For the #10 option you provided you stated Not certified as safe for food by the FDA as a con. You can make a tabletop in two halves and hide the seam. WoodImprove.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, as well as to other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Just like the real thing, I am the oddity who wants some bubbles. While the dry epoxy resin is not considered to be an environmental hazard, it would be a little bit of a stretch to call this an eco-friendly product. These fumes are the volatile chemicals in which the epoxy is suspended, so you dont want to breathe them. Another good thing about this product is that it gets pretty good coverage in terms of square feet per can. 2 Would the polycrylic even provide yellowing resistance? Things like countertops, cutting boards, tables, etc. Yes, epoxy is a brilliant way to resurface outdoor concrete. You will definitely need a scraper, and you will definitely need to repaint any painted surfaces when you are done. actually the center, which is about 1/8 thick is covered with pennies and the framing around that is the stained wood. This might surprise you, but epoxy resin is not suitable for outdoor use under normal circumstances. Great article and follow-on advice, so thank you. Unfortunately, most of these claims are hype. For filling and casting you can use the same epoxy. Its incredibly durable and water resistant, so it gives a better protective coating than most other options. Yep, better to seal the wood since we dont want the stain to penetrate into the epoxy. Yes, it is ok to seal both the wood and epoxy with polyurethane. After applying teak and tunk oil in the videos, the epoxy table glows and becomes transparent. Instead, you just pour it on and it self-levels to exactly one-eighth of an inch. This epoxy is not meant to be brushed or stirred, as you would normally do when applying such a substance. When exposed to sunlight for an extended period, epoxy will turn yellow and eventually go chalky. I've used it quite a bit to repair boats, but I also had an outdoor sign project I used it on. If you layer these adhesives too thick, it will be very hard for air bubbles to escape before the layer has dried. William great article. Shellac or polyurethane would be a good choice to protect your piece, these are clear top coats which are nicely suited for epoxy resin. In general, the drying time of the epoxy is the measure of your working time. It means that the chemical structure of the product lends itself to a level surface. This site has answered many of my questions. For the artist who wants to experiment a little bit, this wouldnt be a bad choice at all. Check it after a week and see how it holds up to the elements. I have two concerns about your project: While many people like to use this resin for more artistic purposes, it can be used much like a wood sealer. Divide the work into parts (if possible). If you want to have resin on your table, you can apply resin, then sand with fine sandpaper, and then apply matte varnish, so the finish will be matte. Hi Kathryn, If you have leftovers, test Rust-Oleum Fastkote on a small area and see how it works. I used sanders and chisels to shape pieces of wood filled with epoxy that was placed on a wood lathe, I didnt notice any serious damage done to chisels afterward. Hi, When its two components are mixed, a chemical reaction occurs, and this reaction is exothermic. Because it is basically just a very strong glue, any kind of epoxy will dry to a hard and durable finish. I havent used it that way and I cant give you advice from experience. If you should want to remove epoxy from a given area, it will probably be a difficult task. Delivery charge would apply as I live in Port Macquarie. If you want to use epoxy outdoors, you may need to include certain additives and use a top coat of polyurethane to protect it. The main difference between these two types of products will mainly come from their viscosity. They are resistant to external conditions. Tutorial material available to use ? I have a nice live-edge slab of black walnut and am thinking of making a river table. You may do so if you think your whole table covered with epoxy will be looking better. It would be impossible to remove the damaged wood stringers. We already talked about how the suns UV rays will cause yellowing in most epoxy products. Its better you ask that question on some forum. Bubbles Epoxy resins and bubbles go together. It says that the fumes can cause some pretty serious issues. Some users also reported that the product dried too quickly for their liking. With the matte finish, whatever you apply, you cant fix it. In the same way surface preparation is key to getting a great paint job, sanding is the task that, when completed properly, transforms your woodworking project into something truly special. I have one question. Im wondering if you can give some thoughts on bonding strength. If it says 5, 4, or 2, then there should be no BPA. Also, how much moisture is the wood allowed before using epoxy? Any epoxy from the list cures pretty hard but I cant definitely say whether it will harm your tool or not. Q. Are these products product hard enough to damage planer knifes or router bit? The term epoxide refers to a certain class of chemicals that share a similar molecular structure. May I know the which type or specifically name of resin to be used for art work with wood. This is a great read for a first timer, and everybody else of course. In particular, it is a good idea to do thin coats when working on a vertical surface. Still, it will give you a general idea of how much time you will have. There is a difference between drying time and curing time, so make sure you understand that. This product does have a few shortcomings, although they are not that bad. Not only that, but you dont want to get this stuff on your hands. They are not inexpensive; starting from about $35, they range to over $80 (gallon) for the best UV protection. I have never tried an epoxy resin project, but would like too!! 2. This is how I imagine it: wait for the epoxy to harden (but not completely), then pierce the surface with needle syringe and blow bubbles one after another. It is not intended for permanent sun exposure, it will certainly change color when exposed to the sun Crafty Super-Gloss Epoxy Resin The Middle Ground, 10. But as I said above, there may be holes that are hard to seal. Epoxy is often used in construction and repair projects due to its strong bonding properties. I intend to make a river table using epoxy resin. You can find specific epoxy products designed for concrete and asphalt, which covers most driveways. Hello John, no, the cloudiness of epoxy will not go away by coating it. I dont really get what you mean by better product, sorry. Of course the paint may be totally dried but I just want to make sure everything will be okay. Over time, the UV rays will still damage the epoxy. Actually, I dont know how to achieve such an effect but the only idea that comes to my mind is using a needle syringe. The answer to this question is not a simple one. Most epoxies are made from a mixture of Epichlorohydrin and Bisphenol-A. Until you stick them under a UV light source, they will remain tacky. Here is the list of the best wood bar top epoxies you can get. As such, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Like my other choices, it is a two-part mixture made up of two half-gallon jugs. Like your article. As for where it lies on that spectrum, that will vary a lot with the product. As for Polycryl, it is mainly used for interiors, and Im not sure it will work for you in this case. Is it a good idea to add different brand of epoxy in one project (this would be my top layer)? Sorry, Ive never done anything like that before so I cant give you comprehensive instructions. Im looking for an epoxy to fill in gaps in insect damage wood that I use to make small, jewelry type boxes. In fact, some people even reported that the mixture never hardened at all! I'm making an outdoor sign for our church using wood letters glued to a board and painted, and intend to pour a clear liquid resin over the works, but have never used resin. Note: All the marine epoxy manufacturers recommend a high-quality marine spar varnish with UV inhibitors for a final finish! Ive never met an epoxy able to do all things: sealing, casting and finishing. Because this product is designed for artists from the ground up, you can be assured of an easier casting process. East Coast Epoxy Resin Fastest Curing Option, 6. I salvaged a worm riddled half cedar log (one side still rounded from how the tree grows the other side eaten down to the middle of the log by worms) today. looks great, so far. The first of these will delay the yellowing and peeling, which is caused by the suns UV rays, while the other one will prevent it more permanently. This subject relates to the problem of yellowing somewhat because UV radiation will cause a clear epoxy resin to become yellowed and cloudy over time. The main purpose of this product is to protect your wood or stone countertop from water damage. You may use space heater if its too cold in the room. This may seem odd considering the brand specializes in working with workpieces that are almost exclusively outdoor products. Epoxies, like most other plasticized substances, do a naturally good job of repelling water. When using epoxy on outdoor wood, you need to make sure that the surface is clean and smooth before you start. You can use a sandpaper like this one. In fact, it has been rated by the FDA as being 100% safe for food use. Its very simple: just turn your gun on and hover over the surface, bubbles will start disappearing immediately, not a big deal. Ive just finished my river table, it took approximately 20 hours to complete it, very exciting process you know. I used a lot of their colors also and the service from them is pretty great. The best way to get around this is by using a top coat of polyurethane. Coating Thickness and Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer Performance. If you do not prepare the East Coast Resin properly, you are liable to suffer from bubbles coming through the finish as well as other potential curing issues. I would like to sand the surface back down to flat wood except for the filled areas. These little touches are what separate one product from another, and that is why most epoxies do not differ all that much from one another. Curing time is very important, do not mess it up. If you are using a product that is a little thinner, you may be forced to do things this way. When mixed together, these two substances form a strong bond that can be used for a variety of purposes, from coating floors to sealing cracks. This stuff prevents yellowing before it starts and has performed very well in tests and experiments. When you think about the strength of epoxy, its almost hard to believe that the sun can damage an epoxy resin finish. So now Im just going to sand the flaking remains off and apply polyurea Rustoleum fastkote UV clear 277499. That is why East Coast Resins made sure that their product provides the fastest curing time that I saw, though the race was a close call in the end. I also like the fact that this product is basically an entire kit. Three questions. I havent used West Systems, but I know that its kind of filler/adhesive rather than classic epoxy resin. A lot of people say that its too hard to mix, with some claiming that it took them twice as long to mix this epoxy. You dont simply mix the product and pour it into a mold. I think its a pretty rare case so you will probably need to spend some time researching the web to find the proper technique. This one also provides UV resistance, which is good if your counter is located next to a window. Let that epoxy heat up a little bit so that it cures a little harder if you want a scratch resistant and harder surface. You may try pouring sealer into the holes then drain excess sealer so that sides of the holes are sealed. The resin I use has adequate UV protection but is not entirely suitable for constant sun exposure. This means that over time it will turn slightly yellow (sometimes this is almost invisible); yellowing is manifested mostly in white paint and light colors. The problem lies in the fact that epoxy requires the activation of certain chemicals, and these chemicals arent always the gentle kind. Usually with epoxy resin are poured decorative countertops that aim to stand out and the gloss is just for that. Recommendations? Before that, you had to find out about the company with more than 20 years of experience through a specialized distributor. First, many have reported that this epoxy will often start to tack up and harden before it can be fully applied. With no volatile organic compounds (often called VOCs for short), this one doesnt present any danger to human life. There is no need to fool with a facemask or a respirator. Clear Coat and SilverTip Epoxy offer excellent barriers to both liquid and moisture vapor. They are easy to apply with a brush or a roller, and will cure to a tough, clear, high-gloss film which will waterproof the wood. This will be installed near the edge of a covered deck that will get a bit of sun light (although not more that maybe 4 hrs/day). Im at the finishing stage for a black walnut slab table and am trying to select the best epoxy finish to use. Now lets discuss the downsides of this product. This feature isnt a must-have, but its definitely preferred for most projects. Its even safe for use on food prep surfaces, but make sure you wait until it is completely cured. Epoxy resins arent exactly the cheapest materials in the world, so a little bit of cost savings is very helpful. I have used it for craft projects and with wood and it is by far the best I have tried. I am trying to understand. Obviously, we do not have the time or space to list every single chemical that might be used in these products, but we would encourage you to do a quick internet search on any ingredients that you find to be suspicious. Yes,a blowtorchis surely going to be your good friend. I learn about a lot of products, knowing what is the best. What do you think about it? If this seems confusing, you should know that these are just two different types of the same thing. When exposed to sunlight, it can yellow, fade, and become brittle. If you had wanted to finish your wood before applying epoxy you could have used wood stain. Im going to router out the river in a 18 wide gluelam made out of 26 material. Some of them resist this effect better than others, so you should be more careful about your choice of product if you live in a colder climate. It is also free of BPA (bisphenol), a plastic additive that has come under fire in recent years for its effects on human health. The ordinary one will also work for you, but there will be some disadvantages such as easier yellowing (this is not particularly noticeable with wood), more difficult work. 2. Once it is applied, you need to leave it to dry completely before walking on it. 9 Best Wood Options for Raised Garden Beds, 10 Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions in 2022, 10 Best Patio Umbrella Stands for Wind in 2022. Epoxy on its own is not best suited to outdoor use. Also, you will avoid appearing of tiny bubbles coming from wood pores by doing so. Some manufacturers will add dyes to their epoxy in an attempt to reduce light penetration and thus reduce light degradation. The thicker the layer, the harder it will be to scratch the wood. There are times when we need answers to simple questions. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon and other affiliate programs. For finishing, the best option for you is clear spar varnish (exterior varnish). Viscosity is also affected by temperature. However, I would caution you to make sure that the surface of your wood is fully prepared before adding the epoxy. After all, everything is cheaper when you buy in bulk. I live in Minnesota and want to fill in all the holes for bench and table. The epoxy will still eventually turn yellow but if you use a combination of UV inhibitors and polyurethane, it will last for years to come. Yep, you can finish the wooden parts of your river table. You may also need to discard the brush after one application. While two different kinds of epoxy can bond to one another, you will get better results by keeping it homogenous. Even when that epoxy seems to be hardened, you must not apply the next layer until the entire curing time has elapsed. could you tell be how much hardener I would need, the mixing ratio and coloring. In case you have a question we didnt cover in this article, send it over and well answer it quickly. But it has been my experience that casting resins are alot thinner. MAS Epoxies might not be the most well-known manufacturer of epoxies, but they may very well be the best. Is it made from a natural source, or is it a chemical product? This can be used to give your stone a tint of any color you want, or even make it look like an entirely different color. Because it leaks xenoestrogens, there are some health concerns about the use of Bisphenol-A in food-grade plastics. UV stabilizers will prevent yellowing, but not forever. An epoxy coating will provide an extra layer of protection against the elements and any wear and tear. During that time, the small business owners realized that too many epoxy resins on the market were not up to snuff. Reading all the bubble hunting scenarios, I have come to doubt it. On the other hand, shellacs is another great option, which can be simply repaired and refinished in time. Love your amazing review. It is relatively easy to add a dye to your epoxy if you so desire. Will applying a sealant first affect the bond strength? On the subject of coverage, there isnt really much difference between most epoxy products. I have corrected the article, there was a slight mistake. With a piece like that, you do not want the wood to rot any further. To see examples of this, just look up some of the gorgeous river tables that people have made. Also, this epoxy resin does offer solid water resistance, though yet again, this is not a 100-percent waterproof epoxy resin. Over time, direct exposure to the suns rays will break down this epoxy and cause it to eventually wear away. However, most people prefer to use clear epoxy, so this isnt a great solution. The slab I cut with a chainsaw was very thick and 2 gallons of New classic epoxy resin was kind of enough but I am thinking to add my leftover Pro Marine epoxy to level it with the wood. Hi William, I am looking to redo the Wood on my bay window. what would you recommend? In fact, this is the only option on our list that suggests you allow for longer than 24 hours for the epoxy resin to cure at room temperature. Be careful while mixing it, make sure to pour it into different containers when youre measuring it out. For the interior, it will prevent yellowing, but for the exterior, I have doubts. I am suprised iCoat epoxy is not on your list as several of the listings actually use their blend white labelled. When you have a nice, expensive wood or stone countertop, it pays to protect it with some kind of water-resistant coating. Not only does it do an excellent job of resisting scratches, but it can also resist heat up to 125 degrees. Aside from the fact that this formula contains no VOCs, which will decrease respiratory issues as well lower your risk of cancer, this is also one of the more durable epoxy resins. Thanks. wow, have learned a lot. If anyone is going to eat from the surface or eat anything that came into contact with it, then it needs to have that food-safe designation on the label. In other words, it has everything you need to get started. This also leads to a longer curing time, but that is what you want for filling those large cavities. But once you applied epoxy do not use any stain because it may color the epoxy which will ruin the entire project. I would be glad to get feedback from you if you try this epoxy earlier than me . With this in mind, I recommend the Pro Marine Supplies as our Editors Choice for one primary reason: coverage. System Three WR-LPU Marine Topcoat, a two-part, waterborne, polyurethane enamel, will provide performance equal to its solvent-borne counterparts. Thankfully, RTG epoxy is formulated to resist UV decay, so its still safe to put the table next to a window. The only problem with this product is that it will not resist outdoor conditions very well. Admittedly, it can take a very long time, but you want something that will last for years to come. How does that turn out? Could I finish the wood with poly-urethane or would that give strange results? This polish, for example, is a good option it does not turn yellow and does not give a yellowish tinge, but it should not get too wet. When plastic is melted and cast without pressure, it tends to absorb air from its surroundings. Though this is not a deal breaker, i also wanted to know if there a product that lets me pour a thicker layer than 1/8th of an inch. Rust-Oleum Fastkote is a really strong coating that withstands harsh conditions. Do not wait too long otherwise the epoxy will get harder so itll be much more difficult to get rid of all the bubbles. Have fun doing your project. Be sure the oil has hardened off completely for a few days, then clean the surface well using denatured alcohol like this one. Although you dont always have to get the ideal product, it pays to understand what you are using. However, there is another additive called HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer) which is far more effective over the long haul. Of course, there are certain things to remember when using an epoxy product in this way. When used properly, the simple answer is no. Or have you already! Furthermore, you may warm up the epoxy placing it in a warm water bath. If the label does not say, flip the bottle over and look at the numbers on the bottom.