Sanding Resin Tables: Achieve a Smooth, Glossy River Finish

Resin river tables and epoxy-coated wood surfaces are stunning, but they require careful sanding to reach that crystal-clear, polished look. Skipping steps can leave your resin table cloudy, scratched, or uneven. This guide explains the grit sequence and methods for sanding resin tables to perfection.

Why Sand Resin Tables?

Resin often cures with imperfections—ripples, bubbles, or uneven edges. Sanding removes these flaws and prepares the surface for polishing, ensuring the final piece has a glass-like shine. Without sanding, resin remains dull and prone to scratching.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (120–3000 grit)
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Spray bottle with water
• Polishing compound
• Microfiber cloths
• Protective mask and gloves

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Level out drips, bubbles, or uneven resin spots.
• 400 grit: Smooth after coarse sanding.
• 800 grit: Refine scratches for semi-clear surface.
• 1500 grit: Prepare for high-gloss polish.
• 3000 grit: Achieve mirror-like clarity.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Resin Tables

1. Inspect the surface. Identify drips, uneven spots, or scratches.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) wet/dry sheets for leveling imperfections.
3. Smooth with 400 grit. Switch to 400 grit (50-pack) for a consistent surface.
4. Refine with 800 grit. Continue wet sanding until scratches fade.
5. Polish with 1500 grit. Use light, even strokes for clarity.
6. Finish with 3000 grit. Use 3000 grit (100-pack) for a flawless, glossy finish.
7. Buff and seal. Apply polishing compound and wipe clean with microfiber.

Special Cases

For live-edge resin tables, sand the wood and resin separately with appropriate grits, blending edges carefully. If pigments or designs are embedded, sand lightly to avoid cutting into the decorative layer.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand resin above 400 grit to prevent clogging.
• Sand in alternating directions to track progress.
• Work patiently—resin takes time to polish correctly.

Aftercare

• Reapply polishing compound every few months for maintained shine.
• Clean with non-abrasive, resin-safe cleaners only.
• Protect tables from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.

FAQs

• Do I need power tools? Not required—hand sanding works, but orbital sanders save time.
• Why does my resin look cloudy? You may need to continue sanding through finer grits up to 3000.
• Can I skip polishing? Sanding to 3000 grit gets close, but polishing compounds maximize clarity.

Watch & Learn

Sanding resin tables transforms them into glossy showpieces. Stock up on wet/dry sandpaper sheets—packs of 25, 50, and 100 available in all grits. Shop resin sanding sheets here.