Will epoxy work on a metal bar top, and does it need a seal coat?

Yes. UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy works perfectly fine over metal, including steel, stainless steel, and porcelain-coated metal, and adheres without issues. It cures to a 1/8-inch thick, commercial-grade, crystal-clear finish that is self-leveling, extremely durable, scratch resistant, VOC free, and safe for incidental food contact once fully cured.

No seal coat is needed on metal. The brushed-on seal coat is only for porous surfaces such as wood, where it locks out air to prevent bubbles. Metal isn't porous, so skip to the flood coat section of the instructions and pour directly onto the surface, making sure the metal is completely clean and dry first. Seal coat only wood areas such as edges or trim.

A brushed-on seal coat is not a finish by itself: it leaves visible brush strokes and an uneven surface and won't form a seamless protective barrier. For patinated steel, seal the patina with a clear metal lacquer, let it dry fully, then pour the flood coat; the cured resin layer both enhances and protects the metal. On stainless tops with sharp seams, just pour the flood coat and let it self-level over the joints.

Copper needs a coat of lacquer first; brass and most other metals do not.

One gallon covers about 16 sq. ft. as a flood coat. Use the coverage calculator to work out the amount for your bar top.

UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy: https://www.bestbartopepoxy.com/products/epoxy Bar & Table Top Epoxy Coverage Calculator: https://www.bestbartopepoxy.com/pages/epoxy-calculator Bar & Table Top Epoxy Instructions: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0320/7168/0140/files/Epoxy-Instructions.pdf?v=1616443869