How to create a clear, high-gloss table top

Annette DiOrio
  • Updated

This project is great for beginners, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never used epoxy before. Just follow these simple steps to create your own crystal clear, high gloss table top with TotalBoat TableTop Epoxy.

What You’ll Need:

STEP 1 – LEVEL YOUR TABLE TOP

  • TotalBoat TableTop Epoxy is self-leveling, but make sure your table is level before you start.
  • To catch drips, cover your work area with plastic sheeting.
  

STEP 2 – CLEAN & SAND THE TOP

  • It’s important to remove contaminants so your epoxy will stick properly.
  • Use a clean rag wetted with acetone to wipe the surface, then let it dry.
  • Sand with 120-grit sandpaper, vacuum up the dust, then wipe again with acetone.

STEP 3 – (OPTIONAL) ATTACH A DECORATIVE ITEM

  • Optional, attach a laminated image securely to the top. For this project, we used a coated, adhesive-backed chart.
  • Be sure the item is attached securely before applying the first flood coat.

STEP 4 – MEASURE & MIX EPOXY & HARDENER

  • Dispense 1 part resin to 1 part hardener (by volume) into a clean mixing cup & stir to combine completely.
  • Pour into a second clean mixing cup and stir again to mix thoroughly.

STEP 5 – APPLY A THIN SEAL COAT

  • Pour a thin seal coat to seal the surface and provide maximum adhesion for the flood coat coming next.
  • Use an epoxy spreader or heat gun to distribute the mixed epoxy evenly.

STEP 6 – SAND THE SEAL COAT

  • Give the seal coat time to cure — wait 24 hours before sanding.
  • Sand lightly with 120 grit, then solvent wipe with acetone and let it dry.

STEP 7 – TAPE THE EDGES TO MAKE A DAM

  • Apply clear tape around edges, leaving at least a 1" rim to form a dam.
  • Add extra tape at the corners for reinforcement.

STEP 8 – APPLY THE FIRST FLOOD COAT

  • Mix enough epoxy to pour a flood coat layer no more than 1/4" thick.
  • Pour slowly and spread with a resin spreader. To remove any bubbles, wave the heat gun quickly back and forth above the surface. Be careful not to burn the surface.

STEP 9 – (OPTIONAL) APPLY MORE FLOOD COATS

  • If you want to add more flood coats, wait 4-8 hours between each coat.
  • Again, each coat should be no thicker than 1/4".

STEP 10 – REMOVE THE TAPE AND APPLY THE FINAL FLOOD COAT

  • Remove the tape carefully, use 120 grit to sand down any rough edges, and solvent wipe with acetone.
  • Pour mixed epoxy for the final flood coat and spread with an epoxy spreader.
  • Wait two days for the epoxy to cure, then sand or chisel off any drips under the table, on the edge.
STAND BACK AND ADMIRE YOUR MASTERPIECE!

 

 Want to Add a Little Color to Your Epoxy?

It’s easy to add color to your mixed epoxy using colorants, such as Black Diamond Mica Powder Pigments, which were used in the gorgeous sushi bar counter top shown here. These powder pigments, plus other epoxy safe coloring agents are in the TotalBoat Epoxy Pigments Project Kit.

Related articles

Comments

0 comments

Please sign in to leave a comment.