Stunning Epoxy Resin Makeover of an Old Oak Dining Table

Trash to Table: KassDays' Stunning Epoxy Resin Makeover of an Old Oak Dining Table

In the world of DIY furniture restoration, few transformations are as satisfying as turning a curbside castoff into a sleek, modern showpiece. That's exactly what Kass from KassDays, a YouTuber out of Calgary accomplished in his latest YouTube video, Trash to Table | Dining Table Makeover, uploaded on October 15, 2025. Starting with a battered old oak veneer dining table plagued by white spots, lifts, and years of wear, Kass embarks on an ambitious project to breathe new life into it using epoxy resin. What follows is a hands-on journey of sanding, gluing, filling, and pouring, complete with a few hiccups, that results in a glossy, red-tinted masterpiece. If you're a fan of "trash to treasure" flips, this one's got grit, creativity, and a whole lot of resin magic.The Starting Point: A Worn-Out Relic in Need of RescueKass kicks off the video by unveiling his find: a two-piece oak veneer tabletop attached to a pedestal base, riddled with age-related damage like stubborn white spots and lifted edges. "You won't believe what we did with this old worn-out dining table!" he exclaims in the description, setting the tone for a mind-blowing DIY adventure. Performed entirely outdoors to combat dust and heat, the project underscores Kass's philosophy: thorough preparation is key, and shortcuts are the enemy of quality results. With the table split into halves for easier handling, he dives in, armed with basic tools like a sander, wood glue, Bondo filler, and of course, epoxy resin.Step-by-Step: From Stripped Wood to Resined GloryKass's process is methodical, blending traditional woodworking with the modern allure of epoxy. Here's how he brought the table back from the brink:1. Stripping and Sanding the Old FinishThe first battle? Removing decades of grime and finish. Using coarse 60-grit sandpaper on a power sander, Kass tackles the top's bumps, dirt-filled grooves, and unsightly spots. He follows up with meticulous cleaning, wiping with a cloth and blasting away dust with an air compressor, to ensure a pristine base. For those tricky edges and crevices stubborn with glue residue, he switches to manual sanding. "Dust was everywhere," he notes, highlighting the outdoor setup's role in keeping things manageable.2. Stabilizing the StructureThis table's split design presented an early challenge: dirty, sticky joining edges that needed separation for a deep clean. Kass applies wood glue to dowel holes and edges, leaving a small gap for filler, then clamps the halves together. To beef up stability without messing with the pedestal base, he adds smaller brackets underneath, a smart pivot from his initial larger-bracket plan. Once dry, it's time to fill that pesky gap.3. Filling Imperfections for a Smooth CanvasEnter Bondo filler, Kass's go-to for creating a seamless surface. He spreads it across the centre gap, edges, and ridges using a plastic spatula, shaping it for even coverage. After it cures, hand-sanding removes the excess, flattening everything to perfection. Touch-ups follow for any lingering spots, ensuring the top is groove-free and ready for the next phase.4. Base Coat and Levelling PrepWith the wood prepped, Kass paints the top flat black in two coats using a brush and roller to minimize strokes. Levelling the table with a scale is crucial here—uneven surfaces spell disaster for resin pours. But as we'll see, this color choice sparks some drama later.5. The Epoxy Resin Pour: Where the Magic (and Mess) HappensThe star of the show: epoxy resin. Kass measures equal parts resin and hardener (about 444-452 ml each), mixes in red powder pigment, and stirs vigorously to avoid clumps. Masking tape dams the edges, and he pours the mixture onto the levelled top, letting it self-level into a mirror-like sheen. The first pour uncovers bubbles and unevenness, prompting a full sand-down. Undeterred, he re-pours after adjustments—switching the base to grey for better resin compatibility and adding a thin overlay to banish that middle groove. Timing the tape removal is an art: too soon, and you get thin runoff; too late, and edges don't seal properly.6. Polishing to PerfectionFinal touches involve fine-grit sanding to erase minor flaws like pigment dots (from under-stirring) and small grooves. A quick buff with resin polish restores the shine, yielding a smooth, glossy finish.Challenges Conquered: Lessons from the TrenchesNo DIY epic is without its plot twists, and Kass's project delivers. The black base paint? A resin rebel, it mixed poorly, spawning bubbles and imperfections that forced a total do-over, including sanding off everything and repainting grey for a marble-effect vibe. That persistent centre groove? It lingered post-pour, likely from incomplete filling or wood expansion; Kass muses a thinner overlay might've been wiser next time. Pigment clumping created pesky dots, dust was a constant foe, and early resin days warned against heavy items to avoid indentations. Through it all, Kass's first-time epoxy enthusiasm shines: "This is my first such project," he shares, openly inviting viewer tips.The Grand Reveal: A Modern Masterpiece BornBy the end, the humble oak table has evolved into a unified, solid-surface stunner—no more splits or scars, just a vibrant red epoxy glow over a sophisticated grey base. It's not flawless (minor polishes fixed the rest), but it's a far cry from its trashy origins: a durable, eye-catching dining centrepiece perfect for family gatherings. Kass's reflection? Preparation and precision pay off, turning potential pitfalls into pro tips for fellow flippers.If you're inspired to tackle your own furniture glow-up, KassDays' channel is a goldmine of vlogs, from Alberta ghost towns to motocross thrills. Head over to YouTube to watch the full transformation—it's just under 20 minutes of pure motivation.

Horses in Motion at the Cochrane Rodeo in Alberta

Majestic Horses in Motion: Unveiling the Wild Spirit of Cochrane's Lions Rodeo

In the rolling foothills of Alberta's prairies, where golden grasslands whisper secrets of the Old West, the Cochrane Lions Rodeo emerges as a timeless symphony of human grit and equine grace. For nature enthusiasts craving a deeper connection to the untamed world, this electrifying video from Calgary vlogger KassDays offers more than just spectacle, it's a front-row seat to the profound bond between majestic horses and the landscapes that shaped them. Titled "Lions Rodeo Cochrane | Heart Racing Action | Small Town Feel", this 20-minute thrill ride (uploaded August 27, 2025) captures the essence of a community-rooted event that's been thundering since 1968, blending heart-pounding action with the serene beauty of rural Alberta.Galloping Through Heritage: Horses as Heroes of the ArenaPicture this: Dust swirls under the summer sun at Lions Rodeo Park, as powerful broncos buck wildly against the vast prairie sky, their muscles rippling like waves on a wind-swept plain. KassDays immerses you in the rodeo's pulse, starting with a nod to its origins, a humble gathering that blossomed into a family weekend extravaganza in the 1990s, complete with parades, fireworks, and live tunes under starlit skies. But it's the horses that steal the show, embodying the raw poetry of nature's design. Dive into the trick horse riding, where performers from the "Zback Band of the Trick Riding World" defy gravity: shoulder stands mid-gallop, daring back bends, and balloon-popping dashes that echo the agility of wild mustangs roaming free. Barrel racing showcases young cowgirls, fifth and sixth-generation riders, navigating tight turns with their equine partners, hooves pounding earth in perfect harmony. And don't miss the bronco and bull rides, where competitors like Sam West from nearby Okotoks cling for glory, scores announced amid roaring crowds. Steer wrestling adds gritty drama, with teams wrestling massive livestock in a display of strength that honours the land's rugged demands. Narration weaves through it all like a trail guide's tale: Live announcers shout out sponsors (think UFA and Coyote Equipment), honour fallen Lions Club members, and spotlight animal welfare, daily care for over 100 head of livestock ensures these creatures thrive beyond the arena. Subtle nods to Indigenous storytelling, like a "hook dance" invoking nature's gifts (plants, animals, even buffalo bones unearthed nearby), ground the festivities in Alberta's layered ecology. It's not just rodeo; it's a celebration of biodiversity, where horses aren't props but living legends tied to the foothills' wild heritage.Stream the full adrenaline rush here: Lions Rodeo Cochrane on YouTubeWhy This Rodeo Resonates with Nature LoversFor a nature channel audience, this video transcends cowboy clichés—it's a lens on equine ethology, the thrill of predator-prey dynamics in controlled chaos, and the quiet majesty of Alberta's semi-arid ecosystems. Imagine the sensory rush: The earthy scent of churned soil, the thunder of hooves mirroring distant bison herds, and glimpses of local flora framing the action. KassDays' steady footage, photos of the park nestled against the Rockies, highlights how these events foster environmental stewardship, with proceeds supporting community green spaces. If you're hooked on hooved heroes, pair this with KassDays' wildlife deep dives, like "Wildlife Park Discovery Visit | What are You Looking at", where Alberta's fauna takes centre stage without the reins. Or explore their playlist on Alaska Travel Road Trip, trading prairie dust for glacial trails and caribou sightings. For more on Cochrane's natural bounty, check the Cochrane Tourism site for trail maps blending rodeo vibes with foothill hikes.Saddle Up for Your Next Nature FixIn an era of screens and speed, the Cochrane Lions Rodeo reminds us: True adventure lies where sweat meets soil, and horses remind us of our wild roots. Whether you're a budding equestrian or a prairie poet, this video will ignite your wanderlust, proving that small-town spectacles pack the biggest punch. Head to the KassDays YouTube channel for unfiltered Alberta magic: Like, subscribe, and drop a comment on your favorite horse moment. Share with fellow trailblazers—what's your go-to spot for equine encounters?Keywords: Alberta rodeo horses, Cochrane Lions Rodeo, trick riding nature, western equine adventures, prairie wildlife events, barrel racing Alberta, bronco riding foothills, family nature rodeo, small town outdoor action, horse conservation Canada

Bumble Bee Boogie in Okotoks Ablerta

In this delightful snapshot, that fuzzy little visitor looks positively thrilled to be knee-deep in sunflower pollen, like it's throwing its own backyard bash under the Alberta sky!
Bumblebee Boogie in OkotoksOh, bumblebee, you plump ol' fluffball,
Black-and-gold stripes, with an orange sash so dapper,
You tumbled into my sunflower throne,
Pollen pockets full, like a fuzzy overcoat loan. From the prairies you buzzed, rare as a comet's wink,
Dodgin' the wind in Okotoks' blink,
While honeybees hustle in their hive-line grind,
You're the solo artist, leavin' glitter behind! Sip that nectar sweet, you rotund rover,
Turn my backyard bloom into a pollen bonanza fever.
If life's a garden, you're the wild card queen—
Keep buzzin', buddy, you're the bee I've always dreamed!

Kass's Sky-High Serendipity | High River Balloon Glow

Kass's Sky-High Serendipity: Capturing the Magic of High River's Balloon GlowIn the crisp Alberta autumn air, where the prairies stretch out like an endless canvas, High River transforms into a canvas of color and wonder each September. As part of the 13th annual Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, running from September 24 to 28, 2025, this year's Balloon Glow on Friday, September 26, lit up the Wallaceville Glow Site with a spectacle that drew thousands, nearly doubling the town's population for one enchanting evening. And for Kass, the wandering lens behind KassDays, it was a serendipitous snapshot of joy, captured just a couple of weeks ago on a whim.
Kass's photos tell the story better than words: the first, a vibrant close-up at dusk, frames a rainbow-striped hot air balloon inflating against the deepening blue sky, its burners roaring to life amid a crowd of excited onlookers bundled in hoodies and hats. Flames dance like fireflies, casting a warm glow on smiling faces and the subtle "G" markings on nearby envelopes—hints of the quirky designs that make these giants of the sky so irresistible. The second shot pulls back to the field's edge, where a fleet of balloons in every hue—plaid patterns, bold blues, and even a whimsical gray one with yellow ears—huddle like a flock of oversized birds, tethered beside chase trucks on the golden grass. The scene hums with anticipation: volunteers in orange vests, families picnicking on the turf, and the faint sizzle of food trucks slinging poutine and fair treats under the fading light.
This free-to-attend highlight of the festival isn't just about the visuals; it's a sensory symphony. Feel the radiant heat from the propane blasts, hear the whoosh of inflating nylon, and watch as sunset gives way to a lantern-lit wonderland. Around 25 balloons from pilots across the globe participate, turning the night into a tethered light show—no launches here, just pure, grounded magic. It's family-friendly chaos at its best: kids wide-eyed under the envelopes, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and locals volunteering to keep the vibes soaring. Weather played nice this year, dipping to a cozy 12°C post-sunset, but layers are key for that perfect glow-hour perch on the grass.
For Kass, who stumbled upon the event mid-festival, these shots are a reminder of Alberta's hidden gems, affordable thrills (just $20 for park-and-ride, cash only) that pack more punch than any big-city bash. No wonder it's a must-return: next year, Kass is plotting an earlier arrival, staking out prime real estate with a trusty lawn chair for uninterrupted views of the burners' ballet. Swing by kassdays YouTube Channel to see more from the field, and if you're in southern Alberta, mark your calendars, the festival's flights and glows are weather-dependent, but the memories? They're guaranteed to lift you up.

What's your favourite festival glow-up? Share in the comments, Kass might just chase the next one with you! Views rising like balloons, one share at a time.