The 10,000 Penny Bar Top DIY Guide

If you’ve spent any time on our TikTok page, you’ll know that an epic bar top is the absolute centrepiece of any pub shed. While solid oak is great, nothing stops the scroll quite like a perfectly poured, high-gloss epoxy resin bar top. And the undisputed king of resin projects? The legendary copper penny bar.

It looks like a million quid, but it’s actually one of the most cost-effective ways to create a totally bespoke, bulletproof surface for your Home Bar. The deep, liquid-glass finish makes the copper coins pop, creating a warm, industrial aesthetic that perfectly complements a cold pint from your BLADE beer tap.

However, pouring epoxy resin isn’t quite as simple as painting a wall. If you get it wrong, you’re left with a sticky, bubbly disaster. Here is our foolproof, step-by-step guide to nailing the perfect penny bar top.

1. Prepping the Bar and the Pennies

Preparation is everything. You cannot rush this stage, or your resin will leak everywhere and ruin your flooring.

• The Base: Your bar top needs to be perfectly level MDF or plywood. You must build a raised "lip" or border around the entire edge (about 5mm higher than the pennies will sit) to contain the liquid resin. Seal every single internal joint with silicone caulk—resin will find the smallest hole and escape.

• The Pennies: For a standard 2-metre bar, you’ll need roughly 6,000 to 8,000 pennies (£60-£80 worth).

• The Wash: To get that varied look, clean half of the pennies in a mix of white vinegar and salt to make them shine like new, and leave the other half naturally tarnished for a brilliant contrast.

2. The Layout and Gluing (The Tedious Bit)

This is where you need patience and a good playlist. Do not just throw the pennies down and hope for the best.

• The Paint: Paint the wooden base of your bar black or dark brown before laying the pennies. Pennies are round, so there will be tiny gaps between them. A dark background looks much better than bare MDF showing through.

• The Glue: You must glue every single penny down. If you don't, they will float to the surface when you pour the thick resin. Use a dab of superglue or a strong spray adhesive.

• The Pattern: You can lay them in staggered rows (like brickwork) or go crazy with geometric patterns.

3. The Resin Pour (The Satisfying Bit)

It’s time for the magic. You need a high-quality, clear Tabletop Epoxy Resin, usually sold as a two-part kit (Resin and Hardener).

• The Mix: Mix the two parts exactly to the manufacturer's ratio. Stir slowly for 3-5 minutes. Scraping the sides of the bucket is crucial. If unmixed resin hits your bar, it will never cure and stay permanently sticky.

• The Pour: Pour a thin "seal coat" first, spreading it over the pennies with a plastic trowel. Once tacky (usually 4-6 hours), pour the thicker "flood coat".

• The Secret Weapon: As the resin settles, thousands of micro-bubbles will rise to the surface. Gently sweep a butane blowtorch or heat gun 2 inches above the surface. You will see the bubbles instantly pop, leaving a finish like pure glass.

Key Considerations Before You Pour

Temperature is the biggest killer of resin projects in the UK. Epoxy resin hates the cold. Your pub shed must be heated to around 20°C–24°C consistently for at least 48 hours during the curing process. If it drops to 10°C overnight, the resin will go cloudy or refuse to harden. Also, make sure you wear a proper respirator mask and keep the area well-ventilated, as the fumes can be nasty.

FAQ

How many pennies do I need per square foot?

You will need roughly 250 to 280 UK pennies per square foot, depending on how tightly you pack them.

Is it legal to use pennies like this?

Yes. While it's technically illegal to deface or melt down currency for profit, gluing them to a bar top is perfectly fine in the UK.

How much resin will I need?

For a standard 2m x 0.5m bar top, expect to use around 3 to 4 litres of mixed epoxy for a nice thick coat.

Can I use a hairdryer to pop the bubbles?

No. A hairdryer blows too much air and will push the liquid resin around, creating waves. Use a blowtorch or a dedicated heat gun.

How long does it take to dry?

It will be dry to the touch in 24 hours, but it takes up to 7 days to fully "cure" and become hard enough to resist scratches from beer glasses.

What if dust lands in the wet resin?

Build a makeshift tent over the bar using plastic sheeting before you pour to keep airborne dust and pub shed flies out.

Can I put hot drinks on an epoxy bar top?

Most standard epoxies are heat resistant up to about 50°C. A hot coffee mug might leave a ring, so always use bar coasters.

What if my resin leaks over the edge?

Keep a roll of heavy-duty tape handy to quickly patch any leaks on your border while pouring.

Can I use old 1p and 2p coins mixed together?

You can, but 2p coins are thicker. You'll need a much thicker layer of resin to ensure a flat surface, which costs more money.

How do I clean an epoxy bar top?

Just warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners as they can dull the glossy finish over time.

Conclusion

It takes a bit of elbow grease and a lot of patience, but pouring a penny bar top is the ultimate rite of passage for a man cave owner. When you set that first ice-cold pint down on that glass-like surface, it’s worth every single penny.

Cheers to your new bar! 🥂