Epoxy is a thermosetting polymer formed from the reaction of an epoxide "resin" with a polyamine "hardener". Epoxy has excellent adhesive properties, a high degree of chemical resistance, and the ability to form a strong and durable bond. These properties make it a unique material for use in furniture design and production.
Characteristics of Epoxy as a Furniture Material:
Durability: Epoxy creates a hard, protective coating that is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for heavy use surfaces like countertops and tables. It's also resistant to moisture, which can help prevent the usual swelling or warping associated with wooden furniture when exposed to humidity.
Versatility: In furniture-making, epoxy can be used as a clear coat, a solid-colored finish, or it can be combined with dyes, pigments, and even metallic powders to create a variety of visual effects.
Aesthetics: One of the unique aesthetic features of epoxy in furniture is its ability to encapsulate objects, such as natural wood edges, pebbles, shells, or leaves, creating a visually striking piece of furniture. The clarity of the epoxy can give a depth to surfaces that can't be achieved with other materials.
: While fluid, epoxy can be poured into molds or over surfaces, hence it's popular for 'river tables' where it fills the gaps in slabs of wood, giving the appearance of a flowing river. Once cured, epoxy is hard and can be cut, carved, sanded, and polished to a high gloss finish.
