How To Pour Tabletop Epoxy Resin Over Large Vinyl Decals | Detailed Instructions

Follow this simple 10 step process for Glass smooth epoxy results over vinyl decals, wood, paint or any other smooth surface. In this video we go over the best steps in applying large vinyl decals without any wrinkles or air bubbles and also pouring Total Boat Tabletop epoxy over that decal for a glass smooth finish the first time every time. Preparation is key in this process and we will go over each and every step to make the process easy. Vinyl decals can be easy to apply no matter the size. The "hinge" method I show in this video will help anyone improve their process in applying decals to any surface.
Total Boats' Tabletop epoxy makes it super easy to get great smooth results every time over smooth surfaces. Its a simple 1:1 ratio and is super forgiving.
As always thank you for supporting my channel and Square Splinter.
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[@TotalBoat]

Awesome process video and great tips! It came out awesome

[@SquareSplinter]

Thanks a ton guys. Hopefully it can help someone out.

[@dustykosmach6590]

Nice. A tip you can use or lose. Brush epoxy around edges first. Having the sides wet w epoxy will allow the pour to flow much much easier .

[@elizabethmontijo3239]

I'm so using this "hinge" technique for other self adhesive projects. There's that second set of hands I need to keep things spot on straight. Thank YOU!

[@cleoderu6030]

Honestly amazing ! No one else has this video and it’s so much simpler than I imagined

[@rossozer6680]

You can tape the sides with painters tape and tuck the tape below the frame. This avoids having to do any sanding etc.

[@pilardavis8740]

I absolutely love how it turned out!

[@SquareSplinter]

It was well loved by the recipient.

[@gbjones54]

Great explanation Derek. Hope you and the family are well my friend..

[@SquareSplinter]

Thanks much Gary. Everyone is doing well. 🙏🏼

[@karindanish7463]

This was an excellent tutorial, thanks, I feel ready to try my first experimental project🤙🏼

[@SquareSplinter]

You got this. It’s not super hard at all.

[@lisabuzzeo175]

Hi! Loved the video! Very helpful. Can I do this on a glass bar top?

[@growityourselfdelhi]

Can epoxy be poured over any vinyl decal or are there any specifications for the vinyl to ensure that the epoxy sticks

[@MyGrunt0311]

Did you ever find out?

[@thinkology7174]

@@MyGrunt0311 would also like to know

[@nf9884]

Hi, really helpfull, great video. 👍What would you be using to seal a a mdf counter top ? in oder to get good adhesion and no surprise when pouring the epoxy. (Just want to make sure all three media will work together) Thanks

[@margiegandy9189]

A good bonding primer

[@tsmidwest1773]

Ive often thought of trying this on picnic table for local bars on the water how would this system hold up to sun and also cold storage in off season

[@danieldawg100]

I’m wanting to do epoxy resin pour over a vinyl corn hole wrap but have read some say it want bond and will separate. What I’m trying to find out is will it work or not. Or am I just best at applying the wrap and staying clear of using the epoxy. Thanks for any input and information

[@tbonepachanga]

On the sides the runs will self fix?

[@RFBIV]

Awesome video, I was wondering if the vinyl you used was laminated or not? Restoring an Arcade cabinet and was thinking of epoxy resin sealing it. The sides of the arcade cabinet will have laminated decals on them.

[@SquareSplinter]

What I used was laminated but that was more for ease of installation for me rather than any sort of protection. You can absolutely pour epoxy straight over a vinyl print without lamination. 🍻

[@MyGrunt0311]

@@SquareSplinter Would laminate be best used for outside?

[@SquareSplinter]

@@MyGrunt0311 if used outside, yes. Epoxy will yellow over time and not be as protective. Modern laminated are amazing stuff

[@thinkology7174]

appreciate

[@jackstackstv6316]

There’s a tip out there to rub the sides of so the epoxy can flow downward and evenly on the sides correctly. That way those drips won’t be there on the side. You have to break that tension there or something like that. Also before it cures completely, swipe underneath the canvas or table to get rid of the drips. You’ll have to do this about 2-3 times before the piece fully cures to avoid those drips.

[@SquareSplinter]

There are definitely ways to mitigate the drips but honestly I wasn’t worried to much about it. Most of the time I would have to sand areas of the project anyway. But you are right, there are quite a few things I could have done. 🍻

[@susankollar7562]

Hi, loved the video, u covered almost everything this newbie epoxy user wanted to know. I'm painting a large wooden table to use as a kitchen work surface, and applying peel and stick Mexican tile decals to the top. I was going to seal the top with minwax polyurethane, but may want to use the epoxy. Would I need to run some sort of border around the edges to contain the epoxy, or can I somehow work it so it doesn't pour over the edges? The table top is approximately 6' x 3'. Thanks!

[@SquareSplinter]

It really needs to run to the edge so it will be smooth along the very edge. If you try to use tape or something to “dam” it up it leaves a nasty sharp edge and raised up a bit all around the edges. It doesn’t need to flood over the edges but if you just let it run over a bit and then wipe under the edge with a paintbrush or something it maintains the mess. Hope this helps! Thanks!

[@susankollar7562]

@@SquareSplinter Thanks for answering, and yes, it makes total sense. I'm used to using most kinds of art media & home project materials, but I've never used epoxy. I've been drooling over epoxy projects I see online, but held back from doing any of it, bc then I'd have to buy everything l thought I'd need, I already have too many supplies, and at 70+ one is supposed to be getting rid of stuff, not acquire more. 🙄 (Can u ever have too many art supplies?) LOL I think the epoxy might hold up better for this project, so I think I'll try it out. Thanks again! I subscribed to your channel and will check out your other vids.

[@SquareSplinter]

Good luck on your projects Susan, and no you can never have too many!! 😁

[@antonioibarra5900]

Is there a specific wood you use for creating your custom boxes to add vinyl to them?

[@SquareSplinter]

No not at all, although keep in mind the grain of the wood will show through. I typically like to use plywood for that reason. Also it stays really flat. 🍻👍🏼

[@brandonavellano1836]

I made big logo on epoxy garage... It got messed up on the second application, it didnt adhere properly on the vinyl. I had to re do the whole garage. Inwas told vinyl cannot have the protective laminate on top of the design. It has to be one colour...one piece. Is this correct

[@KatsFurBabys]

i was thinking to prime then marble with epoxy or use vinyl and epoxy for faster results and more accurate design. oh and it ne directly on vertical. will it just runn down

[@SquareSplinter]

Yeah applying it on a vertical surface won’t work. Had to be flat to be able to level out and cure.

[@big31074]

Can I do this on a full size bar table on a full size printed out vinyl decal?

[@SquareSplinter]

Definitely. It of course would take a lot of resin but there are calculators online to help with that.

[@mister816702]

What did you do to smooth the edges? When you poured there were a ton of drips but not on the finished product?

[@GabrielGonzalez-sx9nu]

He probably sanded them off. After about 24 hrs, Depending on what brand on epoxy you have, epoxy drips can be sanded off for a clean finish

[@Alex-nt7li]

Hi, I was wondering.. can you pour resin over the bottom of a wooden box as well? Also, I removed hardware, I’m worried the resin will make it difficult to put the hardware back on?! Any tips for that? Thanks

[@SquareSplinter]

You could definitely pour it on the bottom of a box. The only thing is around the edges it’s going to raise up a little. It does that due to the thermo reaction in the resin. Doesn’t hurt anything but just FYI it won’t stay 100% flat across entire bottom of box. As far as hardware as long as you had holes drilled prior to pouring resin you should be fine. 👍🏼🍻

[@KatsFurBabys]

also i want to vinyl my fireplace around the stove. will the epoxy stop the vinyl from bubbleing or lifting

[@SquareSplinter]

If the vinyl is applied correctly and stuck down well before you put pour the epoxy then yes, it will increase the durability and longevity of the vinyl. for sure!

[@samuraisaint2360]

Heat gun doesn’t shrink or warp the vinyl ?

[@lillidebono4143]

I’m looking to cover a wooden desk with individual stickers instead of a decal, will this method work decently?

[@SquareSplinter]

For sure, yes. The epoxy will smooth over the slight imperfections pretty easily.

[@C3DPropShop]

The "oh sh!t" reveal got me. 😆 turned out great! What was the base, A picture frame canvas?

[@SquareSplinter]

Haha. No it was just the top part of a plywood box I made for my youngest daughter. She loves elephants.

[@sirflexxx]

Can you put 2 part epoxy directly onto vinyl stickers Or do you have to seal them 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@KatsFurBabys]

iv slightly more A, i must have mixed wrong. will that affect the hardness

[@SquareSplinter]

If mixed incorrectly, yes. It will absolutely affect the hardness.

[@donforsey9509]

Do you have to worry about heat generated from the epoxy being mixed , damaging your vinyl? I’d like to try this but not with an entire page of vinyl. I’ll be using cricut vinyl, if that makes a difference.

[@SquareSplinter]

No not really, the epoxy really only heats up to a dangerous level if it’s ft in a small container with a large amount. If you have it mixed and are laying down in a thin layer you have nothing to worry about. The cricut vinyl should be just fine

[@donforsey9509]

@@SquareSplinter thank you for responding so quickly.

[@brickdaddiy]

So this is how to do the desk top...

[@SquareSplinter]

Hahahahaha. Yes...... yes it is.

[@MyGrunt0311]

will this work on granite stones for cemetery, Iv'e see something similar but they won't tell me how it's done.

[@SquareSplinter]

You probably could do that yes, as long as it was the super smooth glass like finish I have seen on some gravestones. If you used really high quality wrap vinyl or had one made of course, it should work fine.

[@deveralifestyle1562]

Where can you purchase large vinyl decals like that?

[@SquareSplinter]

I would start with trying any local print / sign shops near you.

[@mistysimmons7651]

what did you use to make your graphic design for this

[@SquareSplinter]

I actually designed it myself but you can find lots of designs like this by searching for 4K monitor backgrounds. Great source for free decent quality images.

[@JustArandomDude11c]

@@SquareSplinter Did you print it yourself as well and if so what's a good quality printer to use hobby level not commercial?

[@nafaororaon3378]

what is the adhesion of the epoxy

[@SquareSplinter]

It’s fantastic. If prepared properly it will never lift or try to come off.

[@robertjohnston1091]

what if you're table is round??

[@SquareSplinter]

It works all the same way. 👍🏼

[@hawkchris5740]

was the vinyl laminated

[@SquareSplinter]

It was but more for just was of installing.

[@SingersIceCream]

So, I'd like to do this to a table that people would sit and eat ice cream on. Is there anything ELSE to add on top to protect it even further? Specifically for commercial use for years to come??

[@SquareSplinter]

The epoxy is very durable by itself honestly. Saying that though…. In recent times there are ceramic coatings that people are using that can help prevent small scratches and scuffs. Otherwise it will last for a long time even without anything else on it. 👍🏼

[@DesignerVIsuals]

I didnt see you put the epoxy on the sides? If you use a small paint brush to even out the epoxy, and then use it on the sides, it will all look even, everywhere. Also, if you come back with your squeegee after an hour or 2, you can scrape the bottoms and get rid of the drips. No sanding required.

[@geekbuy82]

you forgot to wipe the drops of resin on the edges before it dries

[@SquareSplinter]

I actually do that on purpose to not disturb the smoothness on the top along the edge. The drops are easy to sand off the next day.

[@FrugalFixerSpike]

Great Job, now tell me this, I have decals that light up, that would go on a motorcycle helmet. I want to put on a guitar body, will paint the guitar, lay out the premade flames. my question the guitar body has a curve to it, and falls off in all directions. and I need it to finish on the sides and back smooth!! Guidance, body in question, on my channel! with the flames!!! Thanks!

[@SquareSplinter]

That would look really cool. when you have curves in multiple directions it gets infinitely harder to apply. You might want to find a sign shop / car wrap business to help you out.

[@radink]

So a safety thing. If you need to sand it after, make sure it is fully fully cured. Like 3+ days. Sanding uncured epoxy is dangerous because the dust you can breathe in is still undergoing its chemical reaction. Bad for lungs. Get a real, quality respirator.

[@SquareSplinter]

That’s a good thing to keep in mind. 👍🏼

[@TheRoadhammer379]

You should be using a mask or 3m respirator when sanding anything

[@CorvetteTrev]

What you did wrong, cutting the back of the seal paper, should be one nice clean cut ✂️ all those jagged edges runs a big risk of leaving micro paper pieces stuck to the back of the decal leaving bumps, they're a nightmare to try and tweezer out... You could have shown the finished piece. Success anyway 🎉

[@SquareSplinter]

I will definitely keep that in mind but in the 15 years I have been doing this I have never had an issue. This is process taught at 3M wrap school. Thanks for watching!