An epoxy resin table combines natural timber with a smooth decorative resin surface. It is practical for everyday dining, but correct cleaning and protection will help the gloss, colour and clarity last. This guide covers daily care, spills, heat, sunlight and minor scratches.
To compare resin with other materials, read oak vs walnut vs epoxy resin vs microcement tables, or explore our bespoke epoxy resin tables.
How do you clean an epoxy resin table?
Dust the surface with a soft microfibre cloth. For normal cleaning, use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid or pH-neutral soap. Wipe with a well-wrung cloth, remove any soap residue and dry the surface with a clean towel.
- Use soft, non-abrasive cloths.
- Clean in gentle strokes rather than vigorous circles.
- Blot spills promptly, particularly around timber and resin edges.
- Dry the table after cleaning to avoid streaks and standing moisture.
Avoid scouring pads, powdered cleaners, solvent-based products, acetone, paint thinner and concentrated bleach. They can haze, scratch or chemically damage resin.
Can heat damage epoxy resin?
Epoxy resin is durable, but it should not be treated as a heatproof worktop. Place a trivet beneath hot pans, casserole dishes, coffee pots and heated serving plates. Very hot objects can soften, discolour or mark some resin systems.
Coasters are also useful beneath mugs and cold glasses because they protect both the resin and adjoining timber from repeated heat or moisture.
How do you prevent scratches?
- Lift crockery, laptops and decorations instead of sliding them.
- Use placemats for meals and a protective mat for craft or office work.
- Fit felt pads beneath ornaments and regularly check them for trapped grit.
- Do not cut food directly on the tabletop.
- Keep keys, metal tools and rough ceramics away from unprotected resin.
Fine marks are easier to avoid than to remove. Gloss resin shows micro-scratches more readily than some satin finishes, especially in strong side lighting.
Does sunlight affect epoxy resin?
Modern furniture resins are designed for stability, but long-term ultraviolet exposure can still influence colour and clarity. Avoid placing the table in intense direct sunlight for prolonged periods where practical. Rotate decorative objects so the surface ages evenly and use blinds during the strongest part of the day if the room receives powerful sun.
How should you deal with stains and sticky residue?
Start with mild soap and warm water. Allow the damp cloth to rest briefly on sticky residue, then wipe gently. Do not scrape the surface with a blade. For paint, glue, ink or an unknown chemical, stop before applying a solvent and request advice from the maker.
Where resin meets natural wood, treat the timber according to its own finish. The correct product for resin may not be appropriate for oiled or lacquered wood.
Can scratches in epoxy resin be polished out?
Some very light surface marks can be professionally polished, while deeper scratches may require controlled sanding and refinishing. The method depends on the resin, gloss level and construction. DIY polishing compounds can create a noticeably different patch, so seek advice before working on a visible area.
Epoxy resin table maintenance checklist
- Daily: remove crumbs and wipe spills.
- Weekly: clean with mild soap and dry thoroughly.
- Monthly: inspect felt pads and high-use areas.
- Seasonally: check for strong sunlight exposure and move accessories.
- As needed: ask for professional advice about scratches or refinishing.
Epoxy resin table care FAQ
Can I use glass cleaner on epoxy resin?
It is safer to use mild soap and water unless the resin manufacturer confirms that the glass cleaner is compatible. Some formulas contain ingredients that can affect the finish.
Is epoxy resin waterproof?
The cured resin surface resists water, but a dining table also contains timber, joints and edges. Wipe up standing liquid promptly and do not allow it to collect underneath objects.
Can I put a hot plate directly on resin?
No. Use a heat-resistant trivet or mat. Heat tolerance varies and a hot dish may leave a permanent mark.
Why does my resin table show small scratches?
Gloss surfaces reflect light strongly, so fine everyday marks can be more visible. Placemats, felt pads and lifting objects will reduce them.
Can an epoxy table be refinished?
Often yes, depending on its construction and the depth of damage. A specialist should assess the table before sanding or polishing begins.
Order a bespoke epoxy resin table
Choose the timber, resin colour, dimensions, shape and base to suit your room. Browse our epoxy resin dining tables, use the dining table size guide or contact the workshop for a quotation.