How to Pour Resin Table Tops

Resins are the consistency of honey and create smooth and durable table tops. They are poured in two stages. The seal coat is a thin layer that fills any pores to prevent air bubbles and the flood coat self-levels to build up the surface. An air temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 21 degrees Celsius) and humidity of below 60 percent is preferred when using resins. Resin table tops take three days to cure to full hardness.

Instructions

1

Level the table surface before using resins.

2

Place duct tape on the bottom of the table top over any cracks. This will keep the resin from flowing out of these areas.

3

Measure the two parts of the resin mix in separate small measuring buckets. One part resin to one part hardener is the standard ratio. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

4

Scrape the sides of your measuring containers with a paint stirring paddle to assure accurate measurements. Precise measurements safeguard against a tacky surface that never cures correctly.

5

Stir for three to four minutes to thoroughly mix the two parts of the resin together in a disposable plastic bucket. Scrape the sides of the bucket to ensure complete mixing. Only mix the amount of resin that you can use in 20 minutes of working time.

6

Apply the first light seal coat with a brush. Wait 12 hours for it to dry before proceeding.

7

Glue any items you wish to embed in the table top in place with white glue. This bond is only to hold the items in place while the resin is poured.

8

Mix another batch of resin to use in the flood coats.

9

Pour the resin over your table top and spread with the paint stirrer. Use a brush to move the resin into hard-to-reach corners.

10

Apply flood coats in 1/8-inch layers and allow to dry for six hours between applications. One to three coats is average for most table or bar coatings, but if you have thick embedded items, you may need more coats.

11

Eliminate little bubbles that come to the surface after the resin is poured using a propane torch. This will get rid of cloudiness caused by these bubbles. Hold the torch six inches from the surface and move quickly back and forth. Permanent waves may be created on the table top if this is done too close to the final curing time.

12

Clean up with acetone.