Sanding Resin Projects: Smooth, Polished, and Scratch-Free Surfaces

Resin is a stunning material used in art, jewelry, river tables, and countertops—but only if finished properly. Without the right sanding process, your resin piece may end up cloudy, scratched, or uneven. This guide covers everything you need to know about sanding resin, from grit selection to aftercare, ensuring your projects shine with professional polish.

Why Sanding Resin Matters

Resin cures hard but often with imperfections like bubbles, ripples, or sharp edges. Sanding removes these flaws and prepares the surface for polishing. Skipping sanding leaves resin looking dull and unfinished, while proper grit progression creates a flawless, glass-like finish.

Essential Tools for Sanding Resin

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (60–3000 grit)
• Sanding block or foam pad
• Spray bottle with water (for wet sanding)
• Polishing compound
• Microfiber cloths
• Respirator and gloves (for safety)

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Level out uneven cured resin or remove drips.
• 400 grit: Smooth the surface after initial leveling.
• 800 grit: Refine scratches left by coarse sanding.
• 1500 grit: Start polishing and preparing for shine.
• 3000 grit: Achieve a crystal-clear, glossy finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Resin Projects

1. Inspect your resin piece. Identify uneven areas, bubbles, or drips.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) wet/dry sheets to flatten high spots.
3. Move to 400 grit. Sand evenly with 400 grit (50-pack) to smooth scratches.
4. Refine with 800 grit. Keep sanding with water and 800 grit (100-pack) for a silky surface.
5. Polish with 1500 grit. Continue wet sanding for a semi-gloss finish.
6. Final shine at 3000 grit. Use circular motions until the resin becomes clear and reflective.
7. Clean and buff. Wipe with microfiber cloth and apply polishing compound if desired.

Special Cases

For colored or embedded-resin art, sanding should be gentle to avoid cutting too deep into decorative layers. Always keep the surface wet to reduce clogging and heat buildup, which can damage resin.

Pro Tips

• Always sand resin wet—this prevents dust and keeps the surface cool.
• Rinse your sandpaper often to avoid clogging.
• Use light pressure—let the grit do the work.
• Switch directions between grits to spot missed scratches.

Aftercare

• Apply a resin-safe polishing compound for extra gloss.
• Store finished pieces away from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.
• Seal large resin furniture projects with an additional clear coat for durability.

FAQs

• Can I use a power sander on resin? Yes, but use low speed and keep the surface wet to prevent overheating.
• What if my resin looks cloudy after sanding? Continue sanding through finer grits up to 3000, then polish.
• Do I need to wear a mask? Always—resin dust can be harmful if inhaled.

Watch & Learn

With the right grit sequence and patience, resin projects can go from rough to crystal clear. Stock up on wet/dry sandpaper—packs from 25 to 100 available for all grits. Shop all resin sanding sheets here.