How to make a D.I.Y. resin picnic table

First, choose what you want to decorate! This method works for almost any wood project so you might like to do a picnic table, chopping board, coffee table, jewellery holder or even coasters. You could easily purchase plain wood panels from your local Bunnings Warehouse, or if you’re into upcycling, have a look at your local op shop.

From ocean art, to geometric patterns, inlays and metallic resin accents - resin designs are endless! Think about the person you’re making this for and how to make the design extra special. Incorporating their favourite colours or adding finer details like gold leaf, glitter, dried flowers or leaves are a great start. You may want to sketch out a few ideas or create a mood board to get inspired. Resin is super versatile and customisable, so let your creativity run wild!

Lay down a plastic drop sheet to protect the surface you’re working on. Next, determine how much of the board you want to cover with resin. This will provide a rough indicator of the amount of resin you need to prepare.

To prep your board, flip it over so the underside is facing up. Apply painters tape along the edges and any area directly underneath where the resin will be poured. This will give you a clean finish and prevent any drips or uneven edges.

Make sure to choose a resin that is food-safe and non-toxic if you’re opting for a chopping board, picnic table or any item that may be used with food.

Take a plastic container and pour in the resin and hardener following the ratios outlined in the instructions on your resin kit. Mix it well with an icy pole stick or a paint stirrer. To add colour, pour the clear resin into separate containers and add pigment powder according to the manufacturer’s instructions, stirring well.

For an ocean design, mix up dark blue for the water, white for the waves and leave a portion uncoloured. We suggest using plastic measuring cups to prepare the resin, as the spout will make pouring easier.

Working quickly, carefully pour the resin according to your desired design before it hardens.

If you’ve opted for an ocean design, pour the three resins in varying amounts along the width of the board. Start by adding the dark blue on the edge of the board, smoothing it out gently with a plastic scraper. Next, add a layer of clear resin followed by a thin strip of white resin at the end, this will create the foamy look of your waves.

Now for the fun part! Using a heat gun, run the gun back and forth along the white line towards the blue resin to create your wave detailing. For a three dimensional look, you can repeat step five once the first layer of resin has fully cured. Finish off the board with finer details such as seashells, gold flakes or sand to really make it your own.

Each type of resin will have a different drying time - refer to the instructions on the product packaging and allow it to dry accordingly.

Once the resin has fully dried, remove the painters tape. Clean up any hardened drips or edges by gently sanding them down and assemble the picnic table as per the package instructions to finish off the project.

And there you have it! A gorgeous, personalised resin picnic table that’s ready to be enjoyed.

Head to your local Bunnings Warehouse to gather all your D.I.Y. supplies and get started on resin pouring today! If you have any questions or need help, our friendly staff are there to assist you.