Sanding Resin Art & Epoxy Projects: Flawless Finish Guide (400–3000 Grit)

Resin and epoxy art pieces—from river tables to jewelry—look stunning when polished to a crystal-clear shine. But before you can polish, you need to sand. This guide covers the full sanding process, including the best grit sequence and pro techniques to achieve a flawless, glass-like finish on resin and epoxy projects.

Why Sand Resin & Epoxy?

Freshly cured resin often has surface imperfections like ripples, uneven spots, or dust nibs. Sanding levels the surface, removes imperfections, and prepares it for polishing. Without proper sanding, polishing compounds won’t be able to restore full clarity.

Tools You’ll Need

• Respirator mask (epoxy dust is hazardous)
• Spray bottle with clean water for wet sanding
• Soft sanding block or orbital sander
• Microfiber cloths
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (400–3000 grit)
• Polishing compound & buffing pad

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 400 grit: Initial leveling of cured resin surface.
• 800 grit: Removes scratches from 400 grit sanding.
• 1200 grit: Refines surface for polishing.
• 2000 grit: Pre-polish finish for clarity.
• 3000 grit: Ultra-fine surface ready for buffing.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Inspect the surface. Identify uneven areas, bubbles, or imperfections under strong light.
2. Start with 400 grit. Wet sand using 400 grit (10-pack) sheets to flatten high spots.
3. Move to 800 grit. Switch directions (horizontal/vertical) to eliminate scratches. For larger projects, consider 800 grit (25-pack) for consistent results.
4. Refine with 1200 grit. Smooth the surface further using 1200 grit (50-pack) wet/dry sheets. Keep surfaces wet to avoid clogging.
5. Finish sanding with 2000–3000 grit. Alternate sanding directions for a scratch-free surface. These grits create a glass-like base for polishing.
6. Polish. Apply polishing compound with a microfiber cloth or buffer until the resin shines.
7. Seal (optional). For jewelry or tabletops, add a final resin coat or protective wax for durability.

Special Cases

For deep scratches or cured drips, you may need to start as coarse as 220 grit. For jewelry or small items, sanding by hand gives better control than a sander.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand—resin dust is harmful and clogs paper quickly.
• Sand in alternating directions with each grit to ensure uniform coverage.
• Change water often to avoid re-scratching with debris.
• Use high-quality polishing compounds for the final gloss.

Aftercare

• Store resin pieces out of direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.
• Clean finished surfaces with a soft, damp cloth—avoid harsh cleaners.
• For tabletops, reapply wax or polish every few months to maintain shine.

FAQs

• Can I skip grits? No—skipping leaves scratches that polishing cannot fix.
• Is dry sanding safe for resin? Not recommended. Always wet sand to reduce dust and clogging.
• What if my resin still looks cloudy? Continue sanding with finer grits until all scratches are removed before polishing.

Watch & Learn

Resin and epoxy projects shine brightest when properly sanded and polished. Explore our full range of fine grits and ultra-fine sandpapers to achieve stunning results on every piece.