How to choose a resin for pouring countertops: useful tips, a review of popular brands
What is the best resin to use for pouring the table surface? To make a self-made epoxy table top look like a true work of art, it is worth considering some important nuances.
Epoxy resin table design.
Resin for pouring countertops: features
It is intended for the top board of a kitchen set with an epoxy grout – two-component, including resin and hardener. When solidified, the substance does not become smaller in volume, cracks do not appear, it perfectly masks minor irregularities. The material is resistant to moisture, there are no scratches on it, however, under the influence of high temperatures it becomes fusible.
The table with epoxy top is highly moisture resistant.
Advantages and disadvantages of the material
Pros of epoxy:
- The top board of the table, filled with epoxy, is not afraid of any damage, and it looks very impressive, especially if decoupage technique is used or similar to it.
- The dried material does not shrink.
- When the surface hardens, it becomes as flat as possible, like glass.
Epoxy resin table is resistant to external damage.
The epoxy-coated worktop is resistant to both aggressive cleaning agents and moisture.
Cons of epoxy:
- To perform a high-quality filling, it is necessary to strictly observe the proportions of the components..
- A sharp decrease in t leads to the appearance of white “flakes” in the fill, its deepest layers.
NOTE! It will not be difficult to eradicate the last flaw. To get rid of white flakes, warming up the table top to +60.
When pouring resin on the table, you must carefully follow all the steps for an effective result..
Varieties
Epoxy countertops come in the following variations:
- Made of resin-filled planks as a protective layer. The basis of the surface can be the following material: wood fiber boards, solid wood, OSB, etc. Often, the pouring of this part of the kitchen set is preceded by decoration (stencil painting, decoupage, print, shells, mosaics, etc. – everything that you like ).
- Completely made of epoxy, no support. This type is often found when performing surfaces for which significant loads are not planned: coffee or coffee tables.
- Combined – in this case, the filling material alternates with elements of another, usually wood.
Worktop with a combination of epoxy resin and wood.
Criterias of choice
The resin for pouring the table top must be transparent, and also have a sufficient lifespan, otherwise there is a risk of seeing firsthand how the “resin is boiling” or spending a very long time pouring in layers.
Resins, which are called basic, are not at all suitable in this situation, since they are thicker: air bubbles will not be able to escape. Also, base resins are not always more fragile and colorless. Moreover, hardeners used with such resins will not give a long-term mixture. This threatens both the boiling of the mixture and the deformation of the table during rapid hardening..
Base resins are not quite suitable for table pouring.
Choosing an epoxy resin
Epoxy is chosen based on what tasks you need to solve. That is, do you need the elasticity of the product or the convex lens, etc..
The material must:
- freeze slowly;
- have a low viscosity;
- be transparent;
- do not lose volume when pouring.
When choosing a resin, pay attention to the transparency of the material.
We calculate the amount of resin required for the manufacture of the table cover
To do this, remember the volume formula and multiply the desired table length and width by the fill thickness. For example: 210 * 15 * 4 (respectively) = 12600 cm3 or 12.6 kg of filling material. It is worth considering: the density of the resin is greater than the density of water K = 1.1. Therefore, the final result of the calculation will look like this: 12600 * 1.1 = 13860 kg of resin.
Fill the countertop
IMPORTANT! Carefully study the instructions for the purchased resin kit !!! This will help to avoid possible unpleasant surprises during the work..
Before you start pouring the table, you need to prepare all the necessary elements..
Prepare the mold or assemble the formwork. Make sure the frame / mold is sealed. Because even through the smallest crack, the entire future surface of the table can leak out. The slots are sealed with a special sealant, paraffin, thermal glue, and plasticine is also possible.
The framework / mold should now be treated with a release agent. Then – level up!
Step-by-step instruction
If it is required to tint the resin, then the introduction of the hardener into the resin must be preceded by the addition of the dye..
Stir thoroughly until smooth. To make the pigment disperse faster, the resin is heated to 40 C (in a water bath or by placing it near a radiator).
We mix the components, following all the instructions of the instructions. Stir along the edges of the walls and in the middle.
IMPORTANT! If the mixture is mixed, it will ruin your product.!
Now a thin layer of resin is poured onto the bottom of the mold and decorating elements are laid out.
Pour the prepared mixture into the mold. Can be poured at one time if the thickness of the poured is no more than 5 cm.
Pouring a wooden countertop with epoxy resin.
If the surface of the table is cast with a thickness of 6 cm or more, the filling is done in two layers, in 2 stages. While one layer hardens, it should take from one to two days..
ATTENTION! The resin is poured into one point, in a thin stream. You can pour on an inclined stick lowered into the form.
Installing the countertop
When the epoxy table top is made, it is placed on the frame. So that it is not required to make holes in the poured surface to install the legs, these locations are planned in advance and reinforced with small pieces of pipes of the required diameter. When the resin hardens, the pipes are pulled out, and the legs of the product are put in their place..
Original table design with transparent epoxy resin.
Helpful advice when choosing
So that over time the epoxy does not turn yellow under the influence of heat and sunlight, buy a product with a UV filter in the composition.
Base resins, structural resins are inappropriate, since they are thicker: this will not allow “expelling” all air bubbles.
Popular varieties of resin brands
When deciding which epoxy resin to choose for pouring the countertop, we suggest paying attention to the following brands:
“Art-Eco”
Most suitable for thin layers, especially when a sufficient amount of hardener is added. Among other things, this brand implies excellent colors that allow you to give any shade to the material..
Epoxy resin Art-eco.
QTP-1130
Suitable for making a transparent cover for a magazine or writing table, if the filling layer is no more than 3 mm. Such an epoxy is especially transparent and capable of leveling itself..
Crystal glass
Transparent resin, its distinguishing feature is its fluidity. This is ideal when creating small layers, as well as when working with various fillers (grass, wood fragments, coins, etc.).
“ED-20”
The resin is characterized by a low viscosity and demonstrates the maximum combination of advantages, is very common and in demand. Differs in an acceptable cost.
CHS Epoxy 520
Suitable for activities with complex fillings, it is the best and most demanded material for making a top board for a table. Therefore, if this important part of the kitchen set will be placed where the sun falls, it is worth paying attention to this option for making the countertop..
N3 -PEO-610KE
Over time, it does not turn yellow at all under heat exposure and direct sunlight.
Epoxy resin table in interior design.
Conclusion
Even a person who is not at all experienced in the art of carpentry is quite capable of making a table surface out of epoxy resin with his own hands..
Following the instructions, you can easily fill the table with epoxy resin without any problems.
The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions for making the fill, follow the procedure, as well as safety rules.
