Sanding Epoxy River Tables: From Leveling to High-Gloss (120–3000 Grit)

Epoxy river tables combine the beauty of hardwood with crystal-clear resin, but achieving a flawless finish requires disciplined sanding. Using 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets in the proper sequence ensures the surface is perfectly flat and polished. eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets are ideal for resin leveling, wood blending, and ultra-fine polishing.

Why Sand River Tables?

Resin pours can leave drips, ripples, and uneven levels against wood. Sanding levels the resin, blends wood and epoxy transitions, and creates the foundation for a glossy finish. Without sanding, imperfections remain visible even under polish or clearcoat.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle wood sanding sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander with soft interface pad
• Sanding block for edges
• Spray bottle with water for wet sanding
• Microfiber towels
• Polishing compound

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit — Levels uneven resin and wood transitions. 120 Grit (25-pack).
• 220 grit — Smooths scratches and evens the surface. 220 Grit (100-pack).
• 400 grit — Creates a matte finish, preparing resin for polishing. 400 Grit (25-pack).
• 800 grit — Refines clarity and removes micro-scratches. 800 Grit (50-pack).
• 1500 grit — Pre-polish surface refinement. 1500 Grit (25-pack).
• 3000 grit — Produces a near-mirror finish. 3000 Grit (50-pack).

Step-by-Step River Table Sanding

1. Start with 120 grit sandpaper sheets. Level the resin to match the wood surface. Use light, even passes with an orbital sander.
2. Switch to 220 grit. Smooth scratches from 120 grit and blend resin-to-wood transitions.
3. Continue with 400 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand for a uniform matte look.
4. Move to 800 grit. Refine clarity and remove fine sanding lines.
5. Use 1500 grit sheets. Pre-polish the surface, leaving only micro-haze.
6. Finish with 3000 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand until the surface appears glossy even before polishing.
7. Polish. Apply compound with a buffing pad for a glass-like finish.

Special Cases

For thick resin drips on edges, start at 80 grit before entering the sequence. For softer woods, be cautious with coarser grits to avoid over-sanding.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand resin grits above 400 to prevent clogging.
• Sand in multiple directions to maintain even leveling.
• Replace sheets as soon as cutting slows for consistent results.
• Use sandpaper sheets that don’t clog with dust for faster sanding.

Aftercare

• Seal the finished surface with oil, wax, or resin polish.
• Maintain gloss with periodic buffing and microfiber cleaning.
• Store leftover sheets flat and organized by grit for future projects.

FAQs

• Can I skip from 220 to 800 grit? No—400 grit is essential to refine scratches properly.
• Do I need to wet sand all grits? Start dry at 120–220, then wet sand from 400 upward.
• Which packs are best? A mix of 220 Grit (100-pack) and 3000 Grit (50-pack) covers most needs.

Watch & Learn

Transform your resin and wood creations with eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Explore the full range in the Wood Sanding Collection.