Description
Product Overview
Bonstone Scrim is a reinforcing mesh used to strengthen fragile stone and slabs. It is applied to the back of the slab with Bonstone Penetrating Epoxy or Penetrating Epoxy RS, which wicks into the stone and bonds the mesh to it. The result is a reinforced slab without cutting rod slots.
Fabricators use it on fissured granite, marble, and quartzite, on slab backs, and around sink and bowl cutouts where the stone is weakest. Per Bonstone product literature, penetrating epoxy with mesh backing provides a 40% increase in the strength of the stone.
Supplied as a 3 ft x 150 ft roll, which covers 450 square feet of slab back per roll.
Key Product Details
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Reinforcing mesh scrim |
| Roll Width | 3 ft (36 in) |
| Roll Length | 150 ft |
| Coverage per Roll | 450 sq ft |
| Primary Use | Reinforcing fragile stone and slabs |
| Applied With | Bonstone Penetrating Epoxy or Penetrating Epoxy RS |
| Packaging | 1 roll |
How Scrim and Penetrating Epoxy Work Together
Scrim on its own does nothing. It is the reinforcement half of a two part system, and the epoxy is what makes it work. Penetrating epoxy at 250 centipoise wicks into the structural fissures of the stone rather than sitting on the surface, and as it cures it bonds the mesh to the back of the slab. You end up with the stone consolidated from the inside and a tensile layer across the back.
Which epoxy you pair it with comes down to how fast the slab has to move. Standard Penetrating gives a 40 minute pot life and sets in 6 to 8 hours, which suits laying up a large area. Penetrating RS sets in 1 to 2 hours with a 12 minute pot life, which suits smaller sections and same day turnaround.
Either way, the slab back has to be completely dry, dust free, and free of oil, grease, and coatings before the epoxy goes down.
Scrim and Epoxy vs Rodding
Bonstone positions penetrating epoxy with scrim as an alternative to rodding countertops. Both approaches add strength where stone is weak. They get there differently.
| Scrim and Penetrating Epoxy | Rodding | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Mesh bonded across the slab back with resin that penetrates the stone | Slots cut into the slab back, rod set in adhesive |
| Material Removed | None | Slot cut into the stone |
| Reinforcement Area | Full area under the mesh | Line of the rod |
| Fissure Treatment | Resin penetrates and consolidates existing fissures | Fissures handled separately |
| Equipment | Roll, mixed epoxy, spreader | Router or slot cutter |
Plenty of shops do both, and rodding still has a place. If you are deciding on a specific slab, call us and we will talk it through against the actual stone and the span.
Common Applications
- Reinforcing fragile stone and slabs
- Backing full slabs of fissured granite, marble, and quartzite
- Added strength around sink and bowl cutouts
- Strengthening weakened joints in stone
- Slab consolidation ahead of cutting, handling, and transport
- Alternative to rodding countertops
Frequently Asked Questions
What is scrim used for on countertops?
Scrim is a reinforcing mesh applied to the back of a stone slab with penetrating epoxy. It adds strength to fragile or fissured stone and to weak areas like sink and bowl cutouts. Fabricators use it to consolidate a slab so it can be cut, handled, and set without cracking, and as an alternative to cutting rod slots.
How much does one roll of Bonstone scrim cover?
The roll is 3 ft wide by 150 ft long, which is 450 square feet of coverage.
What epoxy do I use with Bonstone scrim?
Bonstone Penetrating Epoxy or Penetrating Epoxy RS. Standard Penetrating has a 40 minute pot life and sets in 6 to 8 hours, which suits laying up larger areas. RS has a 12 minute pot life and sets in 1 to 2 hours for faster turnaround on smaller sections.
Is scrim and epoxy as strong as rodding?
They work differently. Rodding puts reinforcement along a line and requires cutting a slot into the slab. Scrim and penetrating epoxy reinforce the full area under the mesh without removing any material, and the resin also consolidates existing fissures in the stone. Bonstone positions the system as an alternative to rodding. For a specific slab and span, call us at (800) 220-1966 and we will go through it with you.
Does Bonstone scrim have an adhesive backing?
No. It is bonded to the slab with penetrating epoxy, which is what carries the load and consolidates the stone at the same time.
Can I use scrim on quartzite?
Yes. Fissured quartzite is a common reason shops reach for it, since the slab often needs to be stabilized before it can be cut and moved. Confirm the back of the slab is dry and free of coatings or quarry resin before the epoxy goes down.
How much epoxy do I need per roll of scrim?
It depends on how much of the roll you use and how heavy the application is. Bonstone lists coverage for penetrating epoxy at approximately 30 square feet per gallon at 50 mils. Call us with the slab count and we will size the epoxy to the job.
Related Products
- Bonstone Penetrating Epoxy for laying up larger areas with a 40 minute working window
- Bonstone Penetrating Epoxy RS (Rapid Set) for same day turnaround
- Bonstone liquid tints for color matching repairs
Special order item. Special order products cannot be canceled or returned. Call for current lead time.
Questions on fit for a specific slab, call (800) 220-1966 or email [email protected].
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