How To Transform Old Furniture With Epoxy Resin

Everyone has old furniture lying around (sometimes with considerable sentimental value attached to it) that probably could use a makeover. Sometimes furniture pieces get damaged or get parts chipped off. Epoxy resin is useful for different kinds of damage that may occur, particularly if you are looking for a DIY solution at little cost.

Epoxy is the cured form of epoxy resin and is used for various adhesive, repairing, and constructing purposes. Epoxies are a good repairing material due to their chemical resistance and general longevity and anti-corrosive properties. Repair done with epoxy resin is likely to last and does not need second coats or touch-ups in most cases.

The only downside is that epoxy resin is quite toxic and exposure to any fumes or contact with skin should be extremely minimized. Furthermore, it can be hard to manage as with usual industrial or store-bought varieties two chemicals need to be carefully mixed before application. Epoxy resin depending on the kind you purchase can be the quick-set type, the overnight kind, or may take several hours. On the whole, it is better to leave it undisturbed for as long as possible after the repair has been made.

An Easy Step By Step DIY Method

Using epoxy resin whether transparent or colored is one of the best do-it-yourself ways to fix and remodel old furniture especially furniture that is more antique in nature and needs subtle repairs that don’t drastically change the style.

If you have a break or a crack you want to smooth out any ridges in the wood first using a fiber brush of any kind. Brush towards the grain and not against it. Brushes are generally more useful for furniture that is more brittle or perhaps has sustained insect or water damage but still needs to be preserved by the owner. After brushing the crack or dislocation you can start to mix the epoxy resin.

Most types of transparent epoxy resins used popularly for furniture repair or remodel come in a two-part mixing component tube. This type of epoxy can be used for a wide array of purposes from giving old furniture an overt glossy finish to even filling in holes and cracks and can be used for fiberglass repairs in furniture as well. Colored epoxy resin is sold for a more creative touch that requires a certain color coating.

When you’re trying to repair broken furniture you need to handle the epoxy quickly as it does dry and become less malleable within minutes. Use a specialized brush or apply with your hands or cotton buds but be sure to wear protective gloves. Avoid adding heat to the mixture or doing this in direct sunlight. The consistency of the epoxy is typically of a glue-like gel so apply in thin, even layers.

Remodeling Creative Designs With Deep Pour Epoxy

For creative projects in which you are upgrading and upcycling old furniture to make it virtually unrecognizable, deep pour epoxy can work wonders. Long cure deep pour epoxy can typically be cast and embedded into furniture really well, in most cases can be poured into casts 2 feet deep or more. Since this type of epoxy is designed to be set in casts it does absorb less heat from the environment and in that way will be less dangerous and won’t damage the surrounding wood or other material in the piece of furniture.

With most brands of deep pour epoxy, you can choose from a myriad of colors to achieve different effects. Live edge tables, colorful casting, a mixed tie-dye effect among other effects are all possible with deep pour epoxy.

DIY Projects With Deep Pour Epoxy

You need to do a lot of preparation before using this type of epoxy in any at-home project you attempt. Use silicone to seal the piece of furniture from the bottom to make sure there are no leakages, you can also use clay for this purpose. Vapor barrier tape or any waterproofing tape is also helpful as a second step but this depends on the project.

Use gloves and use extensive plastic sheeting on the ground to prevent and catch spills. Use the exact directions in terms of mixing as each brand may have a slight variation. Typically two stages of application are used; first, there is a thinner seal coat which is applied in a small amount with a brush. The flood coat which is the second stage is epoxy being poured to provide fuller coverage.

Using epoxy resin is a great solution for giving your old furniture an instant makeover. Not only can you restore chips, breaks, and damage, but the layer of epoxy will also strengthen the integrity of the wood and add to its durability. Further, epoxy creates a protective barrier against any potential damage from UV rays. Go ahead and use epoxy resin to restore your old furniture and since it is easy to use, you can undertake the repairs as a DIY project. Just remember to wear the protective gear and follow the recommended safety precautions and you’re sorted!

About The Author: Alex Simon is an interior designer who has helped hundreds of homeowners design their perfect living space. He specializes in slick, modern and minimalistic designs that are also practical.

Photo by Veronika FitArt on Unsplash