Epoxy colors for granite seams

[Troy]

I just successfully removed my mother-in-laws granite, replaced cabinets and reused the old granite. I have 3 seams I need to epoxy color. I know I will see them when finished, but want the best look possible. The seams are not as tight as I would have liked, but acceptable. I think from what I've read that I need the knife grade epoxy and color kit. I think the process goes as follows. I have mostly black with some brown and greenish tints in it.

1) Tape both sides of seam
2) Mix color for granite (would I mix only 1 color or more to match granite)
3) Add hardener
4) Spread in with putty knife
5) remove tape and razor blade flush

Should I just mix 1 color or if I were to mix more than 1 color how should I spread it into the seam?  It also sounds like I should stop after applying epoxy and not sand it or buff it since I am new at this?

Thanks for your time

[Mark D.]

I would rather see you use knife grade polyester resin than epoxy. It sets up faster and cleanup is much easier than with epoxy. Also, if you mess it up you can fix it much easier.

Get this polyester resin:
http://www.defusco.com/Glues:-Epoxy,-Polyester,-etc.-Polyester-Resins/c82_501/p1432/TENAX-KNIFE-GRADE-POLYESTER---1-LITER/product_info.html

With this coloring kit:
http://www.defusco.com/Glues:-Epoxy,-Polyester,-etc.-Coloring-Kits/c82_504/p1439/6PC-TENAX-POLY-COLOR-KIT/product_info.html

For instructions watch this DVD:
http://www.defusco.com/How-To-DVDs-&-Tool-Packages/c654/p2299/Fabricating-Stone-for-the-Do-It-Yourselfer---Glues-&-Sealers/product_info.html

Glad to be of service,
Mark

[Stone Dude]

as a beginner i would strongly suggest against going any further than using a razor blade. when you start to get into granite seams, its very touchy, and once you go too far, theres no going back. as far as your process, thats probably the best way. it sounds wierd, but when you use the razor blade, hold it straight up very tightly with both hands, and scrape back and forthe very fast using medium pressure. if you just try and scrape it away at an angle it will most likely chip the epoxy or resin. when you use the technique i just described, it kind of shaves it down. it may take a few minutes, and the blade will get hot, so just take your time.   
         mixing color: if you really want to get into it, you can mix a different color for each section of the seam. this is not usually necessary unless the granite has a lot of character and movement and would benefit from it, otherwise youd just want to mix a color that would blend with most of the stone.

[Troy]

Thanks for the quick responses gentlemen. I will get these items ordered and let you know how it works. For the most part, working at the In-laws has been a drag, but this for some weird reason sounds fun.
Stone Dude, I tried your website, but for some reason it said "no matches found". I will try again later.

Troy

[Stone Dude]

sometimes the website doesnt want to cooperate. copy and paste this    http://demillemarble.com/

[cary granite]

Hello everyone,
I have a few tried and true methods for seams, first the epoxy I choose based on what stone "m working , howeverI have found that " Devcon  5 minute gel epoxy " squeeze syringe type dispenser makes the process much cleaner all the way through . Then with a putty knife or a painters scraper tool clear the excess away than let the epoxy set just before it goes off all the way it reaches a stage that feels rubbery when you touch it.this is when you tahke an acetone  soaked rag and rub the epoxyn this gives the epoxy a hard shell like smooth feel and look. if the sone has more action in the pattern you can mix whatever the prominate color to the epoxy at the beginning of these steps .I hope this works for you . it hasworked miracles for me I can also tell you how to make virtually invisible joints just email me 
seasons best

[Stone Dude]

Cary, have you tried CA glue? you can use it after the epoxy in the seams has dried. spread it down the seam, spray the catalyst on it and wipe up the excess. it cures immediately. scrape the excess back and forth with a razor blade gentnly, DO NOT SCRAPE IT OFF LIKE YOU NORMALLY WOULD. when you get it nice and flush (seam must me near perfectly level) rub some polishing compound on there. this 5 minute trick will make a noticeable difference.