DIY epoxy table

If you want to create something unusual and interesting for your home, you should pay attention to such material as epoxy. This is one of the simplest and most effective methods of designing an interior creatively. Very interesting properties of this material allow you to implement the most unusual design ideas. You can make an epoxy resin table with your own hands, which will become a real masterpiece, thanks to the use of various fillers you can significantly diversify your work.

Features and types of products

This material has a very high performance. It is worth noting that in its pure form it is not used, because its characteristics do not appear. It can be hardened only by mixing with the corresponding component, which is called the hardener.

The process - the manufacture of a table made of epoxy resin consists in applying synthetic material to a wooden base. As a result of your actions, you can create products of increased strength, as well as resistant to various chemicals. From the characteristics of products made of epoxy, we can distinguish the appearance, as well as the features of the material.

NOTE. For private use, it is recommended to choose a material that is used in a cold state.

General principles of work

As a rule, in stores you can buy epoxy material already in the kit. This kit includes directly the resin and a special hardener, it is he who acts as an activator of chemical reactions.

How to prepare material

It is important to familiarize yourself with these material features:

• The hardening process is irreversible, therefore, all work must be carried out in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• To mix both components you will need to prepare two containers, it is also a stick for thoroughly mixed composition. First of all, it is necessary to measure the required amount of resin, and after that, pour the hardener into it in the required volume. Next, mix well until a homogeneous mass is formed.
• The base of the countertop should be in a horizontal position, otherwise your surface will turn out uneven. You can work only on an absolutely dry surface.

IMPORTANT. Before proceeding with the work, be sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Please note that different manufacturers may have different mixing ratios.

How to create an author's product

In order to build a very attractive and unusual table with your own hands, you will have to carefully prepare for this process. But in the end, everything is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance.

NOTE. You have access to a lot of different options for making an unusual and original product. These are one-color countertops, also products with a splash or a combination of colors. Do not limit your imagination and you will certainly be able to create an original and unusual product.

Step-by-step instruction

It should be understood that the success of your final result will depend on the correct implementation of all manufacturing procedures. And one of these stages is the thorough removal of any contaminants from the surface of your base, as well as dust.

1. Next, when you clean the base, it must be primed. If you skip this step, be prepared for the fact that expensive material is simply absorbed into a tree that has pores, air bubbles will form, and this will inevitably spoil the appearance of your product.
2. When you complete the preparatory phase, you can safely proceed to the next stage. Prepare the required amount of the mixture of resin and hardener. Thoroughly mix the components in the container.
3. At this stage, it is very important to observe the mixing proportions, otherwise you can spoil the material and your time will be wasted. Follow the instructions for preparing the mixture supplied by the manufacturer. If desired, you can add dyes or some decorative details to the ready-made mixture.
4. Apply the finished mixture on a wooden surface - the base. If after filling you notice the formation of air bubbles, it is worth trying to remove them. You can use a construction hairdryer for this. Just point it to the area to be processed and turn it on.
5. Fifteen minutes later, the mixture will begin to harden slightly, but do not rush. You can proceed to the grinding stage only after the final hardening of the resin. Leave your work for about one week and only then proceed to the last processing procedure. To increase the service life of this design, treat the surface with a layer of varnish.

Tabletop decoration

Various decoration options are available to you; your imagination is unlimited. Consider some of the most interesting.

Worktop with filling

This option is rightfully considered one of the most original. As a filler, stones and various small figures, coins and any other items can be used.

The manufacturing process is as follows:

• The first step is to degrease the workpiece, and thoroughly clean it. If necessary, the workpiece should be painted.
• On the workpiece, you need to make low sides.
• Put filler on the bottom of the base. If you have chosen a medium-sized filler, then the resin can be filled in one layer. If we are talking about a larger filler, the filling must be done in a couple of layers, while the break should be at least two days.

Penetration of the epoxy into the recesses of the curly filler occurs gradually, it will take up to 3 hours. Experienced craftsmen advise pre-immersing textured products in resin and only then use their tabletop manufacturing.

IMPORTANT. All products that you will use in the manufacture of countertops must be thoroughly cleaned and well dried. If these parts are too light, before proceeding to the next stage of work, it is recommended to stick them to the base so that they do not float.

One-color or multi-colored solution

IMPORTANT. If you decide to use a material that has pores as a base, therefore, it can greatly absorb moisture. This must be taken into account and pre-primed.

• Before you start working directly with the resin, you must thoroughly clean the base. Degrease it and only after that you can proceed to the stage of preparation of the resin itself.
• After mixing the epoxy in the required proportions with the hardener, it is necessary to pour the mixture onto the base of the countertop. Leave the mixture to spread for fifteen minutes.
• Now you can proceed to the stage of removal of the resulting bubbles, if any.
• Leave the structure to harden. When the product dries well, you can go to the final stage - grinding and polishing.

REFERENCE. If you choose a one-color solution, then you will need to add a special dye to the mixture. It is advisable to choose it from the same manufacturer where you purchased the resin. If you chose the option with combined colors, then in the process of pouring, you need to use a mixture of several shades, which must first be mixed in several containers.

Luminous countertop

This option is also considered very interesting and attractive, you can see it in the photo. Suppose you decide to create a table with a wooden tabletop and a unique author's design. In this case, you need to follow the following algorithm:

• Make the grooves on the base, they will be necessary to get the effect of depth.
• Sand the surface.
• A fluorescent pigment must be added to the resin, which should already be mixed with the hardener.
• Fill the base with the prepared mixture.
• When the material is completely dry, coat it with a layer of varnish and each layer must be well sanded.

Your luminous table can be actively exploited. As you can see, the manufacturing process is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. The main thing is to stock up on all the necessary materials and carefully think through your actions. In this case, you will be able to create a truly authorial and interesting product that will last for many years and will delight you.