This project was built and designed by Chris from A Glimpse Inside. It combines the strategy of chess with the creative flexibility of epoxy resin to produce a visually striking and functional game board.
Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or just getting started with resin, this project is a fun way to stretch your skills. It also makes a great gift or display piece with plenty of room for customization.
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Why Try a Resin Chessboard?
A traditional chessboard is a classic woodworking project, but adding epoxy resin gives it a whole new personality. Resin opens up a world of color combinations, textures, and finishes that you just can’t get with wood alone.
The end result is both practical and artistic, offering a durable surface for gameplay and a unique visual element. It’s a chance to create something beautiful that still serves a purpose.
Project Overview
Chris starts by designing a chessboard layout that blends the traditional grid pattern with modern materials. The contrasting resin colors create the visual distinction between the squares, replacing the need for inlaid wood.
To contain the resin during the pour, a mold is required. Chris either builds one from scratch or uses a reusable silicone mold, ensuring that it’s sealed well to prevent leaks.
Preparing the Epoxy Pour
Before mixing resin, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Accurate measurements and thorough mixing are key to achieving a smooth, fully cured finish.
Chris adds pigments to the resin, experimenting with different color blends to create rich, vibrant effects. This step is where much of the creative freedom comes into play, allowing for endless customization.
Pouring the Resin
Once the resin is mixed, Chris pours it slowly into the mold, being careful to avoid air pockets. If multiple colors are used, a syringe or squeeze bottle can help control the flow and placement of each shade.
A heat gun or torch is used to remove bubbles that rise to the surface. This extra step improves the clarity and appearance of the final board.
Curing and Cleanup
After the resin is poured, the chessboard is left to cure completely. This step requires patience, as rushing the process can result in surface flaws or improper hardening.
Once cured, the chessboard is removed from the mold. Chris then sands the edges and surfaces to smooth out any imperfections and give the board a clean, finished feel.
Adding a Wood Frame
To complement the resin board, Chris adds a hardwood frame around the edges. The natural wood creates contrast with the glossy epoxy and provides durability.
The frame is mitered at the corners and attached securely. Once assembled, the entire piece is given a final sanding to ensure a smooth transition between materials.
Final Finish and Polish
For protection and added shine, Chris applies a finish such as wax or polishing compound. This step brings out the depth of the resin and protects the board from scratches during use.
The result is a beautiful, high-gloss chessboard with plenty of character. It looks great on display and functions perfectly for games with friends or family.
Why You’ll Love This Project
This epoxy resin chessboard stands out from traditional builds with its bold use of color and texture. It’s more than just a functional board—it’s a conversation piece and a work of art.
Resin allows for endless experimentation, so each build can be unique. Whether you prefer elegant neutrals or vibrant colors, you can create a board that fits your style.
Want to See the Full Build?
Please support Chris by visiting his website here: https://www.aglimpseinside.org
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Working with epoxy resin opens up some amazing creative possibilities, but it definitely comes with its own learning curve. The key to success is really in the prep work — making sure your workspace is dust-free, your mold is perfectly sealed, and you’ve got your measurements dialed in before you start mixing. Temperature and humidity can throw you curveballs too, so keeping an eye on your shop conditions makes a real difference.
Safety-wise, don’t skimp on ventilation when working with epoxy. Even the “low-odor” resins need proper airflow, and a good respirator is worth every penny. I also keep nitrile gloves handy — epoxy on your skin is no fun, and some folks can develop sensitivities over time. Having acetone nearby for cleanup is smart too, since it’s one of the few things that cuts through uncured resin effectively.
The bubble removal step is crucial for getting that crystal-clear finish. A heat gun works great, but keep it moving — too much heat in one spot can actually create more problems. Some folks swear by a small butane torch for this, which gives you more precise control. Either way, working in thin layers often gives better results than trying to pour everything at once.
The combination of natural wood framing with the resin squares is really smart design-wise. It gives you clean lines to work with and helps contain any minor imperfections at the edges where the two materials meet. Plus, that contrast between the warm wood and glossy resin just looks fantastic.