Guide to Making a Resin Table with Olive Wood

Materials and Tools Needed

·        Live edge wood slabs https://www.deserthardwoods.com/collections/olivewood-rootball-slices-cookies-slabs

·        Epoxy resin and hardener

·        Pigments (optional, for colored resin) Blue/Black/Silver Pigment Colors all look great with Olive Wood.

·        Mixing cups and sticks

·        Heat gun or torch (to remove bubbles)

·        Saws (table saw, circular saw, or jigsaw)

·        Sanders and sanding paper (40, 120, 220 grit)

·        Clamps

·        Melamine or HDPE for mold

·        Silicone caulk and mold release/tape

·        Paintbrush or roller

·        Drill (for attaching legs)

·        Table legs or base

·        Safety gear (gloves, glasses, respirator)

Workspace Preparation

·        Set up a clean, flat, dust-free work area.

·        Ensure good ventilation and protect surfaces with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.

Wood Preparation

·        Choose dry, stable live edge slabs and cut them to your desired table size.

·        Sand the surface and edges to remove debris and smooth rough spots. Olive Wood can be difficult to De-Bark so take your time as it will be worth the effort

·        If needed, shape the live edge with 40-grit sandpaper, refining up to 220 grit.

Mold Building and Sealing

·        Assemble a mold from melamine or HDPE, sized to fit your final table.

·        Seal all internal seams with silicone caulk to prevent resin leaks.

·        Line the mold’s interior with mold release or sheathing tape for easy demolding.

Dry Fit Wood and Stabilize

·        Place your slabs in the mold to check fit and arrange the “river” gap.

·        Secure the slabs with clamps or weights to prevent floating during the epoxy pour.

Apply a Seal Coat (Recommended)

·        Apply a thin coat of mixed epoxy resin to the wood edges that touch the river gap; this helps seal pores and reduces bubbles.

·        Allow the seal coat to cure for 4–6 hours before proceeding.

Main Epoxy Pour

·        Mix epoxy resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

·        Add pigment if using, and mix thoroughly.

·        Pour the resin slowly into the river gap and any voids or cracks.

·        Use a heat gun or torch to pop any air bubbles that rise to the surface.

·        Let the pour cure as directed—deep pours may require multiple layers and longer curing times.

Demolding and Surface Finishing

·        Carefully remove the table from the mold after full cure (often 48–72 hours for most resins).

·        Sand the table surface, starting with coarse and progressing to fine grits (40 to 220 grit or higher).

·        Polish the surface if desired for a mirror-like finish.

·        Finish the wood and resin with a protective oil or polyurethane.

Attach Table Legs/Base

·        Drill pilot holes and attach the legs or your chosen base using screws.

Tips and Safety

·        Always use gloves, eye protection, and a respirator while working with epoxy resin.

·        Work in a well-ventilated area and be cautious with tools and chemicals.