Epoxy is a popular creative material. With its help, you can make jewelry with your own hands - earrings, pendants, and other jewelry. Furniture made of epoxy will be no less beautiful: it goes well with wood, wood shavings and sawdust, cuts of stumps and twigs.
Products made of epoxy resin and wood will decorate any interior, in addition, the price of such an exclusive is very high, and you can earn money on this.
Material application
Resin uses are varied. It finds application in most major industrial sectors:
- electronics;
- aviation;
- manufacture of machines;
- repair of equipment;
- shipbuilding;
- building;
- fiberglass production;
- pouring floors;
- production of glue, putty, grout;
- production of paints and varnishes.
You can also work with epoxy at home. It is ideal for the manufacture and processing of furniture made of natural wood and its derivatives, slabs. With the help of pouring, you can make an original stool, chair or table, cabinet doors. Souvenirs, jewelry, watches, figurines, cutting boards and products for the kitchen, bathroom, vases, tambourines and other toys for children are also beautiful.
Various types and states of glue
There are different brands of epoxy on sale - domestic and imported. Most of them are suitable for making furniture. It is only important to decide whether a colored or transparent resin is needed for decoration. Usually, so that beautiful cuts of wood and its fibers are visible, they acquire transparent compositions. For example, the quality resin YD-128 is colorless and transparent, like glass. Epoxy MG-Epox-Strong also has no complaints about transparency, it is even suitable for creating jewelry. By the way, such resins can be combined with colored ones - to make bright blotches inside the bulk.
These materials are two-component adhesives. The liquid resin is stabilized by adding the hardener supplied in the second bottle. You will not be able to pour furniture parts into molds with thick pastes, so you should not buy them.
There are 5 main states of resin:
- liquid - this is a material without a hardener or immediately after its introduction, has excellent fluidity;
- honey-like - resembles molasses, already a little thickened resin, which is better used for layer-by-layer filling of crafts;
- thick - the fluidity is sharply reduced, the mass does not flow well and is only suitable for gluing parts or for putty;
- rubbery - epoxy resembles rubber or hardened plasticine, sticky, but can change shape;
- solid - fully cured resin.
Differences between resin and glue
In master classes on pouring wood products, it is necessary to use epoxy resin, but not glue based on it. Main material differences:
- the curing time of the glue cannot be changed, and the freezing rate of the resin can be increased or slowed down;
- the glue turns yellow, the resin remains transparent;
- the glue has low elasticity, while the resin is malleable, it allows you to carry out the work required by the master;
- glue is used to join parts, it will not be possible to fill the product with it, almost any figurines can be made from resin.
Pros and cons of epoxy for wood
Previously, epoxy was used in the form of glue for various parts; it was almost never used in art. Later, floors were poured with this material, noting its low abrasion, high strength and durability. Now resins with dyes or in their pure form are widely used to create unique products for the home. The advantages of epoxy for wood are as follows:
- the mass can be given any shape - it flows, fills the smallest pits, depressions and cracks;
- the hardened product is easy to grind and polish, you can drill holes in it, sharpen grooves;
- there are epoxy on sale in different colors, but even a transparent resin can be given any shade by introducing a dye;
- since the composition does not shrink, the furniture will retain its attractiveness for a long time.
The tool also has disadvantages. So, you need to strictly observe the proportions of resin and hardener, otherwise the mass can be irretrievably damaged. Resin is expensive, especially with transparent grades. The cost of large items will turn out to be large. Another disadvantage is the toxicity of epoxy. During work, you will have to use a respirator, gloves, glasses, and ventilate the room well. After hardening, the composition is safe.
Features of working with epoxy
Wood is heterogeneous in structure, therefore, air can accumulate inside its parts, around which a vacuum is formed. After a change in temperature, the material expands or contracts, therefore, until the moment of complete solidification, air bubbles often appear on the surface, released from the internal cavities of the wood.
To avoid defects, it is necessary to stabilize the temperature in the room for 2-3 hours after pouring the epoxy. It is advisable not to work outside or choose a time in the afternoon when the sun is not so hot. If you intend to perform a thick layer of epoxy, it is better to divide the work into 2 stages. The risk of bubbles appearing in thin layers is lower.
Impregnation of wood with epoxy
For high-quality impregnation of wood with epoxy, the base, on the contrary, is heated. After the pores of the wood have expanded, they will perfectly absorb the mass, which will also become very liquid in contact with a hot surface. After the impregnated wood hardens, it is covered with a finishing layer on top. When drying, you will have to control the temperature again so that the air does not come out to the surface.
Eliminate air bubbles
It happens that bubbles still appear on the top of the fill. It is not necessary to heat the product; this may cause the formation of new bubbles. Better to use a thin needle to pierce the balloons. Another option to remove them is to sprinkle the resin with alcohol from a spray bottle. Although in this case there is a risk of discoloration or the degree of transparency of the mass. Large bubbles are removed after the resin has set. They are drilled, cleaned, degreased and re-filled.
Resin Uses - Design Options
Transparent resins for optical embeddings are ideal for combination with wood. Any design "tricks" will be visible through them - crumbs, sawdust, metal elements. If you decide to add a color scheme, it is better to buy it of the same brand, so that there are no problems with mixing.
Colored masses are usually cloudy, and they are not used for the main fill. But the filling with a colored composition of the pores of the tree, voids from knots, bark beetle moves looks beautiful. For example, a shelf or bar counter in which cracks are painted with resin with luminescent dyes will be unique. Then the furniture will glow on its own.
There are other interesting design tricks as well. So, when you add a droplet of water to the resin, you get milk stains. Also, drops make beautiful blotches in colored epoxy.
Cut furniture
Furniture that resembles a piece of jewelry looks unusual - its details are cut. For example, a beautiful stump is enclosed in a transparent cube, ground, polished and given clear edges. The product can be used as a table, chair, or simply installed as an element of the interior.
Solid wood table
To create a design table, use the technique of staining grooves and holes, which you can do yourself. Any kind of wood will do. You can take a single piece or make a tabletop from glued strips. To prevent the painted resin from leaking out, the boards are covered with paper tape from the inside, which is removed after hardening. The hardened resin is sanded and then varnished.
Pouring table
This method of creating furniture is more complex. Thick glass or plywood is used as the basis for the decor, which is given the shape of the future table. Light decorative elements must be glued, because they can float. Next, they make a side that will hold the epoxy on the base. It is neatly nailed down with furniture studs.
The base must be dry before pouring. The pores of the wood are treated with an epoxy primer. At one time, fill is made no more than 1 cm thick. Large pieces of wood, stones will have to be hidden in the resin several times, performing the work in layers. Each stage is carried out two days after the previous one. You can use the table only after 7 days, after the same period it is grinded and polished if necessary. It is advisable to cover the pouring tables with varnish - this will reduce the risk of minor defects.
Shelves
To create luminous or regular shelves, use boards of the right size. The areas affected by mold and fungus are removed with a hand tool. Next, the resin is mixed with a dye, choosing the desired color. On the reverse side, the board is sealed with tape, and the pores are filled with a dye composition. After drying, a layer of transparent resin is applied. At the end of the work, the surface is varnished.
Table with a map inside
Such a table is made in the same way, only a cut of a tree trunk with many cracks, streaks, and branches is selected. Holes are drilled to imitate a map of the world - seas, oceans. After that, the product is poured, painting the resin in the desired tones.
Ice in the house
A bar or countertop can be made to resemble a block of ice. Such plates are cast in molds with colored resin “cracks” inside. The use of such a product in the interior will become a unique design technique.
LED lamp made of wood and epoxy
Even bedside lamps and lamps can be made from epoxy resin. In such a device, a diode lamp is attached to the bottom of the frame; it also serves as a stand. The order of work is as follows:
- From pieces of chipboard, assemble a box 33x20 cm with strict observance of angles of 90 degrees, it will serve as a mold for pouring.
- Place the box on a flat surface, pull it off with clamps, seal the cracks with sealant.
- Dilute dark resin and cover with a thin layer.
- After hardening, lay the piece of wood with the bark inside, decorate with decor (for example, dry moss).
- Pour clear resin on top (3 cm thick).
- Allow the product to dry.
- Attach it to the lamp.
Resin Jewelry
For self-production of rings, key rings, pendants, earrings and other jewelry, you need to purchase suitable molds - silicone molds. You will also need high quality transparent resin, decor - rhinestones, glitter, beads, sequins.
Decorations with dried flowers
To make such jewelry, you need to prepare flowers in advance. Forget-me-not, veronica, heather, small roses or individual petals, buds look beautiful. Stencils of the desired shape are drawn on paper, laid out on a clean, film-covered surface. Top stencils are covered with multiforme.
The finished diluted resin is applied directly to the multifor, carefully distributing it according to the stencil, using a wooden stick until it reaches a height of 2-3 cm.Then, the mass is covered with a dome shape on top - this option is ideal for making earrings, pendants. In a day, the workpieces are removed from the multifor, the dome is removed, and well polished. The work is repeated, only the dried flowers are laid inside the workpiece. After that, both halves are glued together.
Bracelets
For work, you will need special molds for bracelets, resin, a mixing container, a stick and any decor. The filler is laid out in a dry form, the resin is carefully poured (in a thin stream). Spread the decor with a toothpick, pierce the air bubbles. Allow the workpiece to harden (24 hours), then grind it, removing it from the mold. To add gloss, the bracelet is varnished.
Colored resin products
Any jewelry can be made not only from transparent, but also from colored epoxy. On sale there are dyes of all colors of the rainbow, fluorescent and fluorescent colors. The work on filling the jewelry will be similar, only the resin is pre-painted with dry pigment. Knead it carefully, strictly in a circle, so that air bubbles do not appear. The workpieces are covered with lids so that dust does not get on them.
Some people prefer to fill in whole blocks, after cutting out sets of jewelry from them. By the way, when decorating them, it is quite possible to use a tree - tiny twigs, twigs, sawdust. This will give the jewelry uniqueness and originality, allowing you to create a real designer accessory.
Epoxy resin is a substance known to everyone, someone is at least a little familiar with the economy. The material appeared on the market in the last century and has long won the sympathy of craftsmen.
Resin is an absolutely universal substance and is used in many areas of construction, renovation and household use.
Modern science does not stand still and "epoxy" receives new compositions and, accordingly, new opportunities for use. However, one thing remains unchanged - the substance is never used in its pure form, it is combined with a hardener, which makes it very reliable.
There are many variations of such a material on the market, manufacturers are doing everything so that customers can choose the composition and volume of the substance they need.
Resin composition
The resin itself is a synthetic compound, which is effectively used only in combination with a hardener, which contributes to the completion of the polymerization process of the substance.
Such a process is decisive in terms of what properties and characteristics the material has. For this reason, we can say with complete confidence that the resin is not used as an independent substance.
In the course of combining different formulations with different hardeners, substances with very different properties may appear.
For example, some may be even harder than metal, while some, on the contrary, are soft and in consistency may resemble rubber or something like that.
The hardening of "epoxy" can take place in a fairly wide temperature range from -10 ° C to 200 ° C. This largely depends on the type of hardener composition. In this case, the finished material can be divided into 2 types of hardening - cold and hot.
Cold curing epoxy resin (glue) is more often used for domestic purposes, or in industries where thermal exposure is unacceptable.
Hot curing can be used to create products that are characterized by loads of various kinds, including temperature and mechanical ones.
This is done so that during the polymerization of the substance a denser crystal lattice is formed, which will increase the hardness of the substance.
Resin hardener is used depending on the required proportions and the substances contained. The polymerization process under the influence of a solid substance is final and cannot be reversible under the influence of various solvents or water.
It is important to remember that the finished material is a polymer, which determines the need to maintain correct proportions to obtain it.
In case of violation of the amount of resin or hardener, the finished product will lose its properties and may be exposed to environmental influences, such as:
- Moisture;
- Temperature;
- Chemical substances.
Do not forget that only the temperature and the type of the hardening component itself affect the speed of the curing process.
The opinion that it is possible to achieve the final result due to the amount of hardener is wrong.
Temperature is the accelerator of the polymerization process. It turns out that an increase in the reaction temperature by only 10 ° C can accelerate solidification several times, depending on the type of substances.
This allows formulations to be developed that can operate at a wide variety of temperatures, while the polymerization process can take place under a wide variety of conditions.
Resin application
Since the time that epoxy began to be actively used, its areas of application have remained the same.
Only the compositions and properties of the components and finished materials have changed. Resin is used in many industrial applications such as:
- Electronics;
- Electrical engineering;
- Aviation;
- Automotive production;
- Mechanical engineering;
- Shipbuilding;
- Fiberglass production.
In these engineering and technical industries, "epoxy" is used as an impregnation for glass fabrics and glass threads, as well as for joining various elements.
Floor coverings - resin can be insulating. It is used in the construction of swimming pools or basements.
Production of varnish and paint products - moisture resistance and strength, allows the use of resin in the composition of finishing materials.
Photo of epoxy resin
Decided to make a do-it-yourself epoxy table? It's easy, but there are nuances. Read our experts and you will find out everything.
Resin features
Epoxy resin is a transparent substance with a 3D effect. When the resin hardens, it retains the desired shape, is not afraid of water and is not scratched. But you can't put hotter on it - it will melt.
At the very least, the substance will turn your desk into a shiny designer piece. But go further - the fill keeps the flower, insect, figurine intact, like a fly in amber. It is better not to roll up flies, but shells and flowers - please.
Epoxy is sold in a variety of states. Some of them are suitable for simple filling of flat surfaces. That is, you make a table, and then fill it with resin. Simple and glossy.
There are resins in the state of liquid honey. With this consistency, droplets, lenses, artistic smudges are made.
Resin is also used as an adhesive. The thicker the substance, the easier it is to create shapes from it.
Whatever resin you use, it dyes well.
To make the resin table look like in the picture, remember the execution technique:
- The resin hardens faster in a warm room, and even better - on a battery.
- You cannot heat the substance from above - it can deform.
- Solid epoxy turns yellow in the sun and near fire. If direct rays and a heat source cannot be avoided, use a resin with protection.
- Intense cold exfoliates the solid.
- An epoxy-coated kitchen counter is coated with a protection (varnish), otherwise the heat releases toxins from the resin.
Finishing options
Usually the tables are wooden. Any design, for example, you can use table options. With epoxy resin the selection of wood is simplified:
- trimming old boards;
- cuts of different diameters;
- wood chips;
- logs;
- tree eaten by bark beetles;
- old wood.
Depending on the style, complement the design:
- river pebbles;
- shells;
- cones;
- spruce branches;
- coins;
- traffic jams;
- photographs;
- flowers.
If you want your countertop to glow as planned, add luminescent powder to the resin.
Defect filling
This is a table finish option where wood is the main part of the tabletop, and epoxy only enhances the beauty of the wood. For example, you are using boards or glued strips. Attach the mounting tape to the opposite side of the countertop - this will leave the resin only on the front side.
Fill all holes, cracks, artificially or naturally created, with a fill - resin with the desired color or luminescent powder. To get it neat, use a brush, you can put a spatula.
Wait for the resin to harden and grind off the excess. The top is additionally varnished to protect and enhance the effect.
Pouring table
This is a model of a table, where epoxy resin acts as an independent canvas, and wood is an addition to the decor. Any other design details look good in this way. The main thing is to find an interesting solution. For example, in a nautical style, a table made of seashells and seaweed. Or a Provencal-style table with bark and cones.
Be careful when pouring - small and light parts float in the resin.
You need a foundation. Take plywood - this is the easiest, although the base can also be glass. Size the plywood to the size you need for your finished countertop. In this case, plywood allows you to create irregular shapes - cut a line and make the base completely oval or round - as desired.
To keep the fill on the base, sides are attached to plywood or glass. They can be made from plastic.
Make sure the substrate is dry and clean before pouring. Its additional need to be primed with resin so that the final countertop does not soak into the support. When the plywood and glass base is finished, dry and clean, lay out the design blanks.
Here you need to think about one more point: if the thickness of the countertop is no more than 0.5 cm, then, after expanding the blanks, feel free to pour resin. With a greater thickness, fill in several stages. It turns out more interesting and more complicated - some elements will be suspended inside the table. It is beautiful.
Fill with the first layer and wait 48 hours. This is enough for the resin to solidify. Then repeat the procedure: again lay out the design blanks and fill in with resin.
Bubbles may appear in the resin during the process. They are kicked out with a hot hairdryer. By the way, there will be much less bubbles if each individual workpiece is coated with resin.
After all layers have hardened, remove the sides and sand the surface and edges. When ready, varnish the countertop.
Update
With the help of epoxy, you can make not only a new table, but also update an old one. If you have a suitable coffee table that needs to be replaced, you can clean the surface, remove the varnish, paint it with a suitable paint and fill it with resin.
For convenience, make small sides - they will hold back the not yet hardened fill. If the decor includes beads and ornaments, place them on the surface in advance.
On this we have everything about a do-it-yourself epoxy table. If you have any questions, please contact, but in general, the principle of operation is not so complicated and you can do it quite well.
Furniture developers delight us with more and more interesting novelties, original ideas in the field of interior design. Recently, epoxy resin furniture has gained popularity, which, thanks to the unique appearance of the material, transforms the home environment.
The epoxy worktop has many advantages, the positives are as follows:
- excellent performance properties. The material is high-strength and does not undergo deformation, its surface is not afraid of mechanical damage, cracks or chips do not form on it during operation;
- affordable cost - due to the fact that the price of primary raw materials is much lower than that of other analogues, it becomes possible to reduce the cost of the final product;
- moisture resistance is one of the main advantages over a wooden surface, which is especially important in the kitchen, where there is a humid environment;
- convenient care - furniture is not subject to the negative influence of most cleaning agents, its care is convenient and does not require additional costs;
- durability - epoxy furniture with such a surface does not collapse due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, it retains its impeccable appearance for a long time;
- variety of design solutions. Craftsmen create real masterpieces using this material. In combination with wood, unique landscape compositions, imitation of water spaces and other interesting designs are obtained. The molten material is very malleable, so it can be shaped into any shape. Well, the hardened resin can be easily processed with a grinding or polishing machine, if necessary, grooves are easily grinded or holes are drilled;
- visual expansion of space. The glossy finish gives the impression that the space is enlarged. Optical illusions, an incredible play of light, a sense of volume - this is what epoxy resin products guarantee.
Despite the availability of raw materials, one must take into account the fact that the cost of design objects is considerable. Therefore, when purchasing furniture from a master, you need to be ready to pay a considerable amount for it.
The disadvantages of such material for furniture include the following:
- defects - improper manufacturing technology and non-observance of proportions can lead to the formation of a white precipitate inside the furniture filling. This nuance must be taken into account by those craftsmen who wish to independently make a countertop or other furniture;
- the ability to spoil the furniture material when processing with abrasive compounds or powders;
- release of toxins - they tend to evaporate when exposed to high temperatures.
It is strictly forbidden to put hot objects on this furniture. However, under normal conditions, no harmful substances are released and there is no risk to human health.
Varieties
As already mentioned, making furniture from epoxy resin is, first of all, making countertops. They are of several types:
- epoxy resin - usually they have no supporting surface, they are a transparent or multi-colored cube or other geometric shape. A beautiful ornament made of dried flowers or other materials is laid out inside. Such furniture accessories are used, as a rule, as a coffee table, coffee table or other item that is not intended to be overloaded;
- wood or chipboard coated with a layer of resin - in this case, epoxy resin performs a protective function, as it protects the base material from damage. For the main material, designers prefer to choose paneled surfaces, solid wood, multiplexes and even old countertops;
- combined - these are fragments of wood, alternating with resin elements. The basis is materials of any shape: round, rectangular, with sharp corners - they are arranged in a certain or chaotic order. The natural structure of solid wood looks great, although many craftsmen use woodcarving, milling, and marquetry for decoration. To create a countertop, a container with sides of the required height is used, blanks are laid out in it, then it is completely filled with a resin composition. After hardening, a smooth surface with smooth sides is obtained.
Interesting design solutions
For the manufacture of furniture, skilled craftsmen use matte and transparent types of glue, and each of them can be given different color shades. Transparent mixes work well with wood or other objects that are included. They accentuate all the details of the decor: solid fibers, lettering or badges on metal elements. Even the smallest elements will be clearly visible even through a thick fill layer. Colored dyes slightly reduce opacity, but the fill takes on a rich color. Both those and other types of resin mixtures are used for the manufacture of exclusive countertops and other furniture. Some interesting ideas can be found below:
- a coating made from a composition with a luminescent dye - furniture made with the use of epoxy glue and luminescent dye looks spectacular. Experienced craftsmen fill all the formed cavities, voids on the cuts of knots with this epoxy grout, then pouring in the main mixture. When illuminated, such a masterpiece will glow. Well, in modern interiors, such furniture will emphasize the style and impeccable taste of the owners;
- wood scraps or a board framed with a layer of fill - this idea is successfully used by many craftsmen who create designer furniture. Wood is used as a base element. It is covered on all sides with a small layer of the prepared composition;
- splashes of water - an interesting effect is obtained by combining an adhesive composition with drops of water. In a colored mixture, such streaks resemble cosmic nebulae or milky streaks. Often, craftsmen create a multi-colored coating, filling it with portions of the composition, painted with different colors. It should be noted that the mixtures are perfectly painted with gouache, ink, oil paints, that is, these components do not harm human health. For partitions, thin plastic barriers are used. Usually the top of the entire composition is filled with a thin transparent layer;
- imitation marble - an unusual solution that allows you to obtain a coating resembling marble. For this, chipboard is used, which is covered with colorful patterns, as well as other compounds, but the last layer must be epoxy. This technique opens up new horizons for furniture designers, allowing them to experiment and get new interesting surfaces;
- a table with a surface in the form of a picture - this furniture looks great in the interiors of living rooms. Tea drinking at such a table will undoubtedly be enjoyable. It is important that this furniture attribute fits into the overall interior of the room and is in harmony with other items. The drawing stretches, as a rule, along the entire length of the table top - the manufacturer offers a great variety of still lifes or other images that are pleasing to the eye. The legs are made of wood and should be laconic - rectangular or square;
- stump with moss - filling a previously prepared stump with moss with epoxy, you can get an absolutely unique chair. Numerous cracks and other “defects” will only add sophistication to the accessory. Such furniture is absolutely safe, so it will look organically in an eco-interior, and the product can be made with your own hands;
- Gradient Travertine and Resin Worktop - Gradient colors used in the light blue to deep navy colors, combined with a durable limestone material, are used by some designers to create unique designs. The epoxy layers are applied alternately in a specific order. The composition imitates a lagoon with its light coastal zones and dark colored waters.
Decorating
The unique characteristics and impeccable appearance of the material inspire craftsmen to create exclusive furniture. There are grades of material that have a reddish, brown, yellowish or whitish color, and the color remains throughout the depth of the consistency. There are also completely transparent compounds that are also used to decorate furniture. By adding various components to the composition, experts are trying to improve the properties of the material, preserve an absolutely flat surface, which is why resin is very popular in creating furniture decorative elements.
The shape of furniture attributes with epoxy resin can be very different. The resin fill follows the curves of objects, covering them with a thin transparent layer without bulges and other imperfections. This allows you to create unique furniture of any configuration.
A fill layer can be used to cover surfaces with interesting patterns and ornaments. The coating perfectly fixes other decorative elements: shells, pebbles, cones, dried flowers, coins and even buttons. In this case, the surface looks three-dimensional.
Lovers of all the beautiful will definitely appreciate the furniture made using shabby pieces of wood or branches with natural flaws, eaten by bark beetles. Unrealistic special effects are obtained if coarse sand mixed with sawdust is placed inside the train. Original furniture is created using a variety of investments: trimming boards, round cuts of various diameters, split blocks, old wood or beautiful wood chips. Immersed in the fill, they put on an incredibly beautiful "dress" that, moreover, can glow. Marble chips, foil, glitter, beads, semi-precious stones are used as attachments. Creating such a masterpiece with your own hands, you can even use souvenirs as a decoration.
No interior designer loses sight of such a decorative and functional piece of furniture as legs. They are of great importance in the design of furniture items. Belonging to a particular style, the compatibility of furniture with other interior items depends on their shape, type and material. So, the legs can be wooden, stone or carved stone. They are decorated with carvings or forged elements, and their number also varies: there are interesting specimens with one, two, three, four legs.
Furniture, for the decoration of which epoxy resin is used, will perfectly fit into the interior of living quarters and offices. It will complement the loft style, which is characterized by a predominance of rough textures, metal, glass and wood. Such products look great in the design of restaurants, hotels and hotels.
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The epoxy resin table is the pinnacle of the modern furniture industry. For many years now, such tables have been a luxury item that can truly decorate. The editors of the site worked in this direction, collecting detailed information about what an epoxy table is, what types it can be, and how you can make it yourself from scrap materials.
Looking closely at this or that building material, you always wonder how good it is, and whether its advantages really outweigh all the disadvantages. The positive qualities of epoxy are as follows:
- increased strength to mechanical damage and moisture resistance;
- long service life;
- ease of care;
- the ability to implement various design solutions;
- availability for independent work - only a little skill and knowledge of a certain technology is required;
- low cost - epoxy resin for pouring countertops is relatively inexpensive when considered in the same row as solid wood or. And in terms of quality characteristics, they are in no way inferior.
Epoxy is not an ideal material in every way. Products made from it also have disadvantages:
- sensitivity to processing with any abrasive compounds - unpleasant remains;
- improperly prepared resin can subsequently compromise the quality of the final product;
- some types of epoxy resins are not resistant to ultraviolet light and over time they begin to give off yellowness;
- release of toxins. They begin to be released into the atmosphere only after prolonged contact with high temperatures, so you should not be afraid to put a hot dish or cup on an epoxy table. But soldering on such countertops or burning them is highly discouraged.
Note! Epoxy resin does not flammable or melt even when in contact with an open flame. But it will poison the air pretty much.
Types of epoxy tables and their features
Looking closely at the purchase of an epoxy resin table and considering the prices, you come to the conclusion: in fact, they are all similar to each other. And such products can be divided into several groups.
Epoxy resin worktops without support surface
An epoxy worktop is a separately manufactured element that can become part of the table or in.
You can simply buy an epoxy countertop and place it on your support base. All that remains is to find the right size and advantageous design.
Countertops made of epoxy resin, wood and other supporting elements
Also, epoxy resin countertops are made on any supporting structures. Most often it is a base made of metal, plastic or solid wood. Someone manages to adapt the bases from old stools and as a support for countertops.
As a rule, craftsmen, for greater reliability, make the supporting elements and the tabletop a single whole, pouring epoxy directly onto them into the pre-installed formwork.
Wooden table with extra filling and epoxy resin
Tables made of wood and epoxy are incredibly popular today. At the same time, in many designer models there is nothing extraordinary - just beautiful (sometimes ugly beautiful) pieces of wood, whole wood blocks, filled with resin. For example, like the tables made of wood and epoxy resin in the photo below.
Other decoration elements can be added to such interesting tables: phosphorus for night glow, sea pebbles, glass, sparkles, shells - only the imagination of the creators will be a limitation here.
Note! Light objects must be sure to stick to the base, otherwise they will float when pouring!
Slab and epoxy table - style and incredible beauty
Making tables out of wood, or rather from slab and epoxy resin, is the trend of the season. First of all, because a slab - a cut from a tree - has a unique texture, shape and pattern. It's like fingerprints: there are no identical cuts, each is unique in its own way. Therefore, products made from them are very highly valued by both aesthetes and manufacturers.
1 out of 5
Making such a table or tabletop yourself is not so difficult. You just need to choose the right slab and fill it with transparent or colored epoxy.
River table based on epoxy resin
A table made of liquid glass and wood, the so-called "river", deserves special attention. In fact, these are two slabs, between which a blue epoxy is poured, perfectly imitating the waters of a clear river. Some models also have a completely covering the entire surface. Here, as they say, the taste and color.
Some craftsmen add phosphorus to the epoxy, which turns such a table into a kind of night light. Countertops with the so-called multi-stage slab look especially interesting, giving mystery and depth. You can also buy tables with fish, reefs and whole sea colonies inside an epoxy filler. But such products are rare. It's easier to make such beauty yourself.
Related article:
: properties, composition, characteristics, selection of the correct components and options for using different solvents and plasticizers, instructions for use and an overview of current prices - read the publication.
If you decide to buy a table made of wood and epoxy resin: focus on the price overview and the main quality criteria
Oh, to love - so the queen, to steal - so a million, to buy a table - so from epoxy! If you are an adherent of just such views, then pay attention to the small nuances when choosing such furniture, so that later you do not complain about the armless craftsmen.
It should be noted right away that any epoxy furniture is handmade. Therefore, the risk of marriage is great. Still, the human factor plays a decisive role in the manufacture of such furniture. What should be a quality epoxy table:
- no chips, cracks, scuffs or other defects - even the smallest ones. Do not hesitate and look under the countertop;
- look at the thickness of the countertop - it should be the same on all sides. No slopes and distortions;
- We carefully look at the epoxy - no bubbles, no matter how the seller explains that this is all the way it is needed for greater decorativeness. Air bubbles in the hardened epoxy resin are a sign of an incorrect technology for working with it, this dramatically reduces the quality of the final product;
- whether you need glass on the surface or not is up to you. Keep in mind that glass on a countertop is the most fragile element, unlike epoxy and wood.
As noted, epoxy tables are handcrafted. This means that such an exclusive will cost a lot. For example, small coffee tables can be bought in the price range from 11,000 to 30,000 rubles - or more. Dining and office tables cost from 50,000 rubles - it all depends on the model and prices of the master. Prices shown are current as of September 2018.
Epoxy table manufacturing technology
For those whose hands itch to independently make a table from epoxy resin, we will show you how to do it correctly and inexpensively.
How to choose an epoxy resin for the table - reviews and recommendations
Having watched a bunch of videos about how easy and simple it is to work with epoxy, I just want to make a tabletop with my own hands. But from what? For a beginner in this field, the choice of epoxy can be confusing. What types and brands do not exist!
"ED-20" Is one of the popular and inexpensive resins used both for pouring furniture and for decoration. Popularity has earned its low cost. This plus is balanced by a minus - the yellowness of the products. Of course, yellowness is not acquired immediately, but over time, and only if the filled resin was exposed to direct sunlight. It is also characterized by increased ductility, which is not good when working with resin, especially for beginners. To solve such problems, you can purchase an epoxy plasticizer - for example, EpoxyMax DBP.
Feedback on plasticizer for epoxy resin DBF EpoxyMax:
More details at Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4632884.html.
"Art-Eco"- crystal clear and transparent resin, designed to work with thin products, including countertops. It is recommended to use hardeners during work. Of the negative aspects, yellowness is noted on transparent products under direct sunlight. This disadvantage is eliminated by the use of dyes, which can also be purchased from this manufacturer.
"QTP-1130"- ideal for pouring tables and worktops, provided that the epoxy layer is no more than 3 mm thick. It is easy to work with - no additional plasticizers or hardeners are needed. Self-leveling, which is very convenient for beginners.
"EP-SM-PRO"- inexpensive composite epoxy resin. Good for working with wood. Mixes homogeneously, practically no bubbles appear, transparency is good, solidifies to the end and relatively quickly. It has a liquid consistency, which must be taken into account when forming the formwork - it can leak even through small cracks.
Feedback on working with epoxy resin Composite-project EP-SM-PRO:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_6214951.html
PEO-610KE, EpoxyMaster 2.0, EpoxAcast 690. Products made from these resins are not afraid and have crystal transparency. It is pleasant to work with such compositions - they are not viscous, they quickly and completely freeze, they have a slight tendency to self-leveling.
"ArtLine Crystal Epoxy"- suitable for work with both jewelry and tabletop fillings of small thickness. Liquid, transparent, well leveled with a spatula. The products are transparent and distortion-free. Bubbles are practically not formed and are easily removed. Does not react very well with some dried flowers. If you work with just such a filling, determine in advance whether there is a conflict between the epoxy and the herbarium. Feedback on the use of a similar epoxy resin is below.
Feedback on the use of "ArtLine Crystal Epoxy" epoxy resin:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_6603877.html
"MG-EPOX-STRONG"- epoxy resin for universal use, more recommended for pouring countertops and tables. It has excellent quality and performance characteristics. It's a pleasure to work with her. Suitable for pouring thick tabletops and for working with various fillers - from weightless phosphorus to heavy stones and coins. At the same time, there is no yellowness, high mechanical strength and resistance to high temperatures.
- A drawing is made, according to which the supporting structure, formwork and fillers, if any, are worked out in detail.
- Depending on the type of epoxy selected, the consistency and the appropriate dilution proportions are selected for further work.
Note! Some formulations are not diluted, you can work with them almost immediately - and this leads to an increase in the cost of the final product.
Support structure fabrication
In our small master class, we will consider how you can make it simple from the materials available to everyone, resulting in designer furniture.
| Illustration | Description of action |
 | You will need: two circles of wood, which will act as a rack, glue, preferably on an epoxy basis, a thick furniture border, epoxy itself and filler - beer caps. In our master class, a purchased design was used. |
 | Assembling the support structure. Thoroughly degrease the surface and prime. |
Formwork and filling preparation
We do the first fitting - we spread the filler around the perimeter of the countertop in order to understand how thick to glue the furniture tape.
| Illustration | Description of action |
 | It all depends on the thickness of the decor, you need it to be buried in the epoxy at least half. |
 | Gently glue the tape on the tabletop, since this is not just a formwork, but a part of our table. |
 | We lay out the decor on the countertop exactly as it will look in the final version. We remember the location and remove everything. |
 | We take the glue and apply it to the back of the lid. |
 | We glue all the covers to the countertop. We do this carefully, as each glue drip will be visible on the transparent surface. |
Epoxy preparation
How to prepare epoxy resin - the instructions on the package will tell you. In our case, we used "Epoxy Master 2.0". It is a two-component formulation. If you need to add colors, add color only to component "A" until you get the desired shade. Mix thoroughly.
Note! To better dissolve the pigment, we put it for a while to a battery or in a water bath, the temperature of which will not be more than 40 ° C, but not less than 30 ° C. If the resin overheats, it can be thrown away.
Add component "B" - hardener, in a ratio of 100: 35, as indicated in the instructions. Mix thoroughly. If bubbles suddenly form, then the resin can be heated with a hairdryer, while stirring until they evaporate. The shelf life of the resulting solution is approximately 7 hours.
How to properly fill the countertop with epoxy resin
The most important stage of work is pouring with resin. The most important thing here is to follow the instructions exactly. Gently pour in the diluted composition from the middle. Under the weight of its gravity, it will begin to level out. If the area of the countertop is large, then expand the fill radius. When the entire volume is filled up to the edges of the formwork, smooth out the epoxy with a trowel as carefully as possible. If the surface is not leveled with the thickness of the formwork, fill up the missing grams as accurately as possible and level it again. We leave our tabletop to solidify until the end.
Basically, we got a final product that you can use for your own pleasure. The use of "Epoxy Master 2.0" does not imply final grinding of the product. But if you still need it, we recommend watching the video on how to make a table from epoxy resin with your own hands.
Epoxy resin, although harmless in a cured state, can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes in the working state. Therefore, we work with it only in good quality rubber gloves - without the risk of sudden gaps. These gloves will need to be discarded immediately after one priming session.
Also, do not forget about glasses, a respirator. The latter may not be worn - it all depends on the type of epoxy used. We carefully read the instructions before buying. We also cover all parts of the body with clothes - no open skin. Be sure to work with epoxy only in well-ventilated rooms, where you and your household do not sleep or stay in a row for more than 5 hours. If the curing time of the resin is more than 3 days, it is necessary to purchase a dust and organic filter.
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