I have built several tables for our local ELKS club and used A product
called Enviro-Tex. It is available in quarts, gallons, etc. Basically a two
part epoxy, mix well and pour. You can get it from Woodworker's Supply or
Van Dyke's Restorers ( a little cheaper).
Pour it on, and level it out. Sounds easy, requires practice to get perfect.
Air bubbles will come out by exhaling on them ( the CO2 in your breath will
lift them right off). A propane torch works, but is pretty hazardous. You
will have about 1/2 hour working time in 80 degree weather. I have done this
in cold weather (about 50) but set up time is considerably longer. In approx
1/8 in depths, it took me three pours to get right. But I had ropework
around the edges that absorbed a LOT of the stuff. After it is cured, you
can sand, scrape file whatever, and the next coat will cover all. I even
brushed some on the edges, and that worked well.
The down side, it is messy!!!
good luck,
-roger-


wrote in message
ps.com...
I am about to coat my new bar counter top with a clear epoxy in order
to give it the restaurant bar look. I have done alot of reading and
am trying to figure out which product to use.

I have bought some of the System 3 Mirror Coat from a local
woodworking story and it is quite expensive. After doing some reading
in this group I have learned about the other products that are out
there. Some of which you can buy from stores like Michaels for much
less. I believe the product name was Envirotex Lite. Is it worth the
extra money for the System 3? If so, why.

This is my first time doing this so any advice on the best way to
apply this stuff would be greatly appreciated. From what I
understand:

-the first coat you basically brush on to cover the wood and seal any
cracks in the molding. Then the later coats can be thicker.
-I am going to make it about 1/4" thick.
-I understand the hardest thing is getting rid of the air bubbles, so
I hear that using a torch is the best way to get rid of them.
-Other than than just pour it on and level it out.

Sounds pretty easy, but seriously how hard is it? I know once I start
it is hard to go back.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks