How to Choose and Maintain Your Resin Table‘s Surface Finish

When you're shopping for a resin table, do you ever find yourself puzzled by terms like “Full Gloss” or “Full Matte”? A glossy finish looks stunning and luxurious, while a matte finish feels understated and sophisticated. Which one is right for you? And once you've brought your dream epoxy table home, how do you care for it to ensure it stays beautiful for decades?

Don't worry — this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll cover the three most common surface finish types for epoxy resin tables, what makes each one unique, and exactly how to care for them. Whether you're browsing custom resin tables or have already welcomed one into your home, this article is for you.

Three Common Surface Finishes — Each with Its Own Character

When customizing an epoxy resin table at Seawavetable, you'll typically have three finish options. Each offers a different visual effect and comes with its own maintenance requirements.

1. Full Gloss Finish (High Gloss Wood + High Gloss Resin)

This finish is the most “photogenic.” Both the wood and resin are polished to a mirror-like shine, maximizing the depth of grain patterns and color vibrancy. It's especially stunning on richly textured woods like Golden Camphor and Black Walnut — when light hits the surface, your table practically glows. A full-gloss finish adds sophistication and is often associated with showroom or designer-quality furniture.

2. Full Matte Finish (Matte Wood + Matte Resin)

Matte finishes are more understated and refined. No glare, no flash — just a calm, quiet elegance that suits minimalist or more grounded interior styles. Black walnut wood with a full matte finish is a favorite among designers — it preserves the natural warmth of the wood without feeling over-polished.

 3. Wood Matte + Resin Gloss 

This is the classic resin river table combination. The wood retains its natural matte texture, while the resin “river” section is polished to a high gloss — creating a striking contrast between warm, natural wood and luminous, translucent resin. It's the look that catches most people's eyes at first glance. Walnut and Black Walnut are particularly well-suited for this mixed-finish approach due to their stable, uniform grain structure.

Choosing Is Just the First Step — Maintenance Is Key

Whichever finish you choose, proper care after receiving your epoxy table directly determines how long it will serve you. A well-made custom resin table can accompany you for decades — but only with the right maintenance. Here are the practical care methods for each of the three finish types.

 A. Full Gloss Finish — Beautiful but Needs a Gentle Touch

The advantage of a high-gloss finish is its brilliance. The trade-off is that fingerprints and micro-scratches show more easily. This isn't a quality issue — it's simply the nature of glossy surfaces.

Maintenance Tips:
- For daily dusting, always use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid swirl marks. Avoid paper towels or rough fabrics — they can leave scratches.
- For light scratches, gently buff with a non-abrasive automotive-grade polish.
- Keep abrasive cleaners and harsh cleaning agents away from the surface.
- Clean spills immediately with a damp cloth and mild, non-abrasive soap.

B. Full Matte Finish — Low Maintenance, but No Polishing

Matte surfaces don‘t show fingerprints or dust as easily, making them more forgiving in daily use. However, there’s one golden rule: never use polish or wax. These will create uneven shiny spots and ruin the matte aesthetic.

Maintenance Tips:
- Wipe with a soft cloth as needed — fingerprints and dust are barely visible.
- For stubborn stains, use a damp cloth with mild soap, then immediately dry with a clean cloth.
- Avoid polishes, waxes, or any shine-enhancing products at all costs.

C. Wood Matte + Resin Gloss — Divide and Conquer

This popular combination requires different care for each surface:

For the Wood Area (Matte):
- Treat it like solid wood furniture: avoid prolonged moisture exposure and maintain stable indoor humidity (ideally 40-60%).
- Apply SAICOS wood oil every 3–6 months to nourish and protect the wood.

For the Resin Area (Gloss):
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth to maintain the shine.
- If micro-scratches appear, use a non-abrasive resin polish for localized treatment.
- Avoid heavy impacts or sharp objects on the resin river section.

For All Finishes:
- Avoid placing your epoxy resin table in direct sunlight for extended periods — UV rays can cause resin to yellow over time.
- Always use coasters or trivets for hot pots and dishes, as resin is sensitive to high temperatures.
- Never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners — they can degrade the finish and void the warranty.

Summary

There‘s no “best” finish — it all comes down to your aesthetic preference and lifestyle:

- Full Gloss: Stunning and photogenic, perfect for spaces that crave visual impact — requires a bit more care and attention.
- Full Matte: Understated and elegant, low-maintenance in daily use — just remember the “no polish” rule.
- Wood Matte + Resin Gloss: The classic resin river table look with contrasting textures — requires care that’s divided between the two surfaces.

Whichever finish you choose, following the right maintenance practices will keep your custom resin table looking breathtaking for years to come. How do you care for your resin table at home? Feel free to share your tips and experiences