Epoxy resin tops combine a unique visual effect with high durability. This guide will walk you through selecting the system (DECO vs DECO K), preparing the wood and mold, coloring, pouring, curing, finishing, and UV protection. At the end, you will find a simple consumption calculator.
Key points at a glance
- DECO 100:40 (by weight) – coatings and thinner pours; recommended single-pour thickness up to approx. 0.5 cm; single batch up to approx. 3 kg; pot-life ~10 min.
- DECO K 100:30 (by weight) – “canyons” and thicker sections; pour in layers, monitor exothermicity.
- Working conditions: approx. 20 °C, humidity ≤60% RH, good ventilation, PPE (gloves, goggles, mask).
- UV protection: after curing, apply PU or polyaspartic varnish.
1. Plan the project
Determine the dimensions (length × width) and target thickness. Decide whether you are making a thin coating on wood (1–3 mm), a classic “river table,” or a fuller pour. For kitchens and bathrooms, always plan for a top-coat layer (PU/polyaspartic) with UV filters.
2. System selection: DECO or DECO K?
- Epidian DECO + DECO 100:40 Hardener – coatings and thinner pours up to approx. 0.5 cm; batch up to ~3 kg; pot-life ~10 min; approximate consumption 1.0–1.1 kg/m²/1 mm. → see DECO
- Epidian DECO K + DECO K 100:30 Hardener – “canyons”/thicker sections; pour in layers to control exothermicity. → see DECO K
Always weigh the ingredients on a scale (mixing by weight) and follow the technical data sheets for the given system.
3. Wood and mold preparation
- Wood: dry (≤12% moisture), dust and degrease.
- Sealing coat: seal the pores with a thin layer of resin to reduce bubbles.
- Mold: laminate/HDPE/PP or secured board; seal the edges with neutral silicone; use a release agent (wax/PVA).
4. Pigments and effects
Usually dose dyes/pastes/metallics up to 2–5% of the resin mass (according to the pigment data sheet). You will achieve “streak/cloud” effects by adding contrast in the later gelling phase and gently guiding the mass with a mixer/spatula.
5. Health and safety and conditions
- Gloves, goggles, mask for working with epoxies; no sources of fire/sparks.
- Temperature approx. 20 °C, humidity ≤60% RH, stable ventilation of the workstation.
6. Mixing and pouring
- Mixing: thoroughly, scraping the walls and bottom; cup-swap (pouring into a second cup and a quick final mix).
- Pouring: spread in an even stream; do not aerate; vent with a heat gun from a distance of 25–35 cm with short movements.
- Between layers: maintain the “adhesion window” from the data sheet (usually a dozen or so hours); for larger volumes, use DECO K and pour in layers.
7. Curing and post-cure
Preliminary curing takes from a few to several dozen hours depending on the volume and temperature. If the data sheet specifies post-cure, heat gently (e.g., 40–60 °C), which will improve heat and mechanical resistance. Full properties usually after 5–7 days.
8. Processing and finishing
- Sanding: progression e.g., P120 → P240 → P400/600 → 1000+ (wet, if recommended).
- Polishing: 2-step system (cut + finish).
- UV protection: PU or polyaspartic varnish – higher resistance to scratches/UV than “bare” epoxy. → UV varnishes
9. Most common mistakes and quick fixes
- Sticky surface: proportion error/too low temperature; remove the glue, degrease, sand, add a thin layer.
- Bubbles: lack of sealing coat or too damp wood; sand, fill with a thin layer.
- Shrinkage/cracks: too large a single volume or too reactive a system; switch to DECO K and pour in layers.
- Yellowing: lack of top-coat; dull down and varnish.
10. Consumption calculator
Volume [l] = m² × mm thickness. Mass [kg] = liters × mixture density. For DECO/DECO K, assume approximately 1.0–1.1 kg/l. Add +5–10% technological reserve (edges, absorption, losses). Measure ingredients by weight according to the proportions: DECO 100:40 or DECO K 100:30.
Example (top 140×70×30 mm): 1.40×0.70=0.98 m² → 0.98×30=29.4 l → 29.4×1.05≈30.9 kg → with 8% reserve ≈ 33.4 kg of mixture.
11. FAQ
Is DECO suitable for thick pours? For thin and medium layers. For “canyons” and thicker cross-sections, choose DECO K 100:30 and use layered pours.
Do I need to varnish the top? If you care about long-term resistance to UV and scratches – yes, use PU/polyaspartic varnish.
How to reduce bubbles? Make a sealing coat, keep humidity ≤60% RH and gently vent from a distance.
Products and tools
- Epidian DECO resin
- Epidian DECO Hardener (100:40)
- Epidian DECO K Hardener - for canyons (100:30)
- Ready-made set
- Ready-made set - large for production
- PU varnishes /
