I found a beautiful walnut slab, but it has a crack down the center that goes all the way through. The crack is about half an inch wide and a foot and a half long. I want to fill it with tinted epoxy, but I'm struggling to figure out how to prevent the epoxy from leaking out of the bottom of the crack. I've tried using painter's tape in the past, and it didn't work at all. Any suggestions or tips for keeping the epoxy in place?
3 Answers
One effective method is to flip the slab upside down and run a thick bead of caulk around the crack. Then, press a thin piece of plywood over that caulk and seal the edges with more caulk. Let it cure for about 24 hours. Once that’s done, flip it back over, level it, and pour your epoxy. Just in case of leaks, keep some flex seal handy—better safe than sorry! Oh, and you might want to tape the plywood where the crack is so that the epoxy doesn't bond to it; that way, it's easier to remove later.
I've had success using aluminum duct tape for smaller cracks, but make sure the wood is clean because oil can prevent the tape from adhering properly. Otherwise, it can be a solid solution to keep the epoxy contained!
If you're having trouble with other types of tape, I recommend trying Tyvek tape. It's awesome because epoxy won’t stick to it, and you can find it at home improvement stores where they sell house wrap. It should hold up well for your project!
I agree with this approach! I’ve learned that if you pour from the back side of the slab, any micro bubbles will rise away from the visible surface. Once it cures and you flip it, those bubbles will be hidden, saving you some sanding work later.