When it comes to epoxy table top projects, knowing which resin type you need is only a small part of getting the best epoxy for the job. With so many options these days, navigating the epoxy resin market can be especially challenging. Not only are there many different types of epoxy resin, each designed for specific applications, but there's also a recent glut of substandard epoxy resins flooding the market. These low-grade resins typically contain subpar ingredients or fillers, or are otherwise compromised in some way to reduce production costs.

As a result, many aspiring epoxy users don't know where to start with their table top projects. In this Primaloc Answers guide, we'll explain how to choose the right resin for various types of table top projects, so you can make an informed decision for your epoxy table top project.

What Is the Best Epoxy to Use for a Table Top?

There are several common types of epoxy table top projects, and the epoxy you should use is affected by what you're trying to achieve.

Here's a list of common epoxy table top projects:

• Standard Tables: Any typical table top surface given a conventional epoxy coating as a finish.
• River Tables: This is a table top that has at least one epoxy river vein nested within the substrate (typically wood).
• Embedment Table Tops: Any kind of table top featuring embedments within an epoxy finish.
• Layered Epoxy Tables: An epoxy table top with distinct resin layering. These often incorporate pigments or dyes.

Below, we'll go over each one.

Table Top #1: Standard Epoxy Table Tops

The standard epoxy table top is the most iconic of the bunch. This relatively simple project is typically achieved with a conventional dining table, involving just a few steps:

• Applying a seal coat of epoxy.
• Applying a flood coat.
• Removing any air bubbles that arise.
• Then finally allowing the entire setup to cure.

For these types of tables, our Primaloc Table Top Epoxy is the ideal choice. This premium epoxy has superb marks for durability and longevity, making it the best finish for a lasting impact.

It's also highly compatible with colorants, which means you can mix in vibrant hues to create shimmering effects, or you can opt to leave it clear for a sleek, glasslike finish that underscores its robustness.

Table Top #2: Epoxy River Tables

Epoxy rivers tables set themselves apart from the rest by featuring one or more epoxy "river" veins. These veins are created by pouring a thick layer of epoxy into a channel or void in the substrate, often running the length of the table. A common design involves placing two large slabs of live-edge wood apart, with the space between filled with epoxy, effectively binding the slabs together.

For crafting a river table, you might typically use two types of epoxy resins: deep pour epoxy for the river vein and table top epoxy for the final surface coat. However, it's possible to complete the project with just one type if you value simplicity over durability.

The primary choice for the river is deep pour epoxy. This epoxy is highly receptive to colorful pigments which can be used to imbue the resin with neutral tones or vibrant hues. Our Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy is ideal for this layer due to its depth and versatility. To enhance durability and longevity, applying a topcoat of our Primaloc Table Top Epoxy over the entire river table is recommended.

Explore more about our Deep Pour Epoxy here.

Table Top #3: Embedment Table Tops

When planning an epoxy table top project, one optional aspect is the use of embedments in the epoxy finish. This involves adhering small items to the substrate surface then fully coating the substrate and those items with epoxy resin to seal them.

Either type of Primaloc Epoxy may be applicable here. For instance, thin embedments like pennies, photos, bottle caps, and other tiny objects can be coated with Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy to achieve a clear, smooth finish.

On the other hand, for larger objects, such as small rocks, marbles, mementos of some sort, etc., our Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy may be the right call, due to its support of much deeper epoxy layers (up to 2 inches).

A Great Way to Customize Your Finish

The level of customization afforded by epoxy has given users a lot of room for self expression. Here are some of the reasons given for object embedments:

• Personalization and Creativity: Because epoxy resin is clear like glass when cured, it makes an excellent medium for showcasing objects. Many creators take this opportunity to embed personal or decorative items like photographs, keepsakes, coins, or natural elements like leaves and stones to create a unique piece of art that reflects their personality or tells a story.
  
  
• Aesthetic Appeal: Aesthetic appeal is also a common focus. Colorful pebbles, vibrant pigments, glitter, and even LED lights can be added to create dynamic, eye-catching designs that draw attention and serve as central points in design. .
  
  
• Enhanced Texture and Depth: Objects within the epoxy add a three-dimensional depth that can’t be achieved with flat surfaces. This depth enhances the visual experience of the furniture, making it not just a functional item but also a work of art.

This kind of table top is viable with almost any kind of object. The main considerations are the size of the objects and, if you plan to exceed the typical thickness of a table top epoxy, the use of a deep pour epoxy.

Table Top #4: Layered Epoxy Tables

Our final table top concept is the layered epoxy table, which can be crafted using either type of epoxy, depending on your chosen theme.

To plan out a layered epoxy table, you'll want to decide on a theme first, then build upon it using multiple layers of tinted epoxy—often enhanced with pigments or dyes. Embedments can also be placed for further adornment.

A popular example is the ocean-themed table, which layers various shades of blue epoxy to mimic the appearance of sea waves, often embellished with sand and seashells to evoke a beachy ambiance.

While a layered epoxy table offers immense creative potential, be prepared for the additional time and effort required.

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.