Resin Table Project
This was a project that I made for my own personal use. Due to not having any restraints that a client may have I was able to experiment quite a bit with the materials and finishes I used. This was the first project where I used resin so there were a lot of lessons that I learned.
I was very happy with the end result of this table but there were definitely things I would change if I was to make a new table using resin. Firstly, I would ensure I pop all of the bubbles in the resin as for this project there were bubbles and some crystallisation within the resin. I would also make sure that pieces would be clamped down to the mould to prevent the resin from lifting the material up and spilling underneath as it dries.
The blue pigment I added to the resin complements the two pieces of spalted beech quite well and the metal legs are a good addition.
Introduction:
Combining the natural beauty of wood with the captivating allure of resin creates a stunning focal point in any space. In this blog, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of how we created a wooden resin table that is not only functional but also a work of art.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Selecting the Wood:
Choose a wooden slab or table top with desirable grain patterns and dimensions. Ensure the wood is properly dried.
2. Preparing the Wood:
Cleaning the wood before pouring the resin is incredibly important. If there are any knots or sections of bark it is very important to clean them out thoroughly. Wipe clean any dust and sawdust or alternatively use an air canister or compressor to blow everything away.
3. Mould making:
Once the sizes of the pieces were confirmed I made a mould using melamine faced chipboard to help prevent sticking. I screwed the mould together and then played around with the orientation of the two pieces of wood I had. Once I decided I sprayed mould release on the mould to further prevent sticking.
4. Mixing resin
I followed the manufacturer's instructions to mix the epoxy resin and hardener. A blue pigment dye was added. Then I stirred and mixed the resin and hardener thoroughly.
5. Pouring Resin:
Then it was time to pour the resin into the gap between the two pieces. In hindsight I should have put some weights down onto the pieces to prevent the resin flowing underneath. As the resin dried it heated and expanded causing quite a lot of resin to flow underneath. I used an air gun to pop the bubbles but a blowtorch would be a lot more efficient for this process.
6. Letting It Cure:
I covered the mould with a plastic sheet to protect it from dust while the resin cured. I allowed an extra couple of days of drying then the manufacture recommended as this was my first resin project and I was nervous about it not being dry.
7. Sanding and Finishing:
Once I was confident the resin was dry I used a router to flatten the surface. Then it was time to sand the table top. I started at 40 grit and worked my way up to 1200grit. Then I polished the top of the surface to prepare the Rubio monocoat finish that was then applied.
8. Mounting Legs :
Once the finish was dry and pre drilled the holes to fix the legs to the table top via screws. This was a quick process but great care was taken to ensure correct alignment.
Conclusion:
Crafting a wooden resin table is a creative journey. The fusion of wood and resin creates a unique bespoke piece that captures attention and adds elegance to any room. For your own projects, don't hesitate to infuse your personal style and creativity into your creation. The outcome will be a stunning table that becomes a conversation starter and a true expression of your craftsmanship.
Spalted Beech Resin Table