How to Repair a Resin Table Top
Some of the most beautiful tables made are with a resin table top. Resin is an epoxy polymer that can be poured in liquid form over objects and has the ability to fossilize things. This preservation permits onlookers to have a view of the objects caught in the resin. The most decorative tables these days are resin made with pretty objects inside.
The tabletops can sometimes get cracked or chipped or the surface might grow dull after a while. In such cases, the best bet is to make more epoxy polymer and pour it on top of the table to leave a final layer, which not only protects but also strengthens the resin base.
Things and Materials Required
- Leveler
- Canvas Cloth
- Mixing Rod
- Bucket
- Epoxy Resin
- Air Dryer
- Drill Machine
- Protective goggles
- UV Protection Laquer
Step1: Placing Cloth for Frame
The type of canvas cloth used should be very thick. The cloth should be placed carefully below the tabletop. This is to avoid spills, making the procedure less messy. No other material should be used to repair the tabletop but the described thick canvas cloth. Epoxy has the ability to dissolve plastic, so special caution should be used in not using any polymer product.
Step 2: Raising the Edges
In order for the epoxy to be poured on the top, the table should have raised edges. These edges can be made of metal bindings. There are also soft metal stripping available in the market. This can be attached to the sides of the table so that there’s a trough created to keep the epoxy standing in one place. This helps the liquid to dry out before it can pour and spill. In order to make the borders more liquid resistant, it is wise to seal the boundaries with varnish or such material. These seal off the crevices left by gaps.
Step 3: Using Small Objects
Small marbles or fibers can be used on the tabletop before pouring the epoxy. This blocks visibility, and damaged areas are harder to find. The resulting finish is neat and attractive. A good idea is to use family pictures to give it a homely affect. The pictures and any such light objects should always be fixed with the table surface. Being in liquid form, the epoxy resin causes objects to float or rearrange.
Step 4: Mixing the Resin
The epoxy resin should be mixed in the bucket with the help of a mixing rod. This has to be kept thin to bring fineness to the resulting product. Epoxy pouring for resin tabletops should always be done in steps. The first layer of resin should be poured on the tabletop and left to dry. This way, repeated layers of resin are poured one after the other. Ample time needs to be given to the resin to harden.
Step 5: Settling the Bubbles Formed on the Surface
The surface should be blown with a drier. This will make bubbles on the surface, if any, burst. The epoxy takes at least two weeks to dry out and harden. The best way is to let it cure with as much time as it requires.
Step 6: Sealing
The last step is to coat the newly made surface with a UV resistant coat. This should only be applied when the epoxy dries out completely.
