Make That Coffee Table Pop

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Heather Jones
Heather Jones
I'm Heather, an author passionate about home improvements. My writing is your guide to making homes better. Let's explore easy ways to enhance your living spaces, from small fixes to exciting projects. Join me on a journey of making your house a cozy and stylish haven.

Whenever it comes to elevating a space, especially a living room, the coffee table is a centerpiece that can change everything. It’s not just the table itself but what’s on the table that creates a memorable statement. From coasters to picture frames or trays, you can spruce up your coffee table without having to redo your furniture.

We’ll dive into three projects that you can do in a day, that will help you add the finishing touches to your space in an easy way:

  1. DIY Epoxy Coasters
  2. DIY Epoxy Picture Frames
  3. DIY Epoxy Serving Trays

A quick note before we get into it : Working with epoxy is all in the preparation. The perfect prep leads to the perfect pour. Be sure to keep that in mind when you’re working on any epoxy project.

DIY Epoxy Coasters

What you’ll need:

  • Upstart Epoxy Deep Pour
  • Silicone molds the size of your desired coaster
  • Mica powder in the colors you’ve chosen for your project
  • Gloves
  • Mixing cup and stir stick
  1. First, you’ll need to read the directions on your epoxy resin carefully. This will ensure that you know exactly how to get that perfect pour since each brand has different instructions.
  2. Once you’re comfortable with the ratios and the measurement, begin your pour. Epoxy forms a solid, clear substance by combining two components. Good epoxy products tend to require simple ratios of these parts.
  3. Take a sample of your mixture and add in some color. By doing a test batch you’ll be able to see how the color turns out and make any adjustments before starting the main project.
  4. Pour your epoxy into the silicone molds and let it cure!
  5. To further customize your coasters, add small items gently into the wet epoxy. Coins, beads or confetti are good places to start.
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DIY Epoxy Picture Frames

Picture frames are one of our favorite things to customize since they can be designed to perfectly match the picture inside, whether that’s a treasured family photo or a portrait of your pet. By creating a custom frame, you can create the border that fits your home and the room, too.

The picture frame has a few options when it comes to customization. You start with a wooden frame to pour over with color-tinted epoxy. Alternately, you can create a frame of only epoxy which is both durable and high-gloss. 

We will walk you through a full epoxy frame.

What you’ll need:

  • Upstart Epoxy Deep Pour
  • HDPE for your mold
  • Mica powder if you want to add color
  • Gloves to protect your hands
  • Mixing cup and stir stick
  1. First, you’ll need to read the directions on your epoxy resin carefully. This will ensure that you know exactly how to get that perfect pour since each bottle is unique.
  2. Creating the mold will be the most important part of this project. Leveraging HDPE will allow you to create a secure surface that is also non-stick.
  3. Once you’re happy with your mold, it’s time to measure out your epoxy and create the mixture.
  4. If you’re adding in color, take a sample of your mixture and add in some color. By doing a test batch you’ll be able to see how the color turns out and make any adjustments before you add it into the whole batch. Add color slowly. You can always add more, but you can’t remove color.
  5. If you’re adding in objects like pebbles or seashells, now is your time to lay those into the mold. When you pour the epoxy, the shape will form around whatever you’re adding in. Pour slowly to keep your items from getting pushed out of place.
  6. Pour your epoxy into the molds and let it cure!
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DIY Epoxy Serving Trays

Using serving trays in your space is a great way to add texture as well as create a dedicated space for items on your coffee table. A tray can hold photos, coasters, candles, or practical items like remotes. It helps gather loose items and makes the surface look clean. 

There are a few options when it comes to creating an epoxy serving tray. You can create it completely from scratch, or take an old piece of wood or an old tray and give it a refresh. 

We will be walking you through how to take an old wooden tray and turn it into a modern piece that will last for many years.

What you’ll need:

  • Upstart Epoxy Deep Pour
  • A tray or a piece of walnut wood the size of the tray you’d like
  • Mica powder if you want to add color
  • Gloves
  • Mixing cup and stir stick
  1. First, take the time to carefully look over the directions on your epoxy resin. If you combine the ingredients in the wrong quantities or try to dry the item in an unsuitable temperature, you’ll end up with the wrong texture.
  2. Sand down your wood surface if needed. Do make sure not to overdo it. The tray needs enough texture for the epoxy resin to grip, but all debris needs to be cleared.
  3. For this project, there are many opportunities to paint or otherwise decorate your tray. An image or design can be protected by the epoxy, making your artwork sturdy and food safe.
  4. Measure out your epoxy. The product will require you to stir together two included substances. Use your stirring stick and cup.
  5. If you’re adding in color, take a sample of your mixture and stir a pinch of mica powder into it. 
  6. Pour your epoxy over your serving tray and let it cure!

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