Embedding Objects in Table Tops

Decoupage Techniques

Hi there,

Thank you for all the helpful information and great ideas on your site!

I have a question that I didn't see covered and would like to know if you can help.

I have an outside table with a ruined top. I want to cut a new wooden top and cover it with bottle caps.

I thought about pouring resin, but it's a round top and wasn't sure how it would work without it running off.

Also, I live in TX so it's still in the 90's. Do you know what the best product to use would be?

Thank you in advance!

Warmest regards,

Janelle

Thank you for your lovely letter. I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you :- (

The good news is that it's probably not in the 90s in Texas anymore, so you can safely proceed with your project right away ;-)

Here's an extensive article on Decoupage Finishes for Bars and Tabletops.

Because you will need a deep pour to create a level surface over the bottle caps, I have two additional suggestions.

1. Use a rubber mallet to tap the bottle caps into wood a little bit (covering them with a thick cloth first).

2. Create a rim to contain the epoxy using wood veneer edge banding.

[ If Janelle's tabletop were square, creating a dam to contain the poured resin over decorative bottle caps would be simple. She could attach a mitered flat frame of matching wood to the top of the table or miter decorative molding around the perimeter.

Since her tabletop is round, I suggested she use wood veneer edge banding to create a dam. ]

Wood Veneer Edge Banding for a Poured Resin Tabletop

The following information on edge banding is courtesy of Lowe's.

Both veneer and edge banding can be attached in one of three ways.

1. The easiest method is to use a self-stick pressure-sensitive adhesive (peel and stick). Just peel off the protective backing, and press the veneer in place.

2. Iron-on products have a heat-sensitive adhesive applied to their backs. Hold in position, and re-melt the glue by pressing the veneer with a household iron, typically on the wool setting.

Tip: Keep melted glue off of the iron's face by covering it with aluminum foil.

3. Finally, apply plain paper-backed veneer or banding by coating both the material and the surface to be covered with contact cement.

Once that has dried, press the two pieces together with a roller to form an instant bond.

Placing a piece of wax paper between the veneer and the surface will allow you to position the veneer accurately without the potential for mis-bonding.

Note: If your pieces bond crookedly, you can remove the veneer by dissolving the contact cement with lacquer thinner.

Allow both surfaces to dry, reapply the cement and try the process again.

Thank you soooo much for your help!! I can't wait to try it out.

And yes, the weather is much more conducive to pouring resin now.

Smiles,

Janelle