DIY Epoxy Resin Coffee Table
How to trap objects inside an epoxy resin table top
Ingredients
- table with 1/4″ (or less) lip around all the edges
- photos and objects you want sealed in the table
- spray adhesive or glue
- glaze coat pour-on high gloss epoxy resin Famowood is the brand I used
- disposable paper, plastic cups, or small pitchers
- disposable stir stick, gloves, and drop cloth
- masking or painter’s tape
- small, handheld propane torch I used my kitchen torch
Instructions
- Prepare your tabletop. If you’re using a found table, make sure to lightly sand and clean the surface where the epoxy will be poured. You’ll also want to tape off the edges. The tape will prevent the epoxy resin from oozing out of any cracks or edges while it hardens.
- Print photos. As I mentioned above, I printed my photos at 13″ x 19″ and trimmed them to fit my surface area.
- Plan design. Move your photos and objects around on the tabletop until you have a design you love. For any photos or papers use a light coat of spray adhesive or glue to set them in place. You don’t want them to float or bubble up during the epoxy resin pouring process, so make sure they are securely in place now.
- Mix the epoxy resin. Follow the instructions, as some products will differ from others. The instructions from the brand I used had me mix the resin and hardener together in two disposable containers for four minutes, in each container. Whatever mixing duration your instructions include, be sure to follow them. During this stage you’ll want to wear gloves, apron, and possibly safety goggles (or glasses) to protect yourself from these chemicals. You also need to work in a well-ventilated space. I worked near two large windows that I opened during this step, as these chemicals give off a strong smell. Be careful if it’s a windy day since you don’t want particles floating into your epoxy once poured.
- Pour the mixed epoxy resin over the countertop, taking care not to add too much; otherwise it can overflow the edges. My instructions suggested only mixing one to two quarts at a time so I had to repeat this process multiple times. If you are adding more epoxy resin (in layers), try to pour in circles or lines and avoid pouring in large clumps over one area; this will help the mixture to ooze into the proper place. If you find you don’t have enough epoxy resin, allow your first coat to cure overnight before adding more the next day. Do not add more to a coat that is only partially cured as this can result in uneven drying, causing imperfections in your surface. If in doubt, call the technical support listed in the instructions (I did!).
- Use a small propane torch to remove any bubbles in the surface. You might feel inclined to skip this step because you don’t want to buy a torch. As I mentioned above, I used a kitchen torch, and it made a HUGE difference in the final look of my table. You could also use a heat gun instead of torch. Any of these options will do, but don’t skip this step!
- Once the surface has cured for at least 24-48 hours (although 72 is recommended), you’re ready to start using your new table! Be sure to keep it free from dust or other particles while it’s drying. And it’s a good idea to press your finger into an edge of the table before placing anything heavy on it, just to make sure yours is, indeed, fully dry.
Notes
The amount of epoxy resin you’ll need depends on how large and deep the area you are covering is. My coffee table is 4′ x 5″ x 16″ with a 3/8″ depth (from the tabletop to the top edge of the lip). I used 1 gallon and 2 quarts of the epoxy resin coating.