Homemade Epoxy Table Tops

Giving an old table a new epoxy top is a great way to transform it into a work of art. Use epoxy to affix art, printed paper or small decorations to a table beneath a layer of sturdy, smooth and transparent material. Design and build your epoxy table top according to your own decorating style and personality.

Decorations

Before you make your table top, you'll need to choose decorative items to place beneath the layer of epoxy. Any flat image on paper or cloth makes for an ideal choice, whether you use a few large pieces or a collage of many small images. You could make a table top with a collection of family photos or children's drawings, or coat the table with old sheet music or comic drawings.

There are many small objects you can coat your table with other than flat drawings. Try dried flowers, small beads or confetti. If you have a favorite fabric with a texture or pattern you'd like to incorporate into your table, you might use this on its own or in conjunction with other objects.

Coating the Table

Before applying epoxy to the tabletop, it's a good idea to secure the decorations to the wood to ensure that they don't slide around or stick up when you're coating the epoxy layer over them. Use a thin glue, such as a solution of one part water and one part wood glue. This will give you a secure hold without adding too much thickness or texture to the table.

Epoxy Layer

Depending on how you plan to use your table, you may want to get a food-safe epoxy. These are available through companies who sell coatings for potable water systems and through some paint distributors. Be sure to get at least a small jar of epoxy rather than the small amount sold in handheld tubes.

If you want a thin layer of epoxy, brush the epoxy liquid over your decorative table items using a disposable paintbrush. For a thick, smooth tabletop, pour the epoxy on the table and let it settle, giving it only a little help with a paintbrush. For this method, get an epoxy with the longest setting time possible in order to give yourself the most time.

While the epoxy is setting and curing, make sure that your table is in a well ventilated area, preferably one with several windows open to the outside. For best results, use the most dust-free area possible and be sure to keep children and pets out of the room while the epoxy is curing. Do not touch it until it is fully cured according to the instructions on the package.