How to Clear Epoxy Resin Wood

Sand the wood surface and wipe away the dust with a tack cloth.

Mix the hardener and resin, measuring the exact amounts in graduated measuring cups according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the hardener into the mixing bucket, then the resin. Mix completely with a clean stir stick, until the cloudy, white appearance clears, scraping the sides of the bucket often. This could take up to five minutes.

Apply the first coat, also called the seal coat. Wear safety glasses when applying resin. Brush it on the surface in a thin layer with a brush, making sure you smooth out any bubbles and remove any brush bristles that may come loose. Let dry for four hours.

Apply the second coat (flood coat) over the surface. Pour a small amount into the center of the wood piece. Allow the resin to run over the edges and use a clean brush or a squeegee to spread the resin evenly. Apply at least two or three layers of the flood coat or more until you achieve the look you're going for. Each layer of the flood coat should be a 1/8-inch coating. Let the coating dry from four to 10 hours before applying another flood coat. If the coat has dried for more than 10 hours, lightly sand it with a 220 or finer-grit sandpaper and remove the dust with a clean cloth and denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner.

Embed objects in between the flood coat applications, if desired. If embedding paper items like maps or photos, seal them first by applying two coats of Mod Podge to the paper surface with a foam sponge. Let the Mod Podge dry in between coats. If embedding porous objects, seal first by applying a coat of the seal epoxy.

Cure the resin by letting it dry and keeping it as clean and dust-free as possible. Curing will take two to three days.