I'm curious about the effects of filling cracks and voids in wood panels with epoxy. Specifically, does using epoxy make it more likely for the wood to warp or crack in the future? I've heard some opinions and want to know if filling these gaps could potentially hinder or help the wood's structural integrity—whether leaving them alone or using alternatives like glue or wood filler would be better. Any insights would be appreciated!
4 Answers
Epoxy shouldn't expand more than the wood itself, so it won't act as a wedge. It actually works to reduce warping and cracking when used correctly. However, keep in mind that using it just for aesthetics might not prevent movement in the wood. If the wood wants to shift, it will, no matter what you do!
I made a coffee table a while back using a single piece of Huon pine with epoxy around it. Thankfully, it hasn't moved at all! Just so you know, I sanded and waxed the wood to keep it isolated from the epoxy, which might have helped with stability.
Thank you, do you mean that you used wax as a buffer layer between the wood and the epoxy?
Epoxy can indeed lead to issues if not applied correctly. It may trap moisture in the wood, causing it to warp or crack over time. Best advice is to start with well-dried wood and maintain a consistent environment after applying the epoxy. If the wood isn't dry enough, you risk splits and twists. Just keep that in mind while working!
Thank you, that all makes sense to me.
Great question! From my experience, epoxy can actually help stabilize the wood since it bonds well with the fibers. However, be cautious: while it can hold the wood together, it might also redirect stress to other areas, possibly causing new cracks. I've had success using slower-setting epoxy rather than the fast-drying versions because the latter can create stress during curing. Touching up with some CA glue afterwards also works well! Hope that helps!
Thank you for the feedback and advice, hope that project holds up.
Thank you, I’m not thinking of the epoxy expanding though, so much as the wood contracting around the fixed mass of the epoxy.