DIY Seashell Resin Desk

In this instructable, I show you how I made a seashell resin desk inspired by the beach in my hometown of Destin, Florida. Learn how to embed shells in resin and much more.

Even if you don’t need a seashell resin table, the epoxy resin tips and woodworking techniques I used can be applied to any resin and wood project.

There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial!

Project Background

My daughter asked me to build her a new desk for her room about a year ago. I wanted this desk to be special for her – one that would bring a smile to her face.

A few went by and I noticed the huge amount seashells my family and I collected over the last 10 summers.

So, I decided to use these seashells to make a seashell resin desk for her.

Epoxy Resin

Neutral Aqua Glow Powder

Mixing Containers

Rubio Monocoat Finish

Rotex Sander

Sandpaper

Grinder

50 Grit Sanding Disc

MFT3 Table

TS75 Track Saw

Orbital Buffer

The basic materials needed for a seashell resin table are 2 pieces of reclaimed wood of equal lengths, epoxy resin, and seashells.

Epoxy resin pigment powder or glow powder can also be mixed with resin to add color and glowing effects.

For this project, I used 2 pieces of reclaimed cypress wood.

To create a resin mold, use plywood (or any flat wood) to build a box larger than the width, length, and height of the seashell resin table and cover it with packing tape or sheathing tape.

Apply furniture wax to serve as a epoxy resin release agent.

Determine the amount of epoxy resin needed to fill half the thickness of the epoxy seashell table and mix the epoxy resin.

Use the following formula to determine how much resin you need:

Gallons = (Length * Width * Thickness) * .004329

Quarts = (Length * Width * Thickness) * .017316

Once the epoxy resin and glow powder are fully mixed, pour the epoxy in the seashell resin table.

After pouring, inspect the bottom of the table for leaks.

Often times, air pockets form for 30 to 45 minutes after the initial layer of epoxy is poured.

Simply use a heat gun or mini torch to remove the air pockets as they rise to the surface.

I placed a few shells in the wood crack leading into the epoxy river. This helped give me an idea of how much light the shells would allow through.

I charged the glow powder for about 10 seconds with a black light and turned off the light.

To set shells in epoxy resin, wait until the epoxy is partially cured but still tacky and place the seashells in the resin.

After the first layer of resin completely cures (normally 24 hours), mix and pour clear epoxy resin over the seashells.

After 48 hours, I verified the resin was completely cured.

To sand epoxy resin, I used my rotex sander and with the following sanding grits in order: 40, 60, 80, 120, 150, 180, 220, 320.

The best epoxy wood finish is Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2c. 

I applied rubio monocoat according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

In order to install the seashell resin table in the corner of my daughter’s room, I built a 2″x24″ rectangle box using plywood.

Essentially, the box allows me to secure the desk away from the wall and provides a space to drop down cables or power cords. Then, I rested the desk on the far right side with the drawers facing out. 

Next, I drilled pilot holes on the underside of the table and used 3 screws to secure the desk to the wall bracket.

Obviously, my daughter loves her beach inspired desk. It reminds her of all the great memories we made and continue to make during those long summer days at the beach.

I hope this instructable provided you with value. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions - I'm happy to help.

Be sure to checkout my YouTube channel and my website for more DIY tutorials.