How to Sand Epoxy Resin River Tables for a Glass-Smooth Finish (120–3000 Grit)

Epoxy resin river tables combine wood and resin into stunning statement pieces—but achieving that flawless glass-like finish requires patience and the right sanding technique. This guide walks you through sanding epoxy and wood together without leaving swirl marks or uneven transitions.

Why Sanding Matters for Epoxy River Tables

After pouring, epoxy surfaces often have ripples, bubbles, or slight unevenness. Sanding levels the surface, blends wood and resin perfectly, and prepares it for polishing or topcoating. Because epoxy is clear, any sanding shortcut can leave visible scratches or haziness.

Recommended Tools

• Dual-action (DA) or orbital sander with variable speed.
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper (120–3000 grit).
• Soft interface pad for curved areas.
• Spray bottle with water and a drop of dish soap.
• Polishing compound and microfiber towels.

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 120 grit – Flatten uneven resin and wood transitions.
• 320 grit – Smooth texture and remove coarse scratches.
• 800 grit – Refine to satin clarity.
• 1500 grit – Prepare for high gloss polish.
• 3000 grit – Final wet-sand for mirror finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding and Polishing a River Table

1. Level the surface. Begin with 120 Grit (25-pack) paper. Sand dry with light pressure to remove uneven resin ridges and flatten the joint between wood and epoxy. Check frequently under side lighting for levelness.
2. Smooth and blend. Switch to 320 Grit (50-pack) paper to even out sanding marks and achieve a consistent matte surface across both materials.
3. Start wet sanding. Move to 800 Grit (100-pack) wet/dry paper. Mist the surface with soapy water and sand gently in overlapping motions. Keep everything lubricated to prevent resin haze or clogging.
4. Fine polishing stage. Continue wet sanding with 1500 grit, maintaining steady motion until the surface turns evenly satin. Rinse and wipe between grits.
5. Final finish. Sand with 3000 grit for a pre-polish sheen. The epoxy should now appear glossy and reflective even before compound buffing.
6. Polish and protect. Apply resin polishing compound using a foam pad at low speed. Buff until mirror-clear. Finish with a UV-resistant wax or sealer to protect against yellowing.

Special Cases

If the table has air bubbles or pinholes, fill them with clear resin and allow to cure before re-sanding. For matte finishes, stop at 800 or 1000 grit instead of polishing. For deep scratches or uneven pours, start at 80 grit—but only on epoxy, not the wood surface.

Pro Tips

• Always sand epoxy wet from 400 grit upward to prevent overheating and clouding.
• Alternate sanding directions between grits for complete scratch removal.
• Use distilled water to avoid mineral deposits on clear resin.
• Inspect under strong light after each grit to ensure full refinement.
• Work slowly—resin polishes best with patience and fine grit transitions.

Aftercare

• Clean the table regularly with mild soap and water only.
• Re-wax every 3–6 months to maintain sheen and UV protection.
• Avoid placing hot objects directly on resin—use trivets or pads.
• If light scratches appear over time, re-polish with 3000 grit and compound.

FAQs

• Can I use a belt sander on epoxy? No—belt sanders remove material too aggressively and may heat or gouge the surface.
• Why is my epoxy cloudy after sanding? You likely stopped before 1500 grit or sanded dry; continue with wet 2000–3000 grit and polish.
• Can I polish by hand? Yes, though it’s slower—use microfiber cloths and fine compound in circular motions.

Watch & Learn

With a careful sanding progression from 120 to 3000 grit and a clean polishing process, your epoxy river table will shine with flawless clarity and a perfectly smooth surface that lasts for years.