Epoxy Resin Table Manufacturing
Epoxy resin tables captivate with their natural look and are currently very trendy. In this blog post, we answer the most important questions about the manufacturing process of epoxy resin tables.
1. Why do we use epoxy resin at Stammdesign?
At Stammdesign, resin is primarily used to fill cracks and holes in the wood to stabilize the table or final product. We are proud to say that we create wooden tables, not resin tables. This ensures that our tables retain the highest level of "naturalness." It is very important to us to achieve a smooth, closed surface through the pouring process.
2. Which epoxy resin is suitable for a table? Is all epoxy resin the same, or are there different resin systems?
Epoxy resin generally consists of two components (Component A: resin, Component B: hardener). When unmixed, both components are liquid to viscous. Once mixed, they begin to react, and the viscosity increases until the resin hardens into a solid, stable form (thermoset plastic).
There are many different manufacturers of casting resins, and each produces unique resin systems. Additionally, dyes, phosphorescent powders, and other additives can be incorporated to create various design variations.
At Stammdesign, we exclusively use a clear, transparent two-component epoxy. This ensures that there are no issues when pouring larger volumes. Our epoxy resin has a curing time of 8 to 48 hours.
3. The Manufacturing Process of a Stammdesign Epoxy Resin Table
1. Preparing the Wood Panel
First, the wood panel is dried to an ideal moisture content of approximately 7-9% to minimize shrinkage and swelling. Once the drying process is complete, cracks and holes are cleaned and sealed with tape. The panel is then ready for pouring.
2. Pouring the Epoxy Resin
The epoxy resin is poured slowly from different angles to prevent bubble formation. It then needs to dry. If bubbles appear, they should be removed and refilled with resin.
3. Planing, Sanding & Oiling
After curing, the panel is planed on all sides and sanded with fine-grit sandpaper. During sanding, the resin may initially feel rough, which can lead to small cracks. These must also be repaired by refilling with resin. The final step in crafting a Stammdesign epoxy resin table is oiling the surface. This step enhances the transparency of the resin, making it appear like glass.
Epoxy Resin Expert Interview
Fabian is known as the "Marcel Hirscher" among Stammdesign epoxy resin experts. That's why we asked him a few questions about epoxy resin.