How To Epoxy a Table Top: 4 Steps Guide, Tips, and Common Mistakes

How Epoxy a Table Top: A Complete Guide

Epoxy resin and polyester resin are the two options for tabletops. Epoxy resin is the best option for covering table tops for several reasons: a clear and glossy look, heat and impact resistance, and its solid durability.

Polyester is cheaper but will turn yellow and scratch with time, making an epoxy table unsuitable for high performance tabletop projects. Next Lumber Grand will guide you on how to epoxy a table top!

1. Step 1 - Prepare the Surface Before Epoxy Application

This is a three-part preparation process, and while it may seem lengthy, it is the most important of the steps in order to make a professional solid epoxy resin table top. Let's dive in!

• Clean and Smooth: First, clean the surface to get rid of any dust, grease, or grime. A tack cloth works wonderfully for picking up the final dust bunnies. Then sand goes through the grits, starting with a coarser grit to knock down high spots and finishing with a finer grit for a smooth surface. Sander saves a massive amount of time with larger surfaces. Well, this is a clean and smooth surface so that epoxy adheres beautifully. Important for epoxy table for beginners, especially when saving up for their very first epoxy tabletop.

• Inspect and Repair: Check if there are any significant cracks, holes, or blemishes. Then, fill them and sand smooth if you find them. This is a very critical step to that flawless, professional look you wanted.

• Estimating Epoxy: Measure the length and width of your table top to calculate the surface area (length x width). Epoxy will generally be in two coats: the first a seal coat (or primer) and the second a topcoat. The seal coat is a thinner layer, and the topcoat is much thicker. The manufacturer's instructions will indicate how much coverage you get per gallon. It's usually good to buy a couple of extra gallons, just to be safe, especially when learning by doing custom table top DIY formations on tabletops.

For example: Let's say your table will measure six feet by three feet. This gives you square footage of eighteen square feet (6 ft x 3 ft = 18 sq ft). Suppose the topcoat from the manufacturer says one gallon covers thirty square feet; technically, you would require 18/30 of a gallon.

But for the sake of not getting stuck, it is wise to take an entire gallon. You can also apply this technique with a thinner coat which uses less epoxy, more is always better.

Clean and prepare the wood’s surface
Photo: ©GCapture and Julia Malinowska on Canva.com

2. Step 2 - Mix Epoxy

To mix epoxy for how to epoxy a table top, you need to measure the resin and hardener accurately, then stir them together until the mixture is clear and streak-free.

• Mixing ratios: Usually, the manufacturer will provide instructions on how to mix epoxy and the mixing ratio on the packaging. However, the most common ratio is 2:1 (2 parts resin to 1 part hardener).

• Mixing tips: Pour the measured amount of resin and hardener into a clean mixing bucket. Mix slowly and stir well for a few minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the bucket to ensure a homogeneous mixture. Avoid stirring the mixture vigorously, as this will create air bubbles.
  

Mix epoxy in the correct ratio
Photo: ©samiylenko on Canva.com

3. Step 3 - Seal Coat: First Protective Layer

Use a brush or roller to apply a thin and even application of epoxy to the table top. This coat will serve as a primer and seal the pores of the wood. This stage creates a solid basis for the future epoxy coating.

The drying time, similar to epoxy resin end table instructions varies according to ambient temperature, humidity, and other factors, and can range from 30 minutes to several days. At roughly 21°C (70°F), the primer will dry in 30 to 45 minutes.

Diluting the primer 1:1 yields a second layer that dries in just 4 hours. In general, however, you should strictly adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

The next step is to lightly sand the cured primer with fine sandpaper (220 grit) to remove imperfections and improve epoxy layer adhesion. Finally, clean the surface with a duster to prepare for the epoxy table top finish.

Apply the first layer of protective epoxy
Photo: Lumber Grand

4. Step 4 - Flood Coat: Pouring and Leveling Techniques

Once the primer has been cured and lightly sanded, it's time to proceed with the top coat, following the procedure of how to epoxy a table top. Pour the epoxy mixture into the center of the tabletop, letting it flow naturally.

Use a plastic spreader to guide the epoxy toward the edges and ensure complete coverage. A thicker coat is more durable and glossy upon final finishing.

Apply the first layer of protective epoxy
Photo: Lumber Grand

How to Handle Air Bubbles and Uneven Surfaces?

• Air Bubbles: During coating, air bubbles are revealed on the surface. With the help of a heat gun (on low heat) or blowtorch, pop out the bubbles. A vacuum chamber device or a pressure cooker may also be employed to achieve smooth and bubble-free results.

• Uneven Surface: This defect arises because of uneven grinding or pouring of the epoxy. To properly spread the epoxy, use a leveling tool, such as an epoxy trowel. You might have to put on extra coats to get to a completely flat surface.

If you do not want these defects to occur during the project, you should maintain the room temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Note that you should also avoid direct sunlight or draught.

With this technique, you can try creating more an epoxy table designs. Learning how to make an epoxy river table can be a great way to level up your skills and create stunning pieces.

Fix errors when pouring epoxy
Photo: ©BAKHROM on Canva.com

FAQs About How to Epoxy a Table Top

1. How Thick Should Epoxy Be On a Table Top?

So not too thick, and not too thin - but between about 1/16th and 1/8th of an inch thick for that perfect balance of high gloss and clarity. About 1.5mm to 3mm, this sweet spot gives you a nice, glossy finish without running into problems like drips or trapped air bubbles.

2. Is There a Difference Between Table Top Resin and Other Epoxy Types?

Yes, there is. Tabletop epoxy is a type of epoxy specifically designed with low viscosity and high transparency for coating flat surfaces. Other epoxy types, on the other hand, is a general term encompassing many types with different formulas and applications, such as for use as an adhesive or industrial coating, or waterproofing walls.

3. How Much Does It Cost to Epoxy Resin a Table?

There's no fixed price for an epoxy table, as the cost is influenced by various factors. Depending on the size, type of epoxy used, design complexity, and labor involved, prices can range from a few thousand to over $25,000. However, the majority of "standard" epoxy tables fall within the $2,000 to $7,300 price range.

If you follow the steps and tips correctly, your table will have a glossy, durable, and impressive surface. Explore more useful blogs on our website at https://lumbergrand.com for more information on the table items you need!

Epoxy is an excellent choice for transforming wooden tabletops, providing a durable and eye-catching finish. This detailed guide on how to epoxy a table top instructs you how to professionally prepare, mix, and apply epoxy to your table. Avoiding typical mistakes to achieve a perfect coating.