Clear Coat Wine Barrel Top Using Epoxy Resin

It was very much faded when we got it, and the summer sun faded it even more. So much more that it was pretty hard to tell that there was any writing on the top (and where's the fun in that??).

The top was also uneven, as the weather had taken its toll not only on the coloring and waterproofing (wineproofing?), but also on the evenness of the boards. In order to make the top useable as a table/coaster for backyard partygoers (who am I kidding... it's 2020), we would need to waterproof and level the top.

Epoxy Resin to the rescue!

We decided to use some epoxy resin to not only provide a little waterproofing on the top and some protection from coffee/water/whatever rings AND to make it leveler, we decided to pour some epoxy resin on the wine barrel top.

First things first. Gather your supplies.

Pro-tip: You can follow these steps to put a beautiful finish on pretty much any wood-based project that you're working on.

• wine barrel (gonna be tough to do this on any wine barrel project without one!)
• epoxy resin kit - I used the ProMarine kit for wood tabletops
• foam brushes
• gloves
• 4 measuring cups (I used plastic cups)
• 2 mixing containers (I used an old cottage cheese container)
• stirring stick
• propane torch (used to get all the bubbles out)

Pro-tip: You'll be mixing and applying the resin in 2 steps: a base coat and the actual pour. Plan your epoxy use accordingly.

Pro-tip: Put a drop cloth, piece of cardboard or other protective item under the barrel just in case you drip some resin on your patio and stain it forever. Just sayin'.

Make sure your wine barrel top is level... it'll make a difference for the final pour.

Pour equal parts epoxy and resin hardener into a container and mix thoroughly. AT LEAST for 5 minutes.

For the first application, you are looking to get a nice base coat on the wood to make sure that you get it waterproofed.

Pour a little resin on the top and use the brush to spread it evenly.

When the base coat is dry to the touch, mix up another batch of resin and get ready to pour.

You won't need to use a brush for this part, as you are pouring more on than you used for the base coat. The resin will self-level.

After you have a sufficient pour (the depth is up to you, your plans, and your comfort level) you might see some bubbles start to form. Using a propane torch, lightly heat the areas that have air bubbles. It's kinda fun and therapeutic to watch them pop! :)

Cover the top of the barrel with something (I used a big piece of cardboard) to keep dust and other undesirable objects (bugs, cats, people fingers, etc) from messing up the resin. The waiting is the hardest part!

Move your wine barrel to its new home and brag to all your friends and neighbors. And eventually, you'll be able to have them all over to show it off!