DIY epoxy has emerged as a relatively recent addition to the arts and crafts scene. Over the past two decades, the internet has played a remarkable role in boosting awareness of epoxy resin's excellent qualities as a sealant for table tops, bar tops, and countertops. However, many enthusiasts are still unaware of the full versatility that epoxy resin offers.

In this article, we'll highlight five pleasing types of epoxy table tops that can be created not solely by professionals but also by DIY users interested in working with epoxy.

What Are Epoxy Table Tops?

An epoxy table top refers to any table surface that has been sealed with a coating of epoxy resin. This treatment is often applied for both preservation and aesthetic enhancement.

The primary purpose of applying an epoxy coating to a table top is to shield the material underneath from various forms of damage. Wood, a popular choice for table tops, is durable and visually appealing but has vulnerabilities such as susceptibility to moisture, scratches, cracks, warping, and splitting. Epoxy serves as an effective sealant to prevent and reduce these types of damage, enhancing the table's durability and longevity.

Epoxy: A Sealant of Unmatched Performance

While there are numerous sealants available, each with its own merits for table tops, epoxy distinguishes itself as the most comprehensive and nearly impervious option. Offering a robust combination of cosmetic and functional benefits with minimal drawbacks, epoxy provides unmatched protection and versatility.

An epoxy-coated table top benefits from:

• Incredible Physical Protection: With an epoxy finish, concerns such as scratching, cracking, and denting are virtually eliminated in almost any conventional environment.
• Waterproof Exterior: Epoxy resin creates an impermeable barrier over the substrate, effectively preventing moisture damage and ensuring that water and other liquids cannot penetrate.
• Chemical Resistance: Epoxy is highly resistant to many chemicals that typically damage other sealants, providing a resilient protective surface.
• Low-Maintenance Requirements: Thanks to its smooth and durable composition, an epoxy table top is easy to maintain and keep clean.
• Extensive Lifespan: A high-quality epoxy finish can last for many years. Its receptive nature also allows for new layers to bond seamlessly with older finishes, facilitating easy refreshes when necessary.

Epoxy's remarkable properties make it the superior choice for anyone seeking a durable, attractive, and long-lasting sealant for their table top.

5 Stunning Epoxy Table Top Concepts

While many envision the classic epoxy table top as a standard dining table adorned with a simple coating, the possibilities extend far beyond this elegant but basic option.

Here are 5 diverse types of epoxy table tops that you can create yourself as a DIY project:

• Standard Epoxy Table Tops: The quintessential and simplest form. This classic version is where many beginners start, perfecting the basics of epoxy application.

• Epoxy River Tables: These feature a striking "river" of epoxy that flows through the middle of the table, often contrasting dramatically with the wood or other substrates on either side.

• Pure Epoxy Table Tops: Comprised entirely of epoxy, these tables offer complete customization. They allow for a variety of colors and effects, showcasing the versatility of epoxy beyond traditional uses.

• Ocean-Themed Table Tops: Typically utilizing blue and white pigments and techniques that mimic the motion of water, these table tops bring the serene beauty of the ocean into any room.

• Cork Table Tops (and Similar Projects): These innovative tops are created by embedding small objects like cork, coins, or bottle caps in epoxy, resulting in a unique, textured surface fully sealed by epoxy resin.

Below, we take a proper look at each type to examine their unique characteristics.

Table Type Concept #1: Standard Epoxy Table Tops

A standard epoxy table top usually involves a substrate, often solid wood, coated with a layer of epoxy resin. This resin is applied in a thin flood coat, typically about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, and then left to cure.

The resin often remains clear to provide a glass-like finish, enhancing the visual appeal of the table top. It can also be tinted with pigments for a subtle or vibrant color infusion. Standard epoxy table top design is versatile and can be employed in crafting dining tables, coffee tables, and end tables, ideal for areas requiring both durability and decorative flair.

The design focus for standard epoxy table tops is typically on simplicity and elegance, highlighting the natural beauty of the wood or other underlying materials.

For the best results, a high-quality table top epoxy like our Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy is recommended. This type of epoxy is self-leveling, highly durable, and crystal clear, ensuring a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Table Type Concept #2: Epoxy River Tables

Epoxy river tables offer a more complex and visually striking alternative to standard table tops, featuring distinctive epoxy "river" veins that create stunning visual effects.

These table tops are typically constructed from two parallel slabs of wood with a substantial layer of epoxy resin filling the gap between them. This central layer, known as the river vein, is often colored with powder pigments chosen according to the owner’s preference to enhance its visual impact.

After the river vein is in place and has had time to partially cure, the entire table is sealed with a final coat of table top epoxy to ensure durability and a flawless finish.

For constructing a river table, it is advisable to use two different types of epoxy: one for the river itself and another for the durable topcoat.

As such, we recommend:

• Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy for the topcoat, providing durability and a crystal-clear finish.
• Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy for the river vein, suitable for deeper pours and vibrant coloration.

Table Type Concept #3: Pure Epoxy Table Tops

The pure epoxy table is distinctive in that it involves minimal or no substrate, being constructed almost entirely from epoxy resin. This type of table often incorporates themes through the use of embedments or various colorants, creating unique and visually captivating designs.

Pure epoxy tables are among the rarest types of epoxy tables due to the considerable time and effort required to achieve a pristine, clear finish. Meticulous bubble removal is critical in crafting a flawless appearance for these table tops.

For creating pure epoxy table tops, it is recommended to use Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy. This epoxy is ideal for the thick layers (up to 2 inches per pour) needed for such projects which may necessitate multiple pours to reach the desired thickness and dimensions.

Table Type Concept #4: Ocean-Themed Table Tops

Next on our list is the ocean-themed epoxy table, which exemplifies the broader category of themed table tops. Among these, ocean themes are particularly popular.

Creating an ocean-themed epoxy table involves using tinted epoxy to mimic the look of water. A heat gun is commonly used to create the dynamic "motion" effect of waves. The visual potential of this design is vast, with the possibility of achieving uniquely beautiful patterns depending on how the epoxy is applied and manipulated.

Table Type Concept #5: Cork Tables Top (and Similar Projects)

One of the most delightful types of epoxy table tops is the cork table top, along with its various creative variations. This design involves the meticulous placement and adhesion of numerous corks to form an attractive pattern, which is then sealed within a thick layer of epoxy resin.

After the epoxy cures, the table is ready for use.

Popular variations of this concept include the epoxy bottle cap table top and the epoxy penny table top. However, virtually any small object can be embedded within these tables, provided it is reasonably sized. Examples of materials used include shells, pebbles, marbles, LEGO pieces, and even cartridges.

The choice of epoxy for these table tops depends on the specific design. Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy is typically preferred for its ability to support thicker layers, which is ideal for most embedded objects. However, for designs incorporating thinner items like coins, Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy might be more appropriate. This epoxy is better suited for projects requiring thinner layers which are feasible despite its high viscosity, ensuring a smooth and extra-durable finish.

Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results

With our premium Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our Deep Pour Epoxy, Primaloc gets the job done. Our epoxy resins are premium-grade, with high performance in every category, including:

• Unmatched Strength: A Primaloc finish won't buckle, even under high pressure.
• Long-Lasting Resilience: Primaloc epoxy lasts for many years with minimal care, and can endure high-traffic environments with ease.
• A Crystal-Clear Coating: With its pristine, transparent appearance, looking at a cured Primaloc coating is like peering through a window.

Epoxy resin can be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting—which is why you shouldn't compromise on quality. With Primaloc Epoxy Resin, you get the ultimate finish in durability and visual appeal.

Protect your surfaces by giving them a rock-solid epoxy finish. Choose strong. Choose reliable. Choose Primaloc.