Once it's mixed together, the 2-part liquid becomes a shiny, durable coating.It's great for covering wood to create a protective, beautiful layer on top and is used in many different craft projects.You'll need a kit that comes with the hardener as well as stirring and spreading tools to cover wood.The process of applying a substance to wood is relatively quick and easy.
Step 1: The wood can be sanded to create a smooth surface.
If the piece of wood you plan on coating is rough or not even, you can sand it with a scraper between 120 and 220.To make the surface smooth, create an even surface.The wood should be sanded to create a smooth surface.
Step 2: Dust and dirt can be removed from the wood.
Dust and dirt can be wiped off with a microfiber cloth.If you want to remove the dust, let the wood dry out before coating it.If you want to remove the excess dust, use a mini vacuum or brush.
Step 3: Attach painter's tape to the back of the wood
Set your piece of wood on a flat surface by turning it over.Put painter's tape along the perimeter of the wood to make sure it won't leak.This prevents drips from forming on the underside of the wood.The tape has to go along the back of the wood.
Step 4: cardboard or plastic can be used to protect your surfaces.
If you want to do your project on a table, choose an even surface.The table should be covered with a thick piece of plastic or cardboard.If you are covering the table with plastic, use painter's tape to keep it from moving.Just in case, use a couple of layers of cardboard or plastic.
Step 5: The wood should be placed on objects that are not touching the surface.
These could be things like cups turned upside down or wooden blocks that are tall enough to raise the wood off of the table.Put the wood on the objects so it is hovering over the surface with the side that will be coated facing upwards.It's a good idea to have metal cans or cups from the kitchen that are the same height.
Step 6: There is a well-ventilated, dust-free environment.
It's important to do the mixing and pouring in an area that gets a lot of fresh air because of the strong smell of many types of epoxy.It is important to do this in a dust-free area so that the dust does not mix with the epoxy and cause a cloudy, dirty coating.If you want to get the best results, avoid mixing it in an area that is cold.
Step 7: Use disposable cups to measure the hardener and the resin.
To make sure you pour the correct amount of each type, follow the instructions carefully.The hardener should be put into a disposable cup.The companies will sell the two items together.The plastic cups make it easier to measure the hardener.The ratios will be labeled on the package.To make sure your skin is not in contact with the hardener, wear gloves.
Step 8: The hardener and the resin should be put in the same cup.
Once they are measured, pour the resin and hardener into a disposable cup.Use a plastic or wood rod to remove the hardener from the sides of the cup.The easiest way to pour the resin is into the hardener.
Step 9: Slowly stir the two ingredients.
The plastic or wooden rod can be used to stir the hardener.You don't want to create air bubbles when stirring.Continue stirring for 5 minutes with a timer.Air bubbles can be removed later on using heat, if you see them forming while you're stirring.
Step 10: The wood is starting in the center.
Carefully pour the epoxy over the wood after it is mixed.Don't worry if it's not perfect as this is the first layer.Start in the middle and cover the entire piece of wood with a thin layer.As soon as you mix it, pour it onto the wood because it doesn't have a lot of time before it starts to solidify.If you cover the whole piece of wood, it doesn't matter how you pour the epoxy on the wood during the first layer.Some people like to pour a large pile of epoxy in the middle of the wood and spread it out, while others do not.
Step 11: The edges of the wood need to be pulled with a foam brush.
Place the foam brush in the puddle and use it to pull the epoxy over the edges using back and forth motions.To make sure the whole piece of wood is coated, try to create even a layer of epoxy.The foam brush can be used to wipe off excess epoxy.
Step 12: You can get rid of air bubbles by moving a heat source.
If you want to get rid of air bubbles, you can use a heat gun, torch, or hairdryer.If you want to pop the bubbles, hold the heat source out to the side and turn it on.Once you see the bubbles pop, move the heat source back and forth.If you don't move the heat source, you could burn the epoxy.
Step 13: Allow the first coat to sit for 4 hours.
Set a timer for 4 hours and let the first coat of epoxy begin to solidify.It won't be completely dry and hard, but it will feel tacky as it cures, letting you know it's time for a second coat.If you see more air bubbles within the first 30 minutes, pop them with your desired heat source.
Step 14: Extra protection can be obtained by applying an additional coat of epoxy.
Just as you did with the first one, use the correct ratio of resin to hardener to mix another batches of epoxy.Before using a spatula or spreader, pour this coat into the center of the piece of wood.Drag the spatula slowly, pulling it to the edges of the wood and creating an even layer.Pull the spatula or spreader back and forth over the entire piece of wood as many times as it takes to form a flat layer of epoxy.If you don't have a spatula, any straight, hard surface will work to drag the epoxy across the wood evenly.If you want to cover the edges of the wood, you can use the foam brush.A foam brush can be used to drag the final coat of epoxy over the wood, but it won't create a surface like a plastic spreader or flat object.
Step 15: Wait 24 hours before removing the painter's tape.
It takes 24 to 36 hours for the substance to completely solidify.Pull the painter's tape off the piece of wood you want to reveal and flip it over.The wood is being hardened to make sure it isn't messed up.