TableTop Epoxy Resin Kits

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What are the best uses for TableTop Epoxy?

  TableTop Epoxy is best for creating clear or pigmented, high-gloss coatings on tables, bar tops, counters, desks, coffee tables, and live-edge furniture. You can also use it for tumblers, embedded-object projects, mixed-media art, and small molds up to 1" deep using no more than 6 fl. oz. per pour. If this is your first time epoxying a table top, use our step-by-step guide for surface prep, seal coating, mixing, pouring, and finishing tips.
• Should I use a coating epoxy or a deep-pour epoxy for my project?

  Use TableTop Epoxy for high-gloss coatings on tables, bars, counters, and furniture up to 1/4" thick per layer. It can also be used for small castings up to 1" deep using no more than 6 fl. oz. of epoxy per pour. Choose a deep-pour epoxy for river tables, live-edge slabs, large molds, or projects that require greater depth or volume in a single pour. For a more detailed breakdown, use our selection guide to compare TotalBoat epoxy systems.
• What surfaces can TableTop be applied to?

  TableTop Epoxy is compatible with properly prepared wood, metal, concrete, stone, granite, ceramic, tile, glass, laminate, and other compatible surfaces. To prevent adhesion issues, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust, oil, wax, silicone, moisture, and other contaminants before applying epoxy. Always apply a seal coat before flood coating wood or another porous surface.
• How much epoxy do I need?

  The amount depends on the surface dimensions, coating thickness, edges, and whether the material requires a seal coat. Our simple epoxy calculator can use your project dimensions and desired thickness to help determine how much resin you'll need! Once you have your final estimate, the 1:1 mixing ratio by volume makes it easy to measure the right amount of Part A resin with Part B hardener. Our typical coverage at 1/4” thickness is 3 sq. ft. per mixed 2-Quart Kit; 6 sq. ft. per mixed Gallon Kit; and 12 sq. ft. per mixed 2-Gallon Kit.
• What tools do I need to apply TableTop Epoxy?

  We recommend a mix of PPE, mixing, and application tools to make your project easier and safer to complete. Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space when applying, or wear a respirator if in a confined space. Use plastic mixing cups with graduated scales for easy measuring and stir with mixing sticks. Pour into a silicone mold or directly on a properly prepared surface, then use a spreader or chip brush to evenly spread the flood coat. If dealing with edges, use masking tape to help prevent drips and reduce sanding needed. If you see bubbles in your layers after you pour, wait 10 minutes then use a heat gun or propane torch to pop away - just be careful not to overuse to prevent distortion.
• How thick can I pour this resin?

  For a traditional surface coating on table tops, bar counters, and countertops, you'll want to stay at or below 1/4" to prevent excessive heat and distortion as the epoxy cures. For small castings with 6 fl. oz. max of mixed epoxy, pour up to 1" in a silicone mold. For creating river tables or filling deeper molds, step-pour multiple 1/4″ layers until you get to the desired thickness. Allow each coat to cool and cure for at least 3 hours, then recoat and build up. For deeper coatings up to 1/2", use ThickSet Cast + Coat epoxy resin.
• How many coats do I need?

  The number of coats can be as many as you desire for the final thickness. If working with wood and other porous surfaces, always start with a thin seal coat to help prevent air bubbles, then apply a flood coat up to 1/4" thick. To build a thicker finish, apply additional flood coats, allowing at least 3 hours between coats.
• What are the working, recoat, minimum cure, and full-cure times?

  Apply and cure it between 65–80°F and 0–60% relative humidity for best results. The total working time will be about 40 minutes. To build up layers, the recoat time is at least 3 hours, where the epoxy is no longer tacky but does not need to be sanded to apply the next layer. For minimum use, wait 3-5 days, but save the heavy or day-to-day use to after the full cure at 5-7 days.
• Can TableTop Epoxy be sanded and polished?

  Yes -- TableTop Epoxy can typically be sanded after curing for 24 hours at 70°F. Sanding is not required between flood coats when applying each additional coat after the minimum 3-hour recoat time. To repair imperfections or prepare a fully cured surface for another finish, sand as directed in the TDS. Wait until the epoxy has cured for 5–7 days before wet-sanding and buffing it to a mirror-gloss finish.
• Does it cure clear, and can I add color?

  While some epoxies have an amber color after curing, TableTop epoxy cures blush-free to a clear, glassy, 100% waterproof finish with excellent scratch, stain, and yellowing resistance. For creative projects, our epoxy resin can be tinted with a variety of epoxy colorants, including mica powder, alcohol inks, and opaque liquid pigments to create different colors and effects.
• Can I use table top epoxy for molds or tumblers?

  Yes! While our table top epoxy resin is the best solution for traditional flat surface coating, the versatile formula can also be used in molds to create jewelry, coasters, dice, figurines, and other epoxy casting projects. You can also use on tumblers, glasses, pens, and other round objects to clear coat or create colorful effects - the creative possibilities are endless!
• Can it be used outdoors?

  With UV stabilizers and a slight blue tint in the formula, this product resists yellowing and discoloration from sunlight and can be used outdoors. For maximum protection against long-term or intense UV exposure, we recommend applying a compatible UV-blocking varnish over TableTop epoxy. And don't forget to sand the final cured layer with 320-grit before varnishing.
• Can I put hot pans or dishes on cured TableTop Epoxy? Is TableTop Epoxy safe to use in kitchens and dining areas?

  Once fully cured after 5-7 days, this epoxy resin can handle some heat but is not intended for high-heat applications. For best results, we highly recommend using trivets, coasters, and placemats before putting hot pans, plates, or cups on the surface to minimize risk for distortion. TableTop Epoxy is also waterproof, BPA-free, and safe for food-surface contact, making this a great epoxy to use in your home or restaurant. Do not use it on cutting boards or other surfaces where food will be cut or prepared directly because knives can damage the epoxy coating.
• How durable is it once fully cured?

  Using the Shore D hardness scale, our TableTop epoxy rates as an 82, meaning it cures to an extra-hard state to resist impact, scratches, and other damage from wear-and-tear.
• Does it have a strong odor?

  No - TableTop epoxy has a low-VOC epoxy formula that helps minimize strong odors while mixing and applying. As with any two-part epoxy, work in a well-ventilated area and wear proper PPE like a respirator if working in an enclosed space.
• What causes sticky or tacky spots? How can I fix them?

  Sticky or tacky spots are generally caused by inaccurate measuring, not mixing thoroughly, or by curing in cold temperatures. Try moving your piece to a warmer spot: if it doesn’t dry, remove epoxy and start over.
• Can TableTop Epoxy be used on floors?

  No -- TableTop Epoxy is designed for coating tables, bar tops, countertops, furniture, and similar surfaces. It is not formulated or recommended for floor applications.