Essential Tools and Workspace Preparation

Clear your workspace of dust and debris before you begin. Lay down protective sheeting and use a level surface to avoid resin run-off. Keep all tools, mixing containers, and safety equipment within easy reach to ensure a smooth workflow from start to finish.

Step 1: Prepare Your Wood Surface

A perfectly prepared wood base is critical for professional results. Carefully sand the wood to remove rough edges and ensure a smooth surface. Clean all debris and dust using a lint-free cloth—any leftover particles will be permanently encapsulated by the resin. If your wood has cracks, voids or very porous edges, consider sealing them first. Use “EpoxyWood” – Wood Restoration Epoxy Resin for Deep Penetration and Waterproofing to deeply reinforce and waterproof the timber before main resin casting. This sealing step helps avoid bubbles and prevents uneven absorption.

If you’re casting a river table or filling a channel, also build a mould around your wood using silicone or well-sealed formwork materials. Ensure your formwork is leakproof by applying silicone at all seams and edges.

Always wear suitable gloves and work in a ventilated space to safeguard your health throughout the preparation and pouring process.

Step 3: Pour the Resin into Wood

Pour your resin deliberately and steadily along the length of the cavity, inlays, or table channel. Always pour in manageable layers—typically up to 5cm at a time for products such as “EpoxyTable 5-Five”, or up to 10cm with “Epoxytable 10-Ten”, as the product allows. Monitor the temperature and avoid overfilling in one go to prevent overheating and cloudiness. For beginners, the “River-Table” – Complete Kit is particularly useful as it includes precise guidance for layer thickness and pour rate.

If you notice any air bubbles rising to the surface, gently remove them using a heat gun or standard lighter, holding it above (but not too close) to the resin.

Pour slowly and steadily along the length of the intended channel and remove any surface bubbles as early as possible for a flawless result.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Always check room and resin temperature—pour within the recommended temperature range to ensure proper curing. Let the wood acclimate to the workshop for 24–48 hours before pouring to minimise shrinkage and warping. Avoid mixing too vigorously to reduce air entrapment. Rushing the process or using products not designed for your intended depth can lead to yellowing, soft areas or cracks.

Ensure the wood is thoroughly dry to prevent warping or cloudiness and seal porous edges with penetrating resin to avoid bubbles. Use deep pour products such as “Epoxytable 10-Ten” only for suitable thickness to prevent exothermic issues.

Gallery: Flawless Resin Pours on Wood

Explore examples of stunning resin rivers, inlays, and live edge projects created using purpose-formulated resins. Notice the clarity, colour brilliance, and perfect interface between wood and resin achieved by following these preparation and pouring techniques.