Over the last 6 months, I’ve tried an epoxy finishing technique on three oak slab tables. Epoxy is an interesting process that requires a bit of practice to perfect. Working with epoxy forces one to pay attention to a variety of details like mix proportions, shop temperature, absorption rates, and on and on. The results can be really dramatic when things go well. The following pictures were my first two tries. The left photo was sanded to 4000 grit sandpaper and polished with a automotive buffer and wax. That was a lot of work! The photo at right features a grain pattern that my woodworker neighbor Rex calls “cathedral” grain. The epoxy really makes the grain pop.
Small oak slab on bar height hairpin legs
Another oak slab epoxy finish
This is my latest attempt with a larger slab with spectacular grain. This is a crotch where two branches (yes, these were only smaller branches of this massive oak tree – the main trunk was 54″ wide!) come together. The grain on this one of a kind table was complemented perfectly by the epoxy finish. No stain of any kind was applied so you are looking at a finish that reflects the natural color of the wood.
Large oak slab with epoxy finish on hairpin legs
Large Oak Slab with Epoxy Finish
There were a few imperfections in each of these attempts, not the least of which was caused by flies landing in the finish as it cured over night. Like an insect in amber, flies in epoxy are difficult to remove. I’ll keep practicing and improving the finish on these beautiful slabs.