Have you ever admired a stunning river table or a perfectly preserved wooden countertop and wondered how they achieved that incredible, glass-like finish? That magic often comes from epoxy resin. It seals, protects, and enhances the natural beauty of wood like nothing else can.
But diving into the world of epoxy can feel overwhelming. Do you need deep-pour or casting resin? How do you avoid frustrating bubbles? Choosing the wrong product can lead to sticky messes, cloudy finishes, or projects that simply don’t cure right. These pain points stop many woodworkers before they even start.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about epoxy for wood. You will learn the differences between various types, master the mixing process, and discover tips for achieving that flawless, professional shine every single time.
Ready to transform your next woodworking project from ordinary to extraordinary? Let’s explore the secrets to using epoxy resin successfully.
Top Epoxy For Wood Recommendations
- 【Perfect Epoxy Resin Kit】：Includes 32OZ clear resin, 32OZ clear hardener, 2 x 300ml measuring cups, 2 x plastic spatulas, 10 x wooden stirring sticks, 2 x gloves. Everything you need to start your project is included, perfect for experienced people and beginners.
- 【High Quality Resin Epoxy】：Crystal clear, easy to mix, less bubbles and self defoaming self-leveling function, safe and non-toxic, filler does not settle after mixing, easy to complete perfect works without worry.
- 【Perfect Works】：Glossy surface after the table top epoxy resin is cured, perfect texture, no yellowing and high temperature resistance, wear-resistant and durable, ideal for projects such as desktop coating.
- 【Easy to Use】：Epoxy resin 1:1 easy to mix, 8 hours drying 24 hours curing, resin heat dissipation temperature is not high will not damage the mold, easy to use very suitable.
- 【Wide Range of Applications】：Ideal for casting, coating, artwork, suitable for coasters, countertops, crafts, jewelry making, painting, molds, woodwork, etc. Create your great works.
- Safe and Odorless: Our Resin Epoxy is specially formulated for ARTISTS. The 2 part epoxy Crystal Clear & Non-Toxic. Naked Zero VOCS and Odorless, BPA absent, Non-flammable and FDA food safe for use on counter tops, cutting boards, tableware and other items in the kitchen.
- High Gloss and Durable: The epoxy resin high gloss formula cures a perfectly crystal clear finish and hard as a rock to resist scratch and yellowing. Excellent color stability and Anti-UV preserve could protect your artwork and DIY projects long lasting. The hardness is up to 75, stable and prevent resistant.
- Easy to Use: Mix the resin A and hardener B with 1:1 ratio by volume, 40 minutes work time that gives more time for the creative process such mix with pigments. With eliminating craters, crawling and fish eyes, which could easily get a perfectly transparent finish.
- Widely Application: 2 part epoxy resin-rigorous testing was done to ensure that our epoxy resin is a perfect match for craft pigments like most alcohol dyes, mica and glow pigments. The epoxy resin kit is ideal for use in DIY resin art, jewelry making, river tables, crystal clear coating, resin art, resin jewelry, coasters, countertops, Christmas decoration and nearly endless creative possibilities.
- Epoxy resin tools and accessories contains: 1*16oz resin, 1*16oz Hardener, 4*stirring sticks, 2*gloves, 1*instructions. Epoxy resin can be perfectly compatible with colorant and mica powder. Each creation is a perfect color fusion and collision. Our 1:1 ab resin is also the best resin recommended by Professional Crafters.
- HIGHEST PERFORMANCE ON THE MARKET – Beast Bond’s professional-grade clear epoxy resin and hardener is the perfect formula to bring your art alive while protecting with beastly, hard as a rock, durability. Our artisan-approved epoxy cures crystal clear with no imperfections and a stunning ultra-glossy finish with no polishing needed. Get inspired and create long-lasting, scratch and moisture-resistant resin art pieces that won’t yellow over time.
- EASY TO USE - Mixing a simple 1:1 ratio of the resin and hardener is all that is required to get started. With 40 minutes of working time, it’s perfect for beginners, and allows time to mix in vivid colors for striking creations. The easy pour epoxy resin formula will self-level and smooth out, quickly curing in 24-48 hours and with next to no bubbles unlike many other resins on the market.
- ALL YOU NEED IN ONE SET – Our resin kit has everything you need to get your resin crafts on! Try your hand at unique jewelry, wood features, tabletops and more. Our 2 part epoxy resin kit includes clear resin (16 oz), hardener (16 oz), 5 mixing sticks, spatula, 2 measuring cups (3.4 oz), 2 pairs of gloves, 2 pipette droppers, 4 Rubber Finger Cots and a step-by-step manual.
- SAFE AND RELIABLE CONSISTENCY – Made from premium quality materials and ASTM D-4236 compliant, our non-toxic and non-flammable resin epoxy is free of fumes from VOC emissions and lets you work in complete comfort and confidence.
- ONLY THE BEST WITH BEAST BOND – Trust Beast Bond to deliver only the best quality products with beastly durability that you can rely on for all your projects, be it large or small.
- JB WOODWELD: Is a fast setting two-part epoxy system formulated for wood bonding and repairs. It provides a lasting permanent bond that is stronger than the wood!
- THE ORIGINAL COLD WELD: JB Weld was developed as an alternative to traditional torch welding. It’s designed to be extremely effective in even the harshest environments. Once it sets, it's tougher than steel.
- SIMPLE TO USE: J-B WoodWeld has a 1: 1 mixing ratio, sets in 6 minutes & cures in 1-3 hours. Rated at a tensile strength of 1800 PSI. When fully cured it can be shaped, tapped, filed, sanded & drilled.
- VERSATILE AND DEPENDABLE: Perfect for indoor or outdoor use; furniture, doors, windows, trim, molding, decks, wood, restoration projects, rotting wood repair and more.
- NO PROJECT TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL: We have all the products you need to get the job done right. JB Weld always delivers the legendary performance of the World's Strongest Bond.
- Dries clear: Our Gorilla Tough epoxy resin dries clear for a clean finish and incredibly durable hold; perfect for household and automotive repairs
- 5 minute epoxy: This epoxy resin kit in just one applicator has a 5 minute set time, plenty for repositioning and adjusting
- Gap filling: Gorilla resin epoxy also acts as a gap filler, filling voids and bonding uneven or vertical surfaces
- Water resistant: Our clear epoxy resin withstands moderate exposure to water for extra durability
- Easy-to-use syringe: Gorilla Epoxy has separate barrels of epoxy resin and hardener to keep the epoxy from hardening; the syringes dispense evenly and include a cap for multiple uses
- Dries clear: Our Gorilla Tough epoxy resin dries clear for a clean finish and incredibly durable hold; perfect for household and automotive repairs
- 5 minute epoxy: This epoxy resin kit in just one applicator has a 5 minute set time, plenty for repositioning and adjusting
- Gap filling: Gorilla resin epoxy also acts as a gap filler, filling voids and bonding uneven or vertical surfaces
- Water resistant: Our clear epoxy resin withstands moderate exposure to water for extra durability
- Easy-to-use syringe: Gorilla Epoxy has separate barrels of epoxy resin and hardener to keep the epoxy from hardening; the syringes dispense evenly and include a cap for multiple uses
- ARTISAN APPROVED QUALITY - Unlock your artistic potential with Craft Resin. Premium clear epoxy resin kit and hardener allows you to create beautiful pieces with a glass-like finish and no yellowing over time. Popular for DIY art, tabletop coating, mold casting, canvas, coasters and jewelry making.
- BUBBLE-FREE, NO YELLOWING - Are you tired of dealing with the frustration of bubbles and uneven finishes in your resin projects? Our advanced formula is an innovation on the epoxy resin market. Release air bubbles automatically when the resin is warm, recommended depth 1/4 inch.
- CERTIFIED, FOOD SAFE EPOXY - Craft Resin epoxy made with low odor, non-toxic, free of VOCs & solvent materials - food grade epoxy resin perfectly formulated for home and professional use. Harmless to you and the environment, when used as directed.
- FAST CURING, HEAT RESISTANT - It takes only 24 hours for our crystal epoxy resin to cure. After this time it becomes rock hard, scratch resistant, advanced additive resistant to heat up to 203℉ (95℃). You’re going to have a crystal clear, glassy smooth finish which will last for years.
- EASY TO USE, 1:1 RATIO - Our 2 part epoxy resin kit is simple to use, even for beginners. Kits include resin (17OZ), hardener (17OZ), reusable mixing stick, gloves, manual. Upgrade your resin game and elevate your art to the next level with Craft Resin supplies.
- J-B WELD KWIKWOOD: A hand mixable two part epoxy putty stick that is formulated to repair and rebuild wood. J-B Weld KwikWood is designed for all wood household DIY repairs!
- CURE AND SET TIME: After kneading the two part formula together by hand, KwikWood takes 15-25 minutes to set and cures in 1 hour. J-B Weld KwikWood set and cure color is a light tan.
- PRODUCT FEATURES AND STRENGTH: J-B Weld KwikWood has lap shear strength of 900 PSI. KwikWood will not shrink or rot and can be stained, molded, tapped, drilled, sanded and shaped.
- APPLICATIONS: Window/Door Hinge Repairs, Dry Rot Repairs, Gouges and cracks in furniture, knot hole repairs, gap fillers and more!
- DO IT YOURSELF: Big or small, you can DIY it with J-B Weld. Our heavy duty epoxy and adhesives repair & restore it right the first time. J-B Weld delivers superior performance, quality, and results for the World’s Strongest Bond.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Epoxy for Wood
Epoxy is a fantastic material for wood projects. It creates strong, beautiful, and clear finishes. Whether you are fixing a small crack or pouring a massive river table, picking the right epoxy matters. This guide helps you select the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for wood epoxy, certain features make a huge difference in your project’s success.
Clarity and Color
- Water Clear: Look for epoxy labeled “crystal clear” or “water clear.” This prevents your wood’s natural color from looking yellow or dull over time.
- UV Resistance: Good epoxy resists yellowing when exposed to sunlight. This is crucial for outdoor projects or pieces placed near sunny windows.
Viscosity (Thickness)
- Low Viscosity (Thin): Thinner epoxy flows easily. It’s great for sealing wood pores or coating surfaces thinly.
- High Viscosity (Thick): Thicker epoxy moves slowly. This is necessary for deep pours, like filling large voids or making river tables, as it reduces bubbles.
Cure Time
Cure time tells you how long it takes for the epoxy to harden. Some cure fast (a few hours), while deep pour epoxies might take several days. Choose based on your deadline.
Important Materials and Components
Epoxy always comes in two parts that you must mix together correctly.
Part A: The Resin
This is the main liquid part. It is usually a thick, clear polymer.
Part B: The Hardener
This liquid chemical reacts with the resin. The ratio of resin to hardener (e.g., 1:1 or 3:1 by volume) must be precise. Measure carefully!
Additives
Some epoxies include additives. Color pigments let you change the shade. Anti-foaming agents help remove tiny air bubbles that get trapped when mixing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your final wood finish depends on several factors.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Lower VOC formulas generally smell less harsh and are safer to use indoors.
- Long Pot Life: A longer pot life gives you more working time before the mixture starts to harden in the bucket. This reduces rushed mixing and errors.
- High Abrasion Resistance: For tabletops or floors, an epoxy that resists scratches and dents lasts longer and looks better.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Incorrect Mixing Ratio: If you use too much hardener or too little resin, the epoxy will never fully cure. It stays sticky or soft.
- Moisture Contamination: Epoxy hates water. If your wood is damp, or if you mix it in a humid environment, the surface might turn cloudy or develop a waxy layer called “amine blush.”
- Trapped Bubbles: Poor mixing technique traps air. These bubbles ruin the smooth, clear look.
User Experience and Use Cases
Different projects require different epoxy types. Understanding the use case helps you buy correctly.
Deep Pour Epoxy
This is perfect for thick layers (over 1 inch). It cures slowly, which lets heat escape gradually. Use this for river tables, embedding large objects, or filling deep cracks in slabs.
Coating/Bar Top Epoxy
This type is designed for thin, hard coats (usually 1/8 inch or less). It cures harder and faster than deep pour types. It works well for sealing bar tops, countertops, or artwork.
Adhesive/Filler Epoxy
You use this thicker epoxy to glue wood pieces together or fill small knot holes. It provides an incredibly strong bond.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wood Epoxy
Q: Can I use epoxy on damp wood?
A: No. Epoxy will not stick properly to wet or damp wood. Always make sure your wood is completely dry (usually under 12% moisture content) before pouring.
Q: What is the safest way to mix epoxy?
A: Always wear gloves and safety glasses. Mix slowly and scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container often. Fast mixing whips in too much air, creating bubbles.
Q: How long do I have to work with the epoxy once mixed?
A: This working time is called the “pot life.” It varies by product, but usually ranges from 30 minutes to an hour. Check the product label.
Q: Will my epoxy turn yellow in the sun?
A: Standard, cheap epoxies often yellow. You must buy epoxy specifically labeled as having high UV resistance if your project will see direct sunlight.
Q: How do I get rid of bubbles after pouring?
A: You can gently use a heat gun or a small torch passed quickly over the surface. The heat pops the surface tension holding the bubbles.
Q: What is the ideal temperature for pouring epoxy?
A: Most manufacturers suggest room temperature, usually between 70°F and 75°F (21°C to 24°C). Cold temperatures make epoxy too thick to pour well.
Q: Do I need to seal the wood before pouring epoxy?
A: Yes, this is called “sealing the wood.” Apply a very thin coat of the mixed epoxy first. This fills the wood’s open pores and prevents large air pockets from rising into your main pour.
Q: Can I color epoxy with regular craft paint?
A: No. You should only use specialized epoxy pigments, mica powders, or dyes. Regular paints contain water or solvents that stop the epoxy from curing correctly.
Q: How thick can I pour deep pour epoxy in one batch?
A: This depends entirely on the product. Some allow 2 inches deep, while others only allow 1 inch. Exceeding the maximum depth causes the epoxy to overheat and fail.
Q: What is “amine blush”?
A: Amine blush is a waxy, greasy film that sometimes forms on the surface of cured epoxy, usually caused by humidity or improper curing. You remove it by washing the surface with denatured alcohol or sanding lightly.