How to make an epoxy table: manufacturing features
The interior design of a house or apartment is always given special attention. When designing the premises, every detail is taken into account: decoration materials, color accents, decorative, operational elements. An important role in creating a suitable environment is furniture. With its help, you can easily update the room, for example, to add creativity, to add a touch of luxury to the decoration, it is enough to install an epoxy table in the room.
Epoxy resin is a multicomponent chemical substance. These oligomers that contain epoxy groups form crosslinked polymers when mixed with a hardener. In its pure form, it looks like a clear liquid. It has many shades - from white to wine red. It was first developed in France by the chemist Pierre Castan in 1936, and in 1938 he filed the first patent application.
In a short time, the material has become popular. It began to be used in industry: aircraft, automotive, construction, in the production of electronics, electrical engineering, in other industries, including the space. In everyday life, raw materials are used for various purposes, crafts, jewelry are made from it, and used for the production and repair of furniture.
One of the main features of the substance is that in its pure form it is not used. Its properties are manifested after connection with a hardener, on the type of which such characteristics as strength, density, stiffness, elasticity depend. The components are mixed at room temperature, the proportions depend on the manufacturer, usually indicated in the instructions for use.
Cured resin is considered harmless, but in a liquid state it can cause serious harm to health, cause damage to the respiratory system, skin burns. When working with raw materials, personal protective equipment should be used: gloves, respirator, goggles, and overalls.
Advantages and disadvantages
The epoxy table impresses with its original, sophisticated look. The finished product is obtained by applying a synthetic substance to a wooden base. The demand for material in furniture production is explained not only by its aesthetic, but also by its practical characteristics.Among the main advantages of a dining, coffee table can be distinguished:
long service life;
resistance to mechanical damage;
good wear resistance;
moisture resistance;
high strength;
the exclusivity of each individual item;
when using various dyes, you can get any shade;
the ability to use different materials for decoration.
The disadvantages of furniture products include:
the cost of copyright works is quite high;
increased requirements for production technology, a small error leads to fatal defects;
in contact with fire, releases harmful substances.
To prevent the release of toxins, the kitchen table should be additionally covered with a layer of varnish.
Epoxy Guidelines
Working with the material is quite simple. For this, special skills and abilities, the availability of professional tools are not needed. The basic requirement is technology compliance. However, to prevent common mistakes, you should heed the advice and recommendations of specialists:
Strict observance of safety measures.
Mandatory use of personal protective equipment.
If a liquid substance enters the skin, the affected area of the body is immediately rubbed with alcohol and hands are washed.
If the epoxy accidentally gets into the eyes, areas of the mucous membrane, it is necessary to seek help from a medical facility.
It is recommended to cover the surface on which the work is carried out with plastic wrap. Plain paper does not protect the substrate from negative effects.
Do not work in a room with high humidity and air temperature less than +22 ° C, in this case, solidification will occur slowly.
Moisture is not allowed, either in the individual components or in the mixture.
So that the hardened resin does not turn yellow over time under the influence of sunlight, you can buy a substance that includes a UV filter.
It should be remembered that under the influence of low temperatures, the hardened material exfoliates.
In case of uneven mixing on the finished product after drying, spots may appear, not freezing places.
If after leveling in the mixture layer there are bubbles, then the surface needs to be warmed up a little with a building hairdryer, without stopping for a long time in one place.
How to choose a resin
For work using different types of epoxy. The choice of a particular brand depends on many factors. First of all, the budget allocated for these purposes is taken into account. Also important are parameters such as transparency, freezing period. Depending on the type of table, its thickness, the presence of decorative elements, choose a specific composition. Consider several common options:
ED-20. The only advantage is low cost. Experienced craftsmen do not recommend using it for furniture production. It has a high viscosity, after hardening, air bubbles are visible on the surface, over time, the transparent appearance is lost, the substance turns yellow.
EpoxyMaster. The composition is characterized by low viscosity. It allows you to work with large objects, fill one layer with a thickness of up to 5 cm. This variety has good fluidity, self-leveling, penetrates into inaccessible places.
QTP-1130. Transparent material, which is suitable for the manufacture of a writing table, coffee table, if the thickness of the fill does not exceed 3 mm.
PEO - 610KE. Under the influence of sunlight and heat does not lose its transparency.
Art Eco. Manufacturers produce a wide range of different colors. Filling is done only in thin layers. However, a yellowish tint may appear in the light.
CHS Epoxy 520. One of the most popular types used in the manufacture of tables. Allows you to fill decorative elements, such as coins, corks, herbariums.
How to cook
From epoxy, you can make not only a coffee table or desk, but also a kitchen worktop, a bar counter, a chair, a stool, and other items of furniture. Having decided on the type of future product, choosing the appropriate brand of chemical substance, the novice master always raises the question of how to make a solution with his own hands.
Typically, epoxy is sold complete with a hardener that initiates a chemical reaction. These two components must be mixed in the correct proportion. Each manufacturer has different parameters, so before starting work, you should read the instructions, perform all actions strictly on it.
To mix the components you will need two measured containers. First you need to measure the resin. If a color is used, it should be added and thoroughly mixed before the hardener is added, preheated to a temperature of + 30-35 ° C, but not more so as not to spoil the mixture.
Hardener is added to the prepared composition in the ratio specified by the manufacturer. The resulting material is slowly and thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass is formed. If there are bubbles, they are carefully blown out with a construction hairdryer. It is worth remembering that the finished mixture has a limited shelf life.
Density Features
One of the important characteristics of a material is its viscosity. Consistency affects the end result. The choice of density depends on many parameters, such as the decor used, the type of work performed. For some purposes, choose liquid formulations, for others - viscous. There are several states of matter, each of which is used for various purposes:
Liquid. The finished mass drains easily from the stick. The resin spreads well, penetrates into all inaccessible places, fills all cavities, recesses, corners, impregnates wood.
Semi-liquid. The consistency is more dense and viscous.Used for pouring round tabletops, if necessary, allows you to create decor.
Thick. Such a mixture is not suitable for pouring. It is used for restoration work, for the repair of vertical surfaces, as an adhesive.
Some craftsmen, in an attempt to save money, use chemical additives to increase their fluidity. For example, when a standard solvent for varnishes is added to the mixture in a volume of 5% of the total mass, the fluidity increases by 60%, however, the strength of the composition decreases by 35%.
A safer way to reduce viscosity is to heat the components. In this case, the components are heated individually at a temperature not exceeding 50 ° C. In some cases, on the contrary, it is necessary to make the substance more viscous. To do this, use special powder fillers, for example, wood flour.
Epoxy Methods
The material has unique characteristics, and finished products are obtained exclusive, impeccable. The substance allows you to create objects of almost any shape. The coating fixes decorative elements well: corks, coins, shells, stones. Using a variety of attachments, craftsmen create voluminous surfaces.
You can use epoxy in the manufacture of the table either as a restoration material, or as a main or integral part in the manufacture of a new product. In the second version, three main types of furniture can be distinguished:
From epoxy. It is made from a pure composition by pouring into a mold. May include decorative ornaments.
The tree and its derivatives, covered with a layer of the mixture. In this case, the chemical is used as a protective layer.
Combined. Wood fragments alternate with parts poured from resin.
Worktop without supporting surface
The design has no foundation, it is completely poured out of epoxy resin. It is characterized by a unique, spectacular look.It can be completely transparent, differ in interesting colors, include decorative elements. The shape of the subject depends on the experience and imagination of the master. The finished product is often decorated with LED, neon lights.
Even with self-production, the countertop is quite expensive. To fill it, it is necessary to build a formwork that will give the resin the intended shape of the object. To do this, use glass, which is very thoroughly cleaned and degreased. When assembling the formwork, special attention is paid to joints, the presence of cracks, and other defects.
After calculating the volume of the form, they begin to calculate the amount of substance necessary for the work. Based on the data obtained, prepare the mixture. Before pouring, the inner surfaces of the formwork are treated with a release agent that will not allow the epoxy to come into contact with the glass. Then pour the mixture, wait until it hardens.
Countertop made of resin and various supporting elements
In contrast to the previous version, in the manufacture of the product, the composition is poured onto the support base. It can be standard, telescopic, decorative. In the first case, the help is represented by a central rack, consists of four legs and a tsar. In the second - the height of the table is adjusted using special mechanisms. In the third, the most diverse and original designs are used.
If the table top is filled without using wood, made of pure epoxy, then the master faces a difficult question related to the installation of the cover on the supporting elements. For this, either special recesses are provided, which are formed at the stage of preparing the formwork, or make the supports and drawers part of the countertop, leading their upper parts into the prepared form.
After pouring epoxy resin, solidification of the substance, the whole structure becomes a single whole. However, it should be borne in mind that in its pure form, ES will not be able to withstand heavy loads.To increase the strength of the material, fiberglass is added to it. When attaching metal supports, it is possible to provide for the presence of metal plates with a welded pin inside the cover.
Wooden table with filling and epoxy
Wood furniture in itself has a very interesting and beautiful appearance, can become an adornment of any interior. But the flight of design thought is unlimited. The epoxy has unique properties that inspire craftsmen who use all the achievements of science in their work to create unrivaled products.
If you add decorative filling in the manufacture of the table, you get an exclusive product. Different materials are used as investments: marble chips, semiprecious stones, pebbles, vertices, shells, pieces of wood eaten by bark beetles. But true masterpieces are obtained using memorable souvenirs.
Original furniture can consist of a wide variety of attachments. It looks interesting products with 3D images, paintings. Experienced designers do not lose sight of such a structural element as legs. If metal supports are coated with paints based on polyester and epoxy resins, then wooden ones are additionally decorated.
Slab and resin table
In the production of unique furniture, slabs are used. These are longitudinal cuts that are made from a solid tree trunk. Most often, the plates are represented by oak, elm, poplar. Such cuts allow you to fully reveal the full potential of wood, its structure. Workpieces for work can be ordered and purchased at any sawmill.
In the manufacture of furniture, saw cuts of different sizes and shapes are used, their combination. The countertop can consist of either a single plate located in the center, or include two or more evenly distributed elements. The finished product will always have an original look, as the texture and pattern, as well as fingerprints, are unique and inimitable.
Massive tables, countertops, cabinets, bar counters, small coffee tables are made from slabs. To work with the material, you will need carpentry equipment and special skills. If there are none, then it is better to seek the help of specialists who will cut the wood to the required size.
Table "river"
In fact, this is a variation of the previous version. In this case, two slabs are laid in such a way that between them a space is formed that looks outwardly reminiscent of a river bed. Due to its characteristic appearance, the subject got its name. However, solid wood and various wood-based panels can also be used for work.
A blue epoxy is poured between the stacked elements, sometimes it is completely transparent, has a green tint. It all depends on the intention of the author. Some masters add phosphorus to the mixture, so the product glows at night. Also, artificial fish, driftwood, and other interesting elements are used as decor.
Self-made table technology
Work on the manufacture of parts and the collection of the table begins with the selection of suitable materials. Using the example of the next workshop, you can see how easy it is to make a small coffee table with your own hands. Having spent a minimum of improvised means and time, you can get real designer furniture.
Production of the supporting structure
One of the important stages in the work process. For the future table to be strong and stable, you will need to prepare two wooden circles of different diameters - one for the support, the second for the countertop. Their thickness should be at least 1 cm. The connecting element will be a plastic pipe. You will also need glue on an epoxy basis for fastening the rack, the resin itself for pouring, the furniture border. As a decorative filler, you can take any material as desired. Metal and beer caps will look original and stylish under the fill layer.
Now the design must be assembled.We put a smaller circle on the floor, mark the center and glue the pipe. On the seamy side of the lid we also determine the center, grease the place of attachment with glue and put the countertop on the upper end of the rack. The surface of the table is degreased and primed.
Formwork and filling preparation
First we do the first fitting - lay out a few covers along the edge of the countertop. This is necessary to accurately determine the thickness of the furniture tape. Decorative elements must be immersed in epoxy at least half their size. Having chosen a suitable pouring height, glue the tape and lay out the covers with the pattern up. This is the final layout, so you need to carefully consider the picture.
We smear the back side of each part with glue and lean it against the surface. It is necessary to work very carefully, since even the smallest smudge of the adhesive mixture will be visible through the transparent coating layer.
Resin Pouring Rules
The final and most important stage in the manufacture of a coffee table is epoxy resin casting. We begin to pour the prepared composition from the middle. It will spread on the surface itself, leveling off under its own weight. If the surface of the countertop is large, you can retreat a little from the center to the edges.
When the epoxy reaches the edges of the furniture tape, it must be carefully leveled with a spatula. In places of arising voids and irregularities add a little mixture. Puncture the resulting bubbles with a toothpick or eliminate with a hairdryer. Having finished the solution to the desired consistency, you can create various decorative elements. From a more viscous epoxy make drops, lenses, sculpt complementary elements. Then the surface is covered with polyethylene, left to dry completely for several hours. This will eliminate the formation of defects, dust.
Product Care
Resin correctly poured onto the countertop will create a perfectly smooth surface.To extend the quality characteristics, it is necessary to take care of the product and ensure timely care. It is necessary to completely exclude contact with high-temperature objects. You can not put on a table hot pots, boiled kettle. It is guaranteed to melt.
For cleaning, you can use soap detergents, sponges, soft rags. Aggressive mixtures with abrasive particles must be excluded. Upon contact with them, the surface becomes cloudy and loses its luster.
Conclusion
A table made of epoxy resin will decorate any interior and bring an element of luxury into it. It is not necessary to purchase a new product, with the help of the material you can give a second life to old furniture. To work with the substance does not require special skills, the main thing is to follow safety precautions, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, take into account the recommendations of specialists.
The interior design of a house or apartment is always given special attention. When designing the premises, every detail is taken into account: decoration materials, color accents, decorative, operational elements. An important role in creating a suitable environment is furniture. With its help, you can easily update the room, for example, to add creativity, to add a touch of luxury to the decoration, it is enough to install an epoxy table in the room.
Content
Material Features
Epoxy resin is a multicomponent chemical substance. These oligomers that contain epoxy groups form crosslinked polymers when mixed with a hardener. In its pure form, it looks like a clear liquid. It has many shades - from white to wine red. It was first developed in France by the chemist Pierre Castan in 1936, and in 1938 he filed the first patent application.
In a short time, the material has become popular. It began to be used in industry: aircraft, automotive, construction, in the production of electronics, electrical engineering, in other industries, including the space. In everyday life, raw materials are used for various purposes, crafts, jewelry are made from it, and used for the production and repair of furniture.
One of the main features of the substance is that in its pure form it is not used. Its properties are manifested after connection with a hardener, on the type of which such characteristics as strength, density, stiffness, elasticity depend. The components are mixed at room temperature, the proportions depend on the manufacturer, usually indicated in the instructions for use.
Advantages and disadvantages
The epoxy table impresses with its original, sophisticated look. The finished product is obtained by applying a synthetic substance to a wooden base. The demand for material in furniture production is explained not only by its aesthetic, but also by its practical characteristics.Among the main advantages of a dining, coffee table can be distinguished:
The disadvantages of furniture products include:
Epoxy Guidelines
Working with the material is quite simple. For this, special skills and abilities, the availability of professional tools are not needed. The basic requirement is technology compliance. However, to prevent common mistakes, you should heed the advice and recommendations of specialists:
How to choose a resin
For work using different types of epoxy. The choice of a particular brand depends on many factors. First of all, the budget allocated for these purposes is taken into account. Also important are parameters such as transparency, freezing period. Depending on the type of table, its thickness, the presence of decorative elements, choose a specific composition. Consider several common options:
How to cook
From epoxy, you can make not only a coffee table or desk, but also a kitchen worktop, a bar counter, a chair, a stool, and other items of furniture. Having decided on the type of future product, choosing the appropriate brand of chemical substance, the novice master always raises the question of how to make a solution with his own hands.
Typically, epoxy is sold complete with a hardener that initiates a chemical reaction. These two components must be mixed in the correct proportion. Each manufacturer has different parameters, so before starting work, you should read the instructions, perform all actions strictly on it.
To mix the components you will need two measured containers. First you need to measure the resin. If a color is used, it should be added and thoroughly mixed before the hardener is added, preheated to a temperature of + 30-35 ° C, but not more so as not to spoil the mixture.
Hardener is added to the prepared composition in the ratio specified by the manufacturer. The resulting material is slowly and thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass is formed. If there are bubbles, they are carefully blown out with a construction hairdryer. It is worth remembering that the finished mixture has a limited shelf life.
Density Features
One of the important characteristics of a material is its viscosity. Consistency affects the end result. The choice of density depends on many parameters, such as the decor used, the type of work performed. For some purposes, choose liquid formulations, for others - viscous. There are several states of matter, each of which is used for various purposes:
Some craftsmen, in an attempt to save money, use chemical additives to increase their fluidity. For example, when a standard solvent for varnishes is added to the mixture in a volume of 5% of the total mass, the fluidity increases by 60%, however, the strength of the composition decreases by 35%.
A safer way to reduce viscosity is to heat the components. In this case, the components are heated individually at a temperature not exceeding 50 ° C. In some cases, on the contrary, it is necessary to make the substance more viscous. To do this, use special powder fillers, for example, wood flour.
Epoxy Methods
The material has unique characteristics, and finished products are obtained exclusive, impeccable. The substance allows you to create objects of almost any shape. The coating fixes decorative elements well: corks, coins, shells, stones. Using a variety of attachments, craftsmen create voluminous surfaces.
You can use epoxy in the manufacture of the table either as a restoration material, or as a main or integral part in the manufacture of a new product. In the second version, three main types of furniture can be distinguished:
Worktop without supporting surface
The design has no foundation, it is completely poured out of epoxy resin. It is characterized by a unique, spectacular look.It can be completely transparent, differ in interesting colors, include decorative elements. The shape of the subject depends on the experience and imagination of the master. The finished product is often decorated with LED, neon lights.
Even with self-production, the countertop is quite expensive. To fill it, it is necessary to build a formwork that will give the resin the intended shape of the object. To do this, use glass, which is very thoroughly cleaned and degreased. When assembling the formwork, special attention is paid to joints, the presence of cracks, and other defects.
After calculating the volume of the form, they begin to calculate the amount of substance necessary for the work. Based on the data obtained, prepare the mixture. Before pouring, the inner surfaces of the formwork are treated with a release agent that will not allow the epoxy to come into contact with the glass. Then pour the mixture, wait until it hardens.
Countertop made of resin and various supporting elements
In contrast to the previous version, in the manufacture of the product, the composition is poured onto the support base. It can be standard, telescopic, decorative. In the first case, the help is represented by a central rack, consists of four legs and a tsar. In the second - the height of the table is adjusted using special mechanisms. In the third, the most diverse and original designs are used.
If the table top is filled without using wood, made of pure epoxy, then the master faces a difficult question related to the installation of the cover on the supporting elements. For this, either special recesses are provided, which are formed at the stage of preparing the formwork, or make the supports and drawers part of the countertop, leading their upper parts into the prepared form.
After pouring epoxy resin, solidification of the substance, the whole structure becomes a single whole. However, it should be borne in mind that in its pure form, ES will not be able to withstand heavy loads.To increase the strength of the material, fiberglass is added to it. When attaching metal supports, it is possible to provide for the presence of metal plates with a welded pin inside the cover.
Wooden table with filling and epoxy
Wood furniture in itself has a very interesting and beautiful appearance, can become an adornment of any interior. But the flight of design thought is unlimited. The epoxy has unique properties that inspire craftsmen who use all the achievements of science in their work to create unrivaled products.
If you add decorative filling in the manufacture of the table, you get an exclusive product. Different materials are used as investments: marble chips, semiprecious stones, pebbles, vertices, shells, pieces of wood eaten by bark beetles. But true masterpieces are obtained using memorable souvenirs.
Original furniture can consist of a wide variety of attachments. It looks interesting products with 3D images, paintings. Experienced designers do not lose sight of such a structural element as legs. If metal supports are coated with paints based on polyester and epoxy resins, then wooden ones are additionally decorated.
Slab and resin table
In the production of unique furniture, slabs are used. These are longitudinal cuts that are made from a solid tree trunk. Most often, the plates are represented by oak, elm, poplar. Such cuts allow you to fully reveal the full potential of wood, its structure. Workpieces for work can be ordered and purchased at any sawmill.
In the manufacture of furniture, saw cuts of different sizes and shapes are used, their combination. The countertop can consist of either a single plate located in the center, or include two or more evenly distributed elements. The finished product will always have an original look, as the texture and pattern, as well as fingerprints, are unique and inimitable.
Massive tables, countertops, cabinets, bar counters, small coffee tables are made from slabs. To work with the material, you will need carpentry equipment and special skills. If there are none, then it is better to seek the help of specialists who will cut the wood to the required size.
Table "river"
In fact, this is a variation of the previous version. In this case, two slabs are laid in such a way that between them a space is formed that looks outwardly reminiscent of a river bed. Due to its characteristic appearance, the subject got its name. However, solid wood and various wood-based panels can also be used for work.
A blue epoxy is poured between the stacked elements, sometimes it is completely transparent, has a green tint. It all depends on the intention of the author. Some masters add phosphorus to the mixture, so the product glows at night. Also, artificial fish, driftwood, and other interesting elements are used as decor.
Self-made table technology
Work on the manufacture of parts and the collection of the table begins with the selection of suitable materials. Using the example of the next workshop, you can see how easy it is to make a small coffee table with your own hands. Having spent a minimum of improvised means and time, you can get real designer furniture.
Production of the supporting structure
One of the important stages in the work process. For the future table to be strong and stable, you will need to prepare two wooden circles of different diameters - one for the support, the second for the countertop. Their thickness should be at least 1 cm. The connecting element will be a plastic pipe. You will also need glue on an epoxy basis for fastening the rack, the resin itself for pouring, the furniture border. As a decorative filler, you can take any material as desired. Metal and beer caps will look original and stylish under the fill layer.
Now the design must be assembled.We put a smaller circle on the floor, mark the center and glue the pipe. On the seamy side of the lid we also determine the center, grease the place of attachment with glue and put the countertop on the upper end of the rack. The surface of the table is degreased and primed.
Formwork and filling preparation
First we do the first fitting - lay out a few covers along the edge of the countertop. This is necessary to accurately determine the thickness of the furniture tape. Decorative elements must be immersed in epoxy at least half their size. Having chosen a suitable pouring height, glue the tape and lay out the covers with the pattern up. This is the final layout, so you need to carefully consider the picture.
We smear the back side of each part with glue and lean it against the surface. It is necessary to work very carefully, since even the smallest smudge of the adhesive mixture will be visible through the transparent coating layer.
Resin Pouring Rules
The final and most important stage in the manufacture of a coffee table is epoxy resin casting. We begin to pour the prepared composition from the middle. It will spread on the surface itself, leveling off under its own weight. If the surface of the countertop is large, you can retreat a little from the center to the edges.
When the epoxy reaches the edges of the furniture tape, it must be carefully leveled with a spatula. In places of arising voids and irregularities add a little mixture. Puncture the resulting bubbles with a toothpick or eliminate with a hairdryer. Having finished the solution to the desired consistency, you can create various decorative elements. From a more viscous epoxy make drops, lenses, sculpt complementary elements. Then the surface is covered with polyethylene, left to dry completely for several hours. This will eliminate the formation of defects, dust.
Product Care
Resin correctly poured onto the countertop will create a perfectly smooth surface.To extend the quality characteristics, it is necessary to take care of the product and ensure timely care. It is necessary to completely exclude contact with high-temperature objects. You can not put on a table hot pots, boiled kettle. It is guaranteed to melt.
For cleaning, you can use soap detergents, sponges, soft rags. Aggressive mixtures with abrasive particles must be excluded. Upon contact with them, the surface becomes cloudy and loses its luster.
Conclusion
A table made of epoxy resin will decorate any interior and bring an element of luxury into it. It is not necessary to purchase a new product, with the help of the material you can give a second life to old furniture. To work with the substance does not require special skills, the main thing is to follow safety precautions, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, take into account the recommendations of specialists.