Workspace Setup and Safety Essentials

Begin in a well-ventilated area, wearing nitrile gloves and protective eyewear throughout. Minimise dust and secure pets or children away from the workspace. Use plastic sheets to shield floors and furniture. Keep all components—wood, resin, hardener—at similar ambient temperature for predictable results.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Materials

Start by selecting a clean, dust-free workspace with excellent ventilation. Cover surfaces with protective sheeting and ensure your project is set on a level, stable table. All wood pieces should be dry and acclimatised to the room’s climate. Measure your project dimensions and pre-cut all materials. Protect your workspace thoroughly to avoid unwanted mess or resin spills during the process.

Before proceeding, use a moisture meter on the wood to prevent issues with trapped air or warping. Assemble your frame or formwork tightly to hold the table’s shape. Any gaps at this stage may lead to resin leaks later on.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Epoxy Resin Safely

Mix your chosen epoxy resin thoroughly, following the manufacturer’s ratios. For deep layers up to 5cm, options like “EpoxyTable 5-Five” are designed for thick pours. If your table features especially deep sections, use “Epoxytable 10-Ten” for clear, bubble-free castings up to 10cm per layer.

Pour resin slowly into the form, directing flow into corners and around wood inclusions. Take time to pop surface bubbles using a heat gun or torch, moving steadily to avoid burning or over-warming the resin. Allow adequate curing time as recommended – rushing will undermine clarity and strength.

Step 5: Assemble and Protect the Finished Table

After sanding and polishing, attach your tabletop to a solid base, such as the “Geode O” – Large Wooden Board Table Base, ensuring stability and a correct fit. Depending on your design, seal all exposed wood ends or edges with resin or a clear sealant for added protection. Seal wood edges appropriately to reduce moisture ingress and preserve the table’s look.

Clean the finished table with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, which may dull the high-gloss surface.

Perfecting Your River Table Finish

Sand gradually from coarse to fine grit for a consistently smooth finish. If you use an all-in-one kit, follow the included instructions for each stage. Use a microfibre cloth to remove dust before polishing. For clarity and gloss, buff in circular motions with a suitable polishing cream or pad, taking care not to overheat the resin.