How do I build a river table form, and can the wood touch it?

Build the form from wood covered with our epoxy edge tape, and seal the seams with silicone caulking so the UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy cannot leak out. The epoxy does not stick to the tape, so the form comes off after the pour. UltraClear Epoxy also works well in silicone molds if you prefer a ready-made one. Our river table tutorial video shows the form being built and the whole pour.

The slabs can be pressed right up against the form; you do not need to leave a gap between the wood and the form. Bark is a stylistic choice: leave it on if it has been cleaned and is sturdy, and use brad nails to hold it if necessary.

Any wood that will touch the Deep Pour Epoxy needs a brushed seal coat of UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy first. If that seal coat has cured for more than 10 hours, sand it with 220 to 320 grit and clean it with acetone or denatured alcohol before pouring. Do not drill holes into the sealed edges to try to improve adhesion.

The cured river holds the separate slabs together as a single surface, and with the table legs that is more than enough strength long term. Bracing and support placement for long tables are woodworking decisions we cannot advise on.

Form guide: https://ultraclear.helpscoutdocs.com/article/223-temporary-dam-epoxy Epoxy edge tape: https://www.bestbartopepoxy.com/collections/tools-supplies/products/epoxy-edge-tape River table process: https://ultraclear.helpscoutdocs.com/article/859-table-top-epoxy-deep-pour-epoxy-river-table Tutorial videos: https://www.bestbartopepoxy.com/tutorial-videos/