How do you seal a live edge table, anyway? With your hands!

But seriously, if you’ve ever admired the natural beauty of a live edge table, but have been hesitant to purchase one because of the fear of water damage, this blog post is for you!

In today’s post, we’ll discuss how to seal a live edge table to protect it from moisture and extend its lifespan. Read on for tips and tricks on how to achieve the perfect seal!

What Is a Live Edge Table & Why Would You Want to Seal It?

A live edge table is a one-of-a-kind piece that features the natural edge of the wood it’s made of. If you want to add this unique design element to your home, then you’ll need to seal it to protect it from damage due to exposure to the elements.

Sealing a live edge table is not only important for preserving its beauty but it’s also required to maintain its warranty. Sealing is necessary if you want your piece to retain its brilliance and integrity over time.

How Do You Seal a Live Edge Table?

Much like other wooden furniture, you’ll need to start by sanding down the wood to remove any scratches, marks, or stains. After sanding the table down, you can then apply your sealant.

Before you fill any holes in the slab, make sure the color of the finish and epoxy match by testing them on a small part of the slab. If they don’t match, tint the epoxy with an additive to get the right color.

While your epoxy is being mixed, slowly pour it into any holes in the slab. A slow pour will let the epoxy gradually seep into the void, preventing air bubbles from forming.

If a hole goes through the slab, use masking tape or a plumber’s putty to stop the epoxy from leaking. If you spill a little epoxy onto the wood slab, don’t worry. You’ll need to sand it again before the piece is finished.

After the epoxy dries, sand the slab one more time. Vacuum your entire workspace to avoid trapping stray dust in your finishing coat. For a simple oil finish, use a sponge brush to apply three coats of polyurethane and sand after each coat dries.

Epoxy vs. Polyurethane for Live Edge Table

There are two main types of sealants that you can use for your live edge table.

Epoxy is great for big projects where a hard finish is essential. It is slightly cheaper than polyurethane and more durable. It also provides good resistance to moisture and water.

Polyurethane is more flexible. It resists solvents and acids better. It’s more resistant to extreme cold and scratches and gives an ultra-clear finish.

How Do You Seal a Live Edge Table FAQ

Can you leave the bark on a live edge table?

It is okay to leave the bark on your live edge table. It provides more color variation and texture, but you’ll need to seal it to prevent it from falling apart.

How do you finish live edge bark?

Apply epoxy to the bark first to fill in any cracks or holes. After drying, apply your polyurethane finish to the bark.

What is the difference between a wood sealer and varnish?

The distinction between a wood seal and varnish is that a sealant protects the surface against dampness, whereas a varnish gives it a glossy sheen.

Closing on How to Seal a Live Edge Table

Live edge tables are beautiful pieces of natural furniture that can be enhanced with the sealant of your choice. Whether you use epoxy or polyurethane, sealing will provide a hard finish and help protect against moisture damage.

By following this guide, you can avoid most mistakes. If you spill some epoxy or polyurethane, don’t panic. Just sand the area down and try again.

If your tabletop does get scratched or damaged, simply sand the area down and start over. Finally, always remember to test your colors before finishing your entire piece.