How to create a live edge table?

[katem07]

 

Hi - we have a slab of wood that we got from an old cafe. We want to turn it into our new kitchen table / have it double up as additional bench space.

There are some sections that have gaps we would like to fill. What epoxy/resin product would you recommend we use?

Also any varnishes products etc would be handy to know as well. 

[southpolemonkey]

Hi @katem07 

From the photo, it looks like the slab has been pre-finished and you might want to sand it off first. I used Norglass Liquid Glass Epoxy resin for my blackbutt slab and I'm quite happy with the result.

Depending on the color and effect you want, you would need dye or metallic powder to achieve your design. It looks like you are trying to fill some small holes, I'd suggest getting a few syringes to make the job easier. And better check if the holes/gaps will leak at the bottom, if so, you would need to seal the bottom with masking tapes to prevent leakage.

For finishing, polyurethane is a good option such as this product. I usually finish with danish oil.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @katem07. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about filling gaps and coating a benchtop.

It's great to see that @southpolemonkey has already provided a helpful reply.

You can actually use Feast Watson 1m² Glass Finish to fill your voids and coat the bench. As mentioned by @southpolemonkey, I'd recommend you start by sanding back the benchtop with 120-grit sandpaper to remove the existing coating and expose the bare timber. You can then sand with 240-grit and higher to get rid of sanding marks from the surface. 

You can apply small amounts of the Glass Finish to the gaps to fill them. Do this in multiple coats so as not to cause extensive drying times. If any of these gaps reach the edge of the bench or the underside, then you'll need to use tape to stop the resin from running out. Once the gaps have been filled to an even level with the benchtop surface, you can apply your coats of Glass Finish.

Please let us know if you have questions.

Mitchell

[katem07]

Thanks for the reccs - the other side (not pictured) has a bigger section to fill in with epoxy resin so thanks for the recc :). I’ll post when it’s done