Epoxy resin countertops. How to make an epoxy resin table with your own hands: a master class and creative design options

In an effort to make the interior design of a house or apartment original and unique, many owners tend to use non-standard solutions and specific materials. An interesting option is the decoration of rooms with epoxy resin tables. This substance, related to oligomeric compounds, is distinguished by high technical and operational properties. In the article we will consider best ideas how to make an epoxy table and how to design them.

Manufacturing features

In the manufacture of furniture items, epoxy resins are used not in pure form, but in combination with special hardeners. The consistency of the resulting mixture depends on the proportions of the individual parts.

Decorating tables with epoxy requires coating the wooden base with a pre-prepared composition. Subsequently, when the product hardens, careful polishing is required. The resulting tabletop is different increased wear resistance, as can be seen in the photo of epoxy resin tables.

Well-chosen ratios of components determine the quality of the composition and the manufactured furniture product. If this condition is violated, then the strength may decrease, and the resistance to external factors will not be too high. The commonly chosen ratio of resin and hardener is 1:1 or 1:2.

In the production of tables and other pieces of furniture in the domestic environment, cold curing epoxy is used.

However, it must meet a number of requirements:

• low cost of material without loss in technical specifications because the costs will be large;
• low viscosity of the composition without the presence of bubbles after stirring;
• volume retention during curing;
• the hardening process should proceed slowly, which will allow you to create patterns;
• for visual effects it is advisable to choose transparent types of resin.

Advantages and disadvantages

If you decide to make an epoxy resin table with your own hands, then you need to take into account the main advantages of this material:

• lack of serious shrinkage during drying, preservation of shape and color;
• not susceptible to deformation and mechanical stress;
• the possibility of creating original design models of the table;
• resin compatibility with other decorative elements - coins, stones, shells, rubber, corks, etc.;
• the possibility of using dyes and paints of a phosphorescent type;
• moisture resistance and impermeability;
• resistance to chemical components and detergents.

The main disadvantage of making tables from epoxy is the high cost. Up to several tens of liters of the mixture are spent on the manufacture of one product. You should also consider the possibility of bubbles on the surface of the composition.

Manufacturing technology

To get a quality product, it is important not only to dilute the mixture correctly, but also to follow the instructions on how to properly make a table from epoxy. First, the surface to be treated is thoroughly cleaned of dust and dirt. wooden surface primed. Ignoring this requirement leads to the fact that when the mixture is absorbed by the porous structure of the wood, bubbles form. They will spoil the look of the table.

After that, you can prepare a mixture of resin and hardener in the required proportions. Dyes and decorative components are added to the prepared solution. Then the wooden base is covered with the mixture.

Decorating the table with decorative elements must be thought out in advance. All required details are laid out on the surface of the wood before pouring the epoxy. Light parts, such as shells, should be pre-planted with glue, which will prevent them from rising to the surface of the mixture. The resulting bubbles are removed with a stream of air from a building hair dryer.

The first setting will begin in a quarter of an hour. However, this is not enough to start grinding. Sanding should only be done after complete drying. The product is aged for 7-10 days, after which it can be used.

It is important not to forget to coat the surface with a varnish with protective properties after completion of grinding work. And it is desirable to do this in several layers. So you prevent even the smallest release of toxic components.

Product varieties

Many craftsmen are interested in the question of which epoxy resin table can be made. There are no special restrictions - it all depends on the imagination. We will consider some options.

crack simulation

The table top and body of the table will look original if they are decorated under a bark beetle or imitate damage by a fungus. By filling cracks with epoxy, you will create unique patterns, and you can make holes and crevices yourself.

You can fill the cavities with a brush and a spatula. After hardening, the excess is cleaned grinder, since the composition should only be in cracks. A protective varnish is applied on top of the coating, which will also provide brightness.

Note!

Transparency or monochrome

The workpiece should be cleaned and degreased. Before applying the resin, the wood is primed. This prevents the formation of bubbles. The diluted epoxy is placed in the mold. For a color effect, the desired pigment is added. The combination of colors is provided by several dyes.

The flooded countertop is kept for 15-20 minutes, and the bubbles that have appeared are removed. After two days, the table is ground and polished, and after a week the product will be ready for use.

Application of fillers

First you need to choose necessary items as decorative fillers. It can be caps, pebbles, shells. The surface of the workpiece is degreased and, if necessary, treated with paint.

Dry fillers are placed on the workpiece, if necessary, glued to the surface. Epoxy is poured in one layer, if the parts are small in height - up to 5 mm. In the case of large sizes, in the presence of large recesses, the resin is placed in several layers with a break in application between them of 2 days.

In order for a piece of furniture to turn out to be aesthetically attractive, it is necessary to follow the rules for filling the table with epoxy resin:

• cover workplace polyethylene film;
• limit the possibility of dust on the workpiece;
• the presence of water and its penetration into the mixture can cause damage to the countertop;
• at in large numbers material solidification rate is higher;
• acceleration of hardening is possible by increasing the temperature;
• grinding and polishing of the product affect the quality of the table.

Note!

Designer models of tables can be created by simulating natural landscapes on the countertop using epoxy. It can be rivers, seas, lakes.

Photoluminescent paint provides a green luminous effect, and manufacturing on the countertop will help to give an unusual interior geographical map. It is only important to observe accuracy and care in work.

Photo of epoxy resin tables

Note!

The epoxy resin table is the crowning achievement 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 have worked in this direction, collecting detailed information about what an epoxy table is, what types it is, and how you can make it yourself from improvised materials.

Looking at one or the other building material, you always wonder how good it is, and whether its advantages really outweigh all the disadvantages. Positive traits epoxy resin are as follows:

• increased strength to mechanical damage and moisture resistance;
• long service life;
• ease of care;
• the possibility of implementing 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, if we consider it on a par with, solid wood or . And in terms of quality characteristics, they are in no way inferior.

Epoxy resin not ideal in every sense of the material. Products from it also have disadvantages:

• sensitivity to processing by any abrasive compounds - remain unpleasant;
• improperly prepared resin can subsequently disrupt the quality of the final product;
• some types of epoxy resins are not resistant to ultraviolet radiation and eventually begin to give off yellowness;
• release of toxins. They begin to be released into the atmosphere only upon 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 ignite or melt even when in contact with an open flame. But it will poison the air pretty much.

Types of epoxy resin tables and their features

Looking closely at buying 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 countertops without backing

The epoxy table top is a separately manufactured element that can become both part of the table and in.

You can simply buy an epoxy resin countertop and install it on your support base. It remains only to choose the right size and advantageous design.

Epoxy resin, wood and other supporting elements

Epoxy resin countertops are also 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 countertop a single whole, pouring epoxy directly on them into a pre-installed formwork.

Wooden table with additional filling and epoxy resin

tables from wooden elements and epoxies 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 wooden arrays filled with resin. For example, like the tables made of wood and epoxy in the photo below.

In such interesting tables other decoration elements can be added: phosphorus for a night glow, sea pebbles, glass, sparkles, shells - only the imagination of the creators will be the limitation here.

Note! Light objects must be glued to the base, otherwise they will float when pouring!

Table made of slab and epoxy resin - style and incredible beauty

Making tables from wood, or rather from slab and epoxy resin, is the trend of the season. First of all, because the slab - saw cut wood - has a unique texture, shape and pattern. It's like fingerprints: there are no identical cuts, each one is unique in its own way. Therefore, products made from them are highly valued by both aesthetes and manufacturers.

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Making such a table or countertop yourself is not so difficult. You just need to choose the right slab and fill it with a transparent or colored epoxy resin.

Epoxy resin river table

The table of liquid glass and a tree, the so-called "river". In fact, these are two slabs, between which a blue epoxy is poured, perfectly imitating water. clean river. Some models also have, 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. Tabletops with the so-called multi-stage slab look especially interesting, giving mystery and depth. You can also buy tables with fish, reefs and entire marine colonies inside epoxy filler. But such products are rare. It's easier to make such beauty yourself.

Related article:

: properties, composition, characteristics, selection of the right components and use cases different solvents and plasticizers, instructions for use and an overview of current prices - read in the publication.

If you decide to buy a table made of wood and epoxy resin: we focus on a review of prices and basic quality criteria

Eh, 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 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 in the manufacture of such furniture plays decisive role. What should be quality table epoxy resin:

• no chips, cracks, abrasions and other defects - even the smallest ones. We are not shy and look under the countertop;
• we 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 as it should be for greater decorativeness. Air bubbles in the hardened epoxy resin are a sign of the wrong technology for working with it, this drastically reduces the quality of the final product;
• you need glass on the surface or not - you decide. Keep in mind that the glass on the countertop is the most short-lived element, unlike epoxy and wood.

As already noted, epoxy resin tables are handmade. And that means that such an exclusive will cost a lot. For example, small coffee tables you can buy 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. The prices shown are current as of September 2018.

Epoxy table manufacturing technology

For those whose hands itch to make their own epoxy table, we will show you how to do it correctly and inexpensively.

How to choose an epoxy resin for a table - reviews and recommendations

After reviewing a bunch of videos about how easy and simple it is to work with epoxy resin, you just want to make a tabletop with your own hands. Just from what? For a beginner in this field, the choice of epoxy can be confusing. What types and brands do not exist!

"ED-20"- one of the popular and inexpensive resins used both for pouring furniture and for decorations. Popularity deserved by its low cost. This plus is balanced by a minus - the yellowness of products. Of course, yellowness is not acquired immediately, but over time, and only if the poured 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 the plasticizer for epoxy resin DBP EpoxyMax:

Read more on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4632884.html .

"Art-Eco"- crystal clear and transparent resin, designed to work with products of small thickness, including countertops. When working, it is recommended to use hardeners. From negative points 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" – perfect option for pouring tables and countertops, provided that the thickness of the epoxy layer is no more than 3 mm. It is easy to work with it - no additional plasticizers and hardeners are needed. It has self-leveling, which is very convenient for beginners.

"EP-SM-PRO"- inexpensive composite epoxy resin. Good for working with wood. It mixes uniformly, practically no bubbles appear, transparency is good, it 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:

Read more 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 working both with jewelry and for filling small thickness tables. Liquid, transparent, well leveled with a spatula. Products are transparent and without distortion. Bubbles practically do not form and are easily removed. It does not have a very good reaction with some types of 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 epoxy resin "ArtLine Crystal Epoxy":

Read more on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_6603877.html

"MG-EPOX-STRONG"- epoxy resin for universal purposes, more recommended for pouring countertops and tables. It has excellent quality and operational characteristics. It's a pleasure to work with her. Suitable for pouring thick tables and for working with various fillers - from weightless phosphorus to heavy pebbles and coins. At the same time, there is no yellowness, high mechanical strength and resistance to high temperatures.

1. A drawing is made, according to which the supporting structure, formwork and fillers, if any, are worked out in detail.
2. Depending on the type of epoxy resin chosen, the consistency and appropriate dilution proportions are selected for further work.

Note! Some compositions are not diluted, you can work with them almost immediately - and this leads to an increase in the cost of the final product.

Manufacturing of the supporting structure

In our small master class consider how you can make a simple one from the materials available to everyone, resulting in designer furniture.

Illustration	Action Description
	You will need: two circles of wood, which will act as a stand, glue, preferably epoxy-based, a thick furniture border, epoxy itself and filler - beer caps. In our master class, a purchased design was used.
	Assembling the base structure. Thoroughly degrease the surface and primer.

Formwork preparation and filling

We make the first fitting - we lay out the filler around the perimeter of the countertop in order to understand how thick the furniture tape should be glued.

Illustration	Action Description
	It all depends on the thickness of the decor, it is necessary that it be buried in epoxy by at least half.
	We carefully glue the tape on the table top, as this is not just a formwork, but part of our table.
	We lay out the decor on the countertop exactly as it will look in the final edition. We remember the location and remove everything.
	We take glue and apply it to the back of the lid.
	Glue all the covers to the countertop. We do this carefully, since each smudge of glue will be visible on a 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. This is a two-component composition. If you need to add colors, add color only to component "A" until you get the desired shade. Mix thoroughly.

Note! In order for the pigment to dissolve better, put it for some time in 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 hair dryer, while stirring until they evaporate. The shelf life of the resulting solution is approximately 7 hours.

How to pour epoxy on a countertop

The most important stage of work is pouring with resin. The most important thing here is to follow the instructions exactly. The diluted composition is carefully poured from the middle. Under the weight of its gravity, it will begin to level out. If the tabletop area is large, then expand the fill radius. When the entire volume to the edges of the formwork is filled, we carefully level the epoxy resin with a trowel. If the surface is not equal to the thickness of the formwork, add the missing grams as carefully as possible and level again. We leave our countertop to solidify to the end.

In principle, we got the final product, which you can use for your own pleasure. The use of Epoxy Master 2.0 does not imply final polishing of the item. But if you still need it, we recommend watching a video on how to make an epoxy resin table with your own hands.

Epoxy resin, although harmless in a solidified state, can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes in the working state. Therefore, we work with it only in rubber gloves. good quality– without the risk of sudden breaches. Such gloves will need to be discarded immediately after one pouring session.

Also, do not forget about glasses, a respirator. The latter may not be worn - it all depends on the type of epoxy used. Read the instructions carefully 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 areas where you and your household do not sleep and are not in a row for more than 5 hours. If the curing time of the resin is more than 3 days, dust and organic filters must be purchased.

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It often happens that strong table the surface is unsightly. Or you want to add some zest to the standard factory furniture after the repair. For craftsmen who prefer creative solutions, there is a great way out: a do-it-yourself epoxy resin countertop. At the same time, such a tabletop will perfectly fit into the interior of any room: the main thing is to choose the right one. decorative details and set the accents.

Advantages and disadvantages of epoxy resin countertops

Epoxy resin is a unique material whose properties can be used to create real masterpieces, from miniature decorations to finishing large surfaces such as countertops and even floors.

Epoxy grout is a two-component material consisting of resin and hardener. One of the most remarkable properties of the fill is the preservation of the original volume after drying. It covers surfaces with a uniform transparent layer, without forming cracks or bulges. Therefore, using epoxy resin, you can turn any surface, no matter how complex its configuration, into a real work of art.

It can be used to cover surfaces with a pre-printed pattern or ornament, as well as with small decorative elements laid out on surfaces. In this case, the surface of the table will be an interesting 3D image, made according to an individual project.

A worktop coated with epoxy resin, in addition to its spectacular appearance, acquires a number of advantages in operation over a conventional wooden or plastic surface:

• When dried, the coating does not shrink and acquires a perfectly flat surface;
• It has good resistance to mechanical damage - dents from impacts, cuts or chips;
• Excellent moisture resistance, which is important for kitchen surfaces;
• Not afraid of the aggressive effects of most cleaning chemicals;
• It is not subject to destruction under the influence of ultraviolet rays;
• Does not require the use of expensive household chemicals for care.

The main disadvantages that epoxy resin has for pouring countertops include:

• With a sharp decrease in temperature, the appearance of “white flakes” in the depth of the pour;
• Under the influence of high temperatures, it can release toxins during evaporation;
• When preparing the fill, accuracy in proportions is needed to obtain the desired result;
• The need for strict adherence to safety precautions during work.

In order to remove the flakes that appeared during hypothermia from the surface of the table, you can warm it up to 50-60 degrees. And avoid evaporation harmful substances from an epoxy surface it is possible if it is covered with a layer of protective transparent varnish, for example, yacht.

Types of epoxy resin countertops

Epoxy resin countertops can be of several types:

• Fully epoxy, no backing;
• Epoxy coated bases made of wood, chipboard or other material;
• Combined - wood fragments and resin alternating in a free order.

An epoxy resin-only top without a backing surface can be made for an elegant coffee or coffee table that is not expected to carry a heavy load. It will look original if you fill with epoxy resin a beautifully laid out ornament made of dried flowers or any other materials. You can also add multi-colored or plain glitter to the transparent fill.

In the second case, epoxy resin for pouring countertops serves as a decorating and protective layer for a base made of another material. An old countertop, solid wood or paneled surface, multiplex can be used as a basis.

The base can be of any shape - rounded or sustained in straight lines and with corners. The main thing at the same time is to create for the base the sides of the height necessary for pouring, so that after hardening the countertop has even and smooth side surfaces.

As a wooden base, you can take an array with a natural structure, or artificially decorate it with carving, milling, marquetry. Besides, old countertop can be after thorough cleaning from old paint and varnish to polish, repaint and decorate with small pebbles, coins, dried flowers, even buttons.

An example of what the countertop coating looks like after pouring with epoxy

Making your own countertop

Since an epoxy countertop can be made with or without a base, we will consider both options - each has its own characteristics.

The table top, made only of epoxy without a base, looks very impressive due to its transparency and inclusions of decorative elements. With certain skills, such a tabletop can be made with the most intricate outlines and an original 3D pattern in an array of hardened resin.

Make a transparent countertop using glass as a mold:

• the glass of the required size and shape is thoroughly cleaned, dried and degreased with acetone;
• before pouring, the surface of the glass is rubbed with wax mastic, which, after hardening, is polished with a dry rag;
• polished aluminum corners are used as sides for the mold, the inner surface of which is treated with a paraffin-turpentine mixture - this will allow you to easily remove the frozen countertop from the mold;
• corners are attached to the bottom surface of the glass using window putty.

Another option is also possible, when a countertop completely made of epoxy resin is then inserted into a frame made of a material suitable for the style of the product.

In order for the filling to solidify properly, it should take 2-3 days. Prior to this, it is impossible to remove the countertop from the mold.

In order not to have to drill holes in the hardened resin for fastening the legs, foresee this in advance by marking the places for future fastenings and strengthening small sections of the pipe of the required diameter in the form. After solidification, the segments are removed, and the fasteners for the legs are screwed in their place.

A wood-based countertop is easier to make because the resin for the countertops is poured onto an already prepared surface. At the same time, as in the case of a glass form, bumpers are made along the edges of the tabletop - they can be subsequently removed. And you can apply the option when the wooden sides are part of the countertop, and the resulting "bath" is filled with resin.

The process of pouring epoxy resin with your own hands is not so complicated, but it requires accuracy when working.

Tabletops look very nice, where the wooden parts alternate with transparent inserts. To do this, you can also use glass as a base, on which wooden fragments are laid out, and the distances between them are filled with epoxy fill.

If you plan to use an old board as a base, then the work must be carried out in two stages: first, existing cavities and cracks deepen a little in the board, which are then filled with tinted liquid epoxy. After the first layer has hardened, the entire countertop is already poured, while the previously filled indentations stand out beautifully on the transparent surface.

After the pouring work is completed, it is necessary to protect the surface during hardening from moisture, dust and insects - they can significantly spoil the whole work. To do this, polyethylene should be stretched over the countertop, reinforced on a pre-prepared frame.

After complete crystallization of the material, the surface is polished and covered with a protective varnish.

Rules for working with epoxy resin

There are several rules that must be strictly observed when working with epoxy resin:

• old surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned of old paint, varnish, degreased and polished before pouring;
• if this new board, it must be thoroughly dried and sanded with sandpaper before work;
• when preparing an epoxy grout with a hardener, you must first measure required amount resin, and then add a hardener to it, strictly observing the proportions and order of mixing the components;
• stir the fill very carefully, but without sudden movements, avoiding the formation of air bubbles;
• all work must be carried out in a ventilated area;
• since the resin is difficult to remove from surfaces during solidification, it is better to cover the floor with polyethylene or paper;
• to work with epoxy, you should remove your hair under a hat and put on a cotton suit - any lint or hair that has fallen on the surface to be poured will spoil its appearance;
• do not carry out work on pouring countertops in a room with high humidity or insufficiently warmed up - the air temperature must be at least + 22 ° С;
• it is impossible to accelerate the process of crystallization of epoxy with a building hair dryer - it boils at a temperature above 60 ° C, forming numerous bubbles.

Filling the tree should be uniform and neat

Conclusion

Even a person who does not have experience in carpentry is quite capable of making an epoxy resin tabletop with his own hands.

The main condition for success is strict adherence to the instructions for preparing the filling, compliance with safety rules and the procedure for performing work. Imagine, create - and enjoy the results of your work!

EpoxyMax is one of the best manufacturers resins and hardeners. The best option is "ED-20" of the highest grade with a capacity of 5 kg

Video: creating an epoxy countertop

Photo examples

Pros and cons of epoxy resin countertops

Epoxy resin, in terms of the purpose of its application, is a very multifunctional material: a huge number of a wide variety of products are made from it - from small jewelry to floors, other surfaces and massive worktops. It is the latter that will be discussed today.

Epoxy resin is, in fact, a complex consisting of two certain types raw materials: the resin itself and the hardener for it. After mixing the resin with the hardener, the same solid material is formed. Resin can fill the bumps of the old table, as well as cover the surface with a certain ornament or composition.

The main advantages of epoxy resin countertops:

• - Do not shrink, so that the surface after drying the resin will be perfectly flat.
• - Well resists any mechanical impact: dents, cuts, scratches, bumps, etc.
• - Differs in the increased moisture resistance.
• - Resistant to modern chemical cleaning agents.
• - With the use of dyes and additional protection, it is immune to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
• - If the transparent epoxy resin KER 828 is used for pouring, the countertop will not need expensive maintenance.

The main disadvantages of epoxy resin countertops:

• - At high temperatures may release harmful substances.
• - Care must be taken when working with epoxy resin.

However, all shortcomings are easily leveled. So that the resin does not emit toxic substances, it is enough just to cover the finished epoxy resin countertop with varnish. And when working, it is enough to observe simple precautions: work in a ventilated area and use personal chemical protection equipment - a respirator and gloves.

Types of epoxy resin countertops KER 828

1. Tabletop made without a supporting surface.

Or, as they call countertops, which are made entirely of epoxy resin. That is, we pour the resin not on any support - a piece of wood, an old table, etc., but pour the resin directly into the mold. Thus, our ready product will be a monolith of cured epoxy resin.

2. Tabletop made with a supporting surface.

AT this case an already prepared surface is poured with resin - chipboard, an old table, furniture, a piece of timber, etc. In pursuit of interesting ideas, many craftsmen pour entire dioramas, creating interesting conceptual products. Finished countertops of this format look very lively and interesting.

3. Combined type of countertop.

Another interesting view pouring countertops with epoxy resin. As a rule, it is used when the base, which is poured with resin, is not a whole product, but is significantly supplemented with epoxy raw materials, creating bizarre shapes. For example, this may look like a countertop, in the monolith of which is enclosed wooden beam or the like.

Making an epoxy resin countertop

Epoxy resin countertops, cast as a monolith without a base, look very impressive due to their transparency, fancy colors (if a dye was used) and inclusions of decorative elements.

First of all, you need to make calculations - how much resin you need to make your product. To do this, it is necessary to calculate the volume of the cavities into which the resin will be poured, and based on this, knead the required amount of raw materials.

In order to make such a countertop, we will need to assemble the formwork - a form into which the resin will be poured.

First, you will need to select the glass elements you need along the length, thoroughly clean them and degrease them. Then the glass is assembled into a form - formwork. It is important that there are no cracks, flashes and holes in the joints of the glass, through which the epoxy mole can pour out of the mold. You can fix the glasses together using spring construction clamps, and cover up the gaps with ordinary plasticine from the outside of the formwork so as not to violate the internal contours of the corners.

If you are working with a base that you plan to pour resin on, please note that it must be completely dry and clean before pouring. This will provide the best level of adhesion in the final product.

Then everything internal surfaces our formwork needs to be treated with a release agent. It is important to lubricate all areas that our KER 828 clear epoxy will come into contact with during casting.

After our formwork is assembled and prepared for casting, it is necessary to deal directly with the epoxy itself.

As a rule, in the case of transparent epoxy resin KER 828, the hardener should be added to the raw material in percentage- 10% hardener based on the total weight of the resin. After adding the hardener, the mixture must be thoroughly mixed, but this must be done smoothly so that excess air does not form in the raw material. The hardener itself must be added according to the application technology, because if the hardener is not enough, the polymerization process may not go through, and therefore our resin will not harden. But if you add too much hardener, then the resin will “boil”, becoming unsuitable for further use.

Also, at this stage, various dyes and additives can be mixed into the resin.

So, when everything is ready, let's start casting!

It is necessary to pour the resin slowly, slowly, at one point. With this casting technology, the resin itself will displace the formed air bubbles under the pressure of its mass. You also need to remember that when casting KER 828 transparent epoxy resin, the maximum casting layer must be observed. It is equal to 2.5 cm. If there is more layer in one pour, then the resin can also “boil”, be careful! You can make a thicker layer of the countertop through layer-by-layer pouring. But for this you will need to wait until the previous layer is completely polymerized.

Complete polymerization, or hardening of the resin occurs within 2-3 days. At this time, it is impossible to remove the product from the formwork. But after this time, you can disassemble the formwork.

At this stage, you just need to finish the job. Namely - to do the grinding part. Do not forget to work in a ventilated area using personal respiratory protection equipment!

Conclusion

Thus, anyone can make a tabletop from KER 828 transparent epoxy resin. To do this, it is not necessary to have any exceptional knowledge in the field of carpentry and have the skill of an experienced craftsman. However, the final products - epoxy resin countertops, which will come out from under the hands of a novice master, will also look dignified and beautiful. The main thing is to follow the rules of work and casting technology.

You will succeed, keep it up!

Hello Dear Friends!

This article will talk about working with resin in the manufacture of a table or countertop:

• For transparent products, a new generation of resin must be used: MG EPOX STRONG
• For color (designer and single color) : MG EPOX WHITE (no longer available)

As for hot items: it is strictly forbidden to put pans, pots taken off the stove!!!

Making a table / tabletop with your own hands from epoxy resin:

Where to start, of course, with surface preparation, because, as in any other business, high-quality preparation is the key to success. The workpiece of the future product must be set in a horizontal position with maximum accuracy, otherwise sagging may form.

IMPORTANT!!!

When we make an object in a horizontal position, there is a possibility of unwanted objects getting into the resin mass, such as: hair, eyelashes, residues of dried paint on special sleeves. clothes, etc.

Specialist. clothes:

• paper painting suit
• rubber gloves (gloves are very important because there is hair on the fingers)
• a headdress, a shower cap is suitable for these purposes.

Consider the three most popular options for making countertops:

• monochrome
• combined colors
• with fillers and decorative attachments to the resin mass

Single color:

1. The application surface must be dry and clean
2. If the surface is absorbent, for example, made of wood (), then it should first be abundantly primed with resin to cover the pores. If this is not done, then when pouring with resin, it will begin to be absorbed and air bubbles will crawl out.
3. Now we take the resin and dyes, get the desired shade and pour it onto the surface
4. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes and use a building hair dryer or burner to remove air bubbles.
5. Leave for 48 hours, then you can grind and polish (if required). Full set of strength 7 days at room temperature.

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Combined colors:

1. Everything is the same as in the one-color application, but other colors are added.

with fillers and decorative attachments to the resin mass:

This production is the most responsible and demanding attention of the master!!!

1. we have already talked about a dry and clean base, now it is worth noting that decorative attachments and fillers must also be 100% dry. Sometimes customers ask what will happen if you pour a slice of lemon, a fresh rose, moss, etc. We answer: if the filler is not dried, then whitishness will appear at the moment of contact between wet objects and the resin, this is the reaction of the resin with water.
2. Light attachments must be glued to the base, otherwise they will float. If the fillers and decors do not have high altitude, let's say 1-5 mm, then you can pour the resin at a time.
3. If tall and complex objects () are used as decor and filler, such as: stones, spanners, chain etc. objects that have texture and recesses, then you should be patient and fill in several operations. Filling of intermediate layers is recommended to be done no later than 48 hours.
4. When pouring layers, the state of the resin should be monitored, because. in some cases, there are recesses and pores in the poured objects and decors, the resin gradually penetrates into these places and squeezes out the air, respectively, the bubbles rise to the top and must be removed by heating (hair dryer, burner). This resin penetration process can take up to three hours depending on the structure of the item. The easiest way is to pre-dip or smear the object with quality resin, and then immerse or pour resin.

After applying the last layer of resin, the product needs to gain strength, at room temperature this happens in 7 days, you can speed up the process of strength development by placing it in a thermal chamber, the optimum temperature is 25 ° C, so strength development occurs in 3-4 days.

An example of processing objects with resin and pouring:

Photo gallery: epoxy resin tables and countertops: