Step 1: Choose Your Wood Piece

Start with a dry, project-ready hardwood piece that fits the style and size of board you want to make. For epoxy charcuterie boards, look for attractive grain, live edge shape, cracks, voids, knots, or natural character that can be highlighted with resin.

Individually photographed wood pieces are helpful because you can choose the exact board, slice, slab, or blank for your project before buying.

Read our guide on how to choose wood for epoxy projects.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mold Size

Your mold should fit the finished board size you want while leaving enough space for epoxy. Smaller molds are useful for compact serving boards and gift projects. Larger molds give you more layout room for wood placement and resin flow.

Common sizes for epoxy serving boards include 10" x 18" and 12" x 24" molds.

Read our epoxy serving board mold size guide.

Step 3: Plan the Layout

Place the wood inside the mold and test the layout before mixing epoxy. Think about where the resin will flow, how much epoxy will show, and whether the finished board will feel balanced.

Look at the live edge, grain direction, cracks, voids, and overall shape. The layout should feel intentional before you pour.

Step 4: Prepare the Mold and Wood

Make sure the mold is clean and the wood is positioned securely. Depending on the project and mold setup, clamping blocks, dividers, and sealant can help control the layout and reduce movement during the pour.

Do not include loose debris, dust, or unstable material in the pour area. If the wood has cracks or voids, plan how they will be filled with epoxy.

Step 5: Mix the Epoxy

Mix your epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pay close attention to the required ratio, mixing time, working time, temperature, and maximum pour depth.

For deeper sections, void filling, and casting-style board projects, deep pour epoxy is commonly used.

Step 6: Add Pigment

Add pigment to the epoxy based on the look you want. Mica powder can create shimmer, pearl, metallic, and colour effects. Liquid pigments can be used when you want strong colour saturation.

Choose a colour that supports the wood species. Walnut often pairs well with black, gold, blue, green, pearl, and metallic colours. Olive wood often works well with clear, black, white, gold, or subtle translucent colours. Lighter woods can look great with darker or smoky epoxy tones.

Step 7: Pour the Epoxy

Pour slowly and carefully into the mold, allowing the epoxy to flow around the wood and into the cracks, voids, or open areas. Keep the mold level and avoid moving the project once the pour begins unless your specific process requires it.

Follow the epoxy manufacturer’s instructions for bubble management, working time, temperature, and cure time.

Step 8: Let the Epoxy Cure Fully

Allow the epoxy to cure fully before removing the board from the mold. Cure time can vary depending on the epoxy, pour depth, room temperature, and project conditions.

Removing the project too early can cause problems with the surface, edges, or final sanding.

Step 9: Remove, Trim, Flatten, and Sand

Once cured, remove the board from the mold and prepare it for finishing. Depending on the project, this may include trimming edges, flattening, sanding, easing sharp edges, or cleaning up the final shape.

Use a sanding progression suited to your project and surface. The goal is to bring the wood and epoxy to a smooth, even finish before applying your final oil or hardwax oil.

Step 10: Finish the Board

Apply a finish suited to the intended use of the finished piece. For serving boards and charcuterie boards, many makers choose a food-safe oil, board finish, or hardwax oil option depending on the project.

Use clean towels or applicator pads to apply and wipe back the finish according to the product instructions.