Build your own river table with Dein-Epoxidharz
A Rivertable is an impressive piece of furniture that combines natural wood with the fascinating look of epoxy resin. With Dein-Epoxidharz You too can create such tables! This guide will guide you step by step - from the selection of materials to the perfect finishing.
If you have any further questions, our support team will be happy to help!
The wood selection
Hardwoods such as oak , walnut or ash are suitable for river tables because they are durable and aesthetically pleasing. It is important that the wood is well dried and has a maximum residual moisture content of 5-6% to avoid cracks and blistering.
Live edge wood with natural edges creates an organic look, while cut wood offers clean lines . Remove loose pieces of bark and sand the wood lightly to ensure an optimal bond with the epoxy resin. With high-quality wood and our UV-stable Dein epoxy resin, you can achieve a long-lasting, impressive result.
The material
The choice of epoxy resin is crucial: Use a thin-film resin such as our universal epoxy resin E45 for sealing or as a primer to prevent bubbles from forming. For casting, a thick-film resin such as the highly transparent and UV-stable D600 thick-film resin from Dein-Epoxidharz is suitable, which was specially developed for deeper casting applications.
When it comes to color design, color pigments are ideal for creating impressive effects such as metallic looks or marbling. Alternatively, color inks create translucent, flowing designs.
When it comes to accessories, precise mixing cups , reliable scales , and a hot air gun or gas burner are essential to achieve a perfect, bubble-free result.
The process
To build a river table , first select dry hardwood, cut it to the desired size and seal it with a thin layer of epoxy resin (universal epoxy resin E45) to prevent blistering. Then build a tight mold, apply release agent and carefully seal all joints.
Mix the UV-stable D600 thick film resin from Dein-Epoxidharz precisely according to the instructions, add color pigments or color inks as desired and pour the resin layer by layer between the pieces of wood. Use a heat gun to remove air bubbles and allow each layer to cure for 72 hours.
After curing, remove the mold, sand the surface smooth and polish the table for a perfect finish.
How to build an epoxy resin table
Required materials
Required materials and tools
Epoxy resin and accessories:
- Dein-Epoxy resin: Highly transparent, UV-stable, specially developed for river tables
- Pigments or dyes for individual design (e.g. metallic pigments)
- mixing cup and stirring rod
Wood and preparation materials:
- Natural wood (e.g. oak, walnut): dry, crack-free, maximum 5-6% wood moisture
- sandpaper (grain size 100–2000)
- wood sealant (e.g. Universal Epoxy Resin E45)
Casting mold and accessories:
- molding material (e.g. coated MDF boards or multiplex)
- release agent (e.g. release spray or release tape)
- screw clamps or clamps
- sealant (e.g. silicone)
Additional tools:
- scale (for precise weighing of resin and hardener)
- Hot air gun or gas burner (to remove air bubbles)
- gloves and respirator
Preparation Wood
Preparation of the wood
wood selection and drying
Choose wood with an interesting grain . Make sure it is well dried (moisture < 5-6%). Otherwise, stress cracks and bubbles may appear.
cutting and cleaning
Cut the wood to the desired length. If you want a natural edge look (live edge), remove loose pieces of bark . Clean the wood thoroughly of dust and dirt.
sealing
To avoid blistering, seal the wood beforehand with a thin layer of Universal Epoxy Resin E45 . Allow the sealant to harden for at least 6 hours.
preparation of the mold
preparation of the mold
How to prepare your formwork.
- mold making
Build a dense form out of MDF or multiplex. The form should be at least 2 cm larger all around than the desired table top. - Apply release agent
Coat the mold with release spray or cover it with release tape to make it easier to remove the table top later. - Check the seal
Seal all joints with silicone to prevent the resin from leaking.
Mixing and pouring
Mixing and pouring the epoxy resin
Weigh resin and hardener
Mix the Dein-Epoxy resin thick film resin exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions (e.g. 2:1 by weight). Use a precise scale for this.
Mix thoroughly
Stir the resin for at least 3-5 minutes until no streaks are visible. Now pour the mixture into a nine-gallon mixing bucket and stir again for 2-3 minutes. Work slowly to avoid air bubbles.
Add pigments
If desired, add pigments or colored inks and mix them evenly.
pouring in several layers
Pour the resin in layers no more than 3-4 cm deep to avoid overheating. Allow each layer to cure for 72 hours.
Remove air bubbles
Immediately after pouring, treat each layer with a heat gun or gas burner to bring air bubbles to the surface.
The post-processing
epoxy resin table finish
demolding
Carefully remove the table top from the mold once the resin has fully cured (at least 48 hours after curing).
Sanding edges and surface
Sand the entire surface with sandpaper (starting with 150 grit and going up to 2000 grit). For a mirror-smooth surface, use wet sandpaper.
polishing and sealing
Polish the board for a high gloss finish. An additional coat of clear coat, polish or oil will protect the surface.
Occupational safety is important!
Epoxy resin is and remains a hazardous substance. Therefore, think about your health and wear gloves and a respirator to prevent skin contact and inhalation of fumes.
What you need:
build river table
9.6kg thick layer epoxy resin with hardener set
Adhesive Tape for Epoxy Resin Projects
mold release spray for epoxy resin
Respiratory mask for epoxy resin, sawing, grinding or renovation work
12 Colors Set – Pearlescent Metallic Color Powder Pigments