Applying epoxy coating to a wooden tabletop!

Applying epoxy coating to wood gives a nice glossy appearance. Gaps and cracks are filled and the wood is protected from penetration of moisture and dirt. Ideally, the surrounding wood and screw holes are also treated. Especially if moisture plays a role, such as for countertops or a table used outdoors. (Parts) of wooden boats and boat panelling are also best treated all round. Do you want to apply epoxy to wood? Then go through the following steps:

• Step 1. Sanding the wood.
• Step 2. Masking cracks.
• Step 3. Applying epoxy coating to wood.
• Step 4. Sanding the epoxy coating.
• Step 5. Coating with epoxy.
• Step 6. Finishing.

Below are the requirements for epoxy coating a table:

Requirements for applying epoxy to wood:

• Sandpaper grit 180

• Transparent epoxy coating (1 kg per square metre)
• 1 roll of masking tape 
• 8 to 10 mixing cups 1350 ml
• 4 to 6 velour rollers
• Roller frame
• Disposable nitrile gloves
• 1 set of mixing spatulas 
• Scales 
• UV stabiliser for epoxy (optional)
• Acetone

Finish by polishing:

• Sandpaper 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500 and 2000 grit
• Polshing paste coarse and fine 
• Polishing towels or a polisher

Finish using DD Paint:

• Transparant DD Paint High gloss or Silk gloss
• Sandpaper 240 and 320 grit
• Auxiliary materials for DD Paint

Step 1. Sand the wood

The first step is to sand the wood. You sand the wood to remove loose fibres and sharp corners from the wood. This will make it easier to apply the epoxy coating to wood! Sand the wood with 150 grit sandpaper and clean the wood with acetone.

Step 2. Mask knots and cracks

If there are knots or cracks in the wood, it is wise to tape the knot or crack on the underside well with packing tape. Packing tape does not adhere to epoxy and is easy to remove later. Residual epoxy can be removed later with a triangle scraper or sandpaper.

Step 3. Apply epoxy coating

After the wood has been sanded and cleaned, we will apply a layer of epoxy coating. Make about 300 grams of epoxy per m2 of wood.Weigh both components well according to the correct ratio and mix using the 2-cup mixing method so that the epoxy is completely mixed.

After the epoxy resin is well mixed, apply it thinly with a velour roller. When doing this, start with the end edges of the wood. Then roll the entire surface with epoxy. Finally, do the end edges again and let the epoxy cure for at least 24 hours.

Step 4. Sand the epoxy layer

After the epoxy coating has cured, the entire wood, with the epoxy coating, is again sanded with 150 grit sandpaper. Because of the sanding, the wood will become dull but this effect will disappear again after another coat of epoxy coating on the tabletop.

Step 5. Coat with epoxy

Clean the wood again before applying another layer of transparent epoxy coating. Prepare a quantity of 250 grams of epoxy per square metre. Roll the wood with a velour roller. Then let the epoxy cure for about 6 to 12 hours until it just stops sticking, then make another 250 grams of epoxy and roll the wood again. This way, sufficient layer thickness is built up for good protection and a beautiful effect.

Step 6. Finish

To finish the wood and epoxy coating, there are two methods:

Finish with DD Paint

You can topcoat the epoxy with transparent high gloss, matt gloss or silk gloss DD Paint. Especially in outdoor applications, such as boats, garden tables, garden furniture, shutters or doors, we recommend applying 2 coats of DD Paint. This protects the epoxy and is scratch-resistant. Sand the epoxy with 240 grit paper and apply a coat of DD Paint. After curing, sand with 320 grit paper and apply a second coat.

Finish by polishing

Another option is to polish the epoxy. This is often done on flat surfaces such as tabletops. This involves sanding the epoxy, starting with 240 grit paper, in steps to 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500 and 2000 grit paper. You then polish the tabletop first with a coarse paste and then with a fine paste. The most effective way of polishing is with a polishing machine. The top in the photo has been sanded and polished.

More information on applying epoxy to wood?

In the article above, you could read how to apply epoxy to wood step by step. Do you still have questions about the products or the procedure after reading? Then contact our specialists! They will be happy to answer your questions via email, phone or live chat.