In this article, you’ll learn how to apply epoxy resin to a live edge table. By doing so, you’ll be able to protect your table from moisture and light damage as well as make it more durable so that it can withstand daily use.
Materials needed for this project include:
- Epoxy Resin (we recommend using an epoxy that has a 5-minute cure time)
- Heat gun or blow dryer (optional)
How do you apply epoxy on live edge wood?
- Place the table in a well-ventilated area.
- Apply epoxy to the edge of the wood and let dry. Repeat this step until you have applied epoxy along all sides of your table, allowing each coat to dry before applying another coat.
- Let it sit overnight before placing anything on top of it or putting it in a place where people will see it daily (in case there are bubbles that need popping).
Table of Contents
- How do you apply epoxy on live edge wood?
- How do you seal the live edge before epoxy?
- How do you pour epoxy on a live edge slab?
- How do you epoxy the edge of a table?
- What do you put on wood before epoxy?
- What do you seal live edge wood with?
- Should wood be sealed before applying epoxy?
- Do you need a seal coat before epoxy?
How do you seal the live edge before epoxy?
Live edge tables are made from a variety of woods, including oak, maple, and walnut. If you are using any of these species as your tabletop you will need to seal the table before applying epoxy resin. The seal coat will prevent the epoxy resin from soaking into the live edge, which can cause discoloration over time.
If you want a natural look with no visible grain on your table then it’s best to use two coats of oil-based polyurethane varnish or spar varnishes such as Deft Clear Gloss Polyurethane Varnish or Minwax Spar Varnish. After applying these coats allow them to dry for at least eight hours before applying your first coat of epoxy resin.
How do you pour epoxy on a live edge slab?
The first step is to mix the epoxy resin. A 2:1 mixture of resin and hardener is required for this project, so you will need half a gallon for each of both products. You can either make your own mixture or buy pre-mixed epoxy from a store.
Next, put on some gloves and get ready to work with hot material! Once your mixture is mixed, it’s time to pour it onto the slab and spread it out evenly using an 8-inch trowel or spreader.
After pouring in your first layer (about 1/2 inch thick), use a heat gun to eliminate any bubbles that may come up as they form on top of one another instead of sinking into the surface of your table before curing completely (this step prevents air bubbles from showing up later).
Once all surfaces have fully cured—and there are no more air bubbles visible anywhere—you can begin sanding down any rough edges left behind during the pouring process by sanding over them using fine grit paper until everything looks smooth again (or however you want).
How do you epoxy the edge of a table?
Epoxy resin is a two-part mixture that cures into a strong plastic when combined. The epoxy will adhere to the wood and form a smooth surface, but it’s important to take care while using this material so you don’t end up with globs of hardened resin on your table that are impossible to remove.
The first step in applying epoxy resin is preparing your live edge table for application. You’ll need to sand down any rough spots or splinters, then vacuum it thoroughly and wipe off any dust with a damp cloth. This ensures that the finished product will be smooth and free from contaminants, which could cause the glue not to adhere evenly throughout the wood grain.
Your next step is mixing equal parts of both materials together in one large container (the ratio of hardener to liquid resin varies depending upon brand), then slowly pouring them into another container filled halfway with water (this helps keep bubbles at bay). If you’re using an electric drill without a mixing paddle attachment, be prepared for some serious arm workouts!
What do you put on wood before epoxy?
- Make sure your wood is clean and dry. Clean the surface of any dust, dirt, or oils with a damp rag or steel wool. Dry it off completely.
- Sand down the edges of the table if they are rough or unfinished, as this will help with adhesion and make for a smooth finish once you apply epoxy resin to live edge tabletop. If you don’t have a power sander, sandpaper will work just fine – just be sure not to get too aggressive so that you don’t sand through the wood altogether!
- To add color to your epoxy resin finish, mix some pigment into your resin before you start mixing up batches for application on the wood. You can also mix glitter or glow powder into your coatings – both of these additives give off different effects depending on what type of light source they are exposed to (natural sunlight vs artificial indoor lighting).
- For more creative applications of epoxy resin on live-edge tables, consider using molds made specifically for this purpose! For example You can use silicone cupcake pans as molds for making unique designs on one side; then flip them over and place another cupcake pan upside down inside so that it creates two separate layers when poured together – thus creating an interesting effect while still retaining structural integrity!
What do you seal live edge wood with?
For all your live edge wood projects, you’ll need to seal the edges and sides with a clear coat. This will ensure that your table is protected from moisture, stains, and other damage that can occur as a result of exposure to the elements.
Choosing a sealer is dependent on which type of wood you’ve chosen for your project. Some woods are more porous than others, so if yours happens to be one of those types then make sure that you choose an epoxy resin with added UV protection (or purchase additional UV protection).
Apply it in two coats – one on each side and one along any exposed edges – then allow it to dry for about four hours before applying another layer if necessary (you’ll want two layers at least).
Should wood be sealed before applying epoxy?
While you don’t have to seal your wood before applying epoxy, it’s highly recommended that you do. Not only does sealing the wood make it more durable, but it also helps prevent air from getting trapped and forming bubbles in your epoxy.
The seal coat acts as a kind of “invisible barrier” between the epoxy and the surface of the wood so that when air comes into contact with it during application and curing, they can’t mix together until they’ve reached a uniform thickness.
And if there are any bubbles or voids present in your finish after drying overnight? You’ll see them right away!
Do you need a seal coat before epoxy?
If you want to apply epoxy directly to the live edge table, you’ll need to seal it first. The sealer will help bond the wood of your table with the epoxy resin.
You’ll also want a seal coat for protection for several reasons:
- It protects against moisture that could cause bubbles in your final finish
- It gives you a clean surface on which to apply paint or stains over (more on this later)
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read through the article, it should be pretty clear how to apply epoxy resin to a live edge table. Epoxy can stick to just about anything, so it’s not surprising that it’s a popular choice for woodworking projects. It’s important to seal your wood first with a seal coat and then add another coat before applying the epoxy.
If you’re new to this process, give yourself plenty of time for each coat so that you don’t end up with bubbles in your final product.
A heat gun helps remove bubbles by melting them away; however, I prefer using a hairdryer because it takes less time and doesn’t melt my fingers off as much as using a heat gun does!