A well-made epoxy table is tough, but it isn’t indestructible. Cured epoxy can scratch, can be marked by heat, and can slowly yellow in strong sunlight. A few simple habits keep the resin clear and the wood looking rich for years.
- Clean with a soft cloth, warm water and a little mild dish soap. Skip harsh chemicals and abrasive pads.
- Always use trivets and coasters: hot pans and mugs can soften or mark epoxy.
- Keep the table out of direct sunlight, or use UV-protective window film, to slow yellowing.
Everyday cleaning
- Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth and warm water, with a drop of mild dish soap if needed. Dry it right away.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and strong solvents like acetone, which can dull or haze the surface.
- Many household glass and surface cleaners contain ammonia or alcohol; test them in a hidden spot first, or just stick to soap and water.
Heat
Most tabletop epoxies tolerate warm plates, but a hot pan, a pot straight from the stove, or a very hot mug can leave a ring or a soft spot. Use trivets, placemats and coasters, especially in the first weeks while the resin finishes its full cure.
Scratches and wear
- Use placemats under plates and felt pads under decor.
- Don’t slide heavy or gritty objects across the top.
- Light surface scratches can often be buffed out with a fine polishing compound. Deeper scratches can be wet-sanded and polished, or the top can be recoated (see our guide to sanding and polishing epoxy).
Sunlight and yellowing
UV light causes most epoxies to slowly yellow or amber over time. Keep your table away from long hours of direct sun, close blinds in the afternoon, or add UV-filtering window film. Wood also changes color with light, so rotating decor helps it age evenly.
Wood edges and legs
Many river tables have oiled or hardwax-finished wood edges. Dust them with a dry cloth and refresh the oil finish when the wood looks dry, following the finish maker’s instructions.
Moving and humidity
Lift the table instead of dragging it, and keep it away from heating vents and radiators. Big swings in humidity can stress the wood.
Shopping for a table? See what affects the price of an epoxy table and choosing the wood, or browse all our guides.
Header image: Photo: “old wood table texture” by pixelbuffer, BY 2.0 (cropped).