How to make an Epoxy River Table: Step by step guide

Epoxy river tables have become increasingly popular lately. They are beautiful pieces of furniture that create a stunning visual and are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker looking for your next project, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an epoxy river table of your own. From choosing the right wood to mixing and pouring the epoxy, this step by step guide will equip you with all the information you need to bring your design ideas to life in no time!

What is an Epoxy River Table?

An epoxy river table is a type of table that has a river or stream of clear epoxy running through it. The deep pour epoxy resin creates a beautiful, glossy finish that is unique and eye-catching. River tables are typically made from wood, but can also be made from other materials such as glass or metal. 

The first step in making an epoxy river table is to create the mold for the river. This can be done by using MDF board or another type of sturdy material. Once the mold is created, the next step is to pour the epoxy resin into the mold. The resin should be mixed with a hardener before being poured, and then left to cure for 24 hours.

After the resin has cured, it is time to add the color pigments. This can be done by mixing the pigments with more resin and then pouring them into the mold. Alternatively, you can use alcohol ink to color the resin. Once the pigments have been added, you need to let the resin cure for another 24 hours before proceeding to the next step.

The final step is to remove the river table from the mold and enjoy your new piece of furniture!

Step 1: Preparing the wood

The first step in creating an epoxy river table is to prepare the wood. This involves sanding down the wood to create a smooth surface and then applying a coat of epoxy. Once the epoxy has cured, you will need to sand it down again to create an even surface.

Step 2: Applying the epoxy

Epoxy is a two-part resin that, when mixed together, creates a hard, durable surface. Epoxy is commonly used in crafting and DIY projects to create a smooth, professional finish.

When working with epoxy, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and mix the epoxy properly. Once the epoxy is mixed, you’ll have a limited amount of time to work with it before it starts to harden.

To apply the tabletop epoxy, first use a brush or roller to apply an even layer over the surface of your project. Then, pour the mixed epoxy onto the surface and spread it evenly with a putty knife or other flat object. Be sure to work quickly and evenly so that the epoxy doesn’t start to harden before you’re finished.

Once the epoxy is applied, let it cure for the amount of time specified in the instructions. After it has cured, you can sand and paint the surface as desired.

Step 3: Adding the color

The third step in creating an epoxy river table is to add color. You can do this by mixing in a small amount of pigment powder into the epoxy resin before pouring it onto the table. You can also add color by using alcohol inks or food coloring. Be sure to mix the color thoroughly into the resin so that it is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Applying the finish

After the epoxy has fully cured, it’s time to apply the finish. For this project we used a water-based polyurethane, but you could also use an oil-based finish or even just leave the epoxy as-is.

To apply the polyurethane, we first sanded the surface with 220 grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for the finish to adhere to. Then we applied a thin layer of polyurethane with a foam brush, making sure to evenly cover the entire surface. We let this first coat dry for about 2 hours before applying a second coat.

Once the final coat of polyurethane was dry, we buffed it out with a clean cloth to give it a nice shine. And that’s it! Your epoxy river table is now complete and ready to enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

If you want to make your own epoxy river table, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll need to choose the right wood for the job. Hardwoods like oak and maple are ideal, but if you’re using a softwood like pine, make sure it’s well-seasoned so it doesn’t warp.

Next, you’ll need to create your epoxy mix. There are many recipes online, but we recommend using equal parts A and B epoxy resin, mixed with a hardener at a ratio of 2:1. Once your epoxy is mixed, it’s time to start pouring!

Start by pouring a thin layer of epoxy onto your wood surface. Then, use a heat gun to evenly distribute the epoxy. Once the first layer is dry, repeat the process until you’ve built up a thickness of about 1/8″.

Now comes the fun part: adding your river! To get started, pour a thin layer of epoxy onto your work surface and then use a straw or other implement to create swirls and eddies in the wet resin. Once you’re happy with the design, let it dry overnight.

In the morning, add another layer of epoxy over top of your river design. This time, be sure to add some colorants to the resin before you start swirling. We love using mica powders or alcohol inks for this step, but you can really

Conclusion

Making an epoxy river table is a satisfying project that combines carpentry and art into something beautiful. It’s a great way to get creative and show off your woodworking skills. With the right materials, knowledge of basic woodworking techniques, and practice, you can make an amazing epoxy river table that will last for years to come. If you want to learn more about how to build this kind of table or any other DIY projects, be sure to check out our website for more information!