How To Finish an Epoxy + Wood Table (For Beginners + Pro's)

How To Finish An Epoxy And Wood table!? We answer one of our most asked questions in this in depth tutorial. Epoxy and wood tables can be finished many different ways but we find this way to have the best results!
Let us know if you have any questions about our process!
In this video, we cover:
How to sand epoxy?
How to use an oil finish?
How to fill pinholes?
and more!
Here's What We Used:
WOOD FINISH
jeffmacksupply...
SHOP TOWELS
jeffmacksupply...
EPOXY FOR PINHOLES:
jeffmacksupply...
Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for future videos.
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[@sercanyalcin3733]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@cliffgrando859]

Absolutely beautiful, im just now getting into epoxy tables

[@S_e_r_g_ei]

Hello! I'm watching You from Russia. A very wonderful table turned out! And you tell me a lot and just how to do it right! This is very good! Respect to You!

[@melindad.4154]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. It was nice to see other methods that are not so expensive. Your table turned out beautiful.

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@Joestacemazjojo]

Love the video, very helpful and a beautiful piece. If possible I’d like to see you guys do the same thing but with a couple of the other popular finishes such as osmos polyx or odies. And possibly a side to side comparison. One other thing that I think would be helpful is seeing how a project has held up over a period of time under continuous use. I don’t see much of that in the finishing videos out there. Love your guys content is why I’m suggesting. It’s be different from what others are doing

[@GlennWristen]

Thank you for all your great how-to videos! Rubio instructions are to sand the wood to 120-150 grit; when you finish a river-style table with Rubio, do you sand the epoxy to a higher grit than the wood prior to the Rubio? Do you buff the epoxy, or do anything different to allow the beauty of your epoxy to show? Thank you!

[@dianatabata8357]

The best sanding tips, thank you so much 👏👏👏❤️

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Thank you for watching!

[@robnewburn3684]

Jeff, I know this video has been out for a while but I’ve watched it many times and I now do the steps that you have recommended with great results. Thank you👍🥶

[@jeffmackdesigns]

That's great to hear, thank you for sharing!

[@free13pink]

The best explanation video on KZbin !!!!

[@daviddamon3660]

Great video. Just the type of video I needed. Straight forward instructions with important details and graphics. Thanks!

[@bkeele3]

Really love and appreciate this video and you guys taking the time and energy to produce it. I’m getting into epoxy tables and counters and it’s hard to get info on materials and methods, seems to be a guarded secret for most as if they don’t want anyone to know. So really appreciate you guys putting this out there to help us newbies. Super cool guys, and super helpful. Beautiful work too!

[@DFD9000]

You guys are killing it!!! Thanks so much for the videos!!!

[@scottmulholland1329]

Really thorough step by step video that is both narrated well and easy to follow. No-one makes an epoxy River table on their own from start to finish free of imperfections! There are always a few mishaps that inevitably teach you to make a better product. I like how you gave the viewer solutions to these types of problems- it will save people a lot of time and money. inevitably encounter. I do have one question- in this video it appears as though you have applied one coat of the Rubio (hence the name mono-coat haha) to each side. If I want a higher sheen to my Rubio Mono coat do I need to use something other than a shop towel or white pad to rub in the product? In other words do I need a polisher? A terry cloth pad? Foam pad? I do like the look of Rubio mono coat but I can’t seem to get the ‘glassy’ or ‘polished marble’ look like some of the various live edge Epoxy River table videos available on YT.

[@aliciacorbin]

Thanks that's beautiful,

[@amaceingcreations1469]

Beautiful job I love the table can't wait to do my own 🥰

[@deedeepeters403]

i just watched how to finish an epoxy plus wood for beginners it was very helpful as i am just starting wood projects i seen that you used a river table mold for dinning table were can i get one thanks for your time

[@timelesswoodworks8680]

This is an awesome video. Appreciate the info and details regarding finishing an epoxy table

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@EternalCentral]

Awesome video, thanks guys. How many total man hours do you project/budget allocate on an average dining table (let's say 6-8 ft long)? Trying to get a better sense of my own work flow (using RMC finishing, similar sanding routine, etc.) versus where others are at, so any insight you can offer would be helpful. Thank you so much for your channel!

[@MrPEPPERZZ4]

Ive got a 8 inch da sander works so great for the 40 n 80 grit

[@terrydonegan1622]

That epoxy part looks like a drum finish and is beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Thank you!

[@chadfanton9994]

Man the center of that table is amazing!

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Thank you! We appreciate it.

[@DrakeCreations]

This was Super helpful!! Thank you!!

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bradleyheathhaysable]

Yes! Business tips and videos please!

[@michaelmurray9774]

Nice job keep sharing

[@sbb526]

After you remove the epoxy from the form why dont you flatten it by pouring enough epoxy instead of using a router or CNC machine or plainer? A top coat of epoxy will also fill the pits, no? If you just use oil to finish does that seal everything enough to prevent from drink stains and food stains?

[@robertmohr6617]

What a great video ,thank you,I have on issue,when sanding my epoxy/wood table I'm getting an uneven feel between epoxy and wood meet,is the wood sanding faster then the wood ,would you have experienced this ,tips

[@TxAgScott]

Thanks!

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Thanks!!!!! We appreciate the support!

[@erickl2635]

I’m not sure if it was asked: 1. Is the epoxy work food safe? 2. Is the Rubio food safe? Thanks for the videos. I truly learn a lot from you guys

[@jeffmackdesigns]

yes and yes

[@markwilliampayne]

Very Nice! video well done. Question - I'm working on a coffee table and I cant get rid of the pig tails in my epoxy (wood is fine) from my orbital sander. I switched over to hand sanding in one direction - took care of the pigtails but now I have micro lines (sanded up to 1000 grit) that even after using a buffing compound and buffer - I cant get my epoxy to clear up. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@timothyskinner7017]

I love the finish. If I have a piece that I want to use this finish on but I need to drill hooks into the piece, should I do the finish first or add the hooks then apply the finish. Thank you.

[@skins6007]

What a great video, thank you. I am just getting into the epoxy tables, etc. I have stupid question…. Do you Buff the 2 part finish after wiping it clean, or just leave it be?

[@FellFoodie]

Another brilliant video. Fantastic dedication with all the water popping, very lucky customers.

[@FilipNGS]

I can just say THANK YOU!!!

[@jeffmackdesigns]

You're very welcome!

[@scoochiemoffit]

Excellent vid! Great details.

[@lounar482]

Really nice...the definitive "how to".

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Glad it helped! Thanks

[@youflatscreentube]

Nice lesson.

[@ateper21]

How did you make and attach your Legs ? I love the Wood Legs

[@kellyb7321]

What do you put under the bottom of the table after it's been finished and you're working on the top? Like is there a spacer to keep the sawhorses from marring the finished bottom? Or does it not really matter once you've buffed the oil off?

[@stevenbiedrzycki7046]

Inlaid c channel. When to use them, when not to? How do you recommend hiding them in translucent pours?

[@tripled5340]

Great Job .............Great Video...one common issue that I feel is never discussed is the epoxy when it comes to Tables? Anyone that has ever polished epoxy understands it rarely looks as great as a flood coat IMO. With that said, does the oil finish last on the epoxy? Obviously that oil makes it shine/clear (pending on quality of sanding) but after several cleanings does the oil harden/adhere to the finished epoxy? Thanks

[@jaredseehusahai6573]

Love the coloring of the epoxy, what pigments did you guys use?

[@jeffmackdesigns]

We almost exclusively use Beaver Dust Pigments on all of our projects, available here: beaverdust.com/

[@drgrowuk8830]

Brilliant video very helpful and informative great job👍🏻

[@revival2604]

One question. Have you faced any problem by sanding up to 220 grit? Rubio suggests to sand up to 150-180 grit. I saw a similar question but I haven’t found your answer. Thanks.

[@jfhorselenberg7778]

U guys❤ are , so helpful ❤ thx A lot ! Marvelous ❤️ thx😊

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Our pleasure!

[@dancarlier7988]

All great advice- thanks

[@jeffmackdesigns]

No problem, glad you found value in our video!

[@tdefouw5852]

That is one beautiful table! Nice job!

[@emmanuelalexander4229]

Thank you.❤

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Welcome!

[@flagman40]

I have a wood slab that has some soft spots in it. I was going to use a min wax wood hardener in them spots. I was going to then sand the top and then apply 2 coats of Rubio on the top. Will the top finish ok with using the wood hardener in the soft spots? Thank you!

[@camanuch100]

Great video!!!

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Thank you!! I am glad you liked it! We appreciate the support!

[@johnperry360]

Beautiful job guys. What kind of wood are you working with in this video?

[@thelensseesclear]

Great work! Would that oil mixture work on just epoxy resin without any wood? I do resin art, and am still a newbie! All input appreciated!!

[@jeffmackdesigns]

I wouldn't use the oil as a finish for just resin. I would polish the resin pieces for the best results.

[@okanagansawmill]

Nice video clear concise and useful information!

[@michaelproviano7646]

Hello, I realize this is two years old but I just came across it. Awesome work by the way. My question is, when you oil the underside first do you have to wait for that to cure before you flip it and do the top side? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@hanscagayan6158]

Great video!

[@joesaccomanno4791]

Great video! I'm going to start using rubio monocoat as I am not getting a good result with using top coat epoxy.

[@anth2717]

Awesome video! Very educational for a beginner like me. Can you explain the "Water Popping" step and the reasoning along with the benefits etc. Thanks. I'll try to send a pic of my first actual table I'm doing

[@porcelinaofthevastoceans3903]

Water soaks into the top layer of wood and raises the grain so you can see imperfections like scratches or tooling marks. Then they continue to sand with finer and finer grit to even those out.

[@nancyscheneman4967]

Beautiful, and it was very helpful.

[@jmains]

Do you find the Rubio helps to seal, harden or otherwise protect the resin work as well?

[@paul-thys]

does the Rubio mono coat go hard? and will it be able to protect softer wood like giant red wood?

[@akkathir2436]

Very very useful 👍👍👍👍👍 thank you 💕💕💕

[@ryanmatthews9500]

If you were making a table for a restaurant. What would you finish it with? I was asked to make 7-32”x48” tables and worried about Rubio holding up to constant cleaning thanks

[@brianwolfgang9312]

Thank you for this informative video. When you flip the table to finish the other side, what do you put down to prevent damage to the finish on the completed side?

[@Rick-z6f]

I've come across your video and was wondering about a couple of things. Do you cover the timber with resin before adding the top coat or bring it level to the wood? I hope this makes sense

[@kuladeeluxe]

Quality work

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Thank you, we appreciate it!

[@walterfaets1490]

Great video. I have a couple of river tables that have a full final resin coat which is gloss. However it scratches easily. is there any product that provides a gloss resistant finish. I've used rubio but it has a flat finish. THank you

[@shawnmcelroy6853]

I am curious if you have ever stained the wood on an epoxy table? What does it do to the epoxy? I have a table I am at the sanding process that is a light color and want to make the wood darker.

[@robmacgregor2093]

Somewhat new to making river tables. My latest table is refusing to set up. I know my mixture was correct. Only thing I can think of is my epoxy was stored in my garage and we had a huge heat wave. Prob got upwards of 110 plus temp in shop. Is there anything I can do to harden epoxy

[@TravisAnderson-g8d]

Cant you vibrate the mold to get rid of air bubbles like done with concrete molds? Just curious

[@montubasumatary5971]

I 👍 epoxy resin table . Great.. U can make polishing n finishing video to me with name of polish pest n paint ..step by step instructions videos ? thanks

[@dwighthight]

Do you sell tables and if so, could I get a price guide. Thanks and Great video.

[@larryduran4587]

Rubio recommends stopping (at most) 180 grit. Have you experienced any problem going over 200 grit?

[@crustycurmudgeon2182]

Really liked the epoxy pour, great pattern! Wish you had shown how that was done...

[@jeffmackdesigns]

The pattern in the epoxy is a natural effect caused by the Exothermic Reaction when the epoxy is curing. We use Ecopoxy FlowCast for all our deep pours. You can learn more and purchase from www.JeffMackSupply.com.

[@crustycurmudgeon2182]

@@jeffmackdesigns Thank you! No plans for a deep pour anytime soon. However, I'm building a bar top with a patterned wood overlay, that I wish to pour about 1/2" of clear (or slightly tinted) epoxy over.

[@remcotissink]

Is the oil curing completely without an "oily" feel ? Is it appropriate for a desk ?

[@jeffmackdesigns]

The oil does not fee oily at all. It is perfect for a desk, coffee table, dining table and even flooring.

[@Golgafrinchamdent]

Good video... thankyou for posting! So just one coat of the catalyzed oil finish? Can you do more coats for more of a film finish? Does it really bond to the non-pourous epoxy surface? I would be paranoid about wood shrinkage, cupping or twisting... have you experienced this? I was thinking about cutting a 1/4" grid on the underside to fill with plywood & epoxy to within about 5/8" of the top and stopping short of the edges... to head off any stresses over time. Any thoughts? Thanks again!

[@GumbyLikeMe]

hey guys, late to the party but I'm finishing my first live edge slab! yay! ran into a problem though, I've poured epoxy into voids and cracks in the table, and now I have to sand. how do I sand the epoxy back to clear and sand the wood at the same time?! I'm very confused and do t wanna ruin the wood with polishing compound (if that's even a thing) just not sure how to proceed. any thoughts? thanks again!

[@abbaselgazzar2054]

Thank you for the video instruction. Very helpful. I just poured a Rubio Monocoat mix on a small section (1.5”W x 14”L x 0.9”H) of a bath caddy/tray (10.5”W x 36.5”L x 0.9”H) that I am making for my daughter. Quick questions…once cured Rubio recommends that you don’t go higher than 120 grit…would it still be okay to follow your guidelines (start with 40 grit then move up to 220 grit)? I don’t have a CNC to flatten the bath tray but will be using my drum sander. I will most likely end up with a 3/4” thick bath after all the sanding. Is it okay to run the board through my drum sander to flatten it then start again with my orbital sander going from 40 grit up to 220 grit? Thanks again for all your videos.

[@jeffmackdesigns]

If you're finishing wood with rubio, we generally sand through the grits up until 150 or 180. Then we apply rubio, let it sit for 5 minutes and then wipe it off. You can use your own discretion if you need to start from a lower or higher grit depending on how your piece sits as of now. The only reason not to go higher than 180 with rubio is that it can penetrate the wood pores more efficiently. You could still sand up to 220 before rubio, its just not recommended.

[@marcinmalek3155]

what kind of wood is this? The table is beautiful, i really like the corner.

[@quinnjohnson6552]

Walnut

[@paulstokes1831]

Have you thought about building entry doors for houses? This would make an amazing front door!

[@estebanquinones8420]

I have the most basic of all questions, but how do you do the otherside of the table, do you wait until the top dries then flip it ?

[@dannyarcher]

Could you have used a polishing compound AFTER the oiling so that you get a nice shine?

[@iandrake4683]

I had Rubio on my hardwood floors and it looked great. Unfortunately, it got tons of water spots and wasn't looking good after only a year. How has it been holding up to use for you guys?

[@Deichjunge65]

Nice Work😍

[@neiltate6561]

Awesome .first time I've seen someone turn over a table and explain about the sanding .. My question is do you always finish with an oil or do you ever just leave an epoxy resin covering .. If it's a live edge how do I stop from getting drips on the opposite side .I've tride taping the edge and wiping underneath but always come back to find a small drip somewhere ..

[@jeffmackdesigns]

You'll always get drips, tape just helps clean them up. We go back and sand them off. Most of our projects are finished with oil. Epoxy top coats are more difficult to maintain!

[@flagman40]

Hi I finished my black walnut river table just as you guys did using the exact same product and process and I delivered the table to my customer and they had dinner on it that night and they left a glass of water on the table and it left a water ring.

[@jeffmackdesigns]

How long did the finish cure for before you delivered the table? Rubio Monocoat takes 7 days to cure when using the hardener and 28 days when using just the oil. I always tell my customers to wipe up spills quickly and use coasters for the first few weeks to be on the safe side.

[@flagman40]

It was about three days

[@williamzetteroweriii9469]

Looking for advice, I want a good little system for buffing my epoxy tables and am a little stumped. I have a 5" orbital sander and thought I could just find hook and loop pads to just stick to it and go to town but that doesn't seem to be a thing on Amazon "in Spain". I see a lot of car guys using angle grinders, is it just best to but a hook and loop adapter and add it to the grinder then get the more like 6 or 7" pads I see for those? By the way, I will have an angle grinder that I can turn the speed down on if need be. All help appreciated! :-)

[@mark-ls7yb]

Hi Jeff, just got a table CNC'd and there are MANY tiny holes/pock marks in the epoxy ( I have had this happen before with this CNC guy).. do you have a method to address this? lots of CA glue? router sled it? or sand it like hell? Thx. I look forward to your response

[@albertshilton5336]

What color or pigment did you add to your Talk Soon Le?

[@gonzalezliu86]

That's a nice looking build. Do you guys ever get requests for stainless or mild steel legs?

[@jeanbiokou235]

Bonjour est ce qu'on peut poncer juste la surface de la resine à plus de 180

[@danmadefurniture]

great video! loved the detail in sanding steps. whats the best model festool sander for this kind of work?

[@mattpye6168]

You talk about the gummy / Gritty finish? do you have any tips on how to fix? when i applied the rubio to my river table it was flat and smooth but now feels like a gritty unsanded piece

[@jeffmackdesigns]

Sounds like you will have to resand the piece. and sand it from 60 grit up to 180 or 220 grit. I would also water pop between grits to help eliminate that rough feeling after the oil is applied. Take your time with the sanding. A lot of people rush that step because it's not the most fun.

[@alleyesonme_]

WOW, amazing informative video man! What was the size if this dinning table? Thanks.

[@UNIK-wood-design]

Hi... Great video, can you tell me where can I get the mold you used for your project... thanks..

[@CM-og4vc]

Awesome video. What size is that mold and do you have that size available to purchase?

[@MrSpanky2001]

Appearently these guys don't like to answer questions.

[@bisquick246]

Did you wipe down the bottom before flipping it? Also, did you put C-Channels the length to prevent sag? I’m about to do my first dining room table with 2” thick walnut but after it’s surfaced it will probably be just under 2”.

[@christinagavan9588]

Hiya, What sanding pads do you use? are they the wet ones ? can you give me a list of sanding pads needed please ? Also is there an alternative to the akfix 705 for the U.K ? and also the rubio monocoat pure ? These don't seem to be readily available in U.K specifically England , Thank you.

[@karlojuratic]

Do you polish epoxy side or only rubio? I belive it is better to polish then rubio esoecially on transparent epoxy

[@bmoey5635]

Super cool

[@ScandinavianHandcraft]

For how long u wait before buffing the oil off? Right away or should u wait 10 minutes or so?

[@jeffmackdesigns]

We normally wipe it off 5-10 minutes after it's been applied.

[@MrLachThea]

Great technique thanks for sharing, do you know what is the self life of the epoxy work?