What You’ll Need

• Phosphorescent Pigment – Glow-in-the-Dark Additive for Resin, Paint, and Varnish: Adds a vibrant, glowing effect to your resin pours.
• “Epoxytable 10-Ten” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables, Up to 10cm Casting: Ideal for thick, clear castings on larger tables.
• “EpoxyTable 5-Five” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables and Large Projects – Up to 5cm: Suitable for moderate pour depths and stable surfaces.
• “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table: Great for beginners, with essential tools and guidance.
• Wooden panels or slabs
• Mixing containers, stirrers, gloves and protective gear
• Silicone or plastic mould (size of your planned table)
• Sandpaper, polish, and buffing pads for finishing

Visual Inspiration: Phosphorescent Resin Table in Action

See how phosphorescent resin brings a coffee table to life in low light: the glow permeates the resin sections, revealing contemporary form and a magical ambient effect. Designs can feature central river channels, swirling inlays or sky-like patterns—highlighting the creative flexibility of phosphorescent techniques in functional furniture.

Step 1: Design and Prepare Your Coffee Table Base

Begin by conceptualising the style and structure you want for your coffee table. Decide where you’d like the phosphorescent glow— such as river-like channels, inlays, or entire resin areas. Plan your design in advance so you can map out wood placement and space for the resin. Use a robust wooden slab or secured panels as your base, ensuring all pieces are dry, clean, and free from oils.

Carefully assemble your formwork or mould. Seal all internal edges with silicone or tape to prevent leaks. Ensure your workspace is clean and dust-free; this helps avoid debris setting in the resin and ensures a professional finish.

Step 2: Mix the Epoxy Resin with Phosphorescent Pigment

Before mixing, measure your workspace temperature (ideally 18–25°C) and prepare in a well-ventilated area. Choose an appropriate deep pour resin depending on thickness—use “EpoxyTable 5-Five” for up to 5cm or “Epoxytable 10-Ten” for thicker sections. Wear gloves and review the resin instructions for the correct ratio.

Gradually add Phosphorescent Pigment – Glow-in-the-Dark Additive for Resin, Paint, and Varnish to the resin, mixing thoroughly. The pigment amount determines glow intensity; usually, a small percentage by weight is sufficient. Mix resin and phosphorescent pigment thoroughly for even luminosity without streaks or clumps.

Step 3: Pour the Resin and Create the Phosphorescent Effect

Once your mixture is ready, gently pour it into the table mould or carved channels. If your design includes layered or river effects, pour resin in stages. Pour in controlled layers for optimal effect, allowing each layer to settle slightly before adding more. This minimises bubbles and ensures the pigment stays suspended.

If the table is especially large or deep, consider working in several pours to avoid excess heat build-up, following resin manufacturer guidance. Secure the table to prevent accidental movement while the resin cures.

Step 4: Curing, Demoulding, and Polishing

Allow the resin to cure undisturbed; curing times vary depending on resin type and room conditions, often between 24–72 hours. Once fully set, carefully demould your tabletop. Allow for proper curing and careful demoulding to prevent cracks or surface imperfections.

Sand rough edges and work through increasingly finer grits of sandpaper, finishing with a polish and buffing pad for a high-gloss, transparent look. A final clean removes dust and reveals the phosphorescent glow effect. Attach table legs to finalise your creation.

Tips, Mistakes to Avoid, and Troubleshooting

Always follow safety instructions and ensure thorough mixing to avoid soft spots. Watch out for air bubbles—degas with a heat gun if needed. Avoid overloading with pigment, which can hinder curing or cause uneven luminosity. Ensure every component is dry to prevent cloudiness in the finished table.

Close-Up: Finish, Glow, and Polishing Results

The final coffee table showcases a seamless, glossy finish and captures light during the day for striking nighttime luminosity. Proper sanding and careful polishing are crucial for a glass-like surface, while correct pigment dispersion ensures a radiant, even glow through all the resin areas.