Undoubtedly, the clarity and flatness always play major roles in perfectly presenting the aesthetics of an epoxy table. This article will explain the epoxy resin pouring process in detail, so that we can understand how the bubbles and cracks are caused and how to avoid these issues during the process.

What is epoxy resin?

Epoxy resin, also known as synthetic resin is a highly versatile material widely used in modern design and furniture making. It is well recognized for its strong adhesion,heat resistance, mechanical strength, and excellent electrical insulation. One of the key reasons epoxy resin stands out is its remarkable thermal insulation,making it a preferred choice for crafting epoxy tables.

In the world of furniture,a wood epoxy resin table combines the natural beauty of solid wood with the crystal-clear elegance of resin, creating a unique piece that is both durable and artistic. Thanks to its versatility, epoxy resin transforms ordinary wood into stunning epoxy dining tables, epoxy river tables, and epoxy coffee tables, making it a perfect centerpiece for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

The pouring process of epoxy resin

An epoxy table is valued for its artistic beauty, crystal-clear texture, and unlimited design possibilities. The core of its production lies in the resin pouring process, which combines carpentry, chemistry, and craftsmanship. The process can be divided into below five essential stages:

 1. Design & Material Selection – Plan the style, colors, and function. Choose stable, fully dried wood such as walnut, oak, or camphor, and use deep-pouring epoxy resin to avoid bubbles or cracks.

2. Wood Preparation – Clean and sand the surface, reduce wood moisture below 10%, and seal cracks with special coatings to prevent resin leakage and bubbles.

3. Mold Making & Sealing – Build a sealed mold, apply mold release agent, and ensure no gaps to contain the epoxy resin.

4. Mixing & Pouring – Mix resin and curing agent by ratio, stir slowly, add pigments for color adjustment if needed, and allow bubbles to rise before pouring into the mold.

5. Curing & Finishing – Let the epoxy table cure for about 7 days in a stable environment.After releasing the mold, sand and polish the surface, then finish with wax or varnish for durability and shine.

 With precise control over each stage, the result is a high-quality epoxy resin table that blends natural wood with modern artistry.

How to choose from different epoxy resin?

Epoxy resin is widely used for both DIY and industrial projects thanks to its hardness and wear resistance. For making an epoxy table, it’s important to choose the right type of resin:

·Casting resin

Low viscosity with excellent fluidity, ideal for deep casting epoxy tables, mold filling,and thick pours (up to 2–5 cm or more). It cures evenly,reducing the risk of bubbles or cracks.

·Coating resin

Higher viscosity with less flow, perfect for epoxy table surfaces and floors. It forms a durable, glossy, and wear-resistant coating, and works well on vertical or angled surfaces.

By understanding the differences, you can select the best epoxy resin to achieve a strong, clear, and long-lasting epoxy table finish.

The bubbles issue caused in pouring epoxy resin

1. How the bubbles are caused?

The bubbles in epoxy resin table are mainly caused from following situations.

·Involved when stirring: the air will be involved in when mixing the resin and curing agent

·Wood respiration: the air and moisture in wood pores release and form to bubbles when heating

·Heating reaction: the one-time casting is too thick,the epoxy resin release too much heat when curing,resulting in bubbles inside

 2. The influences bubbles will bring

·Affect the appearance: make the resin turbid, fogging, producing voids or surface pinholes, losing the sense of transparency

·Weaken strength: Bubbles act like internal voids, reducing the structural strength and durability of the epoxy resin table.

 3. How to avoid the bubbles issue?

When making an epoxy resin table, bubbles are one of the most common problems affecting both appearance and durability. These bubbles are usually caused by air introduced during mixing, moisture escaping from wood pores, or excess heat from thick one-time pours.

To avoid bubbles:

·Dry the wood thoroughly (moisture <10%) and seal it with low-viscosity epoxy resin to prevent trapped air from escaping.

·Keep your working environment between 72–82°F, and warm the resin and hardener to reduce viscosity.

·Stir slowly with a flat paddle to minimize air involvement.

·Instead of thick pours, use a layered method (1–2 cm per layer).

·After pouring, lightly sweep a heat gun across the surface to release bubbles.

·Cure in a dust-free, stable, and vibration-free environment.

By following these steps, you can effectively reduce or even eliminate bubbles, ensuring your epoxy resin table stays crystal clear, smooth, and long-lasting.

The cracks issue caused in pouring epoxy resin

 1. How the cracks are caused?

The cracks are mainly from the internal stress of wood and resin during the combination process.

· Wood will absorb or release moisture with changes in ambient temperature and humidity, resulting in expansion and contraction. If the wood is not completely dried or the environment changes drastically in the later period, the shrinkage stress will cause the cracks of the wood and epoxy resin.

· If the resin part is poured too thick at one time, the heat generated by the curing reaction will accumulated rapidly, resulting in carbonizing and cracking of the resin due to overheating.

· Large areas of resin without adequate support from wood, their own weight and brittleness may cause cracking when subjected to external forces. Moreover, wood and resin are two completely different materials, and if the bonding surface will turn into a fragile area if it is not cleaned totally.

 2. The influences cracks will bring

· Penetrating cracks will seriously weaken the overall structural strength of the table, making it unable to withstand the load in normal use, and may even lead to breakage of the tabletop.

·Cracks can harbor dirt, moisture and bacteria, making them difficult to clean and affecting longevity. If the crack penetrates, the liquid can leak directly into the lower layer.

·Cracks can affect the aesthetics of the table and completely destroy the integrity and artistic value of the wood epoxy table.

 3. How to avoid the cracks issue?

·Materials: Always use stable, dry wood (moisture <10%) and deep-cast epoxy resin formulated for thick pours.

· Process: Use multi-layered pouring (max 2 cm per layer). Pour the next layer when the previous layer is jelly-like.

·Design reinforcement: For high-resin designs, embed carbon fiber cloth or add metal rods in weak areas. Ensure table legs and supports are properly designed to distribute weight evenly.

By carefully controlling materials, pouring methods, and design details, you can create a crystal-clear epoxy resin table that remains strong, durable, and crack-free for years.

Repairing the bubbles and cracks

 An epoxy table is known for its crystal-clear finish and durability, but small bubbles or cracks may appear due to pouring, curing conditions, or long-term use. With proper care and repair, you can bring back the flawless shine and extend the life of your epoxy resin table.

1. How to repair the bubbles in epoxy resin table?

We have different ways to deal with small bubbles groups and individual visible bubble.

·Micro-bubbles:
Use fine-grit sandpaper step by step to sand the tabletop, making sure each stage removes the scratches from the previous grit. Then polish with a polisher or paste to restore clarity. Finally, apply a liquid brightener to protect the epoxy table surface.

·Visible bubbles or pinholes:
First, clean the bubble hole with a brush or compressed air. Then use a toothpick or needle to drip in a small amount of epoxy resin, leaving it slightly higher than the table surface. Once cured, sand lightly and polish until the repaired area is flush and smooth with the rest of the epoxy resin table top.

2. How to repair the cracks in epoxy resin table?

Repairing cracks is more complicated and can be divided into below two situations.

·Wood cracks:
Clean out the debris inside the crack. If the gap is too narrow, slightly widen it for better resin flow. Seal the bottom with tape if it’s a through-crack. Then inject low-viscosity epoxy resin with a syringe, allow it to cure fully, and finish by sanding and polishing until it blends perfectly with the tabletop.

·Resin cracks:
Use a rotary tool to cut a small “V” groove along the crack to strengthen bonding. Clean thoroughly with alcohol and compressed air, then fill the groove with resin that matches the epoxy table top color or clarity. Remove new bubbles with a hot air gun. After curing, sand and polish until the surface is completely smooth and integrated.

Epoxy Table Pouring Tips: How to Get a Perfect Finish

 A better pouring effect of epoxy resin can be improved from below three stages.

1. Preparation Stage – The Foundation of Success

·Wood treatment: Ensure wood is fully dried (moisture <10%) and seal with a thin resin layer to block pores and prevent bubbles.

·Environment & materials: Keep workshop temperature at 72–82°F.If resin is too thick, warm agent A.

·Mixing resin: Weigh accurately by ratio, stir slowly for 3 minutes, then rest 3–5 minutes to release bubbles.

2. Pouring Stage – Precision Matters

·Slow pouring: Pour close to wood surface, let resin flow naturally.

·Layered pouring: For thickness >1.5 cm, pour in layers to prevent overheating and deep bubbles.

·Bubble removal: Use a heat gun or torch to quickly sweep and eliminate surface bubbles.

3. Final Stage – Patience Creates Perfection

·Curing: Allow natural curing in a dust-free, stable environment.

·Polishing: Sand gradually from coarse to fine, finish with polishing paste for a mirror-like epoxy table surface.

Common Misunderstandings & Tips for Epoxy Table Pouring

 Creating a stunning epoxy table needs half of science and half of patience. However, many beginners encounter problems that can easily be avoided. Below are the most common mistakes and practical tips to ensure your epoxy resin table turns out smooth, durable, and beautiful.

1. Pouring on Damp or Unsealed Wood

Wood must be fully dried and sealed before pouring. Moisture and trapped air will escape during curing, creating bubbles that ruin the epoxy table finish.

Tip: Always kiln-dry your wood and seal it before the resin pour.

2. Incorrect Resin-to-Hardener Ratio

Guessing or measuring by volume often leads to tacky, uncured resin. Accurate weighing ensures the chemical reaction works properly, giving your epoxy resin table a hard, crystal-clear surface.

Tip: Use a digital scale and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 3. Pouring Resin Too Thick at Once

A single thick pour generates excess heat, causing yellowing, cracks, or warped surfaces. Bubbles also get trapped inside.

Tip: Pour in thin layers to achieve depth and clarity in your epoxy table design.

 4. Using an Open Flame for Bubbles

Using lighters or torches risks burning the surface. A heat gun distributes heat evenly and safely removes surface bubbles.

Tip: Stick to a heat gun for a flawless epoxy resin finish.

 5. Ignoring the Working Environment

Dust, cold, or excessive heat will compromise the curing process, leaving imperfections in your epoxy resin table.

Tip: Work in a clean, stable environment with controlled temperature.

 6. Sanding Before Full Cure

Rushing to sand too early can warp the table or create gummy scratches.

Tip: Allow the resin to cure completely before sanding and polishing your epoxy table top.

The secret to a professional-grade epoxy table lies in careful preparation, precise mixing, and patience during curing. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can craft an epoxy resin table that’s not only functional but also a centerpiece of art.

Conclusions

 Mastering the right epoxy resin pouring techniques and practicing proper care&maintenance will keep your epoxy table free from bubbles and cracks, ensuring it remains durable, glossy, and unique for years to come. Whether you’re building a custom epoxy resin table or looking to improve your existing wood and resin table, start today and let every detail showcase true craftsmanship.