Among the many options for sealing a wooden table top, an epoxy coating is perhaps the best way to ensure a long-lasting seal that doesn't require regular reapplication or much in the way of upkeep. Additionally, applying epoxy to a table top is a straightforward and beginner-friendly process that doesn't require prior experience with resin products, making it easy for newcomers to work with.
But the vast majority of table tops have smooth sides and no longer exhibit their natural edge, and most epoxy guides cater to those kinds. So what should you do if your wooden table features live edges instead?
In this article, we'll explain what live edges are (for those who aren't aware), then we'll talk about which epoxy is best for live-edge tables, before finally providing some additional resources that may assist you in your project planning.
Let's get started.
What is a live-edge table?
A live-edge table is a type of table where the edges of the wood are left in their natural, irregular form, showcasing the raw shape of the tree from which the wood was cut. The term "live edge" refers to the part of the wood slab that includes the original contours and imperfections of the tree's edges, such as knots, bark inclusions, and curves. This style celebrates the natural beauty of the wood, offering a rustic, organic look that contrasts with more traditionally finished furniture.
Characteristics of live-edge tables:
- Natural edges: The edges are left in their natural state, preserving the shape of the tree, rather than being cut into a straight line.
- Unique appearance: Each live-edge table is one-of-a-kind because the natural features of the wood (such as bark, cracks, and grain patterns) vary from tree to tree.
- Wood slabs: Live-edge tables are typically made from large slabs of wood, such as walnut, oak, or maple, which show off the tree’s natural grain and texture.
- Rustic or modern styles: While they have a rustic aesthetic, live-edge tables can also be crafted with modern, minimalist designs, often paired with metal or steel bases for a contemporary look.
Examples of live-edge tables:
- Dining tables: Often used as statement pieces in dining rooms due to their unique and striking appearance.
- Coffee tables: Smaller live-edge tables are popular as coffee tables, bringing a natural, earthy vibe to living spaces.
- Desks and workstations: Live-edge wood can also be used for desks or office furniture, adding warmth and character to the workspace.
In general, live-edge tables are valued for their natural beauty and can serve as a focal point in any room, offering a blend of organic charm and craftsmanship.
What is the best epoxy for live-edge tables?
For the best epoxy finish on your live-edge table top, use UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy. It's incredibly strong (a 98 out of 100 on the Shore hardness scale), easy to clean, and beautifully transparent.
Why choose UltraClear?
When choosing an epoxy, it's not just the type of epoxy but also the brand that matters. These days, there are numerous epoxy dealers to choose from. Normally, this would be great—more choice means more variety and the ability to find something that suits your needs perfectly.
Unfortunately, many of these dealers are "budget brands" which serve subpar resin products at a surprisingly low upfront cost. And that low cost comes at a price to quality, safety, and support.
Unlike UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy, which is made in the USA, most epoxy brands are manufactured overseas, in places where quality control measures are lax. This allows manufacturers to produce low-grade epoxy that doesn't hold up under pressure. When these products are imported to the USA, they bypass the usual quality and safety checks that American-made resin products undergo, allowing them to arrive to customers in a subpar state. Then, when later used, they tend to crack more easily, fail to cure, yellow suddenly, and result in a murky or cloudy finish.
That's why we recommend UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy for your live-edge table. It's American-made with premium ingredients in a specialized formula designed for safety, convenience, and long-lasting performance.
The benefits of UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy
UltraClear Epoxy products are all premium-grade, with high marks in every relevant category for a sealant/finish.
With UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy, you can expect:
- Incredible durability—with a 98 out of 100 rating on the Shore hardness scale, this epoxy can really take a hit. Rough treatment and typical wear and tear are not a problem, even in high-traffic environments such as commercial bars.
- Crystal-clear transparency—on top of its high physical strength, UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy also cures to a beautiful, transparent finish with glasslike clarity.
- Smooth, waterproof surface—this epoxy's highly smooth surface is waterproof, preventing liquids and other substances from permeating it and leaving behind stains. This is great for outdoor settings, too, where rain might be a concern.
- Easy to apply, easy to maintain—not only is it strong and clear, but it's also a breeze to work with. This epoxy can be applied even by beginners with no experience, and DIY-friendly instructions are included with every purchase. Moreover, once it has finished curing, maintenance is a simple affair, with no need for reapplication over a minimum of 7 years.
- Effortless cleaning—keeping an UltraClear Epoxy surface clean requires very little effort, with mild soap and warm water being all you need to remove most substances. The smooth, tightknit surface prevents residues from clinging, making them easy to wipe away.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources you may find useful:
- The pros and cons of an epoxy finish—Not sure if epoxy is right for your table? Learn more about the upsides and downsides here.
- What to know about epoxy before starting a project—Unfamiliar with epoxy? Get the basics here.
- Is epoxy resin actually food safe?—Did you know epoxy is food safe? That makes it a great choice for a live-edge dining table.
UltraClear Epoxy: Resin products of unmatched quality
As with any material, epoxy resin has both pros and cons. But no other sealant has so few weaknesses, and that's what puts epoxy above all other options when it comes to being a finish for high-traffic fixtures and furniture such as countertops, table tops, and bar tops. And among epoxy resin products, there are none that match the quality of UltraClear.
You can find our UltraClear Epoxy products on the following pages:
- UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy: The classic choice for bar tops, countertops, and table tops. Rock-solid, waterproof, and crystal-clear.
- UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy: Our deep pour casting resin. Ideal for thick layers, such as those needed for river tables.
- UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy: Our arts and crafts resin, designed for smaller artistic endeavors which typically involve resin molds and require a bit more fluidity than bar top epoxy.
Epoxies that endure, with minimal upkeep
With high chemical and physical resistance, UltraClear resins can withstand and endure many forms of wear and tear without breaking a sweat or showcasing any cosmetic damage.
Plus, in addition to its ease of application, they also require little upkeep to maintain its pristine appearance. With a high-quality epoxy finish, you can expect a minimum lifespan of 7 years, with no need for reapplication. Beyond that, it's a breeze to renew that coating, requiring only a light sanding and a fresh layer of epoxy.
Expert support from our resin specialists
For more information about epoxy, or for assistance with your epoxy project, contact us at UltraClear Epoxy, where you can speak with one of our epoxy experts. During business hours, you can also text chat online with one of our resin specialists by clicking the Help button at the bottom of your screen.
