Epoxy Resin Sanding: 220–3000 Grit Guide (9x11 Sheets)

Epoxy resin projects—river tables, countertops, charcuterie boards, coasters, jewelry—look their best when the surface is level and crystal clear. The secret is a disciplined sanding sequence using 9x11 inch, silicon carbide, wet or dry sandpaper sheets. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to go from rough, uneven resin to a glossy, mirror-like finish using eQualle Sandpaper Sheets and a proven grit progression from 220 through 3000.

Why Sanding Epoxy Resin Matters

Fresh resin cures hard but rarely perfectly flat—edge drips, dust nibs, and small waves are common. Proper sanding accomplishes three things: (1) levels the surface, (2) refines scratches in controlled steps, and (3) prepares the surface for final polish. Skipping grits or using the wrong sequence traps deep scratches that become obvious under light. Done right, sanding creates a uniform micro-scratch pattern that polishes out quickly and evenly.

Tools & Supplies

• eQualle 9x11 in silicon carbide sandpaper sheets (Wet or Dry)
• Sanding block or soft foam pad (hand sanding) or a flat, well-padded orbital interface
• Spray bottle with clean water (add a drop of dish soap as a surfactant if needed)
• Microfiber towels and a bucket of fresh rinse water
• Masking tape (protect adjacent wood edges or inlays)
• Polishing compound and clean pads (for the final gloss)

Recommended Grit Sequence for Resin (Level → Polish)

• 220 grit — Aggressive leveling and drip removal. Choose a durable bulk option to handle the early cut. 220 Grit (100-pack) — Fast leveling and long runs.
• 400 grit — Refines 220 scratches and establishes a consistent matte. 400 Grit (25-pack) — Ideal bridge to fine sanding.
• 800 grit — Pre-polish refinement; starts to clear the surface. 800 Grit (50-pack) — Great value for repeated wet passes.
• 3000 grit — Ultra-fine, mirror-finish prep before compound. 3000 Grit (25-pack) — Dial in clarity with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step: From Rough to Gloss

1. Flatten with 220 grit (Wet or Dry). Mark the surface with pencil squiggles; sand until the marks disappear uniformly—that’s your indicator that high and low spots are leveled. Replace sheets as cutting slows. Keep the pad flat to avoid creating dips. For big pours or thick drips, carefully begin dry, then switch to wet to control dust and heat. Stock up with 220 Grit (100-pack) for efficient leveling.
2. Refine at 400 grit (Wet Sand). Mist the surface and the sheet; sand in an overlapping crosshatch pattern (e.g., north-south, then east-west). The goal is to remove the 220 scratch completely. Wipe with a microfiber towel and check under bright side lighting. If you still see coarse scratches, keep working with 400 Grit (25-pack) until the surface is uniformly matte.
3. Smooth at 800 grit (Wet Sand). Rinse the work surface and change to clean water. With 800 Grit (50-pack), your goal is clarity—those fine, even scratch lines begin to fade and the resin starts to look translucent again. Keep the sheet gliding with plenty of water; if the sheet loads, rinse or switch.
4. Pre-polish at 3000 grit (Wet Sand). This is where the magic happens. Use light pressure and slow, overlapping passes. The surface should look hazy-clear and uniform. Finish with 3000 Grit (25-pack) until no coarser scratches remain.
5. Polish. Dry the surface thoroughly. Apply a plastic/resin-safe polishing compound with a clean pad and buff to a mirror. Wipe residue and inspect under raking light; repeat if needed.

Special Cases & Troubleshooting

• Heavy drips or uneven floods: Begin with a careful pass at 120–180 grit, but only if absolutely necessary; then repeat the full 220→400→800→3000 sequence to erase the coarse scratches.
• Embedded dust nibs: Spot-level with a small 220 square on a hard block, then blend the area through each subsequent grit.
• Heat & clogging: Resin softens with heat. Use wet sanding, light pressure, and frequent rinsing to prevent loading and smearing.
• Edge protection: Mask wood edges, inlays, or soft materials so your resin leveling does not undercut borders.
• Cloudy after polishing: You likely skipped or rushed a grit. Back up one step (e.g., from polish to 3000, or from 3000 to 800), make the scratch pattern uniform, then proceed.

Pro Tips for a Faster, Cleaner Finish

• Use silicon carbide, wet or dry sheets: They cut fast on hard resin and last longer in water.
• Keep everything clean: Fresh water, clean towels, and a separate bucket for rinsing prevent grit contamination.
• Work in zones: On large slabs, finish one manageable section through a grit, then move on—helps maintain consistency.
• Check under raking light: Low-angle light instantly reveals leftover coarse scratches.
• Rotate sheets: When cutting slows, switch to a fresh section or new sheet—time saved outweighs the cost.

Aftercare & Maintenance

• Protect the gloss: Use soft cloths for cleanup; avoid abrasive cleaners on finished resin.
• Store sheets flat and dry: Keep your 9x11 sheets in their envelopes; label grits for quick grabs.
• Touch-ups: Minor scuffs can be spot-sanded at 3000 then re-polished in minutes.

FAQs

• Can I jump from 220 straight to 800? No. 400 grit is essential to fully remove 220 scratches and reduce sanding time later.
• Do I have to wet sand? For resin, yes above 400. Water keeps temperatures down, prevents loading, and yields cleaner scratch patterns.
• What if I only have 1500 grit? You’ll still need to pass through 400 and 800 first; 1500 alone won’t erase coarse marks from leveling.
• Which packs should I buy? Resin consumes more sheets in the early stages. A bulk 220 Grit (100-pack) plus smaller packs like 400 Grit (25-pack), 800 Grit (50-pack), and 3000 Grit (25-pack) is a smart bundle.

Video Walkthrough

Closing: Build Your Resin-Ready Kit

Level, refine, then pre-polish—that’s the resin sanding formula. With eQualle’s 9x11 in, silicon carbide, Wet or Dry sandpaper sheets and the 220→400→800→3000 progression, you’ll achieve fast, repeatable, high-gloss results. Browse more grits and options in the Fine Sandpaper collection or explore everything at All Sandpaper.