How Much Epoxy Resin Do I Need for a River Table?

There is a general rule for epoxy coatings, as many epoxy manufacturers instruct this. In this rule, every mixed gallon (1/2 gallon resin and 1/2 gallon hardener) covers 12 square feet for ⅛-inch surface thickness.

Unless you are a professional or have been doing epoxy related DIY for a long time, you’ll undoubtedly face challenges to determine the amount of epoxy required for any project. And of course, when it comes to measuring or mixing epoxy resin with hardener, things may go wrong, even result in a ruined project. 

Therefore, asking – how much epoxy resin do I need for a table – is quite a common question when you decide to make a river table or any other table by resin being a starter. Although we have given a general idea above, does this really have any specific answer? The following writeup will help you understand it well.

Epoxy Required for a Table – A Demonstration

It is really not possible to give an accurate answer on how much epoxy is necessary for building a table, as it varies based on numerous factors. You always have the opportunity of digging down all facts before practically applying. But we can tell you three rules based on which you will be able to figure out how much you would probably require.

1. Tables are wooden and mostly porous. When you apply resin and hardener for achieving ⅛-inch thickness, you need to pour a 1-kilogram mixture (666 grams resin and 334 grams hardener) for first coating over a 6 square-meter area.
2. After the first coating, you shall pour 1 kilogram of mixture for coating an 8 square-meter area.

Following steps will make things easier for you to complete the process by your own –

• Measure your table size in square meters. Count the length and width and then multiply those to get that in square format.
• Choose your desired thickness. Although we have said ⅛-inch, you can think differently. In that case, you have to do the math and change everything proportionately.

Suppose, you want to cover a table that has a – 

Length = 5 meters

Width = 2 meter

Total Area = 5 x 2 = 10 square meters.

You need to use 1.66 kilograms epoxy mixture (1.1 kg resin and 0.55 kg hardener) for the first coating only. But, you need to put another second coating in this method, where you will require 1.25 kilogram mixed solution (0.83 kg resin and 0.42 kg hardener) to cover 10 square meters (1 kilogram for every 8 square meters). 

You will totally require 1.66 + 1.25 = 2.91 kilograms of mixed solution ( 1.93 kg resin and 0.98 kg hardener) to give a ⅛-inch coating covering 10 square meters area.

Epoxy Calculator vs Manufacture Direction

You’ll find several epoxy calculating methods, including a lot of online calculators and apps out there. Do they provide accurate results? We cannot ascertain that, as we have some technical observations that go against that, although we tell you to consider these (calculators) as a guide or assisting agent. You should not rely entirely on the results coming out of those.

Instead, we suggest following instructions received from the particular epoxy manufacturer. Why? Simple – because each epoxy manufacturer has its own formula, which is unique from others by some measures. You may have a general idea, but that may not suit any particular brand. As the epoxy calculators work based on a general guideline, you may sometimes get derailed from what you actually need. But still, you should get an idea from these calculators to diversify your ideas about epoxy calculation, which is generally compound.

LAST WORDS

The amount of epoxy and hardener you require for any project varies by brand. Although the general rule explained above is an excellent point to start, you should not forget to check what the manufacturer instructs.