How to Make a River Table with Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy

River tables have become a popular trend in modern furniture design, and it’s no surprise why. These unique pieces add a touch of nature’s beauty to any living space. Creating a river table may seem daunting at first, but with Super Epoxy Systems’ Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy, the process is easier than you may think. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a stunning river table using our epoxy resin.

If you’d like to learn more about Deep Pour Epoxy Resin, check out this article: The Ultimate Deep Pour Epoxy Resin Guide

Materials Required

• Wood planks or live edge slabs
• Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy
• Superclear® Table Top Epoxy
• Mixing containers
• Stirring sticks
• Protective gloves and eyewear
• Foam brush or roller
• Heat gun or torch
• Sandpaper and finishing supplies
• Mold or Form for application

Preparation

• Ensure that the wood slabs are flat, level, and free of debris or dirt.
  • We highly recommend debarking your wood. As beautiful as the bark looks, it will cause issues for you down the line such as separation.
• Measure and mark the centerline of each slab to create the river channel.
• Use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut along the centerline, creating a gap that will serve as the river channel.
• Construct the form or mold you will be using for the river table.

Molds and Forms for River Tables

When it comes to creating a river table with Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy, one of the essential items you will need is a mold or form. A mold or form is a structure that holds the wood slabs and epoxy in place while the epoxy cures. There are a few different options when it comes to choosing a mold or form for your river table project.

• Pre-Made Molds: There are many pre-made molds available on the market specifically designed for river tables. These molds come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or silicone. Pre-made molds can save you time and effort when it comes to constructing a mold from scratch.
• DIY Molds: If you prefer to create a custom mold for your river table, you can make one yourself. To create a DIY mold, you will need to build a frame out of MDF, melamine, plywood, etc. that is the same size as your river table. You will then need to line the frame with a release agent, such as a paste wax or a non-stick spray, to prevent the epoxy from sticking to the mold.

When choosing a mold or form for your river table project, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the table, as well as the type of material you want to use for the mold or form. Additionally, it’s important to use a release agent to prevent the epoxy from sticking to the mold or form. With the right form and release agent, you can create a beautiful and unique river table using Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy.

Sealing the Slabs

Before pouring the Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy, it’s essential to seal the slabs to prevent any air bubbles from forming. We always recommend using our Superclear® Table Top Epoxy to seal the slabs prior to pouring the deep pour epoxy.

• Our Superclear® Table Top Epoxy is a high-gloss, self-leveling resin that provides excellent clarity and durability.
• It is easy to apply and cures quickly, allowing you to move on to the next step in the process with minimal wait time.
• Our Superclear® Table Top Epoxy is also UV resistant, ensuring that your river table will look beautiful for years to come.

Mixing the Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy

• STEP 1: Using the Coverage Chart or our Epoxy Resin Calculator, determine the amount of epoxy you will need for your project.
• STEP 2: Ensure your working environment is clean, dry and at least 70 degrees for best results. Lay down a plastic sheeting below your project for a safe, easy cleanup. Make sure your surface is completely level, as the epoxy will self-level.
• STEP 3: Mixing Deep Pour – Measure 2 parts Resin to 1 part Activator and pour into a clean, dry bucket or cup. Stir the mixture for at least 5 minutes with either a stir stick (if mixing with a stir stick, do not mix more than 1 quart) or a drill mixer set to low. Ensure you are not whipping air into your epoxy. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom to ensure all of your epoxy is properly mixed. 
• STEP 4: Transfer contents to a new, clean, dry bucket or cup and continue mixing for 3 more minutes to ensure proper mixing, again scraping sides and bottom.
• STEP 5: Pour mixture directly into your mold at your desired depth. Do not scrape the bucket at this time. If you do, you risk scraping in unmixed material that has clung to the sides or bottom. This would result in soft spots and/or hotspots. 
• STEP 6: Use a heat source, like a heat gun to remove any air bubbles. Start at 6” minimum above the surface and sweep back and forth until no bubbles remain. Do not leave the heat gun over the surface too long, if you do, it may result in surface distortions.
• STEP 7: Allow the surface to cure, up to 72 hours in a dust-free environment. The epoxy will start to get tacky after 24 hours but do not disturb for 72 hours to ensure a proper cure.

Why Choose Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy?

Our Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy is specially formulated for deep pour applications and can be poured up to 4″ plus, depending on volume and ambient temperatures. It is self-leveling, which means you can achieve a flawless finish with ease. Our epoxy resin is UV resistant and highly durable, making it perfect for river tables that will be exposed to everyday wear and tear. It is easy to use, making it suitable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Our Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy cures crystal clear, ensuring that the beauty of the wood grain is not obscured by the resin.

Demolding Your Cured Epoxy River Table

After you have poured the deep pour epoxy into the mold or form and allowed it to cure, the next step is to demold your river table. Demolding your river table requires care and precision to avoid damaging the river table.

• Remove the Clamps: If you used clamps to hold the wood slabs in place during the pouring process, the first step is to remove them. Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen and remove the clamps from the wood slabs.
• Loosen the Mold: Next, you will need to loosen the mold or form from the epoxy. If you used a pre-made mold, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing the mold. If you created a DIY form, gently pry the mold or form away from the cured epoxy using a plastic scraper or putty knife. If it still will not budge, try using a rubber mallet to knock the form’s walls outward – away from the cured table. 
  • Avoid using metal tools that could scratch or damage the epoxy.
• Remove the Release Agent: Once the mold or form has been removed, you will need to remove the release agent from the epoxy surface. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away any excess release agent. If there is any residue left on the surface, you can use Isopropyl Alcohol 90% or higher to clean it.

Demolding your cured epoxy river table requires patience and attention to detail, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful and professional-looking result. Remember to handle the epoxy and wood slabs with care and follow the instructions for your particular mold or form to ensure a successful demolding process.

Finishing Touches

Planing & Leveling

Once the epoxy resin has fully cured, you may find that the surface of the table is not completely level. In this case, you can use a planer to level the surface of the table. A planer is a woodworking tool that can shave off thin layers of wood to create a level surface. Use caution when using a planer, as it can be easy to remove too much material and damage the table.

Sanding

After leveling the table, you can work your way up through the grits to sand the surface. Start with a coarse grit, such as 80 grit, and sand the entire surface of the table. Then move up to a finer grit, such as 120 grit, and repeat the process. Continue working your way up through the grits until you have achieved a smooth, polished surface.

Finish & Coating

Once you have sanded the surface of the table, wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris. You can then apply a finishing coat of your choice to protect the table’s surface and add a glossy finish. There are a variety of finishing options to choose from, including oil, polyurethane, and varnish.

No matter what type of finishing product you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and allow ample time for the finishing coat to dry before using the table. With the right finishing touches, your epoxy river table will be a stunning and unique addition to any home or office space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a river table?

To make a river table, you will need to prepare a mold or form, add your wood/slabs and pour Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy into the mold to create the river effect. Check out our comprehensive guide for step-by-step instructions!

What is a river table?

A river table is a unique type of furniture that incorporates a “river” made of epoxy resin running through the center of the table, often with live edge wood slabs or other natural materials embedded in the resin.

How much epoxy do I need for a river table?

The amount of epoxy needed for a river table depends on the size of the table and the desired thickness of the epoxy layer. We recommend using the Coverage Chart or our Epoxy Resin Calculator, to determine the amount of epoxy you will need for your project.

What epoxy should I use for a river table?

We highly recommend using our Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy for river table applications, as it can be poured up to 4″ plus, depending on volume and ambient temperatures. We always recommend using Superclear® Table Top Epoxy to seal the slabs prior to pouring the deep pour epoxy.

Conclusion

Creating a stunning river table may seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Super Epoxy Systems’ Liquid Glass® Deep Pour Epoxy is the perfect epoxy resin for creating river tables due to its self-leveling properties, UV resistance, and crystal clear finish. By following these steps, you can create a one-of-a-kind river table that will add a touch of natural beauty to any living space.