Do It Yourself Liquid Acrylic Tabletop

Purchase an appropriate table. Choose a table that has a lip on the sides to make containing the resin easier. If you do not purchase a table with a lip, use a layer of sheet metal and wrap it around the table. Secure the sheet metal to the table with duct tape by taping the bottom of the sheet metal.

Put on a pair of latex gloves to protect your hands, a mask to reduce the inhalation of fumes and safety goggles to protect your eyes from splattering. Apply a coat of primer to the top of the table using a high-quality thick brush. If any hairs from the brush gets into the primer, use tweezers to remove them. Let the primer dry for approximately four hours and then apply another coat. Check the directions on your primer, and wait longer if the manufacturer lists a longer drying time.

Paint any design you like directly onto the dried primer to create a fixed image that will appear beneath the resin. You may also choose to use spray paint or paint the entire top one solid color.

Pour the clear reactive polymer compound resin into a bucket and stir the resin with a wooden stick until it looks clear and smooth. Once the resin has been mixed properly, pour the resin directly onto the table and let it spread out evenly. Make sure the table is on a level surface. Use a carpenter's level if you are unsure. If the resin is not level, use a spatula to spread the resin out. In most cases, this will not be an issue since the resin is a liquid material and will flatten out naturally.

Turn on the embossing gun and apply heat to any areas of the table that have bubbles appearing. The heat will relax the bubbles and ensure you have a smooth surface. Place the heating gun on a medium-heat setting and hover it approximately one-inch above the spot that is bubbling. Avoid direct heat as this may create burn marks on the resin.

Wait for 24 to 48 hours until the table is completely dry. While drying, store the table in a clean room that will not be disturbed by children, pets or other family members.

Remove the strip of sheet metal after you have allowed the table to completely dry. Once you remove the sheet metal, if there are any splinters or rough edges use a fine-grain 250 grit sandpaper to smooth it out using a circular motion. Once the table has been smoothed out with the sandpaper, it is ready for use.