How To Protect Outdoor Epoxy Table (Video Tutorial)

In this tutorial, I show you how to protect an outdoor epoxy table with marine grade varnish.

Even if you don't need to finish an outdoor epoxy table, the DIY tips I share can be applied to any epoxy resin and woodworking project.

Here are some jump links to the main sections of this post to help you get the information you need quickly.

Video Guide
Finishes and Tools
I replaced a $6,000 Outdoor Bar Top!
Best Outdoor Finish for Epoxy Wood Tables, Bar Tops, and Countertops
How To Protect Outdoor Table (Step-by-Step)
1 Year Update

Video Tutorial: How To Protect Outdoor Epoxy Table

There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial below.

Outdoor Wood Table Finish

The best outdoor wood table finish and other supplies I used in this project are listed below.

Penetrating Epoxy
Small Mixing Containers
Card Spreader
Halcyon Clear Gloss Varnish
Synthetic Brush

Epoxy Table Fail

As a quick level set - I made this 12 foot x 18 inch x 2 inch (Length x Width x Thickness) outdoor epoxy bar top with a live edge sinker cypress wood slab for a customer in South Carolina.

It had an epoxy river with embedded fire glass and blue glow powder.

Additionally, I used stonecoat countertop epoxy as the final finish on the bar top.
I applied 3 seal coats and 2 flood coats for a total of 5 coats on this epoxy bar top.

Outdoor Wood Table Location

When my customer ordered the epoxy bar top, his home was under construction and about 75% finished.
He stated the bar top is for an outdoor kitchen.

In addition, the bar top would be located under a patio and not exposed to outdoor elements.
Since the customer lives in South Carolina (12 hour drive away), I did not inspect the area.
Even if I performed a preliminary inspection, I don't believe it would have prevented the impending disaster.

So, I completed the bar top, loaded it in my truck, drove it to South Carolina, and installed it shortly after the customer moved in to his new home.

The installation went smoothly, customer was happy, and I returned home safely.

Ruined Outdoor Epoxy Table

I get a text from my customer roughly 8 months later with this picture.

After asking a few questions, I learned the epoxy bar top was exposed to direct sun for part of the day as well as rain water.

The direct sunlight combined with standing rain water on the bar top ruined the finish. 
Essentially, the harsh southern sun softened the epoxy each day.
Then, the rain and moisture eventually found its way under the epoxy.

Replaced a $6,000 Epoxy Table

Since the customer lives across the country from me, I decided to build him a ‘new and improved’ outdoor live edge river table bar top instead of fixing the previous one.

Furthermore, I used the best outdoor wood finish (more on this later) on this outdoor wood table as well as a few other enhancements.

I shipped the customer the new epoxy bar top and he returned the old bar top back to me so I can repurpose the sinker cypress slab.

Nobody at Fault

Essentially, this was no one’s fault.

Since my customer's home was new construction, there was no way for him to know the bar top would be exposed to direct sunlight and rain.

Based on the information provided to me, I did not use the wrong outdoor wood finish.
In addition, StoneCoat Countertop Epoxy is not made to withstand direct sunlight and rain.
In fact, no epoxy can withstand these conditions - more on this later in this article.

I do my best to avoid blaming others or things for bad situations.
It accomplishes nothing and, often times, makes bad situations worse.
Sometimes, stuff (or 4 letter S word) happens.

As the old saying goes, "Don't fight to be right, fight to solve problems."

Outdoor Epoxy Resin for Wood Table

Before I dive into how to protect outdoor epoxy wood table the right way, I want to address epoxy protection.

Let me be clear - no epoxy finish can withstand direct sunlight (UV Rays) for long periods of time without degrading.
Eventually, epoxy succumbs to prevailing sunlight without exception.
Depending on the amount of sunlight exposure, the epoxy resin may turn yellow or form white spots on the surface.

Epoxy finishes can survive outdoors with proper maintenance.
However, I always recommend to not use epoxy for outdoor wood furniture as the final finish.
The normal homeowner does not have the tools, skillset, or time to properly maintain this surface.

UV Inhibitors for Epoxy

Often times, epoxy manufacturer’s label their epoxy as ‘UV Resistant’.
This simply means the epoxy contains UV inhibitors.

In other words, UV inhibitors simply prolong the aforementioned inevitable result.

Protect Outdoor Epoxy Table

In order to protect outdoor furniture, wood, or anything from the outdoor elements, I prefer to use marine-grade products.
Think about it.
How does a sailboat or cruise ship protect the wooden hatches and handrails from the blistering sun, salty air, and rain?
If a finish protects wood on a sailboat or cruise ship, it certainly can protect outdoor epoxy wood tables for an outdoor kitchen in a backyard.

Ultimately, using a marine-grade wood finish simply makes sense.

Best Outdoor Wood Table Finish

A quality outdoor wood finish must provide UV protection and water protection.
The same goes applies for protecting outdoor epoxy tables.

While UV protection and water resistance may seem very different, they are closely related to one another.
In other words, if one fails the other fails.

With that said, there is a way to protect an outdoor resin river table or epoxy bar top withstand exterior elements.

How to Finish Outdoor Epoxy Resin Table

In order to finish an outdoor epoxy wood table, it must be sealed and finished with a varnish.

Seal Outdoor Table

First, the supplies I used to complete this step are as follows:

Penetrating Epoxy
Small Mixing Containers
Card Spreader

Most outdoor finishes fail or simply don’t last because the surface was not properly sealed.

Moreover, properly sealing a epoxy wood surface prevents moisture or standing water from penetrating the surface and reaching the wood.
Basically, it serves as a moisture barrier which dramatically reduces the stretching and shrinking.
If water reaches the wood, it will cause all sorts of issues from wood expansion/contraction.

I used TotalBoat penetrating epoxy to properly seal the outdoor wood table and prepare it for the marine grade varnish.
Due to the thin viscosity, penetrating epoxy quickly penetrates cracks, crevices, and wood knots.

First, I calculated the square footage of the table which was 18 square feet.
I recommend using 1 ounce of penetrating epoxy per square foot, so I used 18 ounces.
Since this penetrating epoxy requires a 2:1 mixing ratio, I mixed 12 ounces of part A and 6 ounces of part B.

Next, I spread the material using a card scraper.

Keep in mind, you may need to apply more than one coat depending on wood absorption.
Then, I removed the excess by scraping it back into my mixing bucket.

Once it cures, the wood surface is properly sealed and ready for the final step.

Varnish over Epoxy

The supplies I used to complete this step are as follows:

Halcyon Clear Gloss Varnish
Synthetic Brush

To properly protect this outdoor epoxy wood table to withstand the forces of nature, I used a Halcyon Varnish by TotalBoat.
Before I proceeded with this step, I inspected the penetrating epoxy and made certain it sealed the wood to keep moisture out.

A varnish over epoxy finish will fail prematurely if moisture penetrates the epoxy due to a poor application.

Essentially, the benefits of TotalBoat Halcyon varnish are:

• Resistant to UV, scratch, and abrasion
• Fast Drying Time
• Allows up to 5 coats in 1 day
• No sanding between coats
• Great adhesion and versatility, which allows wood to contract and expand
• Water-based, so cleanup is easy with mild soap and water
• Resealable packaging makes it easy to use and reduces waste
• Has glossy and satin sheen options

Apply Varnish over Epoxy

First, I mixed the Halcyon clear varnish by massaging the packaging at the top and bottom.

Next, I poured the varnish into a container through a strainer to catch any large particles.

I use roughly 12 ounces at a time because it dries quickly.
If I pour more than I need, I risk wasting varnish.

Then, I used a foam brush to apply a very thin coat.

I made sure I covered the entire surface as well as the live edge.

Once I applied the first coat, I cleaned the container and foam brush with warm water an allowed the finish to dry for roughly 2 hours.

Essentially, I repeated this process 4 more times and used a synthetic brush on the fourth and fifth coat.
I find it easier to use a foam brush for the first 2 or 3 coats and a synthetic brush for the final coats.

Once I applied the 5th coat of varnish over epoxy, I let it sit overnight.

This was the best outdoor wood finish I ever used.
Additionally, it was simple to apply.

1 Year Update - Outdoor Epoxy Wood Finish

I completed this project in December 2020 and intentionally waited 1 year to write this article.
Obviously, I want to provide you with the most accurate update possible regarding the durability of this outdoor wood finish.

After one year, the outdoor epoxy wood table continues to withstand the outdoor elements.
I am really impressed with TotalBoat Penetrating Epoxy and TotalBoat Halcyon Clear Varnish.

Related Posts

• DIY Outdoor Epoxy River Table
• Outdoor Epoxy Bar Top
• Best Finish for Epoxy Wood Tables
• Matte Epoxy Finish on Wood