What You’ll Need

• “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table – ideal for beginners wanting an all-in-one solution with detailed instructions.
• “EpoxyTable 5-Five” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables and Large Projects – Up to 5cm – perfect for creating durable table surfaces or large resin features.
• “Epoxytable 10-Ten” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables, Up to 10cm Casting – for extra-deep pours in large projects.
• Online Video Course – Christmas Tree Decorations Masterclass (Instagram Access) – comprehensive video guidance for artistic techniques and finishing.
• Nitrile gloves and safety glasses
• Mixing buckets and stirring sticks
• Protective covering for your workspace
• Sanding pads (if polishing is needed)

Workspace and Surface Preparation in Action

Good preparation is the foundation of flawless resin work. Lay out your surface coverings, set up your resin kit or mixing tools, and ensure all surfaces are sealed. Many artists find that a clean, ordered workspace and a solidly built mould help prevent leaks and imperfections right from the start.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Surfaces

Before you begin, clear and cover your work surface to prevent damage from spills or drips. Work in a well-ventilated area at a stable temperature (ideally 18-25°C). Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses throughout to protect your skin and eyes from uncured resin. Assemble all required tools and materials within easy reach.

If you’re coating wood or artwork, sand and clean the surface thoroughly to improve adhesion and remove dust. For castings or table work, ensure your mould or formwork is dust-free, sealed, and completely level. Leaks at this stage can worsen as you pour the resin, so check seals carefully — complete kits like the “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table include silicone rubber to help seal edges for worry-free pouring.

Step 2: Measure and Mix the Resin Properly

Accurate measuring and mixing are vital for resin strength, clarity, and curing. Check the manufacturer’s specified mix ratio for your chosen product — for example, “EpoxyTable 5-Five” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables and Large Projects – Up to 5cm typically requires a 100:55 resin-to-hardener ratio by weight. Use digital scales for precision.

Pour resin and hardener into a mixing bucket, scraping every drop from their containers. Stir slowly but thoroughly with a clean stick, scraping the sides and bottom for several minutes until the mixture is uniform with no streaks. Mixing ratios must always be followed precisely; guesswork can lead to improper curing or soft spots.

If you’re adding pigments, glitters, or other creative inclusions, stir them in only after the resin is fully mixed and clear. Helpful step-by-step video lessons are available in the Online Video Course – Christmas Tree Decorations Masterclass (Instagram Access) for precise mixing and colour blending techniques.

Step 3: Pour and Spread the Epoxy Resin

As soon as your resin is mixed, begin your pour before it starts to set. If working with a deep casting resin such as “Epoxytable 10-Ten” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables, Up to 10cm Casting, pour in layers appropriate to its specification (up to 10cm in a single go). For thinner layers or surface coating, pour slowly, starting at the centre and guiding liquid towards the edges.

Allow resin to self-level for several minutes, then use a spreading tool if necessary. Remove bubbles by gently wafting a heat gun or torch across the surface, keeping it moving to avoid overheating.

For projects involving objects or pigments, position inclusions or add decorative effects at this stage using your desired technique. The Online Video Course – Christmas Tree Decorations Masterclass showcases creative approaches to layer effects with resin and ink.

Step 4: Curing and Finishing Touches

Leave your poured piece undisturbed and dust-free for the full cure time specified in your resin instructions (commonly 24–48 hours). Don’t rush the cure—allow adequate drying time for maximum hardness and clarity. If you need multiple layers for deep pours, only pour the next once the previous has partially set as advised by the manufacturer.

Once fully cured, demould or uncover your project. Light sand and polish if further gloss is desired (use resin-safe polishing cream and pads). Beginners may find the all-inclusive “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table especially helpful, as it includes both a polishing set and clear final steps for finishing.

Tips, Common Mistakes, and Troubleshooting

• Mix slowly to keep bubbles at a minimum and always scrape mixing tools clean.
• Watch the working time closely; deep pour epoxies offer longer open times, giving you more freedom to perfect designs before setting.
• Always check ambient temperature and humidity—cold or damp rooms may slow or disrupt curing.
• If you notice sticky patches after curing, double-check your measuring and mixing process for next time.
• For creative or advanced effects, dedicated video resources such as the Online Video Course – Christmas Tree Decorations Masterclass can provide inspiration and help avoid artistic mishaps.

Creative Effects and Polished Finishes

Polishing and creative finishing take resin pieces to the next level. Detailed sanding and the right polish can bring glass-like clarity to surfaces. For unique art, experiment with pigments, glitters, or pouring techniques following expert video tuition to achieve vibrant, professional results.