Available for sale different variants kitchen tables- classic and original, made of wood, MDF, glass and other materials. You can make such furniture with your own hands. The table looks incredibly beautiful epoxy resin, after all this material allows you to create unique designs, real objects of art.
Features of the material
Epoxy resin is often used in workshops on making jewelry, crafts, sculptures and interior items. Particularly popular is transparent epoxy, which has huge space for fantasy. The composition of epoxy for pouring includes synthetic oligomer compounds, alcohols, and a number of other components. For getting required properties It is necessary to pour a hardener into the product - only after this the resin can harden.
Depending on the amount of hardener and the introduction of other substances, the resin for products may acquire different characteristics. It has the ability to harden or turn into glue, be super strong or rubber-like. For the bay dining tables It is necessary to use hard resins, both for creating new furniture and restoring old ones. It is this coating that will be abrasion resistant and durable.
Advantages and disadvantages of epoxy countertops
A huge advantage of the products is their unique design. The tabletop can have any appearance that the user desires. For decorating chairs, coffee tables, kitchen and even desks use different materials- pieces of wood and glass, stump cuts, stones, foil and glitter, sawdust and sand. Shells are also used marble chips, pebbles, souvenirs and money, dried flowers and leaves. The resin can be painted in any color, up to the most saturated tone, to achieve the effect of a landscape, sea, river, etc.
Other advantages of the products are:
- completely waterproof, washable;
- tolerance of many household products;
- no shrinkage during operation, preservation of shape and original color;
- absence of deformation and reaction to moderate mechanical stress.
When choosing this technology, you need to take into account its disadvantages. The cost of a table for the kitchen, living room, countertops for the bathroom will be high. The consumption per 1 m2 of epoxy is high; it can take 10-20 liters of resin or more. If the sequence of actions is violated, at the slightest mistake air bubbles will appear inside, which are difficult to get rid of.
Types and design features of tables
Typically, countertops are made using epoxy. It is better to make table legs from a different material, although they can also be cast. There are different table options:
- transparent without base;
- with a base of saw cuts, boards, and other parts of wood;
- combined;
- with different fillings.
Structures without a supporting surface
If we are making a massive or miniature transparent tabletop without support, we need to make a mold for it. Its appearance can be anything, even bizarre. It is in such tables that it is often used LED lights, glowing neon elements, “lightning”. The pouring table with the addition of water looks original - you get real space objects on the surface. The disadvantage of baseless tables is the need for careful operation.
Wood and epoxy resin countertops
The combination of oak, elm (elm), pine and other wood with epoxy is very popular. The resin can be used clear or colored as desired. Matte bases look worse because wooden inserts poorly visible. Can be treated with paint wooden cut, make it brighter or glowing.
Another option for making a table is to fill a wooden base with resin; boxes and old boards will do. For the base for the table you can take a painted plywood surface or marbled chipboard. You can even base it on a painting, still life, or drawing.
Wooden tables with epoxy coating
Such products imply the production of full-fledged wooden table- round, square, original. Decor is scattered on it (colored pebbles, shells, plants, cones, painted bolts and nuts, coffee beans, buttons). Cut hemp with moss and bleached pieces of logs look beautiful. Next, the table is filled with a thick layer of epoxy mixture, adding edges along the edges.
Slab and epoxy tables
A slab (blind) is a solid solid slab of wood or stone. Filled with epoxy resin stone table It will turn out to be too heavy, but the product made from a wooden slab will be successful. It is required to prepare a slab with the following characteristics:
- wood thickness - 5-15 cm;
- cut - longitudinal, without processed edge;
- the array is solid, there are no gluing points;
- the pattern is beautiful, rich, with knots and interesting texture.
Ready-made slab can be purchased or ordered from a woodworking company. How much it will cost depends on the size, type of wood, and quality of the material.
Table in the shape of a river
River on the table - interesting option decor, it is often adjacent to volcanic lava. In the center of the tabletop there is an insert reminiscent of a river flowing through a mountain gorge. The insert has a blue, blue-green color, the base is usually made of solid wood. At the bottom of the “reservoir” you can put pebbles and shells. The table can be made in any shape - rectangular, oval, round or square.
Choosing a resin for making a table
Which resin to choose for creativity? There are various brands of epoxy, the best one is the one that has a long period before hardening and is absolutely transparent. If the properties of the material are different, the time for layer-by-layer pouring will increase, the resin itself may boil - overheat and deteriorate. Base resins such as ED-20 are not suitable due to their thickness. After curing, there will be replacements on the table air bubbles. The transparency of cheap base resins leaves much to be desired, and their strength is not always the best.
What resin would be better suited for the table? A number of products are suitable for furniture production:
- Art-Array. Low-viscosity composition based on modified epoxy resin. Allows you to pour a layer 60 mm thick.
- "Epoxy Master". This resin easily hardens in a 5 cm layer and perfectly fills hard-to-reach areas. The reactivity of the product is average, so you can work with it on large products.
- "Art-Eco" from Ekovanna. This material is poured only thin layers, but it is resistant to the formation of cracks and allows the use of acrylic colors.
- Epoxacast 690. Clear jewelry resin, excellent for casting. small elements on the table.
- PEO 610KE. Russian resin does not turn yellow, does not become cloudy, and has no darkening from ultraviolet radiation.
Counting the amount of epoxy resin
To avoid mistakes, you need to carefully calculate the volume of resin consumed. Each manufacturer indicates the exact material consumption, but the differences between brands are small. On square meter surface, 1-1.1 kg of mass is consumed per layer 1 mm thick. You need to multiply this amount by the estimated thickness in millimeters and quadrature, adding a little material for the error.
DIY table - technology
To make a table, you need to read the instructions and follow all the steps step by step. It is important to remember that epoxy hardens quickly when room temperature, so you should work with it faster. Some people wonder whether and why it is possible to heat resin with a burner? It is forbidden to heat the fill from above; it will immediately become deformed. Other rules for working with epoxy:
- do not forget about safety measures, use a respirator, gloves, goggles, so as not to harm your health;
- work only in a well-ventilated area;
- prevent contact sun rays before the resin hardens, it may turn yellow;
- do not make sweeping movements when mixing two components (resin and hardener), otherwise the appearance of air bubbles will not be avoided;
- Do not freeze the tabletop until it is completely ready - the material will delaminate;
- do not forget about polishing and coating with protective varnish.
The composition hardens poorly at high humidity, so it must be adjusted in the workroom. To increase the speed of curing of the solution, increase the temperature in the room, but without directly heating the product.
Necessary materials
Depending on the selected model, different accessories may be required for operation:
- resin in the required quantity;
- acrylic paints, interior;
- masking tape;
- wooden sticks for dividing the tabletop into sectors;
- jars (containers) for mixing resins of different colors;
- spatula for spreading resin over the countertop;
- fine sandpaper for sanding or a sander;
- construction level, laser;
- desired decor;
- boards;
- self-tapping screws, wood screws;
- stain;
- plywood for the form;
- individual protection means;
- wood hacksaw;
- cellophane for covering the filled product.
Sketching
To complete a sketch, it is better to contact someone who has experience in modeling if you decide to prepare a complex product. Beginners should start making tables with simple designs. You need to calculate the size, all sides of the product, draw them on paper, not forgetting to mark the location of the decor.
Fabrication of the supporting structure
Step-by-step instructions for building a table begin with creating a support. When the technology does not provide support, this point is skipped. Usually the frame is made of plywood, wood, or less often metal. In the latter case you will need welding machine, therefore this technique is used infrequently. The shape and size of the structure are chosen taking into account the dimensions of the future table.
Preparation of formwork and filling
The tabletop can be whole or consist of individual parts. Depending on the needs, formwork is prepared, the edges of which should be as smooth as possible. All joints are sealed with silicone to prevent resin from leaking through the holes. The formwork is installed on the base, and decorative elements are placed inside. Next, they are carefully glued individually to the base, not allowing the glue to protrude, otherwise it will be visible in the transparent resin.
Before pouring the countertop, the mold must be degreased. How to coat the support to prevent the resin from sticking? For this purpose, special primers or wax compositions. The inner surface can also be coated transparent film made of polyethylene.
Preparation of epoxy
Epoxy resin is mixed strictly according to the attached instructions. Any composition is two-component. Colors are added only to the resin before adding the hardener and mix well. The paint should first be heated to +30-35 degrees so that it can better integrate into the composition. You can’t heat it up too much - it can ruin the resin!
Next, a hardener is added to the main component. Typically the ratio is 10:3.5, but may vary depending on the brand of resin. The mass is thoroughly kneaded, but without sudden movements, so that bubbles do not appear. If they are present, carefully blow on the epoxy. warm air from a hair dryer while stirring. The composition should be poured within 5-7 hours; it has a limited shelf life, so mixing the mixture into several layers at once will not work.
Correct filling
You should start pouring depending on the thickness of the solution and the needs of the master:
- liquid texture - used to fill multiple depressions and corners, such a mass easily flows off the stick;
- “liquid honey” is a more viscous epoxy, allows you to create drops, lenses, small decorations, and is also used for filling round tabletops;
- “thick honey” - better suited as glue, not suitable for pouring;
- “rubber” resin is already a half-hardened material, but you can sculpt products from it, like plasticine.
Epoxy up to 5-6 cm thick is poured into one layer. Otherwise, you will have to do the work in several passes, but only after the first layer has completely cured. Pour the resin in a thin stream from the center, for which it is lowered into the solution wooden stick. Then they force the mass to flow down it. The solution is leveled on top with a spatula.
Sanding and varnishing
Some resins do not require sanding, others require finishing. For polishing, only the finest sandpaper is useful; coarse material should not be used. Work is carried out at a slow pace so that the surface does not overheat. It is better to add water little by little to remove heat in a timely manner. To complete the work, the base is coated with a protective varnish.
Tabletop care
You cannot place hot pots or dishes on the countertop - they will melt. For care use only soft cloth- wool, flannel. Use a damp cloth to remove heavy dirt, then wipe dry. Do not use abrasives, aggressive agents, acetone, or alcohol. Heavy objects are also harmful to the tabletop - if dropped, the product may be damaged. If you follow these tips, the table will serve for a long time without any complaints!
If you want to become the owner of unique and very beautiful furniture, pay attention to the table made of epoxy resin. Such products have undeniable advantages and can have a variety of designs and shapes. We invite you to learn more about existing varieties, the procedure for selecting the finished product and the sequence of making it yourself.
Read in the article
Epoxy resin table: advantages and disadvantages
The choice in favor of epoxy tables is made thanks to their undeniable advantages. Such products:
- exclusive;
- can have a variety of designs;
- allow the use of a variety of materials as decoration;
- allow the formation of a decorative layer different colors. However, it can remain transparent. If desired, phosphorescent paint can be added to the resin being poured;
- have high mechanical properties;
- are not deformed;
- can be used in rooms with a high level;
- keep their shape well;
- allow cleaning with chemicals.
The disadvantages include high price. It is not possible to buy a table for a small amount. Each product is formed using large quantity resins, which increases the cost. Also worth noting high requirements to compliance with manufacturing technology. A slight retreat may cause air bubbles to appear.
Tabletops made of epoxy resin, wood and other supporting elements
In the process of producing products of this type, the composition is poured onto a base, which can be used as an old piece, piece, or other materials. Quite popular are those formed from wood and. We invite you to get acquainted with possible options.
Wooden table with decorative filling and epoxy resin
Beautiful drawing natural wood, highlighted with epoxy resin, looks quite beautiful in itself. Especially if there are various damages and voids on the surface, which are filled with the composition during the production process. If you add decorative filling, you can become the owner of exclusive furniture. As decorative elements you can use coins, cones, acorns, pebbles, beautiful branches, photos and other items. We invite you to look at photos of tables made of wood and epoxy resin, in the design of which decorative elements were used, and which you can use as an idea for subsequent implementation.
Table made of slab and epoxy resin: features and examples of execution
The slab is formed as a result of longitudinal sawing of trees. As a result, a wooden layer with a unique pattern and arbitrary shape is formed. During the production process from slab, individual elements are connected to each other using epoxy resin, or the tabletop is designed in such a way that the wood is located in the center. We invite you to look at photos of interesting solutions:
Table-river made of epoxy resin: distinctive features
Your name similar products received thanks distinctive design. the epoxy resin river has an insert in the center of the tabletop, appearance which resembles a river flowing through a mountain gorge. Most often, such products are made from solid wood. The insert is made in blue or green with uneven edges.
We invite you to watch a video that will help you figure out how to make a countertop from epoxy resin with your own hands:
How to choose a product if you decide to buy a table made of wood and epoxy resin: current tips
If you decide to buy epoxy resin, you should immediately decide on its size and configuration. It is not necessary to purchase the products correctly geometric shape: Manufacturers offer interesting asymmetrical options. When choosing, be sure to take into account the stylistic design of the room.
What to do if you decide to make a table from epoxy resin yourself: detailed instructions
If the cost of the finished product seems quite high to you, try making exclusive furniture yourself. To do this, it is enough to deal with technological features and the nuances of the process. We suggest you learn how to make a table from epoxy resin with your own hands without the involvement of a craftsman.
How to make a tabletop support structure: the basics
The frame can be made of metal or wood. Quite popular when doing DIY work wooden tables with epoxy resin, since in this case for connection individual elements It is not necessary to use a welding machine. Shape and size supporting structure are selected taking into account the dimensions and shape of the future tabletop.
Attention! If the table does not have a supporting surface, you can skip this point.
How to properly prepare a mold for filling: sequence of actions
The base of the tabletop can consist of individual elements or be a single piece. In the latter case, the composition will be poured exclusively in the corners and into existing openings, forming a characteristic pattern. The work is performed in the following sequence:
| Illustration | Description of action |
 | Depending on the selected option, a form for filling is formed. Cover the edges of the inner surface of the mold with a thick film so that the frozen composition lags well behind the base of the mold. |
 | We install the prepared formwork on the base. We place decorative elements inside. We degrease along the contour all joints, the tightness of which should be ensured before pouring begins. |
 | We glue all mating surfaces with adhesive, carefully monitoring the quality of the joint being formed. For this purpose it is worth using silicone sealant. |
How to prepare epoxy resin for pouring a countertop: follow the instructions
To prepare the composition, mix both components. It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended proportions and mix everything thoroughly so that the resin has the appropriate consistency. It is worth calculating in advance how much resin will be required.
Advice! When using special mixers to prepare the solution, work at low speeds to prevent the resin from becoming saturated with air bubbles.
When choosing the right epoxy resin for filling your countertop, pay attention to ArtLine Crystal+:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_6603877.html
How to fill a countertop with epoxy resin: process features
If the thickness of the layer being formed is less than 5 cm, the composition can be poured at once. For thinner products, two layers will be required. The second should be poured 1-2 days after pouring the first, but before the first layer has completely hardened. To prevent the formation of voids in the corners of the future product, they should be moistened in advance with the prepared solution.
Attention! To form a thin stream, you can use a thin stick, which we lower into the mold while pouring the resin.
Remove all bubbles that rise to the surface. We cover the finished tabletop to prevent accidental ingress of foreign objects. We wait until the composition dries completely.
We invite you to watch a video that explains how to pour epoxy resin onto a countertop:
All surfaces of the countertop should be subjected to finishing treatment. You should not use coarse sandpaper, as it will be difficult to polish the surface later. Work at low speed to prevent the countertop from overheating.
Advice! When polishing, add water to the treatment area to ensure timely heat removal and prevent the wheels from clogging.
We think you will be interested in a video describing the process of making a table from epoxy resin with your own hands:
Useful tips for working with epoxy resin and safety precautions
When making tables from wood and epoxy resin, remember that:
- In conditions of high humidity, the composition hardens poorly. The likelihood of bubbles forming on the surface increases significantly;
- The rate of polymerization can be increased by increasing the air temperature in the room. Direct heating is not recommended: the formed coating may turn yellow.
Attention! Epoxy resin is toxic, and therefore the composition should be poured in a well-ventilated area.
To ensure your own safety, you should also:
- pour the composition wearing gloves and special clothing;
- when grinding finished surface perform work in protective glasses and respirators;
- If drops of the composition get on the skin, they should be removed immediately with water and soap or denatured alcohol.
How to care for an epoxy resin table: useful tips
In order for an epoxy countertop to retain its presentable appearance and strength characteristics for as long as possible, it must be properly cared for. For care, it is advisable to use a dry soft cloth. Wool and flannel are preferred. Heavy dirt can be removed with a damp cloth, and then the surface must be wiped dry. Remaining droplets of water can cause stains.
Attention! The use of formulations containing alcohol or acetone is unacceptable.
Avoid dropping heavy objects onto the table surface from liquid glass. It is better to place hot mugs and plates on a special stand.
Step 1: Assembling the formwork
Begin brain process from cutting melamine formwork parts to the size of the desired tabletop. And at this stage, two points should be paid attention to: thickness and protrusion, in my case the thickness was 45mm, and the protrusion of the front side was 30mm. I chose this thickness value based on the results of my research on the topic; my experience of working with concrete was small, so I thought it would be better to rely on someone else’s. I'm sure it's optional homemade You can make it thinner, but then you will need to add something like fiberglass to the mixture.
Next, we mark the inner contour of the formwork, which corresponds to the dimensions of the tabletop, and apply previously cut melamine strips along its outer perimeter. Then we fix them with clamps and fasten them with self-tapping screws, having previously drilled holes for them, because we do not want the melamine to expand from screwing in the screws. And these holes also need to be countersunk, plus this action will appear later.
We seal the heads of the screws with tape so that when dismantling the formwork there are no difficulties if the solution gets into these places.
Step 2: Edge Edge Using Silicone Sealant
Having assembled the formwork walls, we proceed to sealing the perimeter. Uses for this silicone sealant of course too much, but another way that I found is to use a soap solution and rags. Inseam matches the top edge of the tabletop, so find some object that fits the desired edge shape, in my case it was a rounded marker cap. Make sure to apply a silicone “bevel” along the entire internal perimeter, as you won’t even believe how clearly any chips and impacts are visible on the concrete.
After the sealant has completely dried (24 hours is enough), we wipe the entire inner surface of the formwork with olive oil, this will help in the future to “release” the concrete easier. homemade.
Step 3: Mixing and pouring the solution
Well, now it’s time to mix the solution. For this I used a high-strength mixture from the nearest hardware store. All the videos I watched either used a Quickrete mixture, which I don't think is common in our area, or didn't mention the brand at all. I believe that any cement other than fast-hardening cement will work just fine.
When mixing the solution, do not add more water than necessary; excess moisture significantly reduces the strength of concrete. First portions brain solution it is necessary to “drive” it into the corners of the tabletop, because if the mixture in them is “overdried”, then they will not serve you as much as you expect.
Step 4: Reinforcement and Vibration
Let's start strengthening brain games, that is, we add reinforcing elements to the poured solution; for this I would like to use a piece of metal mesh. I, again, did research on the topic of how to concrete products reinforcing bars are used to increase strength, and this helped me understand where these same bars should be placed. Therefore, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the video that helped me.
After reinforcement, we again begin to vibrate the poured solution. I did this for an hour with the same mallet and it worked great, but you are free to do as you please. The main thing is to walk over the entire area of the formwork.
As the solution vibrates, you will observe how air bubbles rise from it, which then burst, and the resulting voids are filled with the solution, which is what we need. When this "bubble" brain process ends, the vibration can be stopped.
Step 5: Covering the formwork
At this stage the future brain tabletop should be covered with something in order to preserve enough high humidity and prevent the solution from drying out too quickly. After this, we give the craft 4 days to harden; no longer is required, but during this time the solution must be wet. Start reading at this time if you still doubt that this is real. interesting material For brain creativity.
Step 6: Removing the formwork and turning over the tabletop
After 4 days, we remove the formwork; by the way, thanks to the olive oil, it should come off easily.
As soon as I broke the water layer under the concrete (at this stage it down side), using a metal spatula for this, it became possible to turn the tabletop over front side up. At 120 kilograms it was not easy, but the water created a slight suction.
So, we turn the tabletop over, my friends came to my aid for this and after a little discussion and action planning, we did it. I advise you not to be a hero and also call someone for help.
Step 7: Treating the Countertop
Now let the countertop dry again for 4 days and then check before applying the topcoat brain qualities dry, place a piece of rubber on the countertop. And if after 2 hours there is a wet spot under it, then crafts you need to give it more time to dry.
Well, after complete drying we do finishing tabletop surfaces. So I applied 6 layers finishing coating on water based, starting with a 25% concentration of the first layers and moving to 100% of the last two. The low concentration of the first layers helps the coating penetrate deeper into the concrete, thereby improving its water-repellent properties.
Step 8: Frame Installation
Well, the tabletop is ready, all that remains is to install it in its place.
Finally, I’ll say that when making something like this brain games Plan out the entire process from start to finish and have an idea of what you are doing at each stage. But most importantly, start the process itself!
That's all, and if I can do it, so can you!
It often happens that you still have strong table the surface has acquired an unsightly appearance. Or, after the repairs have been completed, you want to add some of your own flair to standard factory furniture. For craftsmen who prefer creative solutions, there is a great solution: a do-it-yourself epoxy resin countertop. At the same time, such a tabletop will fit perfectly into the interior of any room: the main thing is to choose the right decorative details and place accents.
Advantages and disadvantages of epoxy resin countertops
Epoxy resin is unique material, using the properties of which, you can create real masterpieces, from miniature decorations to finishing large surfaces, such as countertops and even floors.
Epoxy casting is a two-component material consisting of a resin and a hardener. One of the most remarkable properties of the fill is that it retains its original volume after drying. It covers surfaces with an even transparent layer without forming cracks or bulges. Therefore, using epoxy resin, you can turn any surface, no matter how complex its configuration, into a real work of art.
It can be used to cover surfaces with a pre-applied pattern or ornament, as well as with small decorative elements laid out on the surfaces. In this case, the surface of the table will be an interesting 3D image, made according to an individual project.
A tabletop coated with epoxy resin, in addition to its spectacular appearance, acquires a number of operational advantages over a conventional wooden or plastic surface:
- When dry, the coating does not shrink and acquires a perfectly flat surface;
- Has good resistance to mechanical damage– dents from impacts, cuts or chips;
- Excellent moisture resistance, which is important for kitchen surfaces;
- Not afraid of the aggressive effects of most cleaning chemicals;
- Not subject to destruction under the influence of ultraviolet rays;
- Does not require the use of expensive products household chemicals for care.
The main disadvantages that epoxy resin has for pouring countertops include:
- With a sharp decrease in temperature, “white flakes” appear in the depths of the fill;
- When exposed to high temperatures, it can release toxins during evaporation;
- When preparing the filling, precision in proportions is needed to obtain the desired result;
- The need for strict adherence to safety precautions when working.
In order to remove flakes that appear during hypothermia from the table surface, you can warm it up to 50-60 degrees. You can avoid the evaporation of harmful substances from the epoxy surface if you cover it with a layer of protective clear varnish, for example - yachting.
Types of Epoxy Resin Countertops
Epoxy resin countertops can be of several types:- Entirely made of epoxy, no supporting surface;
- Epoxy-coated bases made of wood, chipboard or other material;
- Combined - wooden fragments and resin alternating in a free order.
A tabletop without a supporting surface, only made of epoxy resin, can be made for an elegant coffee table or coffee table, which is not expected to bear a large load. It will look original if you pour epoxy resin into a beautifully shaped ornament made of dried flowers or any other materials. You can also add to transparent fill multi-colored or plain glitter.
In the second case, epoxy resin for filling countertops serves as a decorative and protective layer for a base made of another material. An old countertop can be used as a base, solid wood or paneled surface, multiplex.
The base can be of any shape - round or in straight lines and with corners. The main thing is to create sides for the base of the height required for pouring, so that after hardening the tabletop has even and smooth side surfaces.
As a wooden base, you can take an array with a natural structure, or artificially decorate it with carving, milling, and marquetry. In addition, the old countertop can be removed after thorough cleaning. old paint and polish the varnish, repaint it and decorate it with small pebbles, coins, dried flowers, even buttons.
An example of what a countertop coating looks like after pouring epoxy
Making your own countertop
Since an epoxy countertop can be made with or without a base, we will consider both options - each has its own characteristics.
The tabletop, made only of epoxy resin without a base, looks very impressive due to its transparency and inclusions decorative elements. With certain skills, such a tabletop can be made with the most intricate outlines and an original 3D pattern in an array of hardened resin.
Make a transparent tabletop using glass as a mold:
- glass of the required size and shape is thoroughly cleaned, dried and degreased with acetone;
- before pouring, the surface of the glass is rubbed with wax mastic, which, after hardening, is polished with a dry rag;
- polished aluminum corners are used as sides for the mold, the inner surface of which is treated with a paraffin-turpentine mixture - this will allow you to easily remove the frozen tabletop from the mold;
- The corners are attached to the bottom surface of the glass using window putty.
Another option is possible, when a tabletop made entirely of epoxy resin is then inserted into a frame made of a material that matches the style of the product.
In order for the filling to harden properly, it should take 2-3 days. Before this, you cannot remove the tabletop from the mold.
To avoid having to drill holes in the hardened resin to attach the legs, plan for this in advance by marking the locations of future fastenings and securing small sections of pipe of the required diameter in the mold. After hardening, the sections are removed, and the fasteners for the legs are screwed into their place.
Tabletop on wooden base It’s easier to do because the countertop resin is poured onto an already prepared surface. At the same time, as in the case of glass form, along the edges of the tabletop, sides are made - they can later be removed. Or you can use the option when the wooden sides are part of the table top, and the resulting “bathtub” is filled with resin.
The process of pouring epoxy resin with your own hands is not so difficult, but it requires care when working
The countertops look very nice, where wooden parts alternate with transparent inserts. To do this, you can also use glass as a base, on which wooden fragments are laid out, and the distances between them are filled with epoxy fill.
If you plan to use it as a base old board, then the work must be carried out in two stages: first, existing cavities and cracks are slightly deepened in the board, which are then filled with tinted liquid epoxy resin. After the first layer has hardened, the entire tabletop is poured, while the previously filled recesses stand out beautifully on the transparent surface.
After the pouring work is completed, it is necessary to protect the surface from moisture, dust and insects during hardening - they can significantly ruin the entire work. To do this, stretch polyethylene over the tabletop, mounted on a pre-prepared frame.
After complete crystallization of the material, the surface is polished and coated with a protective varnish.
Rules for working with epoxy resin
There are several rules that must be strictly followed when working with epoxy resin:
- Before pouring, old surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned of old paint, varnish, degreased and polished;
- if this new board, it must be thoroughly dried and sanded with sandpaper before work;
- when cooking epoxy filling with hardener, you must first measure required amount resin, and then add a hardener to it, strictly observing the proportions and order of mixing the components;
- you need to stir the filling very carefully, but without sudden movements, avoiding the formation of air bubbles;
- all work must be carried out in a ventilated area;
- since resin is difficult to remove from surfaces when it hardens, it is better to cover the floor with polyethylene or paper;
- to work with epoxy, you should tuck your hair under a cap and wear a cotton suit - any lint or hair that gets on the surface to be poured will ruin its appearance;
- You should not carry out work on pouring the countertop in a room with high humidity or not warmed up enough - the air temperature must be at least +22°C;
- you cannot accelerate the crystallization process of epoxy using construction hair dryer– it boils at temperatures above 60°C, forming numerous bubbles.
Filling the wood should be uniform and neat
Conclusion
Even a person with no experience in carpentry is quite capable of making a tabletop from epoxy resin with his own hands.
The main condition for success is strict adherence to the instructions for preparing the filling, compliance with safety rules and the procedure for performing the work. Imagine, create – and enjoy the results of your work!
EpoxyMax is one of the best manufacturers resins and hardeners. The best option is “ED-20” of the highest grade with a capacity of 5 kg
Video: creating an epoxy resin countertop
Photo examples
Pros and cons of epoxy resin countertops
Epoxy resin, in terms of its intended use, is a very multifunctional material: a huge number of different products are made from it - from small jewelry to floors, other surfaces and massive countertops. It is the latter that we will talk about today.
Epoxy resin is essentially a complex consisting of two individual species raw materials: the resin itself and the hardener for it. After mixing the resin with the hardener, that same solid material is formed. Resin can be used to fill the unevenness of an old table, as well as to cover a surface with a certain ornament or composition.
The main advantages of epoxy resin countertops:
- - They do not shrink, so the surface will be perfectly flat after the resin dries.
- - Resists well any mechanical impact: dents, cuts, scratches, shocks, etc.
- - Features increased moisture resistance.
- - Resistant to modern chemical cleaning agents.
- - When using dyes and additional protection immune to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
- - If KER 828 transparent epoxy resin is used when pouring, the countertop will not require expensive maintenance.
The main disadvantages of epoxy resin countertops:
- - At high temperatures may release harmful substances.
- - When working with epoxy resin, precautions must be taken.
However, all the shortcomings are easily leveled out. To prevent the resin from emitting toxic substances, simply coat the finished epoxy resin countertop with varnish. And when working, it is enough to follow simple measures precautions: work in a ventilated area and use personal protective equipment - a respirator and gloves.
Types of epoxy resin worktops KER 828
1. A tabletop made without a supporting surface.
Or so they call countertops that are made entirely of epoxy resin. That is, we do not pour resin onto any support - a piece of wood, old table etc., and pour the resin directly into the mold. Thus our ready product will be a monolith of hardened epoxy resin.
2. Table top made with a supporting surface.
IN in this case Resin is poured onto an already prepared surface - chipboard, an old table, furniture, a piece of timber, etc. In pursuit of interesting ideas, many craftsmen pour entire dioramas, creating interesting conceptual products. Ready-made countertops of this format look very lively and interesting.
3. Combined type countertops.
Another interesting type of filling countertops with epoxy resin. As a rule, it is used when the base, which is filled with resin, is not a whole product, but is significantly supplemented with epoxy raw materials, creating bizarre shapes. For example, this is what a tabletop may look like, in which a monolith is enclosed wooden beam or the like
Making a countertop from epoxy resin
Tabletops made of epoxy resin, cast as a monolith without a base, look very impressive due to their transparency, fancy colors (if dye was used) and interspersed decorative elements.
First of all, you need to make calculations - how much resin is needed to make your product. To do this, it is necessary to calculate the volume of the cavities into which the resin will be poured, and based on this, mix the required amount of raw materials.
In order to make such a tabletop, we will need to assemble the formwork - a mold into which the resin will be poured.
First, you will need to select the required length of glass elements, thoroughly clean them and degrease them. Then the glass is assembled into a form - formwork. It is important that there are no cracks, gaps or gaps in the glass joints through which the epoxy resin can spill out of the mold. You can secure the glasses together using spring construction clamps, and cover up the gaps using ordinary plasticine with outside formwork so as not to disturb internal contours corners
If you are working with a base on which you plan to pour resin, please note that it must be completely dry and clean before pouring. This will ensure the best level of adhesion in the final product.
Then all the internal surfaces of our formwork need to be treated with a release agent. It is important to lubricate all areas that our KER 828 Clear Epoxy Resin will come into contact with during casting.
After our formwork is assembled and prepared for casting, we need to deal directly with the epoxy resin itself.
As a rule, in the case of KER 828 transparent epoxy resin, the hardener must be added to the raw material as a percentage - 10% of the hardener from the total mass of the resin. After adding the hardener, the mixture must be thoroughly mixed, but this must be done smoothly so that no excess air. The hardener itself must be added according to the application technology, because if the hardener is not enough, the polymerization process may not proceed, and therefore our resin will not harden. But if you add too much hardener, the resin will “boil”, becoming unsuitable for further use.
Also, at this stage, various dyes and additives can be mixed into the resin.
So, when everything is ready, let's start casting!
It is necessary to pour the resin slowly, slowly, at one point. With this casting technology, the resin itself will displace the formed air bubbles under the pressure of its mass. You also need to remember that when casting KER 828 clear epoxy resin, you must adhere to the maximum fill layer. It is equal to 2.5 cm. If the layer is larger during one pour, the resin may also “boil”, be careful! You can make a thicker layer of the tabletop through layer-by-layer filling. But for this you will need to wait until the previous layer has completely polymerized.
Complete polymerization, or hardening of the resin, occurs within 2-3 days. At this time, the product cannot be removed from the formwork. But after this time, you can dismantle the formwork.
At this stage you just need to finish the work. Namely, to do the grinding part. Do not forget to work in a ventilated area using personal respiratory protection!
Conclusion
Thus, anyone can make a tabletop from KER 828 transparent epoxy resin. To do this, it is not necessary to have any exceptional knowledge in the field. carpentry and have dexterity seasoned master. However, the final products - countertops made of epoxy resin, which come out of the hands of a novice craftsman, will also look decent and beautiful. The main thing is to follow the working rules and casting technology.
You will succeed, keep at it!