What You’ll Need

• “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table: The all-in-one kit with epoxy, pigments, sealant and polish for resin tables.
• “EpoxyTable 5-Five” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables and Large Projects – Up to 5cm: Great for thick pours and substantial tops.
• “Epoxytable 10-Ten” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables, Up to 10cm Casting: Best for extra-deep rivers or embedded items.
• “Trasparente” – Multipurpose Clear Epoxy Resin for Casting – Up to 2cm: For thinner, crystal-clear coats and detailed designs.
• Wood slabs or boards (e.g. oak, walnut, ash)
• Mould release tape or film
• Formwork materials (MDF or melamine, silicone sealant)
• Mixing sticks, measuring cups and digital scale
• Sandpaper (various grits) and polishing kit
• Protective gloves and respirator

Workspace and Formwork Essentials

Choose a level surface and use melamine or MDF boards to ensure your formwork is perfectly flat and durable. Line the base with a mould release film or tape before assembly, and keep the workspace well-ventilated for safe resin use.

Step 1: Design and Prepare Your Workspace

Begin by deciding on the size, shape and design of your coffee table. Choose a location with good ventilation and stable temperature, as resin should be poured in a dust-free and dry environment. Ensure you have a sturdy surface and organise all tools and safety gear before you start. Carefully plan your river or design features for best results.

Always wear gloves and a respirator when mixing or pouring resin to avoid skin contact or inhaling fumes.

Step 2: Build and Seal Your Formwork

Create a watertight mould or formwork using melamine or MDF boards cut to your table’s dimensions. Make sure the base is lined with mould release tape or film to prevent sticking. Use silicone sealant to fill gaps and corners on the inside edges, ensuring a leak-proof seal.

Seal your formwork meticulously to prevent leaks. Allow the sealant to cure completely before proceeding, as leaks can waste expensive resin and damage your work.

Step 3: Prepare the Wood and Position It

Choose well-seasoned, dry wood for your table. Sand the surfaces and edges that will be in contact with resin. Clean off all dust and debris thoroughly to promote adhesion between wood and resin and to achieve a clear finish. Position your wood pieces in the formwork so the river or inlay sections are ready for pouring.

To reduce air bubbles later, consider sealing the wood edges with a thin layer of resin first. You may use a precise product like “Trasparente” – Multipurpose Clear Epoxy Resin for Casting – Up to 2cm for a thin seal coat.

Step 4: Mix and Pour Your Resin

Choose your resin based on the desired depth—use “EpoxyTable 5-Five” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables and Large Projects – Up to 5cm for thick pours up to 5cm, or “Epoxytable 10-Ten” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables, Up to 10cm Casting if going even deeper. For shallow areas or finishing coats, “Trasparente” – Multipurpose Clear Epoxy Resin for Casting – Up to 2cm offers strong clarity for final layers.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct resin-to-hardener ratio. Use a precise digital scale for accurate resin-to-hardener ratios. Mix slowly and thoroughly to minimise bubbles. Add pigments or effects now if desired. Pour the resin in stages for very deep tables, allowing each layer to partially cure before continuing. Remove trapped bubbles using a heat gun or torch lightly across the surface between pours.

Step 5: Sand, Finish and Polish the Tabletop

Once fully cured (typically 48–72 hours), carefully demould your table. Begin sanding with coarse grit, working up to fine grits for a smooth finish. Sand gently between layers for best adhesion and a flawless finish. Polish the surface with a resin polishing kit for a high-gloss result. Clean away any dust and apply your final touches—protective oils, pads, or hardware—to complete your bespoke resin coffee table.

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Measure resin and hardener precisely to prevent curing problems. Don’t rush the mixing or pouring process, as bubbles or uneven curing can ruin results. Make sure all materials are completely dry; moisture trapped in wood will cause cloudiness or poor bonding. Maintain a steady, moderate temperature in your workspace to promote optimal curing. Work in a dust-free and dry environment.

If you’re new to resin, consider starting with the “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table, which includes clear instructions and all primary materials. Always allow ample curing time between layers, and check for leaks before any large pour.

Achieving a Crystal-Clear Finish

Polish gradually with finer sandpaper, then use dedicated polishing creams and pads from a resin polishing kit for the best shine. Always clean surfaces thoroughly between each sanding and polishing step.