Most epoxy projects will only need one type of epoxy, and there are two particularly common types: table top epoxy and deep pour epoxy. Each epoxy is designed for certain purposes, but can also be used as a general resin finish.

However, there are times when one epoxy is not enough to achieve an ideal outcome, typically due to some limitations that a second epoxy could address.

In cases like this, it's the solution is to use both the deep pour and the table top epoxy in the same project, putting each to use in ways that make the best of any unique features.

In this article, we'll explain why you might need to use both epoxies and how to identify such scenarios. We'll also talk about how to apply one epoxy type to another, informing you for any future epoxy projects you may have in mind.

Why Use Two Types of Epoxy?

The need to use both table top epoxy and deep pour epoxy in a project typically stems from a need for thick layers but also top-tier protection. The epoxies end up complementing each other.

Let's talk about what makes each unique.

Deep Pour Epoxy

A deep pour epoxy is one that is able to be poured in thick individual layers, which enables users to produce distinctive features such as the epoxy river vein of a river table. This is made possible by a low viscosity and cohesion, which allows the mixed epoxy resin to flow almost like water, conforming to the shape of a substrate.

Additionally, this low viscosity allows air within the pores of the substrate or the epoxy itself to escape through the watery epoxy with ease rather than becoming trapped as air bubbles. That's what makes the thick layers feasible.

However, as a downside to having a low-viscosity design, it loses some of its raw strength; thus, unlike table top epoxies, which are thick and strong, a deep pour epoxy cures to a less durable finish. It's still resilient, but with time may eventually shows signs of wear and tear in high-traffic environments or after consistent, rough usage.

To compensate for that, users can complement the deep pour epoxy with a table top epoxy, which we'll explain next.

Bar & Table Top Epoxy

A table top epoxy, in contrast to deep pour epoxy, is one that can only be poured in thin layers but cures to an incredibly strong transparent finish. This is the type of epoxy used in most epoxy projects, such as kitchen countertops, table tops of all sorts, and bar tops—commercial or otherwise.

In projects where table top epoxy and deep pour epoxy are used together, the table top epoxy is often applied first and last—first as a seal coat and last as a final topcoat.

What Is an Epoxy Seal Coat?

An epoxy seal coat is a thin, brushed-on coating of epoxy resin that is applied prior to any poured epoxy coatings. It's usually one of the first steps in an epoxy project and is intended to "seal" the pores of a substrate material like wood or granite.

Sealing a substrate does a couple of things. First, it creates an even stronger bonding surface for the flood coat or deep pour coat applied after. Second, as the epoxy seeps into the surface-level pores of the substrate, it pushes out the air within them. This air is able to escape through the ultra-thin layer and is released into the atmosphere. As a result, the final finish will have far fewer bubbles to remove prior to curing.

Seal coats are recommended for almost every epoxy project. Even if a substrate isn't considered particularly porous, it's still a good idea to seal what few pores, cracks, and crevices there, visible or otherwise.

For applying seal coats, it's recommended that table top epoxy be used, as its higher viscosity enables it to stay in place well when brushed onto uneven surfaces.

Table Top Epoxy Is Also More Durable

Among epoxy resins, a good table top epoxy is one of the strongest possible finishes available. Compared to deep pour epoxy, it will be more physically resilient, able to withstand heavy impacts, scratching, denting, and other types of potential damage that result from accidents or rough use.

That's why it's often chosen as a topcoat for a deep pour epoxy project. Not only does it self-level cleanly, making it easy to achieve that ultra-smooth final finish, but it also gives a durable, long-lasting seal over the substrate and deep pour layers.

When Should Table Top and Deep Pour Epoxy Be Used Together?

The combination of table top epoxy and deep pour epoxy in a project is typically employed in projects that will require a thick epoxy layer while also be able to handle heavy use in a high-traffic environment or in a location prone to accidents.

Examples of this are certain types of bar tops, river tables, and pure epoxy table tops, and various types of epoxy-coated seating.

Many users also elect to embed objects within their epoxy finish. Depending on the size of the object, a deep pour layer may be preferable or necessary to achieve a pristine coating free of imperfections. In such situations, a table top epoxy topcoat can be a nice way to top of the project with a transparent but extra strong finish.

Epoxy Coatings: Order of Application and Optimal Epoxy Types

There are three epoxy coating methods typically employed in projects. Not all are needed everytime, but they're all commonly used, depending on project needs.

Here is both the order of their application and the best epoxy to use for their application:

Coating #1: Epoxy Seal Coats

This type of coating is applied at the beginning of a project. It seals the substrate material to prepare it for a flood coat or deep pour coat.

The ideal epoxy for this is Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy.

Coating #2: Epoxy Deep Pour Coats

This type of coating is applied after a seal coat, but before a final flood coat. It allows users to create deep, thick epoxy layers quickly in a single go with much lower risk of air bubbles or other imperfections.

The ideal epoxy for deep pour coats is Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy.

Coating #3: Epoxy Flood Coats

This types of coating is applied near the end of the project. It's possible for a project to have multiple flood coat layers, depending on how thick the finish needs to be.

The ideal epoxy for flood coats is Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy.

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.