Alternatives to synthetic resins in woodwork
If you’ve been following our resin series, you’ll have learned a few things about resin, including what it actually is, and the dubious branding of eco resins (including how they’re not always so eco-friendly!)
For this final installment, we’re talking about what your options and alternatives are for resin in crafting, woodworking, and other uses. What you can use instead will depend on your project and purpose, so read on to find out.
For glueing
Resin glues are useful for many purposes, and in particular for any purposes where the bond has to be long lasting and effective. In the scheme of things, using a small amount of epoxy glue isn’t the end of the world, but if you’re gluing timber together you ight consider a more environmentally friendly option like PVA or hide glue
For finishing
Resin-based finishes are increasingly available and popular, and while they are hard wearing, they are not very environmentally friendly and can in some cases have quite noxious fumes or off-gassing. Unless you’re finishing a piece for a function where using resin will make a substantial difference (such as marine grade paint for a boat), consider some low-toxicity or non-toxic alternatives such as more environmentally friendly paints, oil blends and varnishes, or natural finishes like oils or shellac.
For filling holes and gaps
Resin has come into vogue for filling gaps and cracks in reclaimed timber, and while the look is undeniably hot, there are absolutely ways to get that finish without using plastic-based products.
In store at Among The Trees, we use tinted natural beeswax to fill holes and gaps, and stock wax in a range of colours to suit different timbers and finishes. Under an oil or varnish coating, they can blend in beautifully, or stand out as a feature. If wax isn’t going to quite wear enough, there are also more friendly timber putties on the market which have a longer shelf life than resin and produce very similar results.
Another beautiful option for filling timber is using other timber - either the same species or a contrasting coloured wood.
For resin pours
Unfortunately, there are no environmentally friendly alternatives for poured materials, popularised in crafts like resin pour tables, chopping boards, and other items. However, instead of trying to find an alternative product, we cannot recommend more thinking about if a resin pour is the best choice for your project: they can be toxic to pour and finish, and once set cannot be recycled!
Instead of a river or joined slab table, consider how to use the natural edges of timber as part of the design, or as an unfilled center gap in your work. Alternatively, have a piece of glass cut in the shape of the river or pour section and sit it neatly in next to the wood to create the effect while keeping all the parts recyclable after the fact.
Sadly, we know furniture and craft trends come and go, and it’s only a matter of time before a lot of resin pour pieces end up in landfill – you can help avoid that now by choosing alternative materials or designs today!
If you are looking for more information or advice about alternatives to synthetic resins, come and have a chat with us in store. We love to talk about sustainable and environmentally safe alternatives for products and help find a solution that will work for you!
