Epoxy countertops are made with a two part epoxy that is specially formulated for countertops. It is food safe, non-porous, heat safe, non-yellowing, scratch resistant, 0 VOCs - quite different from the other epoxies that you may be familiar with.
The first layer of epoxy contains the coloring and the second coat is just a flood coat. Each pour is about 1/8" thick.
If you get scratches in your epoxy - I will be able to come back in the future and sand out and polish the top coat back to its original shine.
Yes!
In the case of long continuous or U shaped countertops that make it impossible for me to move or get it into your house - countertops are manufactured without epoxy and installed and seamed in your kitchen and then poured to produce a seamless countertop! This is a special install and pour and will require masking off the cabinets and floor and will tie up your kitchen for a few days. The end product though will be awesome!
It can vary slightly with the size of the job - usually around two weeks. This gives the epoxy time to cure well before transporting the countertops.
Before I start though I like to have time to work out the coloring and style with each customer. Depending if sample boards need to be made up - this time will be outside of the 2 weeks.