How To Use Deep Pour Epoxy and Bar & Table Top Epoxy Together
Some projects require both a deeper pour and a durable surface coating. UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy is used to fill voids, gaps, cracks, recessed areas, or thicker sections, while UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy is used as both the initial seal coat for porous surfaces like wood, and as the final protective coating over the surface.
The main difference is that Deep Pour Epoxy is made for depth, while Bar & Table Top Epoxy is made for surface durability.
Why Use Both Products Together?
UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy is designed for pours that are at least 1/4" thick. It is ideal for filling deeper areas where a standard tabletop coating would not be suitable.
However, fully cured Deep Pour Epoxy is slightly less durable than Bar & Table Top Epoxy. If the filled area will be part of a usable surface, it should be finished with a protective top coat.
That is where UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy is used. It adds a strong, durable, glass-like finish over the entire surface.
When Should You Use Deep Pour Epoxy First?
Deep Pour Epoxy should be used when your project has a deeper section that needs to be filled before the final surface coating is applied.
This can include:
Epoxy river tables
Wood voids
Cracks or gaps
Knots or recessed areas
Decorative filled sections
Embedded objects
Any pour that is at least 1/4" thick
Deep Pour Epoxy should not be used as a thin coating or brushed-on surface layer. It is made for depth and needs to be poured at least 1/4" thick to cure properly.
Step 1: Apply a Seal Coat with Bar & Table Top Epoxy
Before using Deep Pour Epoxy, apply a thin brushed-on seal coat of Bar & Table Top Epoxy to any porous areas that will come into contact with the Deep Pour Epoxy.
This is especially important when working with wood. The seal coat helps seal the pores and reduce air bubbles from forming during the deep pour.
The seal coat should be a thin layer brushed directly onto the area that will be filled. If another seal coat is needed, it can be applied four hours after the previous coat.
Step 2: Wait 4-6 Hours Before Pouring Deep Pour Epoxy
After the seal coat has been applied, wait approximately 4-6 hours before pouring the Deep Pour Epoxy.
Once the seal coat has reached the proper stage, mix and pour the Deep Pour Epoxy according to the instructions included with the product. If you are adding color, pigments should be added during the mixing process.
After pouring, use a heat gun or propane torch to pop any bubbles that rise to the surface.
Step 3: Allow the Deep Pour Epoxy to Fully Cure
After the Deep Pour Epoxy has been poured, allow it to fully cure before moving on to the final surface coating.
This will take 3 days when properly applied at the right room temperature.
Do not apply the final Bar & Table Top Epoxy flood coat directly over uncured Deep Pour Epoxy.
Step 4: Sand and Clean the Cured Deep Pour Epoxy
Once the Deep Pour Epoxy has fully cured, lightly sand or scuff the surface with 220-320 grit sandpaper.
This helps prepare the cured epoxy so the final Bar & Table Top Epoxy coating can properly bond to the surface.
After sanding, remove all dust using a clean, lint-free cloth. Denatured alcohol or acetone can be used to help clean the surface. Make sure the surface is completely clean and dry before applying the next coat.
Step 5: Seal Coat Any Remaining Exposed Wood
(This step is primarily intended for epoxy river tables or projects where Deep Pour Epoxy was used to fill voids, cracks, or knot holes. If your surface is completely covered with cured Deep Pour Epoxy and no bare wood remains exposed, you can skip this step.)
Before applying the final flood coat, use Bar & Table Top Epoxy to seal coat any remaining exposed wood or porous areas on the surface. This helps reduce bubbles in the final flood coat and creates a better foundation for the finished surface.
After applying the seal coat, wait approximately 4-6 hours before applying the final flood coat.
Step 6: Apply the Final Flood Coat with Bar & Table Top Epoxy
Once the surface is sealed, clean, and ready, mix and pour Bar & Table Top Epoxy over the entire surface as the final flood coat.
This creates the durable, high-gloss, glass-like finish that protects the surface and gives the project its finished appearance.
Be sure to follow the Bar & Table Top Epoxy instructions, as they are different from the Deep Pour Epoxy instructions.
Bar & Table Top Epoxy Instructions: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0320/7168/0140/files/Epoxy-Instructions.pdf?v=1616443869
Deep Pour Epoxy Instructions: https://ultraclear.helpscoutdocs.com/article/840-deep-pour-epoxy-instructions