Epoxy tables are a popular and creative way to transform ordinary wood into stunning pieces of furniture. Creating epoxy tables also helps us to make use of scrap wood, old wood, and reclaimed wood. Epoxy resin is a synthetic material that can be poured over wood to create a smooth, glossy, and durable surface. Epoxy tables can have different designs, colors, and effects, depending on your preferences and skills. In this blog post, we will show you how to make an epoxy resin table step by step, using some basic tools and materials.
What You Will Need to Make An Epoxy Table?
Making epoxy tables need the following items:
- The wooden slab: Use the wooden slab of desired size and shape. You should choose one that is dry, flat, and has few defects. It can be walnut, oak, or live edge wood.
- Epoxy resin and hardener: Choose these from online stores or buy directly from brands like TotalBoat, West System, and ProMarine.Don't forget to read the safety instructions before use!
- Pigments or dyes: Use these to add color to your epoxy resin. Let's start with a small amount and gradually add more to achieve the desired color intensity.
- A mold and mold release: The mold is used to contain the epoxy resin while mold release helps prevent sticking, protect mold surfaces and achieve a smooth finish. Make your own mold or buy one from the store, it's up to you.
- A drill, a circle saw, and a face milling cutter: These are to cut and drill holes in your wood and your mold.
- Sandpapers and a sander: Prepare sandpaper from coarse (100 grit) to fine (240 grit) depending on the condition of your countertop. You need these to smooth and polish your wood and your epoxy surface.
- A heat gun or a blowtorch: Use them to remove air bubbles from your epoxy resin, during and after pouring.
- A tape measure, adhesive tape, a pencil, a ruler, and a marker: Used to measure, mark, and protect from resin spills.
- A knife or a chisel: They are used to scrape and chisel wood to give a smooth finish or remove excess glue.
- Silicon sealant and a gun: Apply silicone sealant to seal the edges and joints of the mold to prevent epoxy leaks.
- Polishing compound: Choose one for epoxy resin to achieve a high-gloss finish and maintain the surface for long-term usage.
- Gloves, goggles, mask, and apron: They help protect you from dust and harmful gasses from resin.
Step 1: Prepare Your Wood Tabletop
Choose dry wood for making epoxy table
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Cut your wood to the size and shape you want for your table. Sand the surface and the edges until they are smooth and wipe off any dust.
Remember to keep the wood completely dry. Why does it need to dry? Some of the following reasons will explain this:
- Causes bubbles and prevents the resin from curing properly, resulting in a tacky or soft finish
- Prevent the resin from bonding well with the wood, leading to peeling of epoxy layer and reduced durability
- Expansion or contraction, causing the table top to crack or warp
- Clouds or discolors the resin, affecting the table's look
Step 2: Build Your Form
Build a form to hold the wood slab in place
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In case of making your own mold, cut your frame to the appropriate size and shape of your table, plus some extra space for the epoxy resin to flow. Cover your board with anti-stick paint.
If you use normal wood to create the mold. Covering the wood bars with adhesive tape is necessary.
Assemble the board into a box using screws. Place the mold on a flat and level surface. Don't forget to add mold release before fastening your frame to the surface so it will be easy for you to separate the epoxy top from the surface. Remember to seal the joints with silicone sealant to prevent leaks.
Put your wood inside the mold, making sure it is centered and level. You can use some spacers or clamps to hold it in place. Leave some gaps between the wood and the mold for the epoxy resin to fill.
Step 3: Create the Silicon Sealant Lines
Create the silicon sealant lines to prevent epoxy resin from spilling into unnecessary areas
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Add a border of silicone sealant to your wood slabs and the position in which you are going to pour the epoxy. This will prevent leaks to unnecessary space.
Step 4: Mix Epoxy Resin and Hardener
Mix epoxy and hardener in suitable ratio
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Follow the instructions on the package to measure and mix the correct ratio of epoxy resin and hardener in a plastic container. Stir well until there are no streaks or lumps. Add some pigments or dyes if you want to color your epoxy resin.
3:1 is the perfect ratio of epoxy and hardener for the AB epoxy type. When using transparent AB 2-component epoxy resin, you need to choose the right type. Do not use block casting glue to pour thin types and vice versa. It will be very costly and take longer to dry.
Step 5: Pour Your Mixture Into the Mold
Pour mixture slowly and evenly in the mold
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Got a tip for you! Let the mixture rest for about 10-15 minutes. This mixture will bubble. You use a heat gun or a blowtorch to remove air bubbles on the surface.
Pour slowly and evenly over the wood and the gaps in the mold. Lower your epoxy container into the mold at least 3 inches to minimize the bubbles. Use a wooden stick or a spatula to spread the epoxy resin evenly. Gently tap the mold to expel any air bubbles.
Pouring many epoxy layers helps your tabletop achieve the needed hardness. The ideal thickness for each epoxy layer is 1/4 inch.
The thicker the epoxy glue is poured, the longer it takes to dry. As a result, knowing the drying time of each layer is essential for handling it correctly.
Next, use plastic sheeting or cardboard to prevent dust and debris from sticking to the mold. Leave it to cure according to the instructions on the packaging, usually at least 24 hours.
Step 6: Remove the Epoxy Table From the Mold
Carefully remove the table top from the mold
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Remove the table top from the mold carefully. Peel off any excess epoxy resin and silicon sealant from the surface and the edges of the table with a knife or a chisel.
Step 7: Sand and Polish Your Epoxy Tabletop
Sand the surface and polish your epoxy tabletop
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Sand the surface and the edges of your table with sandpaper of different grits, starting from coarse to fine. Use a sander for faster and smoother results. Wipe away any dust with a moist cloth.
You can simply add polishing compounds evenly to the tabletop and wipe them off or use a lambswool pad for a perfect and polished finish.
Step 8: Attach Metal Legs to Your Wood Table
Attach metal legs to your wood table top
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Choose any type of legs you want for your table, such as metal, wood, or plastic. Drill holes in the bottom of your table if needed and attach the legs with screws or bolts.
Some Information You May Want to Know
How to make epoxy resin tables
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How Much Does It Cost to Make an Epoxy Table?
The cost of an epoxy table depends on several factors, such as the type and amount of wood, epoxy resin, and other materials and tools needed. Typically, the cost can range from $200 to $600 for a basic epoxy table or up to $7000 for a more complex customization.
What Types of Epoxy Are Commonly Used for an Epoxy Table?
- Swirl epoxy: This type involves mixing multiple colors of epoxy resin together to create a swirling or marbled effect. This type is interesting because it uses sticks to create unique lines and patterns.
- Translucent epoxy: Translucent epoxy resin is clear or tinted. It is usually light-colored so that the wood underneath is still visible, but transparent enough to let light in and shimmer. Decorating with dried flower petals is also a good idea!
- Solid color epoxy: The characteristic of this type is that it gives a dark, uniformly colored finish throughout the pouring process. This style creates a strong, bold feeling and creates a high contrast effect in the space.
- Resin river table: A familiar table style with a river running through the middle of the two slabs of live edge wood. This is the most common type of epoxy furniture style used, and it usually incorporates one solid color, swirl epoxy, or translucent epoxy. The river can be designed to mimic natural water flows. There may be seashells, lotus flowers, and colorful pebbles in it. You can also make them glow with glow powder!
That's what you need for how to make epoxy table! Tools and materials, steps and necessary information have been fully mentioned in this article. If you are looking for a table leg that matches your beautiful epoxy table, just email us at customerservice@flowyline.com or call us 1 (323) 990-2487 to get advice on the right metal leg!