Alexei Volkov
Plastic tables are lightweight and resistant to chipping. However, they may need to be sealed to protect them from spills and stains, especially if they are used for eating and drinking. There are several ways to seal a plastic table, depending on the desired outcome. For instance, if you have painted your plastic table with acrylic paint, you can use a spray-on clear acrylic coating or epoxy resin for a glossy finish. On the other hand, if you want to seal pictures or magazine clippings onto your table, you can use Mod Podge, epoxy resin, or a glossy laminate. To protect your table from spills, you may also want to add a piece of glass or plexiglass on top.
How to seal a plastic table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect the table from water damage, spills, and scratches |
| Steps | 1. Clean the table thoroughly to remove any dust or particles. 2. Apply a coat of sealant such as epoxy resin, Mod Podge, or clear acrylic coating. 3. Consider adding a piece of glass or plexiglass for extra protection. 4. Reapply sealant as needed, such as every year or two. |
| Materials | Epoxy resin, Mod Podge, clear acrylic coating, glass or plexiglass, wax, clear dish soap, microfiber cloth |
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What You'll Learn
Use epoxy resin to seal pictures on a plastic table
Epoxy resin is a great way to seal pictures onto a plastic table and give them a glossy, professional-looking finish. Firstly, you should glue down your pictures onto the table with Elmer's glue to prevent them from moving. Next, apply a coat of Mod Podge over the photos. This will stop the epoxy from being absorbed by the pictures.
Now you are ready to apply the epoxy resin. Pour the resin onto the centre of the picture and spread it out to the edges with a plastic spreader or a popsicle stick. You will have about 45 minutes of working time before the resin gets too thick. Use an artist's torch to pop any bubbles that appear in the resin, moving the torch continuously from side to side. Check the resin for any missed bubbles, hairs, or dust, and remove them with a toothpick. Cover the table with a plastic tote or cardboard box (with the flaps cut off) and leave it to dry for 24 hours.
If you are using glossy photo paper, you may not need to apply a sealant beforehand, as the glossy surface will prevent absorption. However, if you are using matte photo paper, it is recommended to apply a spray sealant to prevent the resin from being absorbed and causing dark spots or bleeding.
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Seal pictures with Mod Podge and a piece of plexiglass
Sealing a plastic table with pictures using Mod Podge and a piece of plexiglass can be done in a few steps.
First, you need to print your chosen picture onto regular paper, avoiding photo paper as it is too thick and the colours may run. Next, trim the photo to your desired size and shape using scissors or a craft blade. You should then lay down a plastic or silicone mat to protect your work surface from any spills. Ensure your photo is clean and free of dust or fingerprints.
Now, you can begin applying Mod Podge to your photo. Start by applying a thin, even coat of Mod Podge to the front of the photo using a foam brush or a soft, wide, flat paintbrush. Extend the Mod Podge past the edges of the photo to help seal it. Allow the first coat to dry for about 30 minutes before applying a second thin coat of Mod Podge. You can add a third coat if you feel it is necessary for extra protection.
Once the Mod Podge is completely dry, you can place your sealed photo onto a thin layer of resin, gently pushing down to remove any trapped air bubbles. Follow the instructions on your resin kit to properly mix the resin and hardener. Usually, this involves mixing equal parts of resin and hardener and stirring thoroughly.
Finally, place your piece of plexiglass on top of the table, sealing your pictures underneath. Ensure the plexiglass is securely attached to the table, and you have successfully sealed your plastic table with pictures using Mod Podge and plexiglass!
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Use clear epoxy for a resilient coating
Clear epoxy is a great option for sealing a plastic table, as it creates a resilient, glossy coating. It is also a good choice if you want to seal a painted plastic table, as it will protect the paint and ensure the table is waterproof.
To start, you will need to measure the area of the table to determine how much epoxy you will need. You can use an epoxy calculator or calculate the volume in cubic inches by multiplying the length, width, and depth of the table. You will also need to gather the necessary tools and materials, including epoxy resin, a hardener, mixing tools, a heat gun, sandpaper, clear packing tape, and acetone.
Before applying the epoxy, you should lightly sand the surface of the table with 120-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to sand through any existing seal coat. Then, solvent-wipe the table with acetone to remove any residue from sanding. Allow the table to dry completely before taping the edges with clear packing tape to form a dam for the epoxy. Make sure the tape is at least 1 inch high above the table's top edge.
Now, you are ready to mix and apply the epoxy. For the epoxy to work effectively, you need to mix one part resin with one part hardener by volume in a clean mixing cup. Use the 2-cup mixing method, stirring slowly and scraping the sides and bottom of the cup for 2-3 minutes. Pour the mixture into another clean mixing cup and stir again for another 2-3 minutes. The mixed epoxy should be clear, not cloudy.
After mixing, pour the epoxy slowly onto the table, distributing it evenly. Use a plastic spreader to smooth the epoxy and ensure it covers the entire surface, including the edges. If needed, use a heat gun to help spread the epoxy and remove any air bubbles.
Allow the epoxy to cure completely before removing the tape. You can sand any rough edges with 120-grit sandpaper and wipe the table with acetone for a smooth finish.
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Seal with wax to protect the table from marks and stains
Wax is a great way to seal and protect your plastic table from marks and stains. It is an effective protector of furniture, especially floors, thanks to its water-repelling qualities. It fills in scratches, restores colour and sheen, and offers protection against water.
To seal your table with wax, you will first need to prepare the surface by ensuring it is clean and dry. Then, apply a thin, even coating of wax to the table, working in small areas at a time. You can use a lint-free cloth pad to rub the wax on in a circular motion. Alternatively, you can use a brush or cloth to apply the wax, ensuring you follow the direction of the grain in the table.
Let the wax dry completely, then wipe the surface firmly with a clean cloth to remove any excess wax. You can then polish the table to a shine. To complete the finish, you can apply one or two more coats of wax, polishing each coat thoroughly before applying the next.
You can decorate your wax seal with metallic stamp pads, markers, or powdered pigments to add a unique and elegant touch to your table.
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Clean the table with warm water and dish soap before sealing
To seal a plastic table, it is important to clean the table thoroughly before applying any coating. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning a plastic table with warm water and dish soap:
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a suitable dish soap or liquid detergent. The water should be warm, not hot, as hot water can sometimes affect the finish of plastic furniture. Mix the soap and water together to create a soapy solution.
Scrub the Table
Dip a soft or medium-stiffness brush into the soapy water and scrub the table gently. Clean the entire surface of the table, paying extra attention to any areas with stains or marks. For tough stains, you may wish to use a specialist cleaner such as Method Cleaner or a Magic Eraser, but always test on a small area first and be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.
Rinse the Table
Once you have finished scrubbing, it is important to rinse the table to remove any soap residue. You can use a towel soaked in clean water to wipe down the table, or for larger tables, a garden hose can be used to spray off the soap. Ensure that all the soap has been removed, as residue can attract dirt and leave marks.
Drying the Table
After rinsing, use a towel to dry the table. Pay particular attention to corners and edges, where water may collect. Ensure the table is completely dry before sealing, as moisture can affect the adhesion of the sealant. It is also important to allow the table to air dry fully to prevent the growth of mold or mildew under the sealant.
By following these steps, your plastic table will be clean and ready for sealing, ensuring the best possible finish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can seal pictures or magazine/calendar clippings onto a plastic table using Mod Podge. The more coats you use, the better. You can also add a piece of plexiglass on top for further protection.
If you have painted artwork on your plastic table using acrylic paint, you can seal it with a spray-on clear acrylic coating. For a more resilient coating, you can use clear epoxy.
Plastic tables are already resistant to chipping. To protect the table from scratches and marks, you can apply a thin layer of wax.
