Resin projects often evoke a love-hate relationship. When everything goes smoothly, the results can be stunning. But when things go wrong, the frustration can be real. My latest project—a resin tabletop end table—is one of those rare successes that I absolutely love. Let me take you through the process of transforming this $5 find into a beautiful piece of furniture that’s now ready for its next chapter.
Finding the Perfect Project
This end table had been sitting in my stash for a while. Though it needed plenty of TLC, I saw its potential. It only cost me $5, so I felt comfortable experimenting with it. The table had a unique well in the center—a feature that initially seemed awkward but eventually inspired the design.
Repairing the Damage
The table had clearly seen better days. It looked like someone had dropped it on its edge, leaving cracks and a smushed portion that needed fixing. Here’s how I repaired it:
1. Filling the Cracks: I used wood putty to fill in the damaged areas.
2. Sanding: Once the putty dried, I sanded the entire piece to create a smooth surface. 3. Painting: Finally, I gave the table a fresh coat of paint to prepare it for the decorative elements.
Once repairs were made I decided to paint it this stunning blue/gray color. I picked it because I knew it would pair well with the decoupage image I had chosen.
Choosing the Design
I selected a Grecian urn design that I created and sell on my Zazzle shop. The artwork is from the public domain, and I fell in love with its timeless beauty and vibrant colors.
Applying the Decoupage
1. Adhering the Paper: I used a decoupage medium to secure the paper to the center of the table. For this project I tried the “Iron on” decoupage method. To do this you let the glue dry completely and then iron the paper in place by placing a sheet of parchment paper over the image. This keep bubbles from forming which is one of my least favorite parts of decoupaging. This was the first time I tried this method and it won’t be the last.
2. Sealing the Paper: Once the paper was in place, I applied another layer of decoupage medium to seal it, ensuring it wouldn’t move during the next step.
Pouring the Resin
Working with resin always makes me nervous because precision is critical. The resin must be mixed in a 1:1 ratio (equal parts of Part A and Part B) to cure properly.
Because I once had someone ask me what 1 to 1 meant I’m going to clarify. If you use 1/2 cup of part A you need to use 1/2 cup of part B. If you use 1 cup of A then your use 1 cup of B. Hopefully that clears things up for everybody and I don’t get anymore snarky emails saying I wasn’t clear on what 1 to 1 ratio means.
The Process
1. Measuring Carefully: I measured the resin components meticulously to avoid any curing issues.
2. Pouring the Resin: Once mixed, I poured the resin into the well until it was level with the tabletop.
3. Fire: resin gets bubbles in it like crazy from the mixing process. To pop the bubbles and make sure the surface is smooth you need fire. I used a long bbq lighter and waved the flame across the surface. The bubbles disappear like magic.
Holding My Breath
My biggest fear was that the resin would cause the decoupage paper to bubble or lift. Since I had never used resin over decoupage medium before, I had no idea how it would react.
The Stunning Results
To my relief, the resin dried beautifully. While it seemed like the edges of the paper might have been eaten away slightly, this created an unexpected but cool effect. Whether it was a chemical reaction or an optical illusion, the result was stunning.
This $5 table, which was on the verge of being discarded, is now a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind piece. It’s currently in my shop, and I hope it finds a home where it will be loved and appreciated.
Final Thoughts
Working with resin can be intimidating, but it’s worth the effort when a project turns out this well. This table reminded me that sometimes the quirks of a piece—like an awkward recessed center—can become its greatest asset.
This blue/gray color is pretty but the gray I use the most is one I mixed myself. We call it Magic Gray because anything I paint in this color sells right away, and I have the recipe for you here!
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