How to Care for Epoxy Furniture: 9 Essential Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty

Epoxy furniture, with its unique blend of wood and resin, is not only a stunning centerpiece for any room but also a durable and long-lasting piece when properly cared for. Whether you have a custom epoxy river table, a resin dining table, or any other epoxy-coated furniture, regular maintenance will ensure its beauty and durability for years to come.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you care for your epoxy resin furniture and keep it looking as good as new.

1. Regular Cleaning

Routine cleaning is essential for maintaining the high-gloss finish of your epoxy table. Here’s how to keep it clean:

• Dusting: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently remove dust from the surface. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the resin.
• Wiping Spills: Clean spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent them from leaving marks or staining the surface.
• Mild Cleaners: For more thorough cleaning, use a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Apply it to the cloth (not directly on the table) and wipe the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, as they can damage the epoxy finish.

2. Preventing Scratches

Although epoxy resin is scratch-resistant, it’s not completely immune to wear and tear. Here’s how to avoid scratches:

• Use Coasters and Placemats: Always place coasters under glasses, mugs, and bottles, especially those with sharp bases. For hot dishes, use heat-resistant mats or trivets to prevent heat damage.
• Avoid Sharp Objects: Keep sharp objects like knives, keys, and other items away from the surface. If you’re working with tools near the epoxy table, cover the area with a protective cloth or padding.
• No Sliding Objects: Avoid dragging heavy or rough-bottomed objects across the table. Lift and place them carefully to prevent scratches.

3. Protecting from Heat

Epoxy resin tables are heat-resistant to some extent, but excessive heat can cause the resin to warp or lose its gloss.

• Avoid Direct Heat Exposure: Don’t place hot pans, dishes, or cookware directly onto the epoxy resin table. Prolonged heat exposure can cause the resin to discolor or soften.
• Use Heat Pads: When placing hot items on your resin furniture, always use heat-resistant pads or trivets to provide protection.

4. Avoid Direct Sunlight

While epoxy resin is durable, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the resin to yellow or fade over time.

• Use Curtains or Blinds: If your epoxy river table or other resin furniture is near a window, consider using curtains or blinds to block out direct sunlight during peak hours.
• UV-Protective Finish: If you plan to place your epoxy furniture in a sunlit area, consider requesting a UV-protective finish from the manufacturer, which will add an extra layer of defense against sun damage.

5. Polishing and Maintaining Gloss

Over time, your epoxy table may lose some of its original luster. Polishing can restore its shine.

• Polishing the Surface: Use a non-abrasive epoxy polish or furniture wax to keep the surface glossy. Apply the polish sparingly with a soft cloth, buffing it gently in circular motions.
• Scratch Removal: For minor scratches, use a resin polish or scratch-removal compound, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Gently buff the scratched area until it blends back into the surface.

6. Handling Stains and Spills

Epoxy resin is resistant to many common household spills, but some substances can still cause staining if left unattended.

• Clean Spills Quickly: Spills like wine, coffee, or acidic substances should be wiped up immediately. If a stain does occur, use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth to clean it.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use strong chemicals like acetone, bleach, or alcohol on your epoxy furniture, as they can break down the resin finish and cause permanent damage.

7. Long-Term Care and Protection

For long-term durability and to keep your epoxy resin furniture looking pristine:

• Protective Glass Top: Consider placing a glass top over the resin surface, especially if the furniture will receive heavy daily use. This will prevent scratches, spills, and other forms of wear.
• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your epoxy table for small cracks, chips, or dull areas. Addressing these issues early can prevent them from worsening.

8. Repairing Minor Damage

If your epoxy table develops minor chips, cracks, or scratches, they can often be repaired at home with the right tools:

• Filling Small Chips or Cracks: Small chips or cracks can be filled with additional resin. Gently sand the damaged area, apply a thin layer of epoxy, and allow it to cure before sanding and polishing to match the surrounding surface.
• Sanding Scratches: Minor surface scratches can be gently sanded with fine-grit sandpaper (like 800 or 1000 grit). After sanding, apply a resin polish to restore the shine.

9. Professional Maintenance

For major damage or restoration, it’s best to seek professional help. Experts can refinish or repair large cracks, deep scratches, or extensive damage that may be beyond at-home repair.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your epoxy river table or other epoxy resin furniture from SEAWAVETABLE is easy with regular maintenance and a few preventative measures. By keeping your resin table clean, avoiding excessive heat or direct sunlight, and protecting the surface from scratches, you’ll ensure that your custom epoxy table stays beautiful and functional for many years.

At SEAWAVETABLE, we craft each live edge epoxy table with care and attention to detail, ensuring a piece that is both a work of art and built to last. With the right care, your epoxy furniture will continue to be the centerpiece of your home, bringing beauty and elegance to your space.