What You’ll Need

• “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table: Kit designed for making wood and resin tables with step-by-step guidance included.
• “EpoxyTable 5-Five” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables and Large Projects – Up to 5cm: An epoxy resin suitable for deep pouring applications such as tabletops and large projects with up to 5cm thickness.
• “Epoxytable 10-Ten” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables, Up to 10cm Casting: A resin formulated for super-deep casting, up to 10 cm, commonly used for tables and large artistic projects.
• Resin Class – 3D Effects Coasters Masterclass, 120 Minutes: A resin masterclass focused on crafting coasters, trays and bowls with practical and theoretical guidance.
• Clean, dry timber planks (e.g., oak or walnut, planed and sanded)
• Silicone sealant (for edge sealing and mould preparation)
• Pigments or dyes for resin colouring (optional)
• Mixing buckets, stirring sticks, and protective gloves
• Clamps, weights, or tape for fixing wood in place
• Orbital sander and polishing pads
• Wood finish oil or polyurethane (optional for final topcoat)

Materials and Workspace Essentials

Always use gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when handling resin and hardener. Ensure your workspace is well-organised, with surfaces protected from accidental spills and adequate lighting for precise work. Set aside extra time for careful setup—it makes all steps easier and safer.

Step 1: Prepare the Timber and Workspace

For the best results, begin by selecting kiln-dried timber, ensuring it is free of moisture and flat. Shape the inner edges where the resin will flow for your desired inlay pattern, such as a river or geometric design. Sand these edges thoroughly, removing dust and debris.

Set up a sturdy work surface lined with a sheet that resin will not stick to, like a melamine board or acrylic panel. Construct a leak-proof mould (formwork) around the timber using timber, silicone sealant, and release tape, making sure all joints are sealed to prevent resin leakage. Clean, dry wood is essential for a long-lasting finish.

Step 2: Mix and Pour the Resin

Carefully measure your resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s ratio. For pours up to 5 cm, “EpoxyTable 5-Five” is an excellent choice, while for deeper pours up to 10 cm, “Epoxytable 10-Ten” provides excellent clarity and reduced heat buildup.

Mix slowly to minimise bubbles, then tint with pigments if desired. Pour the resin steadily into your form, allowing it to flow naturally. Pour resin in layers to prevent overheating if working with a deep pour. Use a heat gun or torch to carefully remove surface bubbles. Remove bubbles with a heat gun or torch promptly for a clear, professional look.

Step 3: Let the Resin Cure Fully

After pouring, cover the project to prevent dust and allow the resin to cure undisturbed as specified by your selected product. Avoid moving or bumping the table during curing.

Depending on thickness and product used, curing can take from 24 hours for thin layers to several days for thicker pours. Allow the resin to cure completely before sanding to avoid gummy, uneven results.

Step 4: Remove from Mould and Sand Smooth

Once fully cured, gently remove the table from its formwork. Start sanding with a coarse grit to level uneven lines, then progress through finer grits for a glass-like finish. Wet sanding can help achieve a clearer edge.

If you have chosen a complete kit like “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table, you will have polishing accessories included. Use these to polish the surface and bring out the resin’s clarity and depth. Polish thoroughly for a glassy, professional effect.

Step 5: Final Finishing and Assembly

After sanding and polishing, apply a protective finish or oil to the wood portions. Install table legs or a base according to your chosen style.

Enjoy your custom resin inlay coffee table and impress guests with your handiwork!

Tips, Common Mistakes, and Troubleshooting

• Work in a dust-free environment for best clarity.
• Mind temperature—cure resin at 20–25°C for optimal results.
• Double-check for leaks in your mould before pouring—leaked resin is both messy and wasteful.
• If you’re new to resin, consider taking a course such as the Resin Class – 3D Effects Coasters Masterclass, 120 Minutes to get hands-on techniques from a professional.
• Patience is key: rushing the cure or sanding can produce cloudy finishes or uneven edges.

Finishing Your Resin Inlay Table

Attention to detail during sanding and polishing is crucial—use a gentle touch to avoid scratches and keep the surface clean between grits. For a flawless finish, always remove residue before the next sanding stage. Final polishing transforms the appearance, giving your coffee table its high-gloss, durable sheen.