Polishing Epoxy Countertops: Sanding for a Glossy Finish (400–3000 Grit Guide)

Epoxy countertops are durable and stylish, but scratches, bubbles, or dull patches can appear during curing or daily use. Sanding followed by polishing restores a smooth, mirror-like surface. This guide explains the grit sequence and techniques for flawless epoxy finishes.

Why Sand Epoxy?

Sanding removes surface imperfections like high spots, air bubbles, and uneven textures. It prepares the countertop for polishing compounds that bring out depth and shine. Skipping sanding leaves epoxy hazy and uneven.

Best Tools for Epoxy Sanding

• 9x11 in silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Bucket of water with mild soap
• Microfiber towels
• Polishing and buffing compounds

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 400 grit: Flatten high spots and remove surface defects.
• 800 grit: Smooth scratches from coarse sanding.
• 1200 grit: Refine clarity and prepare for polish.
• 2000 grit: Pre-polish refinement.
• 3000 grit: Final finish before buffing.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Epoxy Countertops

1. Clean the surface. Wipe down epoxy to remove dust and oils.
2. Start with 400 grit. Wet sand imperfections evenly. Use 400 Grit (25-pack).
3. Move to 800 grit. Remove coarse sanding scratches. Try 800 Grit (50-pack).
4. Refine with 1200 grit. Smooth further for clearer epoxy. Stock up on 1200 Grit (100-pack).
5. Polish with 2000 grit. Wet sand lightly before final finishing.
6. Finish with 3000 grit. Create a pre-polish surface ready for buffing.
7. Buff and polish. Apply compound with a buffer until epoxy shines.

Special Cases

For newly poured epoxy, wait at least 7 days before sanding to ensure full curing. For deep scratches, start with 220 grit before moving into the sequence.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to prevent clogging and overheating.
• Sand in overlapping motions for consistency.
• Check progress frequently by drying the surface.
• Use microfiber cloths for polishing to avoid swirl marks.

Aftercare

• Clean countertops with mild soap and water only.
• Avoid harsh abrasives that scratch epoxy.
• Reapply a polishing compound periodically to maintain gloss.

FAQs

• Can I sand epoxy too soon? Yes—wait until fully cured to avoid clogging sandpaper.
• Do I need to go up to 3000 grit? For mirror finishes, yes. For matte finishes, stop at 800–1200 grit.
• What if the epoxy looks cloudy after sanding? Continue through finer grits and polish—it will clear up.

Watch & Learn

For flawless epoxy countertops, shop our ultra-fine wet/dry options in the Super Fine Sandpaper Collection.