Epoxy derives from epoxide, which is a chemical substance. The glue-like qualities of epoxies are well-known, and resin epoxies are often utilized as strong adhesive or coatings.
It is a chemical process when a resin and a hardener are put together. This chemical reaction occurs when the two epoxy resin components are combined and heated to a solid-state.
There is usually a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio of resin and hardener when mixing. Therefore, an easier way to think about epoxy is a mixture of two complementary components.
What Is an Epoxy River Table?
A resin river table is a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture constructed from resin and wood planks. The resin epoxy between the natural edges of the blanks appears like a flowing river. Having started in the United States, in recent years, this concept has gained widespread traction around the globe. Since then, resin river tables have seen a significant uptick in popularity. These tables are cutting-edge, yet they also exude a sense of aristocracy and luxury. Also, they are eye-catching and emit an exotic charm.
Each user can choose the color of the resin and wood river table he or she likes, making these pieces of furniture unique. The hardwood tables from the manufacturers and stores are not identical. A neutral color scheme or an unconventional pattern in vibrant hues distinguishes each river table as one of a kind. Bullets, sand art, money, cards, leaves, and pictures can be added to crystal clear river tables. With this hands-on resin table tutorial, there is no end to the creative possibilities!
What Makes the Epoxy River Table So Popular?
Epoxy resin tabletops have been a popular trend on social media in recent months. Even while epoxy is widely used in wood covering, a new trend has taken this common thing and turned it into a piece of art.
One of the best ways to enjoy a resin river table is by looking down on it from above. So if you are looking for an art piece that’s both rustic and contemporary at the same time, these tables are for you. They are quite suitable for any sort of interior design.
The options for DIY design are almost limitless because resin tables are all unique. Make your table reflect your hobbies and style by arranging it in a manner that reflects your personality!
Costs
Table
You should expect to pay anything from $50 to $2000, depending on the size of the table. For example, most coffee and end tables cost between $50 and $200, the majority of desks cost between $200 and $500, and the majority of dining tables cost $500 or more.
Wood
When it comes to making your epoxy river table, the wood costs the most. Having a source and knowing what kind of wood you want to use is a significant advantage. However, the price of a coffee table-sized board will run you between $30 and $90. Assume you will need at least $150 for a big dining-sized piece of wood, but plan to spend up to $1000 for a high-quality, sturdy board.
Epoxy Resin
If you have not already done your homework, you may be surprised by this. But epoxy is likely to be your second-largest expenditure when building a river table. Although some epoxy is less expensive, you can expect to pay between $50 and $80 for a gallon (3.8L approximate) of epoxy. So epoxy might cost hundreds of dollars if you end up needing a lot. Nevertheless, epoxy coloring can be purchased at a meager price and is nearly unnoticeable.
Tools
This is a volatile topic, to be honest. Your tools can be few or nonexistent, depending on your level of preparedness. If you do not already have the necessary equipment, expect to shell out at least $200.
Time
Depending on what you are trying to do, this may not be a rapid process. For example, seven days is a standard timeframe for major table manufacturers to enable their tables to cure. However, if you are doing this at home, you will need to spend at least a day preparing the room and the wood. After you have everything, schedule a week’s worth of work, but keep in mind that only 3-10 hours will be needed on each end.
DIY Process
Here is the basic process of how professionals make epoxy resin river tables.
Choosing Wood
Choosing the proper wood for your resin wood table is critical since this material will play a significant role in the final result. Therefore, it is worth investing a little extra money on high-quality wood since you will likely spend a lot of time working on your finished product. In addition, it is worth it to spend a little extra money on these materials to get an attractive and durable piece.
Use a piece of wood that is as close to natural as possible. It is also possible to buy two pieces of wood from a craft shop, but you will have to cut the wood slightly bent. It does not matter where the wood comes from, as long as it is dried correctly.
Preparing Boards
When it comes to prepping your wood, you have a choice of two approaches. It is possible to prepare the wood on your own in the first place. These tools will help you cut the wood into a suitable length and thickness while separating the board into two halves so that you can use them.
The two pre-prepared wooden boards can be purchased. A professional can cut and plan the wooden boards if you have no prior expertise in processing wood. As a bonus, this approach removes the need to invest in costly wood-cutting equipment or gear and ensures the proper preparation of your boards.
Building a Framework
In this step, you will create a molded structure for the table that’s the correct length and width. This can be accomplished using medium-density fiberboard (MDF). But first, you must make sure that the boards are accurately sized and cut.
Secure the mold’s edges with hygienic silicone in a clear form. The mold must be thoroughly sealed with this sealer, but be careful when applying it. To prevent the resin from sticking, add a release agent to the final mold.
Mixing Epoxy Resin
Determine how much epoxy resin you will need for your river table epoxy. When mixing, be careful to thoroughly combine the resin liquid and hardener according to the manufacturer’s suggested ratio. Using a hairdryer or torch to remove air bubbles is one option. Last but not least, you will need a large bucket to contain all of the resin or at least the first coating.
Transforming the Art
When it comes to DIY epoxy resin tables, the water-like look is the most popular, but there are many more methods to make your table a work of art. One way is a river table constructed of crystal-clear epoxy resin and embellished with embedded pebbles or crystals.
To begin, make a channel between the two wooden planks and pour a thin coating of translucent resin into it. Quick and thorough attention should be paid to this task. You can then use a hairdryer to help set the resin, but you should be extra careful.
After the first layer has dried thoroughly but is still somewhat sticky, you can pour the second layer. If the initial layer is not somewhat sticky, the layers will not adhere to each other.
You will now need to wait for the second coat to dry entirely. Then, using a 220-grit sanding machine, you can sand the resin surface, wash it well, and apply the second coat.
To complete the project, the final resin layer can be filled to just over the two hardwood boards’ edge. Wait for the resin to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Sanding
You can now remove the cast from its mold since the resin in it has been appropriately cured. First, take out any screws and parallel clamps from the tabletop’s structure before removing it. After that, gradually loosen the resin tabletop using a chisel or plastic hammer.
You can smooth the resin tabletop by hand once it’s been removed from the mold. This phase can be accomplished with sanding equipment such as an orbital sander. A router, followed by sanding, is a good option for achieving completely smooth edges.
Finishing Procedures
To get the desired impression, the table must be polished and cleaned. To keep it safe, apply a coat of varnish or oil to the wood. Then you can pick between a natural, matte, or finished, glossy appearance.
To get a glossy finish, use a polishing machine and paste to give the tabletop a thorough shine. A silky-smooth surface can be achieved by removing any evidence of sanding. Next, you will use a soft cloth to rub the oil evenly over the surface, sealing the wood in one go.
You may want a perfectly smooth and flawless surface. Unfortunately, a layer of polyurethane lacquer will need to be applied by a professional since this procedure needs specialized equipment, talent, and money. However, this finish is resistant to nicks and scratches, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Now that you have finished building your tabletop, it is time to attach the legs!
Conclusion
Now that you have a basic idea of the costs and basic procedure of making an epoxy river table, it will definitely help you choose or make furniture for outdoors and indoors. Good luck and happy epoxying!
