How to Give Wood a Glass Finish with Epoxy Resin

How to Give Wood a Glass Finish with Epoxy Resin

When you have ever looked at the deep glossy look of an epoxy-coated and painted table top or a bar top, you would have wondered how good that glass finish looks. Epoxy resin is not only beautiful to the wood but also preserves the wood against moisture, scratches and stains. It takes the correct preparation and method to achieve that spotless clear finish be it on a coffee table, a counter or a section of a wall.

The guide will take you through the step by step process of applying epoxy resin on wooden surfaces and the most common mistakes that can ruin a nice finished surface.

Why Use Epoxy Resin on Wood?

Epoxy resin is a clear polymer coating which covers and beautifies natural wood and makes it solid. It plugs pores, gives prominence to the grain, provides a surface that is tough, waterproof and mirror smooth.

Among the key advantages, there are:

• High gloss finish: It gives a beautiful aesthetic of a glass.
• Protection: Coats wood, with water, stains and wear.
• Wipe cleanable: Epoxy is non-porous and after it has been cured, it is easy to wipe.
• Improves natural beauty: The resin is clear and this brings out the grain and the warmth of the wood.

It is used on tables, bartops, kitchen tops, chopping boards, and even paintings.

Tools and Materials You will Require.

Ready and get everything ready before you are off. Here is what you will need:

Materials:

• Epoxy resin and hardener (select a clear coating resin, rather than a deep-pour resin)
• Measuring cups or mixing jugs.
• Stir sticks or drill mixer plug.
• Masking tape or painter tape.
• Sandpaper (120, 220, and 400 grit)
• Isopropyl alcohol or acetone (cleaning agent)
• Protective equipment and gloves which are disposable.

Optional but useful:

• Heat gun or butane torch (to eliminate bubbles)
• Level surface or workbench
• Plastic drop sheet (to cover your workstation)

Step 1: Preparation of the Wood Surface.

Successful preparation is a critical element towards a professional finish.

• Sand the wood: Use sandpaper with 120 first followed by 220. This is to provide smooth areas and open the grain of the wood slightly to allow the resin to stick.
• Clean: Wipe dust using a dry cloth and then clean the surface using isopropyl alcohol. Do not use water, it may have problems with adhesion.
• Seal porous wood (not obligatory, but strongly suggested): It may look out that the wood is very porous (such as oak or walnut), in which case apply a thin cover of seal. This helps in avoiding the creation of bubbles during the pouring of the main layer. Apply a little resin, apply it evenly and allow to dry in a few hours before applying next layer.

Step 2: Mix the Epoxy Resin

Epoxy needs to be mixed accurately.

• Measure precisely: Adhere to the ratio (1:1 or 2:1). Measure by volume, not by eye.
• Combine: Blend 3-5 minutes, scraping sides and bottom of your container. Stir until the resin appears entirely transparent with no streaks.
• Do not whip air in: whip lightly to avoid bubbles.

Pro Tip: Have a workspace lower than 20°C then slowly warm the bottles in a bowl of warm water and then mix them. This assists the resin to flow more and removes bubbles which is more advantageous in the cooler UK garages or workshops.

Step 3: Pour the Resin

When mixed you get a working time (pot life) of not much more than 30-40 minutes.

• Pour:Pour carefully ensuring that the surface is flat.
• Add in small portions: Fill on the centre and push the resin to the sides. You may either use a spreader or gloved hand to make it flow smoothly.
• Cheque drips: The drips should be allowed to run down the sides, but under and around should be checked with the brush or gloved finger and wiped off.

When you are coating a table-top, once flood coating (approximately 1.5 to 2mm thick) is finished, it produces a glass-like surface.

Step 4: Remove Air Bubbles

Bubbles can be filled and removed easily when the resin is wet.

• Pass using a small torch or heat gun but lightly over the surface at the distance of 6 to 8 inches. Sweep fast, do not have all the heat in any one spot or you will scald the resin.
• Recheck again after 10-15 minutes about any new bubbles that can emerge to the top.

Caution: Do not use the hairdryer, the air may blow dust on the surface.

Step 5: Let It Cure Properly

Epoxy resin is most effectively cured in a dust free area. To ensure that no debris falls on your project as it dries, cover it with a cardboard box or a plastic tub.

• Cure time: 24-72 hours, typically, based on the brand and room temperature.
• Room temperature: Ideally 20-25°C. Curing will be retarded and a hazy finish will be produced in cold rooms.

You cannot touch the surface during curing, as one may think that the surface is dry after 12 hours, however, it is not hardened yet.

Step 6: Sanding and Polishing (mirror finish optional)

After the resin has completely hardened then sanding and polishing to an ultra-clear glass appearance is possible.

• Wet sand the surface up to 400 grit up to 1000 or 2000 grit.
• Use of a soft cloth or polishing pad with a fine buffing compound.
• Wipe using a microfiber cloth in order to clear off any residue.

This additional finish makes the wood of professional quality that can be used in furniture or showcase items.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Baffling the incorrect proportion: It is always necessary to adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer.
• Pouring excessively: Coating resin is to be applied in thin layers (about 1-2mm). A deep-cast resin is used in case of thicker pours.
• Exposure to cold or dampness: Most moisture and low temperatures result in cloudiness and soft spots.
• Failure to seal porous wood: Open surfaces give up trapped air, leading to bubbles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but do be sure that the stain or paint is thoroughly dried, and that it is oil-free. Wipe before resin is applied to ensure greateradhesion.

There are food safe brands that are completely cured. Never forget to find out the safety data sheet (SDS) of the product.

Yes, Sand lightly and put another layer of resin thinly on the surface to restore the shine.

Final Thoughts

Wood cannot be coated with epoxy resin easily but rather it requires time, accuracy, and a working surface. As soon as you learn to mix and pour, it is worth it: a clear, strong, high-gloss finish that seems to be glass yet once it cures, it keeps your wood safe years and years.

Epoxy is very beginner friendly and you should commence with a small project like cutting board or coffee table and advance. It is easy to make a quality resin and the ordinary wood into a high-gloss masterpiece that is of the professional level. Demonstration on how to finish wooded surfaces with epoxy resin to have the appearance of a glass finish.