Trial and Triumph: Lessons Learned from Applying Epoxy to a Weathered Spruce Farm Table

Introduction

Craving a unique addition to your homemade furniture? Look no further! Join us on this journey as we use epoxy to create an eye-catching piece of work. Our expert team, D's Epoxy Creates, has the pleasure of helping one Maker customize their handmade farm table with spruce corral boards that have been shaped by his horses' hooves! Let’s get crafting and show off our creative creation for all eyes to see.

I. Overview of D’s Epoxy Creates

D's Epoxy Creates is a leading epoxy-based company that provides professional craftsmanship, top-of-the-line products, and expert support. We specialize in creating custom projects with epoxy to help customers achieve the highest quality results.

II. The Project: Adding Epoxy to a Custom Table

For this project, D’s Epoxy Creates was commissioned to help a Home-owner (the Maker) add epoxy to their handmade farm table. The table was constructed using old spruce corral boards that were weathered and "contoured" by his horses. These boards were laid out side by side, framed with 45-degree corners, then glued and screwed to a plywood board. The Maker then belt-sanded the top of the table for a smooth finish.

III. Preparation Before Applying the Epoxy

A. Safety First

Before starting any project involving epoxy, make sure you practice proper safety protocols. Wear protective gear such as eye protection, long sleeves and pants, and nitrile gloves to protect yourself from any potential spills or splashes. Use a respirator to limit your exposure to the fumes that are released when epoxy is mixed and epoxy dust when sanding. Lastly, make sure you're working in a well-ventilated room.

B. Cleaning the Surface

To begin the process of adding epoxy to the custom table, it is important to make sure that the surface of the table is clean. This can be done by wiping down the surface with a damp cloth and then vacuuming all cracks, holes, and seams to remove any dust or debris.

C. Prepping for the Pour

Make sure to tape over all seams and holes (and in this case screw heads) on the bottom of the table. This will prevent any leaks.

WARNING: Epoxy will find the smallest of cracks and pinholes to leak through.

IV. Step-by-Step Guide on Filling in Voids with Epoxy

A. Mixing the Epoxy

Once all dust and debris have been removed, you can start mixing the epoxy according to the product's instructions. In general, this involves combining equal parts of a resin mixture with a hardener solution in order to create a solid bond that will fill in any gaps or voids between pieces of wood. We used ICE EPOXY'S ICE Thin, made for pours up to 1" deep.

ICE THIN - UV resistant (1"<)

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B. Applying the Mixture

Once the epoxy is mixed, you can use a fine-tip applicator or syringe to get into the narrowest cracks and larger voids can be filled by pouring from the mixing cup. Overfill just a little to account for any shrinkage that may occur when the mixture cures. In the video below you can see us on our second day of pouring.

C. Sanding

When the epoxy has cured (24 - 36 hours), you can start sanding the surface. Start with a 40-grit paper and work your way up to a 320-grit paper for a smooth finish. The spruce wood was a mixture of soft wood and hard knots making sanding somewhat tricky. When planning a project like this consider alternating the soft unblemished boards with the hard knotty boards.

D. Final Touches

To complete the project, we used Walrus Cutting Board Oil to treat the wood and polished it up with Walrus Wood Wax to make it look new again!

ICE WALRUS

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V. Project Challenges

The main challenge when working with epoxy and filling voids in a bespoke table is that the wood used here was spruce, which is a softwood. This meant extra care had to be taken when sanding the filled areas, as any over-sanding could damage the softer parts of the wood. Additionally, the boards used for the table were not flat on both sides, which meant that more epoxy was necessary in order to fill any voids as much of the epoxy disappeared between the board and plywood. It took 3 days and 182oz of epoxy to bring the epoxy level to the top of the boards.

VI. Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, anyone can successfully fill voids in a bespoke table with epoxy. The process is not as intimidating as it may seem and with the right tools and knowledge, great results can be achieved! D’s Epoxy Creates provides quality products and expert support to guarantee that your project will turn out exactly as you envisioned. Contact us today to get started on your dream project!

Spice Up Your Epoxy Projects with Mica Powders – But Read This First!

Introduction

Mica powders are a great way to add pizzazz to your epoxy projects. With their dazzling sparkles and rich textures, mica powders can give any project an eye-catching, unique finish. Whether you’re looking for a realistic marble countertop or some stunning glitter artwork, mica powders have got you covered.

But before you jump in and start experimenting with mica powders, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of using them. Read on to get the full scoop and make sure your epoxy project is a success!

What are mica powders?

Mica powders are finely milled minerals that come in a variety of colors and textures. They’re usually made from silicate minerals, like muscovite or phlogopite, which give them their shimmery appearance. Mica powders are used in a variety of industries, including cosmetics, paint, and paper production.

Metallic Powders

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Pros of Using Mica Powders

One of the main advantages of using mica powders in an epoxy project is their versatility. With so many colors, textures, and sizes to choose from, you’re sure to find a powder that suits your needs. Mica powders can also be mixed together to create unique color combinations and effects.

Mica powders can also be found in many everyday items, making them an interesting choice for adding color to your epoxy projects. From makeup to art supplies, mica powder is often included to add some sparkle or shimmer. So if you have any of these products lying around, you can upcycle them and use the mica powder in your project! Just be sure to check the ingredients list so you know what kind of mica powder is present, as some may not be suitable for epoxy projects.

Cons of Using Mica Powders

Mica powders don’t come cheap, and some of the more specialized mica powders can be expensive. Can be messy. Mica powders can be difficult to work with, as they’re very light and prone to flying around if not handled properly.

I always recommend that you wear gloves and a mask to keep yourself safe.

Tool Kit for Epoxy/Resin

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Tips for Using Mica Powders

When it comes to choosing the right type of mica powder for your epoxy project, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the overall effect you want to create. Different types of mica powders can create different effects, so make sure you choose one that will work with your desired outcome. You should also think about the desired texture. If you're looking for a more subtle effect, then you might want to opt for a finer mica powder. On the other hand, if you're trying to create a bolder look, then coarser powders are likely to be better suited.

Another thing to think about when using mica is the color. Different mica powders come in a variety of colors and shades, so make sure you choose the one that best suits your project. Finally, think carefully about the amount of sparkle you want to create – more glittery mica powders can be great for adding some extra shine, but too much may overwhelm the effect you're trying to create.

By taking the time to understand the different types of mica powders and their effects, you can ensure that your epoxy project turns out exactly as you envisioned!

Crystal Diamond Chameleon Glitter 0.2mm

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Conclusion

Mica powders are a great way to add color, sparkle, and texture to your epoxy projects. With their versatility, affordability, and everyday availability, it’s easy to see why so many people choose mica powder as the perfect finishing touch for their projects. Just remember to take the time to understand the different types of mica powders and their effects, so that your epoxy project turns out exactly as you imagined! With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, your project will be a success. So what are you waiting for? Give it a go and see the amazing results that mica powder can bring to your epoxy projects!

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Epoxy Flooring

Introduction

Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Epoxy Flooring – your comprehensive resource for keeping your epoxy floor looking great at all times. Whether you have just installed new epoxy flooring in your home or business, or you have been enjoying the benefits of this durable and stylish flooring material for many years, this guide will provide you with all the tips and techniques you need to clean your epoxy floor quickly and effectively. From removing everyday dirt and dust to tackling tough stains, we have everything you need to keep your epoxy floor looking its best at all times.

Sweeping

If you want to keep your epoxy flooring clean and free from dirt, sand, and other debris, then regular sweeping is key. You can use a soft-bristled broom or even a commercial dust mop to easily sweep up dirt, wood shavings, trash, and other elements that may accumulate on your floor.

Mopping

Cleaning your epoxy flooring can be done using a few simple tools and methods. One of the most popular options is to mop the floor with a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Simply add about 1/3 cup of dish soap to a bucket of water, then use this solution to clean your floors with a damp mop.

Microfiber Cloth or Mop Pad

Whether you have a garage or an industrial workspace, keeping your epoxy flooring clean and free of streaks and marks is essential for maintaining its appearance and longevity.

One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by using a microfiber cloth or mop pad when cleaning your epoxy floor. These specialized tools are designed to effectively remove dirt, dust, and other debris from your floor while ensuring that no streaks or marks are left behind.

To use a microfiber cloth or mop pad to clean your epoxy flooring, start by dampening the tool with a little bit of water or dish soap. Then simply sweep or mop your floor as you normally would, being sure to thoroughly remove any dirt or debris.

If you notice streaks or marks on your floor after cleaning it, you may need to rinse the mop pad or microfiber cloth and start over again. Repeat this process until your floor is completely clean and streak-free.

Always Rinse

Rinsing your epoxy flooring is an important step in keeping it clean and free from debris and dirt. Without rinsing, small particles of dirt and other materials can get stuck to the surface of your floor, potentially damaging its appearance or damaging the underlying material over time.

To properly rinse your epoxy flooring, you will need a bucket of clean water and a soft-bristled broom or mop. Begin by pouring some of the water onto your floor and using the broom or mop to gently agitate any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the surface. Be sure to rinse your floor with clean water as you go, and continue to sweep or mop until the floor is completely clean.

If you notice any particularly stubborn stains or dirt on your epoxy flooring, you may need to use a special cleaner to help remove them. There are many different types of cleaning solutions available for various types of floors, so be sure to choose one that is designed specifically for epoxy. Simply apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow it to sit on the floor for a few minutes before using your broom or mop to remove it.

Stains and Minor Spills

Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks you can use to effectively remove stains and clean up minor spills on your epoxy flooring. For example, if the stain is large or has been sitting for a while, you can mix a solution of ammonia and water to help lift it from the surface. Simply mop the affected area with this cleaning solution, then allow it to dry completely before resuming normal activity.

Another useful tip for cleaning up minor spills is to use a clean cloth or paper towel to quickly and effectively wipe the area dry. You can also try using a specialized floor cleaning product, such as a mop or scrubber that is specifically designed for epoxy floors.

Dos and Don'ts

1. When cleaning epoxy floors, there are several dos and don'ts to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to avoid using acid-based cleaners like vinegar or citrus, as these can damage the surface of the floor over time.

2. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners like Ajax or Comet. Instead, opt for milder cleaning products that are designed specifically for epoxy floors.

3. Use pads or other protective materials whenever possible. For example, placing a mouse pad under your motorcycle jack will help prevent damage to the surface of your flooring. Similarly, welcome mats and welding pads can also be useful in protecting your epoxy floor from everyday wear and tear.

4. Use hot water and a deck brush for removing any hazy films that may be left behind by winter road pre-treatment compounds or other substances. Additionally, you may find that simple rinsing with clean water and a squeegee can be enough to remove dirt and debris from your floor.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to maintain the clean and polished look of your epoxy flooring or simply need to address a specific stain or spill, there are a number of tips and tricks that can help. From avoiding acids and abrasive cleaners to using pads and specialized cleaning products, taking care of your epoxy floor is an easy task that can be done quickly and efficiently. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your epoxy flooring will look as good as new for years to come!