Cord wood (birch) counter top help help!
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Katrina Warren on Apr 15, 2015I think I would stain the plywood behind it a dark walnut color to make the birch rounds stand out, build a lip around the counter just above the height of the rounds, then use self leveling resin to fill it in without using any grout or sand that way you would still see the pretty birch bark through the resin. Once it's dry you knock the lip off so the edges are resin too. I personally have never done a project like that, but have seen it done on DIY shows, so I would do a little research before beginning.Helpful Reply
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Bananas! on Apr 15, 2015hmmm thanks @Katrina Warren! I just watched some guy's video making a table like that. I like your idea of painting the plywood dark first! I have some stain/varathane left over from another project, so can use that. Do you think I can get self leveling resin at a home depot? the video's in hyper speed, it's quite entertaining actually :)Helpful Reply
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Miriam Illions on Apr 15, 2015I don't have anything intelligent to add here - I just wanted to say that this looks like an insanely awesome project and I'd LOVE to see pictures when you're done!Helpful Reply
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Sue on Apr 16, 2015I recently used a self leveling resin product and was pleased with results. Plan to pour two layers when you do this. Also leave yourself plenty of time to watch for bubbles to appear so you can quickly get rid of them. The bubbles will continue to show up until the resin actually begins to harden. I've seen the two part resin products sold at Menards in the larger sizes. The other big box hardware stores near me didn't offer the product in gallon sized portions. You may want to set up a mini prototype to practice on before pouring over your big project. You'll get a much better idea of what you are dealing with and have more confidence when using it on your final project. It's not a difficult product to use, just follow the directions exactly. Best of luck, this will be awesome when you're done. Be sure to keep us posted.Helpful Reply
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Diana Pucci on Apr 16, 2015Check out SmoothOn.com They have some awesome epoxy, resin and rubber products. You can buy clear epoxy 2 part resin in small and large containers. Look for the ones with 1:1 ratio(easy to use) You would have to make a frame around the counter top to hold the liquid untill it sets. There are some that set within 25min to an hour. I would epoxy a thin layer to the bottom wood then set the birch in it while wet, once set then do the rest in thin layers for the clearest and bubble free effect. The company is VERY informative and if the site doesn't have infor pertinent to your use, and they respond to emails rather quickly, usually with very good advice on materials and use.Helpful Reply
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Diana Pucci on Apr 16, 2015Forgot to say the frame would get removed once the resin is set and then polish the resin for a very shiny and clear look revealing the wood from the sides as well as the top. This is basically the same resin used to embed objects for key chains and those paper weights found in gift shops. This might be Labor intensive, but will look awesome. You could even put several layers of the resin down, then the wood cuts, then several more layers until at least a eighth or quarter of an inch above the wood cuts. The end result would make the wood pieces look suspended in water and visible from top and sides. The base could be removed once set for a complete block of resin and wood and it would be rigid and strong placed on the counter base all by itself. Of course the counter would be see through between the cracks of wood. There are other resins that would do the trick but may have tints to them. I used one that was labled clear but came out blueish, and another that came out amber. Smooth on gave me the only one that was absolutely clear. No I do not work for Smooth On, just a craftperson and artist who has been very satisfied with their products.Helpful Reply
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Lori Hepp on Apr 16, 2015I would first cut smaller pieces of different woods to fill in between the larger pieces you have now, I think it would add more to the counter top with different cut pieces of wood in different sizes and then finish.Helpful Reply
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Shamrockcamper on Apr 16, 2015Bananas, only one thing I would do in addition to the above great suggestions, is to do a small test tile, using all the same materials you will use in your final project. My experience with resin is, it gets hot during the curing.Helpful Reply
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Slgibbs1 on Apr 16, 2015Easy cast or envirotexHelpful Reply
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EdiLeck on Apr 16, 2015How about small river rocks/decorative gravel in between the rounds then cover with the epoxy? Oh...and maybe some found objects too, like an old key or some small charms or beads? That would make it interesting.Helpful Reply
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Carol Tanner on Apr 16, 2015I can't offer any suggestions as you are so far out of my DIY League with this project, but it looks like a great idea and would love to see pictures when it is finished! Good luck with your awesome creativity!Helpful Reply
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Lee Cunningham Green on Apr 16, 2015I had a friend that did this with matchbooks/ movie tickets coins pebbles and smaller baubles, it was fantastic, she used only epoxy, it took her a long time to do it layer after layer but the finished product is truly beautiful.Helpful Reply
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Kris Kowalski on Apr 17, 2015Envirotex is great. Awesome idea!Helpful Reply
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Alton on Apr 18, 2015I would fill in with smaller branches and sand every thing flat plus a little more support for the top then finish with thin layers of resin .Helpful Reply
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Shira on Apr 22, 2015I'm sorry I can't be helpful, but I can't wait to see the finished project, it already looks amazing!Helpful Reply
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Bananas! on Apr 22, 2015Thanks @Diana Pucci great website! I bought little river rock but don't like the busy look it's giving me so not even going to epoxy it.....made a trial piece about 8 x 8" glad I did...think just painting the plywood and going with the birch pieces will be a nice tidy look...Helpful Reply
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Diana Pucci on Apr 24, 2015Yes the SmoothOn site is awesome and very informative about rubbers, resins, concrete and all the techniques for using them. Perhaps a few found objects, like pretty buttons broken jewelry etc... glued to the center of just a few pieces of the wood circles in a pattern might add the glitz others have talked about with out making it busy. Before the resin process of course. Making a small mock up is indeed wise. What about in between the wood rounds push in moss, in place of where caulk would be on tiles? The moss would have a more natural look with the wood. Mock it up of course. You can get several colors of dry moss at Hobby stores that sell model train supplies. Art supply stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby might have it in the silk flowers section. If you like the moss idea I would recommend just one color, unless you fade from one color to the other rainbow fashion green to yellow to red going from one end to the other. Both ends start with one color then meet in the middle with the 3rd color.Helpful Reply
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Diana Pucci on Apr 24, 2015Good luck I think a lot of us are interested in seeing what you end up doing.Helpful Reply
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Bananas! on Apr 29, 2015@Jan Elizabeth ooooh Jan great idea! I'm waffling all over and have bought some glass mosaics cause I was just too unsure of the process I'd use. BUT, with your idea I think I'll do this, but make a 3D picture with them instead for the wall.... just have to throw together a frame :) thanks and will post once I'm done!Helpful Reply
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Shira on May 31, 2015I'm so excited to see this when it is done!Helpful Reply
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