A synthetic substance made by mixing resin with a hardener, epoxy resin is a clear, hard finish that is used for various applications, both professional and DIY. Due to its durability and aesthetic appeal, it is widely used in the woodworking industry to obtain a clear, glossy finish for wood that is moisture-resistant and enables heavy-duty usage. Moreover, it also allows room for customisation and further enhancement of visual appeal by acting as a solvent for coloured pigments. Here, we will uncover the features, benefits and types of epoxy resin for wood and understand how to use it.
See also: How to apply polyurethane wood finish to your furniture?
Key features of epoxy resin for wood
So why should you use epoxy resin as a wood finish? This substance has several properties beneficial for this purpose:
Durability
By creating a hard and durable protective coating over the wooden surface, epoxy resin ensures superior resistance to scratches and impact due to heavy use as compared to various other finishes. It can therefore be easily used in high-traffic areas.
Water resistance
Epoxy resin protects the wooden surface from damage caused by moisture-related issues by resisting the impact of water. This makes it a top choice of protective coating for outdoor furniture that face constant exposure to humid conditions.
Chemical resistance
This substance is also resistant to various chemicals, making it suitable for application in laboratories, workshops or areas with high risk of chemical exposure on wooden surfaces.
UV resistance
Several epoxy resins are formulated with UV inhibitors that protect the wooden surface against the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight, such as yellowing and degradation. This is especially important for outdoor applications.
Enhanced aesthetics
Epoxy resin, when used on wood as a finish, has the ability to enhance clarity and add depth to the grain. Moreover, it enables the creation of custom colours and effects by tinting or pigmenting, thereby expanding the scope of design possibilities.
Self-levelling properties
Most epoxy resins do not require additional sanding or treatments to achieve a smooth finish. They possess self-levelling properties, making them super easy to work with.
Versatility
Due to its wide range of applications, ranging from coating and laminating to casting and bonding, epoxy resin is a popular choice of material for various types of projects.
Preservation
An epoxy resin finish forms a protective coating on the wooden surface and keeps it safe from decay, insects and degradation-causing agents. This preserves the integrity of the wood, thereby increasing its lifespan significantly.
Easy to clean
Epoxy resin results in a smooth and non-porous finish that can be easily cleaned. Spills and stains can be simply wiped clean without causing any harm to the finish.
Customisation
The versatility and adaptability of epoxy resin allows for creative and artistic expression by giving you the ability to customise your projects. Creating 3D effects and producing unique patterns on wooden surfaces has been made super easy with epoxy resin.
Types of epoxy resin for wood
Epoxy resin is available in various types, each a good choice for a specific kind of application. Let’s have a look at these types:
| Type | Description | Application |
| Clear casting epoxy resin | Specially formulated for applications prioritising superior clarity and transparency | Embedding, creating river tables, enhancing the natural grain of wood |
| General purpose epoxy resin | Versatile, adaptable and suited to various applications | Coating, laminating, bonding and sealing of wooden surfaces |
| UV-resistant epoxy resin | Formulated with additives to resist yellowing and degradation caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun | Outdoor applications, projects facing prolonged sunlight exposure |
| High-temperature epoxy resin | Designed to withstand higher temperatures than regular epoxy | Hot coasters, projects placed near sources of heat. |
| Deep pour epoxy resin | Formulated to enhance smooth thick pouring, possesses lower risk of overheating during the curing process | River tables, deep casting projects |
| Self-levelling epoxy resin
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Has the ability to level itself to give a smooth, even surface with additional sanding | Tabletops and similar flat surfaces |
| Slow-curing epoxy resin | Takes longer to cure fully to provide an extended working time, reduces the risk of premature curing | Projects wherein longer pot life is a priority |
| Low-viscosity epoxy resin
|
Thinner consistency than regular epoxy for easier penetration | Stabilising wood, filling cracks and imperfections, providing a high gloss finish |
| Adhesive epoxy resin
|
Possesses superior adhesion properties, making it perfect for structural applications | Bonding pieces of wood together |
| Water-based epoxy resin | Uses water as the primary solvent, making the substance more environmentally sustainable | Coating and sealing pieces of wood |
Using epoxy resin on wood
Like all DIY projects, applying epoxy resin on wood as a finish involves a particular process. For this, you would require a suitable type of epoxy resin and hardener, mixing containers and stirrers, protective gear such as mask, glasses and gloves, a clean, lint-free cloth and plastic sheets to protect the surrounding area.
Step 1: Surface preparation
Clean the wooden surface to remove any loose dirt particles and contaminants using a lint-free cloth and make sure that the surface is dry. Additionally, sand the surface for evenness so that it is easier to work with.
Step 2: Cover the surrounding area
Make sure to protect from drips and spills the surrounding work area using plastic sheets and avoid any mess that might be created. You can also use painter’s tape for neat lines.
Step 3: Mix the epoxy
Mix the epoxy with the hardener in precise proportions as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions. Accuracy in measurements ensures proper curing of the epoxy. Stir thoroughly and scrap the walls of the container to achieve a complete mix.
Step 3: Resting time
Leave the mixture to rest for a few minutes. If you see air bubbles rising to the surface, address them using low heat conditions, preferably using a torch or heat gun.
Step 4: Apply the mixture
Pour the mixture onto the prepared wooden surface. Spread evenly over the surface using a brush. Be careful to avoid drips while working on a vertical surface and address air bubbles, if any arise.
Step 5: Curing time
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, give enough time for the epoxy to cure. After an initial drying period, it can take upto 72 hours to cure fully.
FAQs
Is epoxy resin suited for all types of wood?
Epoxy resin can be applied to most types of wood. However, the surfaces might require appropriate cleaning and preparation.
What should be the thickness of the epoxy finish on wood?
The thickness of the epoxy coating depends on the specific application. Generally, 3mm is a preferred thickness for most applications.
How can I address air bubbles in the epoxy mixture?
Mix the epoxy thoroughly and allow sufficient resting time before application. Consider using a heat gun or torch to get rid of air bubbles that might surface.
Is epoxy resin suitable for outdoor projects?
For outdoor projects, consider a UV-resistant epoxy mix to avoid yellowing due prolonged sunlight exposure. Also consider using an additional sealant since epoxy might not be enough for effective protection.
How can I repair or remove epoxy from wood?
Epoxy resin can be easily removed with rigorous sanding or scraping, or using chemical removers. Reapply a fresh coat for repair.
Can epoxy resin be tinted?
Epoxy resin can be tinted using different pigments or dyes for customisation and creation of unique designs.
Is epoxy resin food-safe for application on countertops or cutting boards?
Some epoxy resins are specially formulated for food safety once cured. Go for the ones that are explicitly labelled food-safe for this purpose.
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