How To Create An Amazing Epoxy Water Drop Finish | RK3 Designs

[@RK3Designs]

rk3designs.com || Where would you put this finish?

[@chrisnash2154]

Furniture next to a pool or hot tub. Furniture on a boat. Beach furniture.

[@ToddBizCoach]

On closet sliding doors(or folding) in a recreation room in home

[@ToddBizCoach]

In a high end restaurant in woman ‘s bathroom as an accent wall. Use decorative gold corners to cover up screws which hold it tight to wall.

[@RK3Designs]

That would be amazing!!

[@sll-tt6bj]

Really nice you have classes?

[@vegasmainiac7745]

I'm just sitting here slowly shaking my head. I've worked with resin off n on for 10 years, not as a pro but for diy home projects and crafts. I'm literally just realizing the my successes have been purely accidental. I knew how important mixing and incorporating is yet I assumed I was doing it right. That false assumption is actually the answer I've been seeking the entire time, every single time a finish failed, every single time I got horrible edges and every single time I got divots and the resin didn't cure evenly. I blamed the resin instead of owning it. I just assumed resin sucked or I sucked at it. I was half right. Rhonda, God bless your heart, I owe you a debt of gratitude for your delivery AND substance! Your mixing and application tips have inspired me to fall in love with epoxy finishes all over again. Between you, stone coat and atd, I'm all in once again🥰

[@darlaballenger2357]

WOW! Now that is cool. I think maybe a bathroom floor. The kids get water on it anyway so might as well make the water look good.

[@RK3Designs]

Lol. Exactly!! Thanks for watching!!!😊😊

[@BassResinator]

This finish would be cool on a bathroom counter top.

[@daimyo2k]

Pretty cool... oddly enough, I learned how to do this technique (minus the epoxy) with the airbrush, 30 years ago, in my graphic design course in vocational school... loooong before photoshop kiddos

[@RK3Designs]

How cool. I’ll bet it really looks awesome when done with an airbrush!! 😊

[@CynthiaPrice79]

PhotoShop’s been around an awfully long time… are you grandpa old?

[@daimyo2k]

@@CynthiaPrice79 Lol =D not quite, but almost. We actually used a precursor to Photoshop called "Pixel-paint". Back then it was literally like magic. I remember using the gradient tool for the first time and was like "HOLY SH!T!!!"

[@KM-fckutube]

Yeah man, they’ve been doing this on lowriders for about 35-40 years.

[@anngreen7071]

Lordy me girl, do you ever run out of ideas? I love this, I can think of a million ways to use this method. Gorgeous.

[@RK3Designs]

Lol. Thank you! 😊😊

[@AndreGuilbault-zl7wu]

Oh my I've seen the water drop done on custom car paint job. I'm so happy I saw it here. Put it back in my thoughts now I can't wait to do it . On the car they didn't show how to do it in detail. Just showed water drops that were painted. Then the final finish. So now I know. Thank you so much.

[@johnmonasterial865]

beautiful creation. I hope I can learn that and start a bussiness of my own. Watching from Philippines.

[@RK3Designs]

You can do it!

[@brendagould13]

Rhonda, you are absolutely amazing!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!!!

[@richardmontfort4731]

Awesome demo, I'm truly inspired, thank you so much for sharing. Where do you get the clear material to apply the vinyl decal? Great job. Hello from London, Ontario Canada.

[@johnmonasterial865]

I will use it for wall decor.. like a painting and on bar counters and tables..

[@davomontgomeryda3rd]

Awesome!! Tip I found out for the dried epoxy on your red silicone drill paint/ epoxy mixer... after the dried epoxy builds up a few layers on the mixer, use a hammer to give a light wacks to each of the silicone mixer blades, the hits from the hammer will crack & separate the epoxy from the mixer & the dried epoxy can be peeled right off the mixer.

[@RK3Designs]

Perfect!!! Thank you!!! 😊

[@jasonmartin7137]

The shot at 17:09 makes me think I'm looking at a parking lot thru a tinted window on a rainy day. Very impressive!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!! 😊😊

[@ottothorsen]

First time coming to your channel. You are awesome! What a great teacher. Great job!

[@RK3Designs]

That is so sweet!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@anngreen7071]

Trying to catch up with my Guru"s videos. This is gorgeous!

[@michelelinkhorn4457]

Fabulous as always, a splashback in the kitchen

[@RK3Designs]

A backsplash would look so cool! Thanks for watching

[@jpcirb]

just a few people chillin doin stuff with their hands as their livelihood with not much mastery, i dig it..

[@wordvendor1]

Surf boards, pool furniture, outdoor kitchen countertops. Love this!!

[@RK3Designs]

Yep. Very versatile finish. And fun too!! 😊

[@IppiopaidFEEDBACK]

Awesome! And when her former pupil said she started her own business, this is really inspiring. I’m looking to start a new career, (I’m done with construction, I just don’t wanna do it anymore) this sounds like an awesome opportunity.

[@RK3Designs]

Hey there it’s a fabulous opportunity!!!

[@marksavino2580]

Your very talented. I’m an architectural painting contractor and I really appreciate other craftsman in different fields

[@RK3Designs]

Mark that is very nice!!! Thank you so much!! 😊

[@sebnemk2596]

Omg i love this water bubbles effect and thank you also for foamy glass cleaner tip..❤❤

[@cajundiva]

This is the next finish I'm trying - thank you!

[@colleenjenne5251]

Love the bubble finish

[@marthafernandamedina6613]

Beautiful technique!! I'm so happy to find you and learn all your knowledge!!! Thank you so much 😊!!!

[@RK3Designs]

You are so welcome!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@rachaelriddle5872]

By golly it worked!!!!! My cornhole board turned out awesome! Thank you again for sharing your tips, tricks, and creativity with us!

[@559HDGwenchy]

What a fantastic look! I had no idea you could get a water droplet effect by doing what you showed. I learned something new that I'll definitely try.

[@RK3Designs]

Awesome. Thank you!!

[@brianlykins6663]

This was amazing. First time I've seen water droplets. I am totally surprised at how nice it turned out. Two thumbs 👍 👍 up young lady. The problem with learning all these techniques, is how many cornhole sets I would have to make. Then having to decide which ones to get rid of. I'm certain your class would be an absolute ball to attend. Thank you.

[@laurienoe1233]

OMG Rhonda! This finish is money! I have been thinking about ways to do a water faux finish that's not necessarily a beachy ocean look and this one fits the bill. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity once again! I am so doing this finish ASAP! The decal application with Keith McGinnis was awesome, too. Took the guesswork out of that! Take care and keep up the great work!!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!! It’s such a fun technique that you don’t see a lot!! So many ways to customize it also 😊

[@ToddBizCoach]

@@RK3Designs Did you say customize! A water,beach effect serving tray that gets left on table, lazy Susan. Things to be used on patios, near pools, outdoor cement top bars. Figure out a marketing name for this effect?

[@campmodewithrussell]

Holy smokes, that is soaked in genius! Looks amazing, patent worthy for sure!

[@RK3Designs]

Lol. Thank you!!!

[@avfan967]

OMG, this is the most intriguing design I’ve EVER seen. Simply wow in creativity!!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!! 😊😊

[@Firesun07]

Ok that was pretty cool design!!! I think I am going to try this on my Auto Detailing counter top.. Great Job!!

[@RK3Designs]

That would be awesome. I actually learned from an auto detailer.

[@stephensurratt9117]

That was awesome and yes spraymax window cleaner works on all kinds of projects best stuff on the market nice work everybody.!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!! 😊

[@michaeloliver6745]

So slick!!! I can’t even believe that this works!!! Amazing!!!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!! It’s super cool for sure!

[@chrisnash2154]

Looks great. I noticed you didn’t scuff before applying the decal. You mentioned that you let the epoxy cure overnight so I’m wondering if it’s still in that tacky stage to accept a flood coat without scuffing it up? If that’s the case wouldn’t that glass cleaner react to the somewhat tacky epoxy?

[@RK3Designs]

You got me!! Yes, my employee scuffed it for me but I forgot to mention in the video. Great catch!

[@OnlyTheChronic]

That would be an amazing outdoor shower stall!

[@RK3Designs]

I agree!! ❤️

[@TheOiftmtgnr3]

I just bought a new home with an inground salt water pool, 5+ acres and a steel 40x60 pole barn. In the barn is 2.5 bathrooms, a kitchenette, loft and office. I will be "taking possession/ moving in" in a month. The kitchenette has "boring/ bland" counter tops. I already see me doing this design scheme on the counters, the riding lawnmower and possibly the table by the pool.... if they come out as good as this video... my wife will be upset to see the floors in the house always looking wet with water drops lol. Great video, can't wait to start and try different colors on different projects.

[@RK3Designs]

You are gonna have fun with this finish I can tell!!! ❤️❤️

[@TheOiftmtgnr3]

@@RK3Designs ya think?! Lol I'm already thinking of EVERYTHING I can paint... like the pole barn floors, lol

[@beautyfilledminds7141]

Awesome video. If anyone is confused about what tool she was referring to as a trial she is talking about a trowel. A trial is held in a court. A trowel (/ˈtrou(ə)l/ sounds like towel with an r) is a tool. They come in flat, u shape and v shape. The flat edge trowel is good for epoxy. 😁

[@RK3Designs]

I’m just laughing that so many people are letting the way I say trowel taking up space in their head and time out of their day!! 🤣😂

[@walkerscustomcountertops3144]

@@RK3Designs that's just that awesome Texas drawl coming through! :)

[@madelineway2710]

I am going to make a resin bar rectangle for my husband. I was leaning toward wood inset, but now I think I want to do water drops!!

[@RK3Designs]

It’s definitely a cool finish 😊

[@aswithinsowithout]

I’m so excited to share your channel with my husband. I absolutely love your style of teaching. Just wow. 😍😍😍

[@catherinebradley8767]

This is an amazing effect! I would love it as a bathroom countertop and even a kitchen! So unique! Bravo!!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!!! 😊😊

[@staceyl6769]

We are building a small outdoor kitchen and this could be a really cool effect! Thanks!

[@RK3Designs]

You’re welcome!! Thanks for watching!! Have fun!

[@mommajoe824]

That's Awesome. That would look cool on a Aquarium Flooring.

[@RK3Designs]

That would be really cool!

[@BruteWoman]

That is AWESOME!! I love it! How about the pool house floor?

[@RK3Designs]

Oh wow! I think that would be fantastic!

[@evelineperko6685]

Maybe read the comment ( above yours ) from Steve Congrave first!?🤔🤷

[@ericabsten2555]

I love the content you put out keep up the great work! Maybe I missed it but what is the light spray paint color you use? The one after navy and brilliant blue? Look forward to watching more from you thanks!

[@patriciasumic1517]

It would look great in my bathroom and would be cheaper than tiles. Thanks for showing this..

[@RK3Designs]

It would look great in a bathroom!! You are very welcome!

[@jess65963]

I would put this finish on my round patio table top!!!?? It's going to be beautiful ❤️

[@RK3Designs]

It would look great on a table!

[@mazmain9248]

That finish looks amazing. I need to redo a bathroom so I might give this a go, Thanks so much for sharing

[@RK3Designs]

You bet!! Thanks for watching!

[@blueykoala3827]

I know what to do with my next Skateboard Deck. Love you work. I'm an Australian Living in Ohio and make and send boards to Australia

[@RK3Designs]

That would look AWESOME!!! Would love to see if you do one!! ❤️

[@stanwhite5270]

That's a cool finish. Definitely would use it on an outside table top

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!! 😊

[@robertlatham7315]

Great idea for shower walls!!!

[@MarktrustingJesus]

Super awesome. Love it!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!

[@pfunpfrau]

I would love to try this on the table in my camper.

[@brianmi40]

I'm doing a van conversion, so it was going to be an Acrylic Pour with cells popping through before seeing this for my countertop, and now I'm on the fence since I could do a range of colors to match my Shou Sugi Ban tongue and groove ceiling!

[@MrReilloc]

The drops effect is amazing. I have an idea to try it in red 🤔

[@RK3Designs]

That would look cool!! ❤️

[@walkerscustomcountertops3144]

Those look killer. Love the colors too. Did you just clean up the window cleaner with some isopropyl alcohol?

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you! Yes. Just wiped it with a paper towel and then IPA. 😊

[@holleyhagerty2560]

So cool. I'd do it on a surfboard 💕

[@tanyason1138]

So cool! I love the idea of the decals so I assumed then the same could be done with any decals such as a flower decals you can get from Michael’s? I’m focusing on doing a shower surround and have been watching a lot of your videos and all of these different options and techniques for applications. I do note that they recommend the foam but I do see that for say countertops is even recommended to use plywood and if so, can you use other medium behind the shower walls to do this? is there an option to do it vertically or is it only due to needing to self self level that you need to do the segments flat? If so, can I creatively do smaller segments and use glass like grout to create a dual effect? I’ve been thinking of perhaps, if not doing square or rectangular larger segments, perhaps, shapes or planks, even circles within circles particularly with foam, I can see, would be interestingof cutting out certain segments and filling the difference just so many things that I can perceive could be done

[@fjelstednord3159]

Don't you need to lightly sand the 1st flood-coat so the 2nd coat properly bonds to the glossy surface? I'd be somewhat worried about separation between the 2 coats of epoxy.

[@marsharn53]

You have no idea how excited I am about this!!! I had initially hoped to see Kenny build the boards! He went above and beyond what I expected. The finish that you applied looks great and I can’t wait to try it. You always have new creative ideas! How do you do the decals? I am really enjoying your new videos and guests. The filming is very professional! A little long winded with my comment, but I wanted to let you know how grateful I am for these cornhole boards❤️🙏

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!! I’m so happy that you enjoyed the series!! We cut out logos with our Silhouette vinyl cutter. You can also buy custom vinyl stickers off Etsy 😊.

[@EnchantedWoodDesignz]

@@RK3Designs We offer full color/BW Custom stickers.

[@justanotherdayinparadise7267]

excellente ,baja california ,MEXICO

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!! 😊😊

[@Nrscathy60]

That's my favorite so far. I missed it, does it leave a dried cavern like thing where the pain dried over the water drop? So it isn't smooth till it's covered in resin. Does it trap air in there?

[@deniserobinson7979]

Love this idea!! I've been looking for some kind of outdoor kitchen counter top. Would this withstand the weather? We live in Colorado. Snow, rain and heat.

[@RK3Designs]

I don’t recommend epoxy to be directly in the elements. Depending on what product line you use, it doesn’t hold up well if under a covering.

[@bemccune7671]

Highly recommend finding a silicone mixer attachment. You'll be able to completely avoid the issue of cutting your cup open.

[@RK3Designs]

Awesome. Thanks for the feedback!! ☺️👍🏼👍🏼

[@michelelinkhorn2594]

This was so good to watch I love it, it has endless uses

[@RK3Designs]

Thanks you!! Lots of fun!

[@sk8sbowlingreviews]

Any particular reason of using black underneath? I was wondering if using a more gray tone would allow the few "spots" that show through from the water evaporation to blend in with the bubbles a little more? Thoughts?

[@RK3Designs]

You can absolutely use any color. I wanted a contrast with the blue. Your idea sound great!!

[@upittman1]

I was thinking the same thing but blue or white.

[@davidhardinvideosthatyouma2656]

Hello Again! I have a question about the vinyl material. Can I use the type of vinyl material that is used on the cricut machines? Does it need to be adhesive? It seemed so easy with what he called a decal.

[@RK3Designs]

Most vinyl works pretty well. Cheaper vinyl will tend to get bubbles really easily. We cut all our decals with our cricut. You can also purchase pre-made decals off Etsy.

[@beckettvideos7453]

You mentioned red guard application. Did you apply two coats of RG on the bottom of the board?

[@brendagould13]

Love it! Thank you

[@squeekhobby4571]

You are awesome. Can we use foam boards if we use them in bathroom

[@RK3Designs]

You bet!

[@one1wizard]

I love the bubble look. That is more prettier than the dirty poor. Question why can't you use the pink foam insulation for this

[@RK3Designs]

I’m confused. Pink Insulation Foam for the drip affect or for cornhole boards? It’s not sturdy enough for high impact cornhole boards plus it would be hard to attach the foam to the corn hole frame.

[@ayadkachou2423]

Looks great 👍. Question: won’t the bubbles be higher than the service? Don’t we need to do 2 times clear coat to cover the bubbles? Thanks 🙏

[@RK3Designs]

Good question, but no. When the water evaporates the surface is completely level. It just gives the illusion that it’s raised.

[@elizabethsmith898]

Do the water drops dry and THEN the shape stays??

[@dizydivadesigns]

Wow what an awesome finish!! Love love it. Thanks for sharing

[@RK3Designs]

You bet! I think this is gonna be a fun summer finish!

[@ericabsten2555]

@@RK3Designs 0

[@rachaelriddle5872]

Is the Stone Coat Countertops undercoating necessary or will this work without? Say spray paint over sealed wood?

[@RK3Designs]

As long as your wood is sealed you’ll be fine 😊

[@EstebanGarcia-fc1vf]

I see you’re from Seguin. I’m in San Antonio. Curious where you bought the Medex MDF board. I’ve made Cornhole boards before but this is a whole new level and would like to try it.

[@RK3Designs]

Roddi’s in San Antonio. Talk to Tom.

[@NickOeffinger]

Exactly the look I need for my project. Thank you

[@claudiagargurevich9760]

I'm a new subscriber and I love this finish. My kids would love it on their bathroom countertop.

[@terrydawson4594]

Do you think it’s possible to do the same technique over hardwood, skipping the black gloss rustoleum?

[@RK3Designs]

You could but I’m not sure you would get the depth and 3D effect as well. May look really cool though. 😊

[@hamedamiri3982]

Hello It's really awesome I tried to make water pattern before but all of them got worse It's really amazing way for make water pattern ❤👍

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!! 😊😊

[@bbasham46]

That's insane!

[@darrinlindsey]

Can this water drop look work with other colors? Or is it the blue color that makes it look so realistic?

[@Apollyon-er4ut]

Super cool finish. thank you.

[@RK3Designs]

Thanks!!! 😊😊

[@doreenwatson-read]

this is such a clever design!

[@RK3Designs]

Thanks!!!

[@thiadimaio8871]

I love this. I need to take your classes. Would love to learn it all.

[@cheridaily1804]

QUESTION: where do you get your decals? Are they water transfer or are they vinyl decals from say a cricut machine? Thanks i love this video!.

[@RK3Designs]

We cut our own vinyl decals with out Cricut.

[@nickimantzouris6876]

Fantastic! Love this look! Question about the spray paint: you said that the black spray paint was glossy finish, should the top colors (the blues you used in this example) also be gloss? Thanks so much for another great lesson. :)

[@RK3Designs]

That’s a great question, I think the glass would give you the best effect. However I think if you did use matte the fact that you were putting epoxy over the top would still give you that high-gloss look.

[@ToddBizCoach]

Would you use UTC as flood coat to prevent micro scratches and give it UV protection?

[@RK3Designs]

I would still apply a clear flood coat then apply the UTC. 😊

[@Relics_Resin]

Love this! Dumb question: the vinyl decal…does it have an adhesive back (like a Cricut design, just as an example)? My tiny pea brain is working this out for a hundred applications! Thanks!

[@RK3Designs]

Yes. We actually cut it from a circuit

[@rosepainting1]

I want to do it on my picnic table!

[@RK3Designs]

That would be very cool!

[@peteschiapelli3944]

I love this look! Wonder how this would hold up on a floor? Inside a shower? Using grey's or browns for a pebble effect?

[@elizabethsmith898]

I was wondering that too

[@Kiki_slays_hair]

I use to live in Marathon!!! My dad was a charter boat Captain in Key Colony at the Landing!

[@pammcadams5648]

I will be trying this tomorrow!!

[@RK3Designs]

Awesome!!! Have fun!

[@timvan3584]

very good job ,RK3

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!! 😊

[@janiecebisaha6396]

Very cool effect.

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!!!

[@AllenHorn0507]

I always enjoy your videos! You are top-notch! ❤

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you so much!

[@charley408]

I should take that class!

[@RK3Designs]

Would love to have you!

[@carrierenn6500]

This effect would look awesome on a pool slide; how would you do it so that the drips didn't roll off before drying? It would even be cool on a diving board....how could you add a non-slip additive? I will be repurposing my equipment at some point during our swimming season in Ontario, Canada - any suggestions would be greatly appreciated :) thanks in advance for all your inspirational ideas!!

[@RK3Designs]

I’m not sure exactly how you would keep the drips from running. The paint will help them stay in place to a certain extent. Maybe just keep the drips really small. Maybe you could add some clear silica sand to the topcoat to make it non-skid??

[@ToddBizCoach]

Lower the pool slide until level then apply surfaces to avoid drips running.

[@rogermccaslin5963]

I used to paint boats and I used Griptex additive from Awlgrip (marine paint company) as a nonskid additive for the decks. Griptex is a polymer additive that comes out of the can looking white but, when mixed with clear resin, it becomes clear. It's great when you want the subsurface to show through. It is also uniform in size whereas sand often has varying sized grains in it. Sand can also have some color to it so it might muddy up your surface. Griptex comes in three different grit sizes - fine, coarse, and extra coarse. Fine is really fine and might get buried in resin. Coarse is probably the best choice. It's got a decent amount of profile so I don't think it would get lost in the resin coat. I don't think I'd use extra coarse because it is very rough (it can be a little tough on bare feet).

[@bionicsasquatch]

Would you yourself use the Medex MDF board on the walls of a wall in shower ?

[@RK3Designs]

Absolutely. We use it all the time and actually have it in our personal shower for the last 5 years. Works great!!

[@keiiii07]

I really love the water droplets effect! It's so beautiful N creative! This is definitely a priceless piece of art!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you so much!!! 😊

[@mjp5129]

I love it! I need to do something with this. Wow!

[@RK3Designs]

It’s a super fun, super cool and unique finish!! Go have fun with it! 😊

[@cherylcremon3639]

Looks amazing!! One question = do you finish the back side since it can end up staying outside?

[@RK3Designs]

We start with a water resistant MDF called Medex and then we also Red Guard the backside. Red Guard is a waterproof roll on material. 😊

[@het127]

Yes I heard you say redguard but didn’t see it used in the video. Will the epoxy and rustolium bond if you redguard both sides? I know that is a slightly expensive product, could you just epoxy the backside as well to waterproof this? Or does the MDF substrate need to “breathe”?

[@AcrylicArtbySharon-ll2mt]

I throughly enjoyed this. I’m always looking for new backgrounds for my pieces. Couple questions… Can I use a piece of solid cured resin instead of the mdf board. I’m thinking I’d like to cast a platter made of resin then use this technique and top it off with a 3D cast of resin. If I give it a try I’ll let you know. My KZbin page crashed so I’m starting over 😢

[@RK3Designs]

Wow, I think that would be super cool!!! Would love to see what you come up with!!