Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
Get into resin
Simply pour and set your way to one-of-a-kind homewares
Team a timber slab with epoxy resin to create an oh-so-stylish cheeseboard
Add a new material to your DIY repertoire and make awesome creations using epoxy resin. The liquid can be moulded into any shape and, once you’ve mastered mixing and pouring, you can start experimenting by putting in colours and other additives to make your creations truly unique. The only real limits are your imagination and creativity!
EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR RESIN CHEESEBOARD
Gather your supplies
• Timber slab
• River Resin clear epoxy
• Coloured pigment
• Polyx-oil clear finish
You’ll also need Circular saw; 16mm melamine sheet for mould; 50mm screws; drill; gap filler; caulking gun; clamps; timber blocks; buckets; mixing paddle; plastic knife; sander with various grades of sandpaper; so lint-free cloth
For you to note
You only need a small amount of pigment to tint resin, both for bright hues or a dark shade.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Select your timber. Do an online search for a timber slab or a specialty timber supplier in your area.
STEP 2 Use a circular saw to cut up a sheet of melamine to make a mould that holds the resin around the timber while it sets. Screw pieces for the mould together.
STEP 3 Use gap filler to fill the corners on the inside of the mould so the resin doesn’t leak out.
STEP 4 Place the timber slab in the mould and clamp it down so it doesn’t float around when the resin is poured in. Use blocks of timber so you can keep the area around the mould free to pour the resin in.
STEP 5 In buckets, mix Part A and B of resin according to the manufacturer’s details. Use drill and mixing paddle to thoroughly mix.
STEP 6 Add coloured pigment to the resin and mix thoroughly.
STEP 7 Pour resin into the mould around the timber. Make resin slightly run over the timber so it will end up flush when you sand it back. STEP 8 Start getting creative! Use a plastic knife to create swirls in your work. Experiment with different techniques to find a look you like. Leave resin to set for about 2 or 3 days. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the resin and the temperature. STEP 9 Unscrew mould
and remove. Use a sander filled with coarse sandpaper to quickly remove any excess resin and timber. Switch to finer grades to remove sanding scratches and further smooth the timber. Finish with 180- or 240-grit superfine sandpaper. STEP 10 Using a clean cloth, apply the clear finish to the cheeseboard. Apply at least 2 coats, following product instructions.