Because of their unique appearance, epoxy tables are on the wish lists of many individuals. A conventional hardwood table may be distinguished from one covered with epoxy, and the epoxy table often has a more striking appearance. But there’s a cost associated with that attraction. Keeping a hardwood epoxy table looking beautiful requires far more care than simply using a coaster when anything hot is placed on top.
Before you search for “epoxy custom furniture near me’’ you must know how to keep them in pristine condition. Follow these instructions to the T to make your epoxy table look brand new for years to come:
Proper Maintenance Tips
Because proper maintenance is the only method to extend the material’s lifespan, it is important for anybody who owns, manages, or works at a restaurant where this material is used for table tops. Here are some suggestions:
Don’t Scrub, Buff Instead
Buffing should always take precedence over scrubbing as it will make the material softer. Alternatively, buffing will produce a very durable surface by rapidly solidifying the material. You should thus clean this surface carefully. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any food or drink residue from this surface.
All you need to do is lightly buff the surface of the table. If you see that the stain has texture, use a soft bristle brush to gently scrape the epoxy glue to get rid of any food particles.
Cleaning with Alcohol is Not Recommended
You may have heard others recommend using rubbing alcohol to wipe the surface of epoxy glue. In actuality, the technique is only effective if you want to remove any epoxy glue from a surface.
The object must be immersed in rubbing alcohol for a full day in order for the resin to partially disintegrate. Removing the substance from any surface is not the same as cleaning it. Simple soap and water will do the trick when it comes to cleaning the epoxy resin on the counters in your home.
Cleaning Epoxy Resin That Has Been Discolored
Soap and water won’t be enough to remove the discoloration that occurs when your epoxy tables for sale are exposed to intense daylight for prolonged periods of time without any shade protection at all. Laundry bleaching solutions can be used to clean epoxy resin tabletops that are white in color. The epoxy resin will get softer if you use pure bleach. The easiest way to clean the area is to use a cotton swab and a little bleach (you may dilute the solution with water if you prefer). The discoloration will start to fade. Depending on how severely discolored the surface is you may need to repeat the same procedure several times.
Steam Cleaning
The majority of stains are readily removed from epoxy resin when heat and water are applied; the stains simply become more pliable and may be wiped off the surface. You can use many types of steam cleaning equipment to clean the epoxy resin surface of your custom wood furniture. You may use the smaller ones that are used to iron clothing or even the larger ones that are used to steam clean floors, depending on how big the surface that has to be cleaned is.
Treat the Epoxy Surface with Caution
Tables and bars made of epoxy resin usually cure in 72 hours. It is important to keep in mind that the epoxy is not yet completely cured; it is only 99.5% cured. It can take many months for the epoxy to cure entirely. During this time, try to avoid placing hot things directly onto the epoxy surface as they might leave an imprint.
Therefore, it’s advisable to hold off on utilizing coasters and placemats until the epoxy has completely dried. Additionally, avoid cleaning the epoxy table tops with harsh cleansers as this will gradually dull the shine. Furthermore, stay away from polishes that include wax as their main ingredient.
Utilize the Epoxy Resin Table as Intended
We’re not suggesting that you limit the usage of your epoxy resin live edge furniture to the dining room—use it for studying or entertaining on game night as well! We are advising you to use caution when handling your epoxy resin table. To prevent mechanical strains on your epoxy resin table that might compromise the integrity of the tabletop, adhere to the following instructions:
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Avoid making significant scratches on the table’s surface by not using a knife directly on it.
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Avoid dumping heavy objects onto the table as this may cause chipping or dents.
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To avoid scratches, don’t move or position objects with sharp metal edges.
Acetone Is Good for Visible Marks
One aspect of routine table care and maintenance is cleaning your epoxy resin table and getting rid of any apparent markings. Acetone can be used to erase apparent, tactile marring—a mark left on a tabletop by a heavier object being moved along it—when you encounter it.
Since a small amount of acetone may go a long way, always start with a low concentration. To make sure your table is properly cared for, additional repairs may be necessary if you have a felt scratch on it. This is distinct from marring.
Regularly Inspect the Resin Coating and Hardware
To make sure there are no chips that might cause water damage, you should routinely inspect the coating of your table. The table may sustain water damage if it is left outside in the rain or if you clean it with damp sponges and towels.
Consider the possibility that, while the top of your epoxy table could be waterproof resin-coated, the base might not. It is even possible to use metal for the base, although metal rusts with time. Additionally, you should routinely inspect the epoxy resin table’s hardware because a loose bolt may cause damage or an accident. Make sure the hardware is always tight and free of corrosion.
Keep the Epoxy Table Away from Direct Heat
When fully set, the epoxy can withstand a maximum temperature of 135ºF. This suggests that placing hot beverages, plates, and utensils laden with freshly prepared food on the table won’t damage the epoxy surface.
On the other hand, the tabletop epoxy should not be heated over 135ºF. This suggests, for example, that you shouldn’t place a hot frying pan or skillet directly on the table. Excessive heat exposure can cause the epoxy to deteriorate and become less durable.
Regularly Clean the Epoxy Table Top
Regularly cleaning the epoxy surface with soap, warm water, and a sponge is one of the simplest methods to ensure that it keeps its sheen. When cleaning the epoxy on your tabletop, there are two things to consider:
First of all, steer clear of products that are known to contain harsh chemicals, such as all-purpose cleaning solutions. Over time, these compounds may cause the epoxy surface to become dull and foggy instead of shining.
Should you want anything more abrasive than soap, try a dilute solution of bleach or alcohol. It is not suggested to directly apply bleach or alcohol to the epoxy surface. Wear gloves when cleaning your tables since bleach can burn and irritate your skin.
Second, especially in the initial several months, avoid cleaning the tabletop of your epoxy dining table using steel scrubbers. To clean the surface, all you need is a soft cloth or sponge.
Wrapping Up
As long as you know the right procedures to follow, maintaining your crystal-clear resin table is simple. With any luck, this article has given you some insight into what you can do to prolong its life and fix it if necessary. To maintain the best possible appearance, wash down the table top frequently, apply a polishing compound when needed, and shield your epoxy wood table from direct sunlight.