If I cover a table top with epoxy how do i get the edges to be even/smooth?

Question

In the past I have used duct tape to create a frame but it does not come out to my liking. Does anyone have other ideas on how to create a better boarder?

Answer 1

The best way, albeit messy, is to let the epoxy flow over the edge and the excess will drip to what ever is below (hopefully some type of drop cloth or other disposable material). If the table top is wood, consider sealing the edges with a sealer (diluted white glue works great-very thin coat). When it drys there will be numerous "nodes" (on the underside-where everyone puts there chewing gum). You can leave the nodes there, I prefer to remove them. I use a dremel tool with a sanding drum to remove them. Some folks put a thick coat of furniture paste wax on the underside to prevent the epoxy from adhering. I have finished many tables this way. Your mileage may vary depending on what you are using for the coating.

Answer 2

Epoxy Table Top

Answer 3

Without knowing the shape of the table; or it's substance; OR the thickness of the clear coat; you might try a flexible; vinyl type molding. HD sells it as NEVER ROT; OR luan strips. The problem will be in removal after the fact; no matter what you use; as the epoxy will want to adhere to anything. Perhaps the molding with duct tape on it then attached to the table. ROUND tables will be a bit more problematic.

If you can resolve the framing; after the fact you can sand smooth and use a jewlers rouge on a buffing wheel to finish the edge.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

This method worked fairly well for me. I poured several layers of epoxy on my table to a final thickness around 1/4". Then I used a rough wood file to "knock down" the edges since I used masking tape like you did. It took some elbow grease since I had some pretty nasty edges. Following this I used fine grit sand paper to smooth the edge to a nice round edge. If you scratch the surface by accident don't worry the next step can fix it. To finish things, since the sanding leaves an unsightly opaque appearence to the epoxy, you'll need to mix up one last small batch of epoxy. Using a small paint brush (like one of those paint by number kid sized) paint your epoxy along the sanded edge. Use a toothpick to smooth small amounts of epoxy into any accidental scratches you made while sanding or filing. As long as you haven't used too much epoxy while painting it on you'll have a nicer finish. If you're not planning on pouring very thick you'll save time by using the spill over method.

Answer 5

cover table top epoxy edges smooth

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

You can try making 2 layers. I have done this before. Pour one one layer using your tape...but only about 1/16 inch thick....once it sets....remove tape....sand edges...then pour on another layer which flows over sides. Main thing to watch for is....table has to be perfectly level...and you need to brush sides when overflow runs off onto it...otherwise you get these ugly run offs or drips.

Answer 9

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RE:
If I cover a table top with epoxy how do i get the edges to be even/smooth?
In the past I have used duct tape to create a frame but it does not come out to my liking. Does anyone have other ideas on how to create a better boarder?