How to Work with Wood and Resin: A Step-by-Step Guide

Under the right conditions, epoxy resin can showcase wood and its natural appearance in a fresh, modern way. Epoxy resin offers various possibilities for optimizing the aesthetic and functional benefits of wood. Whether you want to seal wooden surfaces or fill gaps in the wood, epoxy resin can protect the wood against moisture and enhance its resistance to mechanical stress.

Applications of Epoxy Resin for Wood

Here are some possible examples of epoxy resin applications for wood:

Furniture: Create furniture with elements or complete parts made of epoxy resin.
Kitchen Covers: Use epoxy resin to create covers for the kitchen area.
Wooden Floor Coatings: Apply epoxy resin as a coating for wooden floors.
Tabletops: Design tabletops for dining tables, desks, or living room tables using epoxy resin.
Cutting Boards: Make cutting boards for use in the kitchen.

To achieve a high-quality end product, it's essential to consider not only the materials used and a careful approach but also the working environment. Ideally, you should have a spacious, dust-free, and dry workspace. Additionally, the materials should be stored in the same environment where they will be used to ensure they have the same temperature and avoid undesirable reactions due to temperature differences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To ensure optimal bonding between epoxy resin and wood, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the Wood Surface

Clean the wood surface thoroughly, removing any residues or impurities like grease, oil, wax, or similar substances.
Ensure the wood surface has a moisture content of less than 12%. Use a wood moisture meter to measure the moisture level, or dry the surface with a heat gun or hairdryer.
If working with oily woods like teak or olive wood, degrease the surface chemically using acetone to improve adhesion.

2. Sand the Wood Surface

Remove any dust created by sanding using a vacuum cleaner or hand brush.
Moisten a lint-free cotton cloth with a suitable solvent and gently wipe the surface to remove any remaining dust or contaminants.
Avoid touching the surface with bare hands to prevent contamination.

3. Apply a Barrier

Limit the flow area for the epoxy resin by applying a suitable barrier around the surface to be sealed. High-quality adhesive tape, such as Tuck Tape, is recommended for this purpose.
Ensure the barrier withstands the pressure of the liquid resin and can be easily removed later.
Level the prepared surface by placing wooden blocks or other aids underneath. Use a spirit level to achieve an even layer thickness of the epoxy coating.

4. Calculate the Resin Amount

To avoid wastage, calculate the exact amount of epoxy resin needed before starting the casting process.
Use Craft Resin's epoxy resin calculator for a quick and accurate estimation.
Always round up and mix a bit more resin than needed to prevent running out during work.

5. Mix Epoxy Resin and Hardener

Thoroughly mix the epoxy resin and hardener, ensuring a proper chemical bond without introducing too many air bubbles.
Consider adding special colors to the epoxy resin during the mixing process. Research the available materials and options before starting.
Craft Resin offers Mica Powders as one option for coloring the epoxy resin.

6. Pour and Distribute the Resin

Pour the epoxy resin mixture onto the wood surface in a spiral or zigzag shape, starting from the center.
Repeat the pouring process periodically to allow the resin to spread evenly.
Level the surface for a few minutes to achieve a smooth and even finish.

7. Remove Air Bubbles

After applying the epoxy resin, air bubbles may rise to the surface.
Use a heat gun to target and remove the air bubbles. Avoid heating a specific area for too long to prevent overheating the mixture.
Learn more about the exothermic reaction and its effects on the resin on Craft Resin's website.

8. Apply Additional Layers (Optional)

If desired or necessary, apply a second layer directly onto the first layer before it completely hardens.
This time window typically lasts up to 48 hours, ensuring optimal adhesion between the layers.
Sanding between layers is not required within this time frame.

9. Allow Curing Time

Let the epoxy resin cure for at least 24 hours to ensure it fully dries.
Cover the surface with a sufficiently large board to prevent contamination during the curing process.
The curing time may vary depending on the resin brand and the thickness of the cast layer. Refer to the packaging or resin brand for specific information.

10. Finish and Treat the Project

Once the resin is fully cured, demold your work and sand the entire piece if necessary.
Depending on the project, additional treatments may be required to ensure food safety or other desired finishes.
Conduct thorough research to find suitable finishing products available in your market.

Learn from the Experts

Craft Resin is currently developing courses to help enthusiasts learn from professional wood/resin artists. In the upcoming Wood/Resin Chopping Board course, you'll have the opportunity to learn the techniques and skills required to create this specific project. Stay tuned for the course release in a few months.

Working with wood and resin offers endless creative possibilities. By following these step-by-step instructions and taking the necessary precautions, you can create stunning pieces that showcase the natural beauty of wood while benefiting from the functional properties of epoxy resin.

For more information and to explore Craft Resin's range of epoxy resin products, visit their website.

How to work with wood and resin