How to Finish Epoxy Table Smoothly? Step-By-Step Guide

Epoxy tables can resist moisture and moderate heat, and that smooth finish makes cleanup a breeze. So, how to finish epoxy table and make it last? In this guide, Lumber Grand walks you through everything you need, from tools and prep tips to each step of the finishing process, so you can craft a table that’s built to shine.

Why You Should Know How to Finish Epoxy Table?

Finishing epoxy table seals the wood, enhances its natural grain, and creates a smooth, durable surface that stands up to heat, moisture, and scratches. It also brings out the depth and clarity of the epoxy, giving your table top that high end, glass like look. If you want that kind of lasting beauty and want to learn how to finish epoxy table, keep reading the steps below to finish your epoxy table the right way.

Tools & Materials

Having the right tools and materials on hand helps you work more efficiently, avoid common mistakes, and achieve a clean, high quality epoxy finish from the start.

• Sandpaper (various grits): Begin with 120 grit sandpaper and progress through 180, 240, 1400, 800, and up to 1200 grit for a smooth finish.

• Polishing compounds: Products like Meguiar's Mirror Glaze M10508 Ultra Cut Compound, Promise Epoxy Pro Polish & Cleaner, and WiseBond Table Top 1:1 Epoxy are effective in removing fine scratches and enhancing the epoxy's shine.

• Clear epoxy resin for topcoat: For a standard 1/8-inch thick coat over a sealed surface, you'll need approximately 0.75 pounds of mixed epoxy per square foot.

• Heat gun or torch for bubble removal: Keep the tool a few inches away from the surface and move it back and forth smoothly.

• Microfiber cloths and cleaning solutions: Use soft, lint free microfiber cloths.

Everything you need to learn how to finish an epoxy table
Photo: ©Polina Tankilevitch on Canva.com

How to Finish Epoxy Table Smoothly?

Achieving a smooth, professional looking finish for your epoxy table is easier than you think! Just follow these 3 simple steps and watch your project shine.

1. Step 1: Surface Preparation

Before you begin applying any finish, you’ve got to start with a clean, smooth surface. It makes all the difference. First, blow off any dust with compressed air, then wipe the table top with a dampened rag. If you don’t have that on hand, acetone works in a pinch. Just avoid mineral spirits! Let the surface air dry completely before moving on.

Next up is sanding. Start with a coarser grit like 120 to even out the surface and get rid of imperfections. Then work your way up, and finish with finer grits like 1200. Move in small, circular motions and take your time, as it’s all about building a smooth, even base for that final glossy finish.

Good prep for your epoxy table makes all the difference
Photo: Twin Rivers Table Company

2. Step 2: Applying the Epoxy Finish

This step is where your table starts to shine. Start by choosing a high quality epoxy resin that’s made for finishing surfaces. Resins designed for finishing typically have a thicker consistency, which makes them ideal for creating that deep, reflective gloss.

Next, measure your resin and hardener carefully. Most epoxy resins require a precise ratio (typically 1:1 or 2:1, depending on the brand), so follow the instructions carefully and then mix them thoroughly. Try not to rush because if it’s uneven, it may lead to soft spots or a cloudy finish later on.

Once mixed, start to pour the epoxy slowly and evenly across the surface. Pouring too fast can trap air bubbles, which you don’t want. After pouring, grab a heat gun or torch and gently wave it across the surface to pop any bubbles that rise.

After you've poured the resin let the epoxy cure undisturbed
Photo: wikiHow

3. Step 3: Polishing & Buffing for a Glossy Finish

After your finishing is completely set, follow these steps to seal the epoxy table top to bring out that deep, mirror-like shine.

To start, grab a white buffing pad or soft felt pad, and use a low speed buffer or polisher. Move it gently across the surface in slow, steady motions. This step doesn’t just make an epoxy table top shine, it also evens out the finish and removes any leftover haze or fine marks.

You’ll see the difference right away once you understand how to finish epoxy table, as the surface becomes smoother, clearer, and has that polished, professional look that really shows off the epoxy and wood details.

Buff the surface to achieve a smooth, glass like finish
Photo: Artline Epoxy Resin

Best Finish Options for Epoxy Tables

Choosing the right epoxy for your process of finishing an epoxy table top is key to achieving the look and durability you want. Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular finish options to help you decide what’s best for learning how to finish epoxy table.

How to Protect and Maintain Your Epoxy Finish?

Your epoxy table might look like a showroom piece now, but it needs a little love to stay that way. Here’s how to finish epoxy table right, clear and protected for the long haul with some tips from Lumber Grand:

• Best cleaning practices: Start with something simple like a clean paper towel or a microfiber cloth works. If it needs more cleaning power, go for a damp towel or just water is usually enough.

• How to prevent yellowing and surface damage: Sunlight is epoxy’s sneaky enemy as it can cause yellowing, especially on clear finishes. If your table’s in a bright space, consider a UV-protective topcoat like polyurethane or a marine grade varnish.

• When to reapply a protective finish: When your table might lose some of its shine over the years, a quick refresh can bring it back to life. You can reapply a finish by simply wiping it on and off, or buff it in with a white pad if you’ve got the tools.

Keep your table looking new with simple cleaning and care
Photo: ©89Stocker on Canva.com

Ready to give your table that final touch? Explore our advice on our blog homepage to keep the creativity flowing, or reach out to us at contact@lumbergrand.com.

Learning how to finish epoxy table isn’t just about making it look good, it’s about protecting your work and letting all the natural beauty shine through. With the right prep, materials and a little patience, Lumber Grand believes that you can turn a basic surface into something that feels custom made and truly yours!