Epoxy Penny Table Top: 5 Easy Steps - DIY Guide

Lumber Grand will suggest you 5 simple steps to create an impressive epoxy penny table top at home. This method is suitable for both beginners and experienced DIYers, helping you create a unique piece of furniture at a reasonable cost.

What Is an Epoxy Penny Table Top?

Epoxy penny table tops are a combination of pennies and a clear epoxy coating. The pennies are arranged on the table surface, then coated with an epoxy resin. The result is a durable, beautiful, and often waterproof surface.

Many people collect pennies from special years or different countries, turning the table top into a meaningful memory piece. Every coin's individuality with its patterns and details makes such a design impossible to duplicate.

Epoxy penny table tops blend coins with clear epoxy for durability, beauty, and water resistance

How to Make an Epoxy Penny Table Top?

Follow the 5 steps below from material preparation to finishing the epoxy penny table top easily at home. Each step is indispensable because it contributes to the final beauty of the table.

1. Step 1: Prepare Tools and Materials

Before starting the project, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:

• Wooden table top or flat surface as a base

• Coins (about 300-500 penny for a 60x60cm table top)

• Clear epoxy resin for table tops (about 2-3 liters based on the size of the table)

• Multi-purpose glue or silicone glue

• Sander and various types of sandpaper (80, 120, 220)

• Epoxy scraper or flat wooden bar

• Epoxy mixing tray and stirring stick

• Electronic scale to measure epoxy ratio

• Mini blowtorch or heat gun

• Rubber gloves and safety glasses

• Linole-free paper towels and isopropyl alcohol

• Plastic sheet or cover to protect the work area

Gather tools and materials
Photo: ©Aflo Images; jeminijoseph on Canva.com 

2. Step 2: Prepare Table Surface & Arrange Pennies

To make an epoxy penny table top, you need to prepare the surface carefully. First, clean the dust, let it dry, then sand it with 80 or 120 grit sandpaper to help the epoxy adhere better.

Then you can arrange it according to your unique epoxy table top ideas. For example, arrange the coins in rows, circles or patterns. Try arranging them before gluing. Finally, glue each coin and wait 1-2 hours for the glue to dry.

Clean, dry, and sand the surface
Photo: ©Trygve Finkelsen on Canva.com

3. Step 3: Apply the First Epoxy Layer

For your epoxy resin penny table top DIY, the first layer of epoxy acts to "lock" the penny into place and create a base for the main epoxy layer. Mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually 1:1 between resin and hardener. Mixing should be done slowly for about 3-5 minutes to avoid creating air bubbles.

After mixing well, pour the epoxy onto the table surface from the center outwards and use a squeegee to spread it evenly. The first layer of epoxy should be poured just enough to cover the penny by about 1-2mm.

Use a mini blowtorch or heat gun to lightly brush over the surface to remove air bubbles. Let the epoxy cure for about 8-12 hours according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The first epoxy layer secures the pennies and forms a base for the main layer

Read more: Flower Epoxy Table

4. Step 4: Apply the Second Epoxy Layer

The second layer of epoxy adds thickness and shine to the epoxy penny table top. Before pouring, lightly sand the first layer with 220 grit sandpaper then wipe off the dust with isopropyl alcohol.

Mix more epoxy than the first layer to create a thickness of 3-5mm. Pour the epoxy from the center to the edge, use a squeegee to spread evenly, work slowly and evenly so that the table surface is not bumpy.

Sand, clean with alcohol, and pour the second layer for shine and thickness

5. Step 5: Epoxy Harden and Finish the Table

After the second layer of epoxy table top with pennies has completely cured, you need to polish and finish the table surface. The complete cure time of epoxy usually lasts 72 hours, during which time you should place the table in a dry, cool place and avoid dust.

To finish the surface, you use sandpaper from coarse to fine (400, 600, 800, 1000) to polish in order. Each time you switch to finer sandpaper, you need to clean the surface with a damp cloth.

After polishing, you can use a specialized epoxy polishing solution to increase the shine. Finally, you can install the table legs and use the product after the epoxy has completely cured.

Harden and finish the epoxy table

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

When creating an epoxy penny tabletop, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid to get the best results. Understanding these issues will save time and money on your project.

• Mixing the epoxy in the wrong ratio: The epoxy to not cure or crack easily. Use an electronic scale to measure accurately according to the instructions.

• Unsuitable environment: Ideal temperature is 21-27°C, humidity below 85%. Avoid working in too humid or cold conditions.

• Rushing between steps: Not waiting for the epoxy to dry completely can cause surface deformation.

• Air bubbles in the epoxy: Mix slowly for 3-5 minutes, using a flat-head stirrer. Preheat the epoxy before mixing (~35°C) to reduce air bubbles. After pouring, use a mini blowtorch or heat gun, keeping a distance of 15-20cm to remove bubbles. Let the epoxy "rest" for 5-10 minutes before pouring.

• Penny are displaced: Stick with silicone glue or epoxy, wait for the glue to dry for 24 hours before pouring. Pour a thin layer of epoxy (1mm), place the coin, wait for it to partially cure (2-4 hours) to fix. When pouring the main layer, pour from the middle of the table, avoid pouring directly onto the coin.

Reach out to Lumber Grand at contact@lumbergrand.com for more details on epoxy table products. Creating a coin epoxy tabletop is a fun DIY project that brings creative fun and a unique product to your living space.

In 5 simple steps - preparing materials, arranging pennies, pouring the first coat of epoxy, pouring the second coat of epoxy, and finishing - you can create an epoxy penny table top that is both beautiful and durable. Lumber Grand hopes this guide gives you the confidence to tackle your project and create some amazing handmade products for your home.