusual.
Getting Started
Bring the flair of a night out on the town into your home! The penny bar countertop can be fairly easy to create. It requires patience, but that’s a small price to pay for big, shiny results. Here’s the list of materials you’ll need:
- Black paint and brush (optional)
- Wood for barrier
- A lot of pennies
- Glue (Gorilla or Elmer’s)
- Epoxy
- Multi-use brush
- $15-20 plumber’s torch (or hairdryer)
Photo Credit to Queford67 on Instagram - awesome penny bar top design
Penny Bar Countertop: Making It Happen
Step 1: To begin, you’ll want to peel away any laminate surface, clean what’s underneath, and coat it with black paint. The space between pennies will show through, so we recommend the black coat of paint to make the coins stand out and shimmer.
Step 2: After the paint dries, line the edges of the countertop with the wooden barrier. You might use pieces of molding or cheap cedar. This is to create a raised lip around the black surface to hold the epoxy in place. You may choose to paint the wooden edge or leave it natural for a more rustic feel.
Step 3: When you’ve built the barrier, begin gluing all of the pennies down. It truly helps to have a partner(s). (Check out a cool design in Chris Engleman’s DIY video.)
Prior to gluing, you might want to clean your coins with vinegar and salt. Rinse afterward, or let them air-dry (without rinsing) for a copper patina. Check out American Standard’s barn/pub transformation for a wonderful step-by-step guide.
Step 4: When all pennies are glued into place, brush on a thin layer (“seal” coat) of epoxy. It prevents a ton of bubbles from appearing in the “flood” coat. Let this dry for 4-6 hours. Learn more from the experts at countertopepoxy.com.
Step 5: Next, you’re ready for the “flood” coat of epoxy. The trick here is to pour slowly. This is an exercise in patience, for sure! If you dump the epoxy in too quickly, you risk an uneven layer filled with countless air bubbles.
Pour very little epoxy as you move across the countertop. A thin stream should be spilling from the container. The epoxy will actually level out on its own to a ⅛” thickness. Watch the barrier edge carefully so it doesn’t overflow.
Step 6: When flooding is finished, move a plumber’s torch or hairdryer back and forth across your penny bar countertop to remove any remaining air bubbles. The torch definitely works best, but the hairdryer eventually gets the job done, too.
Only use the torch or hairdryer for about fifteen minutes to be sure you don’t interfere with the epoxy curing. Check the epoxy label for drying times.
Enjoy!
Voila! You have a penny bar countertop that is sure to be a conversation piece. It’ll turn heads as it supports elbows, cocktails, and even stronger pours.
Don’t forget to check out Prestige’s hand-blown and handcrafted decanters and glasses. Take your new bar to the next level and set yourself apart with our artisan products today!
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Each decanter is handcrafted and hand-blown, formed into designs limited only by imagination. We never skip steps to cut costs either. Instead, our decanters are made the hard way because quality takes effort and that’s what you deserve. Whether you are looking for a statement piece for your home bar or shopping for something elegant for that special loved one, our decanters are always a timeless gift. If you're searching for style, inspired craftsmanship, and a transformative piece of art that also elevates the flavor profile of your favorite wines and spirits, look no further.