The value in this product is in the videos and how to's the company provides. While epoxy projects can be DYI, most take experience, creativity and artistic ability. Don't be fooled that you can create a masterpiece by simply buying this and watching a video. However, everyone starts somewhere and this is a good product and place to start.

As expected STONE COAT is still a premium product, easy to use, good heat resistance, and considering the quality and cost of epoxies in general and the difficulties some present....this is a good value for the money.

When it comes to coating this product gives me a great shine and solid cured strength

I am a multimedia sculptor working with about every media possible for over 30 years. I have used different epoxies in multiple applications over the years. When the techniques highlighted by Stone Coat began being discussed several years ago I started working with different epoxies to understand the techniques involved.

My intention is for this review to be helpful for both those who have worked with this technique and those considering doing it for the first time.

First, to be clear - when done correctly, this will create a beautiful, long lasting surface. As with every surface there are some drawbacks you should be aware of going in to it - the most important, which is also the case with other surfaces - these epoxies are heat resistant but high heat, such as that from a hot pan will damage them, in addition epoxy surfaces can be scratched with abrasive cleaners and especially any abrasive brushes such as a wire brush.

This epoxy is not the same as a 5 min or glue type epoxy - they are similar in that they both contain a resin and a hardener that when mixed together in the proper ratio, which is critical, a chemical reaction takes place causing the epoxy to begin the process of setting up.

If you are considering doing your shower or tub surround and you have yet to work with epoxies, here is my advice. Start by watching the videos provided by Stone Coat. They are informative and will walk you through step by step and provide detailed instructions. After you have done this get a small set of regular epoxy and work with it. Cover a table top, a scrap piece of wood, anything to get a feel for working with this media. Unlike many other media you can work with this one is very unforgiving - you do not want your first time to be in the middle of your garage attempting to make these shower panels - that will be guaranteed to be a failure.

In terms of application here are some tips for achieving best results. As with nearly any similar project prep work is everything and will make the difference between your project looking great or mediocre. Take your time and do it right - you will be glad you did. Measure carefully as you design your template panels, once poured these will all fit together like a puzzle.

This set will require you to purchase insulation foam board which is readily available at any home improvement store. You will want those made for application in wet environments.

I will not bore you with the step by step process as I will not come close to covering everything like Stone Coat does in their videos. I can not recommend watching those - and rewatching - prior to ever mixing your first batch.

I have used many different epoxy sets - without question - all epoxies are not created equally. In addition, epoxies have a shelf life that is greatly dictated by how it is stored. I have found some other sets I have received - often cheaper foreign sets are old and have undoubtedly heated up as they were in transport and they simply do not work as well. This is a prime example of getting what you pay for.

This set includes so much more than just the epoxies which is awesome - you'll have thickener and fiberglass mesh which will provide the structural integrity necessary for this process to work. Prior to starting I recommend looking at patterns you like and determining what recipes will be required - no colorants are included in this set so you will have to purchase those separately. In addition to the thickener and fiberglass mesh this set comes with a full set of fast curing Quick Coat.

This project is of HIGH DIFFICULTY. I would not recommend this to those who have not worked with epoxies, do not enjoy DIY, art, being creative and taking their time. For those of us who enjoy these things you will find this set absolutely outstanding and one, like me, you'll recommend to other's.

I did not make a full shower wall with this. I'm still on the fence on whether I want to do that, or leave the tile as it is (we're selling). I did however make some smaller surrounds/backsplash type pieces for the tub in the master bath. Prior there was some ugly tile, there still is some ugly tile, but I was able to cut the foam I bought in a way that allowed it to mold over the existing tile. I didn't have to potentially damage my walls, paint, or any of that. I have used the counter kit of this to make smaller pieces, and wanted to at least do something about the bath tub tile surround. This worked perfectly, saved me a lot of potential wall repair and painting, covered up the ugly tile, and I got the look I wanted.

I did buy pigments and mica powder directly off their website to get the colors I wanted. I got the foam at the local hardware store, and I carefully read the instructions a few times, as well as searched out their videos. They have a youtube channel that I recommend, if nothing else there's a lot of great ideas, but they do walk you through how to mix, pour, etc. and there is also a facebook page for more information. I had already used the counter kit, so I was familiar with how it worked, but the youtube channel was really helpful and gave me the confidence to just go for it.

It came with stone coat countertops 2 gallon epoxy kit, quick coat 1 gallon epoxy kit, 1 roll of fiberglass mesh and 1 bag of epoxy thickener( polyfiber). We use this for our observatory wall and floor. It worked pretty good for our second time experience on epoxy. Now is the perfect weather to work on, more cooler temp more better. Nice product. I am happy with this.