Best Epoxy for Wood — Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Do you have wood surfaces that are in need of refurbishment or repair? Are you interested in purchasing an epoxy resin for the job, but aren’t sure where to start? If so, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top-selling Best Epoxy for Wood, complete with detailed information about the pros and cons of each. If a brand doesn’t work as advertised, or if there are certain quirks that you should be aware of, we’ve pointed them out in our in-depth Product Review Guide. For a brief overview of this same information, take a look at our Comparison Table, below.

Best Epoxy for Wood in May, 2019

1. Crystal Clear Bar Table Top Epoxy Resin Coating — Best Epoxy Resin for Wood

While this high-quality resin works well on tabletops, bars, or anything with a wood finish, the smoothness of the end result makes it an especially good fit for art projects. The epoxy is blush- and water-resistant, and finishes with an exceptionally tough, clear gloss. This formula spreads evenly, with minimal risk of cratering and the dreaded “fish eye.” It’s also UV resistant for a long-lasting result.

With this easy-to-use epoxy, small mistakes are easily forgiven, even for first-timers or those who don’t use this type of product often. Still, it’s a good idea to always read instructions carefully before first use, to avoid making simple errors.

2. Abatron Wood Restoration Kit — Best Epoxy for Wood Repair

The Abatron kit excels at restoring and regenerating wood that has suffered damage from water, pests, or other environmental factors. Even if the wood has gone spongy or rotted in places, this formula should help bring it back to its former glory. Good for both interior and exterior use, it’s especially effective on windowsills and frames.

The price point on this kit is slightly high, but if you’re looking to restore raw wood (especially if it’s in a highly visible area), the extra money could be well worth it.

3. Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin — Best for Casting Jewelry and Ceramics

This UV-resistant epoxy resin can be used on many surfaces—including wood—but is particularly effective on craft figurines and jewelry, especially since it’s virtually odor-free. The self-leveling formula goes on smoothly, eliminating bubbles before they have a chance to form. It’s also clear as crystal after it dries, making it a good fit for glow-in-the-dark craft projects.

If you’re looking for an epoxy that will serve you well in a variety of different projects, then this product deserves a place on your short list. The price point is slightly high, but this can be justified by the overall effectiveness of the end result.

4. System Three 1600K20 SculpWood Putty Kit — Best Exterior Epoxy Wood Filler

This kit is geared toward basic home repair projects, like repairing rotted stairs or damaged window treatments. Once the formula has dried, it can be easily primed and painted (or sanded or carved) to fit in with the rest of the décor. It’s also strong enough to hold fasteners or nails if used on walls. SculpWood features a simple 1:1 mixing ratio, making it a decent fit for beginners.

The formula can be used to repair everything from wooden ladders to holes in shed and barn roofs, with satisfying results. The quantity is generous and reasonably priced, considering the versatility and effectiveness of the product. Small amounts of this mixture can even be used to create art projects.

5. Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin One Gallon Kit — Best for First-Timers

This professional-grade epoxy has an ultra-clear, high-gloss finish, designed to “wake up” surfaces that have gone dull. The formula is self-leveling, but a spreader and brush are included in the purchase to help you achieve the best results. Mixing and application are easy enough for non-experts to grasp, and the product is suitable for a variety of surfaces.

While this product is advertised as self-leveling, the tools provided should come in handy, as you still need to push it around some to eliminate bubbles. In this, it sometimes helps to use a heating torch, especially if mixing a lot at one time. The price point is relatively low, so this could be an appealing choice for first-timers.

6. Table Top & Bar Top Epoxy Resin, Ultra Clear UV Stable Finish Kit — Best for Wood Countertops and Slabs

This product has one of the fastest drying times of any epoxy resin on our list, and the high-gloss finish is impressively clear. The UV-resistant formula is self-leveling and practically odor-free and features no volatile organic compounds (VOC).

While the Table Top resin may not be as versatile as some of the others mentioned here, it’s still well-suited for finishing tabletops and counters. Taking this into consideration, the price point makes it quite budget-friendly. While some bubbles may occur during application, these can be easily dealt with if you use a heat gun (even blowing on them can help). The end result is stain-resistant, with little to no visible streaking.

7. Epoxy Resin 1 Gal Kit For Crystal Clear Coating Bar And Table Tops — Best for Brightening Up Spaces

If your prime directive is to achieve a highly glossed surface, then this kit is worthy of consideration. The professional-grade epoxy is self-leveling, UV- and blush-resistant, and easy to apply. It’s also water resistant, making it suitable for outdoor projects. A money-back guarantee is included in every purchase.

The high-gloss formula is designed to give any kitchen, dining room, or bathroom an extra dash of visual appeal. While it works well with dyes, the results are just as impressive when it’s applied on its own. When properly applied, the mixture should be crystal-clear after drying.

Best Epoxy for Wood – Buyer’s Guide

In this section, we’ll remind you why it’s important to select the epoxy resin that meets all of your individual criteria. In addition, we’ll go over some of the terms and qualities that you should be on the lookout for when shopping. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions and concerns that first-timers have regarding the product. Once you understand the basic principles, it should be easy to select the brand that best suits your needs.

Advantages and Functions of Wood Epoxy

Why invest in an epoxy resin in the first place? Here are just a few of the benefits of these products:

• Protection—the coating can prevent your wooden tabletops or other furniture from becoming damaged due to moisture or other factors
• Adhesive—if the wood is already worn in places, some epoxy resins can help to restore the material
• Visual appeal—a glossy sheen will make your older furniture look new again

What to Look for in a Wood Epoxy

In general, you want an epoxy that features most or all of the criteria listed here. Note that a product isn’t necessarily deficient if it lacks one or two of these qualities—often, it depends on what you’ll be using the resin for. This is simply a primer meant to fill you in on the basics.

Clear finish. There’s no sense in adding a veneer that clouds up as it dries—this will make the surface appear worn and old, when the goal is freshness and preservation.

UV-resistant. This will keep the treated surface from suffering damage on account of exposure to sunlight. While this is an important quality for any resin to have, it’s vital when it comes to products that are meant primarily for outdoor use.

Odor-free. Wood epoxy is non-flammable (see Frequently Asked Questions, below), and as such, should be naturally free of unpleasant fumes. If this is a major concern, be sure to check the label carefully before making a purchase.

VOC-free. The sale of products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is now illegal in many parts of the United States. As such, the majority of products you’ll encounter should feature the VOC-free label. If it doesn’t, then it’s best to keep searching until you find one that does.

Blush-resistant. Blushing, also known as water spotting, can occur when moisture condenses on the treated surface during the curing process. In clear coatings, the blushing manifests itself in hazy or cloudy patches; when the surface is pigmented, then other visible defects can be seen in the gloss. Blush-resistant formulas help prevent this phenomenon from occurring, keeping your treated surface clear.

Water-resistant. Even the barest exposure to water can have an ill effect on wood that’s not properly treated. Investing in a water-resistant epoxy is a good shield against this sort of damage, especially for outdoor furniture. A water-resistant formula may also retain its glossy appearance longer.

High Gloss. This is largely a matter of personal preference, but a glossy sheen is one of the most sought-after qualities in a wood epoxy. If you’re looking for an extra-glossy result, be sure to read all packaging carefully, and check consumer reviews if there are any available.

Frequently Asked Questions

The epoxy is bubbling up when I try to apply it, even though it was advertised as self-leveling. What can I do to prevent this?
It’s best to apply a thin “seal coat” before attempting to finish the job. This will not only help to prevent bubbles, but it will help the final coat adhere fully to the wood (or other surfaces). You might also want to invest in a heating torch, or at least a long lighter, to eliminate bubbles as soon as they appear. Alternatively, you could try gently blowing on them, but this could result in unwanted streaking if you’re not careful.

The mixture is too thick to spread evenly. What could be causing this, and how can I reverse it?
First, be sure that your formula has been mixed properly. A ratio of 1:1 is the standard rule of thumb, but always check the instruction manual, just in case. If you’ve followed the directions and the consistency continues to be poor, try moving the batch to a warmer area for a while. Cold temperatures can cause the resin to firm up.
If you live in a cold region and find that you’re facing this issue regularly, consider investing in some foil-backed insulation and constructing a “hot box.” For a heating source, you can use either a heating pad or a standard light bulb to bring the temperature inside the box to at least 70 degrees. Place the resin inside until it achieves a spreadable consistency.

What’s the best way to deal with spills?
If you end up with epoxy resin on an unwanted surface, there’s a quick and simple way to remove it. Simply apply a small amount of white vinegar to the affected area, and scrub gently until the resin dissolves. This hack can also be used to clean your tools and hands after application.

The epoxy doesn’t want to stick to the surface. Help!
First, be sure that your working area is clean and completely dry. The epoxy resin will have a harder time sticking to a damp or dirty surface—and you don’t want any of that dirt and moisture getting into the formula, either. Once the area is ready for application, add a thin “seal coat,” taking care to work out any bubbles before allowing it to dry. This will give the main coat something to cling to, and help minimize cloudiness and streaking as well.

Why should I invest in an epoxy rather than a polyester resin?
Wood epoxy resins have several advantages over their polyester counterparts. For starters, they’re non-flammable, which makes them less volatile and more user-friendly. The formula is more flexible and adheres better to surfaces, and does a more effective job at repelling water. Wood epoxy is also usually odor-free, in sharp contrast to the cloying chemical smells that attend the use of polyester resin. Finally, wood epoxy tends to be stronger, giving it the edge when it comes to outdoor use (particularly for marine supply products).

Should I hire a professional to do the job if I’ve never worked with wood epoxy before?
As long as you read the instructions carefully, it shouldn’t be necessary to hire outside help. Most wood epoxy formulas are easy to mix and to apply, even for first-timers. Following the guidelines listed here should also give you a decent head start.

In Conclusion

When it comes to home improvement products, it’s important to make a choice that will suit your own individual tastes, while still adhering to the suggested criteria. That’s why we’ve covered a variety of different epoxies for wood in this guide—to give you a solid idea of what might be available in your chosen range. We hope you’ve found our guide both instructive and informative, and that your newfound knowledge serves you well in your upcoming search.
As we move into the future, keep an eye out for new advances in the world of wood refinishing. The eradication of volatile organic compounds in the epoxy resin is only the latest development in an industry that is sure to see many planet-friendly changes in the days to come.
Best of luck, and may the results of your wood refurbishment projects serve you well for many years!

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