DIY Wall Key Holder Using Wood and Epoxy
Learn how to make an easy but quirky DIY wall key holder with magnetic tiles using wood and colorful epoxy. It also makes a great mask holder.
I have wanted to work with epoxy for a long time. Plus, we have needed a mask/key holder for a while. I decided it was time to put the two together and make something quick and fun.
The idea behind this keyholder was to make it quirky and colorful, so it was more like art on the wall than a utilitarian key hanger. Guess what? The little hexagons are magnetic so that you can put up little notes or pictures too!
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Material Needed
- Wood boards. I used a 1×10 and a 1×3 board.
- Miter Saw
- Sanding sponge
- Tack cloth
- BZ4500HS Heat Shrink Torch
- Bernzomatic Propane Cylinder
- Bernzomatic ST2200 Detail Torch
- Bernzomatic Butane
- Epoxy
- Epoxy pigments
- Rare earth magnets
- Strong adhesive
- Wood glue
- Masking tape
- sanding sponge
- Clear sealer
DIY Wooden Key Holder Video
Take a look at the full video of how I made the DIY wooden clock. The written step-by-step instructions follow.
How to Make the Wooden Key Holder
There are essentially two steps in making this keyholder – the magnetic hexagons and the epoxy pour.
Step 1 – Cut the Wood
I used a miter saw to cut the hexagons. I explain exactly how to do this in the video above. The process is straightforward and needs only a couple of measurements to set up before you can cut all the hexagons.
For the large board, I used a 1×10 board cut at 20″.
Step 2 – Embed Magnets
Using a Forstner bit that matches the magnet’s size, make holes about three-fourth way deep in the hexagons.
Glue the magnets with a strong adhesive.
Step 4 – Prepare for Burning
Sand all the surfaces with 150 grit to get it ready for Shou Sugi Ban.
Set it up on a non-flammable surface away from anything that can catch fire easily. I set up on my concrete driveway.
Step 5 – Torch the Wood
- Using the Bernzomatic BZ4500HS Heat Shrink Torch and the Bernzomatic propane tank, torch each piece of wood.
I torched the various pieces to varying degrees to get an ombre look – I went over a few one time, some a couple of times, and some 4-5 times till they were nice and dark.
Also, make sure to torch all sides of the hexagon pieces and the board.
Tip – Keep the Torch moving slowly across the surface for a uniform look.
Step 6 – Add the Magnets
Step 7 – Put Everything Together
Arrange the hexagons in the pattern you like and glue them down using wood glue.
I staggered them and made sure that the wood grain for each was oriented in various directions.
Step 8 – Epoxy Pour
- Prep the boards by covering the bottom edge and all the hexagons with masking tape.
I mixed up epoxy with black, pink, orange, and gold pigments and poured them one by one to create a gradient pattern. Ending in a clear epoxy pour.
Give the bubbles a couple of minutes to rise and use a Bernzomatic detail torch for popping them.
Step 9 – Finish
- Once the epoxy is cured, remove all the masking tape. The tape easily lifts away any stray epoxy drops.
- Make holes and attach hooks.
- Add hangers at the back and hang it up on the wall!
I love the quirkiness of the colorful epoxy coupled with the gorgeous charred wood grain.
It is beautiful and extremely functional with the hooks for the keys (or masks) and the magnetic tiles.
If you have been thinking of trying out the Bernzomatic blowtorches, I highly recommend them! Using them to create unique projects is kind of addictive!
More Projects Using Bernzomatic Torches –
DIY Wall Key Holder Using Wood and Epoxy
How to make an easy but quirky DIY wall key holder with magnetic tiles using wood and colorful epoxy. It also makes a great mask holder.
Materials
- Wood boards. I used a 1x10 and a 1x3 board.
- Sanding sponge
- Tack cloth
- Epoxy
- Epoxy pingments
- Rare earth magnets
- strong adhesive
- wood glue
- Masking tape
- Clear sealer
Tools
Instructions
- Cut the hexagons using a miter saw.
- Using a Forstner bit that matches the magnet's size, make holes about three-fourth way deep in the hexagons. Glue Magnets in place with strong adhesive.
- Sand all the surfaces with 150 grit to get it ready for Shou Sugi Ban.
- Using the Bernzomatic Bernzomatic BZ4500HS Heat Shrink Torch and the Bernzomatic propane tank, torch each piece of wood.
- Add the magnets.
- Arrange the hexagons in the pattern you like and glue them down using wood glue.
- Prep the boards by covering the bottom edge and all the hexagons with masking tape. Mix your epoxy with epoxy pigments and pour.
- Once the epoxy is cured, remove all the masking tape. The tape easily lifts away any stray epoxy drops. Make holes and attach hooks. Add hangers at the back and hang it up on the wall!
Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"
This is such a great idea. Very impressive.