Using The Best Resin For Wood

You are ready to embark on a wood and epoxy resin project. You can make cool things like coasters, resin boards, or a glossy epoxy resin table. But what is the best resin for wood to use? Instead of focusing on which epoxy resin for wood to use, focus on what you want to make with wood and resin, it’s really important you know what you’re making first.

Once you know what wood resin project you’re making, you can consider the types of resin to use.

Are you covering a timber surface with epoxy resin or pouring resin into a Timber Mould? Although both projects involve timber and you may think you could use the same resin, you cannot.

What is meant to coat your wood for a glossy surface. This wood project has a clear, shiny layer on top.

What it means to pour the resin and wood together in a mould. This is how you make an epoxy resin river table. You pour the resin and hardener together in a mould box. Using a casting resin not a coating resin.

There is no one resin kit formulated to suit all resin art projects including wood resin.

And anyone who tells you differently doesn’t quite understand the way resin viscosity works. Knowing what you’re making with wood resin before buying the right epoxy resin for wood ensures you get the best resin kit for your project.

For more information about our resin types, please refer to our Project Compatibility Chart. Here, you will see details regarding viscosity, pouring depth, and sanding capability.

Now that you know your wood resin project, choose the best epoxy resin for wood.

If you’re covering a wood surface, you want to use an epoxy resin meant for coatings or doming. This epoxy type mixes thick and self-levels to give an even surface. Just Resin has a number of coating resin kits, such as DiamondCote, ArtCote, OceanCote, ArtCast, Resin Art and WaterCote, but we only recommend some of our resin systems for timber top coats.

1. If you want a clear glossy river table top coat, use the DiamondCote resin kit. Just Resin DiamondCote is one of our faster curing 1:1 epoxy resins, it is a high-quality resin system that can be easily applied. And if you want a coloured coat, use any colour pigment mixed with a resin kit to achieve your effect.

2. If you’re combining wood and epoxy together in a mould box, you need a casting resin. This RiverPour or ArtCast formula mixes thinner and can be poured in deeper layers. Plus, ArtCast casting resins penetrate wood easier. And we’ve got formulas for that too.

-RiverPour is our river table epoxy resin system. With its outstanding clarity and very low viscosity and exothermic by nature that has been designed for resin river table and wood resin. Ideal for deep resin pours. RiverPour has excellent HALS UV and great hardness once fully cured. Single pours of 3 liters all the way to 50-60 liters. RiverPour is great for clear casting or encapsulation and also can be tinted with Just Resin Pigment Pastes, Powders, Glitters and Inks.

-ArtCast Slow is a very low viscosity casting resin. Designed for casting, encapsulation, river table top coats and other creative applications. For small castings up to 1000 ml in volume, this product provides an outstanding hardness and high clarity. Great for earrings, key chains, prototyping and much more. ArtCast Slow can be used as a clear casting, or can also be tinted with Just Resin Pigment Pastes, Powders, Glitters and Inks.

-ArtCast Fast is a very low viscosity epoxy, designed for casting, filling voids, encapsulation and other creative applications. It offers outstanding hardness and clarity for small castings up to 200ml. Great for earrings, key chains, prototyping and much more. Not ideal for river table top coats.

3. A robust and self leveling resin, WaterCote is a water-based, one-part formula that provides a durable, scratch-resistant and water repellent surface. WaterCote is a clear top coat resin that offers a glossy finish. It's great for sealing timber substrates. Once dried, it can be used in food-safe applications. Water-based polyurethane resin with a clear, glossy finish. Polyurethane resins have very low odors and dry quickly, and since they are one-part formulas, there is no need to worry about mixing ratios.

Filling voids such as holes in resin river tables will need a wood resin formulated specifically for this application. In order to encapsulate your DIY river table's intricate details, you can fill both large and small natural baseboard holes with ArtCast Resin. By using ArtCast casting resin, wood and resin are combined in one mould box, making it a perfect epoxy resin for wood. ArtCast casting resin mixes thinner and can be poured deeper, making it the ideal resin for wood. In addition, ArtCast casting resin penetrates wood more readily than other casting wood resins.

And we’ve got reason kits formuled for that too.

1. Epoxy Resin ArtCast Slow Designed for casting, encapsulation, and other creative applications requiring low viscosity, Epoxy Resin ArtCast Slow is a clear casting that can also be tinted with Just Resin Pigment Pastes, Powders, Glitters, and Inks.

2. ArtCast Fast offers excellent hardness and clarity for small castings up to 200ml, and is ideal for casting, encapsulating, filling voids, and other creative applications. Inks, powders, glitters, resin pigment pastes and powders can be used to tint ArtCast Fast.

3. Art Resin is a low viscosity epoxy resin that has great movement and a long pot life. You can tint it with Just Resin Pigment Pastes, Powders, Glitters, and Inks.

What happens if you choose the wrong epoxy type?

When you use a coating resin in a mould. You'll get microbubbles and a soft curing resin. If you use a resin with too low of a viscosity. Right away it will cause your pieces to warp and fail. You also run the risk of creating large bubbles that may not be able to escape during curing. Another problem is when the epoxy isn't mixed properly leading to an inadequate cure or partial bonding of parts together. This can lead to uneven structures or surface blemishes (the appearance is often different than what was intended). The result could be compromised structural integrity and potential failure in the long-term. In order for your project to turn out well, it’s essential that you choose an appropriate type and correctly mix it according to instructions before applying it onto any surface as this ensures maximum strength and durability for whatever material you are working on.

On the other hand, using a casting resin that’s too thin will give you an uneven surface and distorted project. And if you use a coating resin on castings, it might not cure properly and your project could fail easily. It's important to know what type of epoxy you need for your project before purchasing any materials. Different types of resins have their own unique properties and applications, so do some research beforehand to make sure you get exactly what you need for the job. Additionally, ask questions when buying from suppliers in order to make sure it is suitable for the job at hand.

If you’re using casting resin on a table surface, you’ll get voids and pits in the table, plus an uneven surface.

Making something with wood and resin now that you know what's the best epoxy for your timber project.

Your wood needs to be dry with very little moisture, before mixing resin. Resin will not cure properly if there's too much water or oil present and it can also create bubbles and even turn white if the wood piece is not dried enough or correctly. Some projects may require the wood to be sealed, this is recommended if the wood edge is porous with a lot or large voids. The easiest way to seal is to brush a mixed coating of resin onto the surface and let it soak in and cure. For best results, try and maintain a working temperature between 22-25ºC otherwise the resin may not generate enough heat or it could become overheated and crack. If you’re pouring in a deep layer, you may be at risk of cracking so be mindful of this; consider using cooling techniques such as a heat gun to remove air bubbles. You should wait at least seven days before sanding and polishing the resin surface if needed.

What is the right amount of resin to use with wood coating?

To decide the quantity of resin to use with wood, you have to take into account what sort of wood it is and the amount of weatherproofing or defense desired for the project. In general, hardwoods such as oak might need less amount of resin than softer woods like cedar. The number of finishing coats should also be factored in when deciding how much resin should be used, and it depends on your preferred level of protection and wanted outcome. If uncertain, start off with a small quantity and test your project before applying more. It’s prudent to add a small amount rather than too much from the outset due to the powerful adhesive properties resins possess which can be difficult to prevent if excessive is applied initially.

Just Resin's epoxy calculator does all the hard work for you. Simply enter your dimensions and it will tell you how much resin you'll need.

Is it possible to use other resin types with wood?

WaterCote Polyurethane and DiamondCote epoxy resins can be used on various substrates, such as wood, metals and composites. When working with wood specifically, there are certain preparation and priming steps that should be undertaken for the best results. Both types of resin must be mixed and cured according to the instructions to ensure your project is a success.

Polyester resin should be avoided as it shrinks heavily during its curing process and has a tendency to detach from wood after curing.

Can epoxy resin be coloured for wood?

The answer is yes. Epoxy resin can be coloured and tinted to achieve a unique look for your woodworking project. In addition, there are several ways to color epoxy resin and each method has different benefits that should be taken into consideration before you begin. One of the most popular methods is to use pigment powder, pigment paste or liquid dye. Some artists create a black resin others use more natural blues. Which can give the epoxy an even, consistent hue throughout its application. You could also mix in mica powders or crushed stone for a more glittery effect if you desire something extra special for your project. No matter what type of colouring agent you choose, always follow JR’s manufacturer directions carefully for best results with your epoxy projects.

Is it okay to use oils on my wood?

You can use wood oil to protect the exposed wood when you finish an epoxy resin river table. Wood oils are specifically designed to penetrate deep into the wood, providing it with a protective layer that repels water and dirt. Wood oil also helps to enhance and bring out the natural colour of the timber. Applying an oil finish is relatively simple – simply apply several coats using either a brush or cloth and allow each coat to dry before applying another. Depending on which type of wood you’re working with, you may be able to use different types of wood oils; some are better suited for certain woods than others so make sure you read up on what type your project requires before starting any work. Alternatively, if you've finished a table with a clear epoxy top coat, it won't need any additional treatment.

What is the best way to care for resin and wood?

If the wood has been coated with epoxy resin such as a resin wood table or is part of a resin wood cast art piece, you need to follow the epoxy resin care instructions. For example, avoid putting hot items directly onto the surface as it may cause damage. When cleaning resin wood, use a soft cloth and warm water with mild soap. Avoid using any abrasive cleansers or scrubbing in order to prevent scratching of the epoxy resin coating. If needed, apply a small amount of furniture polish to give your resin wood piece an extra shine. It is also important to protect your resin wood from direct sunlight as too much heat can cause discoloration or warping of the material over time. To keep it looking its best for years to come, store in a dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use and cover with dust sheets if possible during long periods without use.

Resin tabletops have what advantages?

A resin wood table has multiple advantages for those looking for a durable and stylish furniture addition. After the full curing process, it becomes resistant to corrosion, making it more durable than regular wooden furniture. Its water-resistant properties make spills easier to clean, helping you preserve the quality of the wood. Plus, you can customize your look by experimenting with vibrant pigments and dyes, then adding depth with a clear resin finish. With all these benefits in mind, why not create your own beautiful and long-lasting resin coffee table by taking advantage of Just Resin's wood resin products.

Does Epoxy Resin bind to wood?

There is no doubt that epoxy resin can bind to wood. Used in many resin art projects, such as resin boards, resin river tables, and resin coffee tables, correctly formulated wood resin can bind to the wood for years to come. The epoxy bonds to the wood, creating a permanent bond that will last through time. With proper preparation and application of the resin, it can easily become as strong or stronger than the wood itself, making it an ideal bonding material for wooden items. It is also waterproof and abrasion resistant. Making it perfect for outdoor furniture projects like tables and chairs with exposed areas of wood.