Sanding Resin Projects: Grit Sequence for a Glass-Like Finish

Epoxy and resin projects—from jewelry to tabletops—can achieve stunning clarity, but only if they’re sanded and polished correctly. Sanding smooths imperfections, levels surfaces, and prepares resin for final polishing. This guide walks you through the grit sequence and process for a flawless, glass-like finish.

Why Sand Resin?

Freshly cured resin often has ripples, bubbles, or uneven surfaces. Sanding removes these flaws, creating a smooth base that can be polished to full transparency. Without sanding, polishing alone won’t remove imperfections.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets
• Spray bottle with water
• Sanding block or soft pad
• Microfiber cloths
• Polishing compound for resin

Best Grit Sequence for Resin

• 400 grit: Initial leveling of uneven surfaces.
• 800 grit: Removes sanding scratches.
• 1500 grit: Refines surface to a smooth haze.
• 2000 grit: Pre-polish clarity step.
• 3000 grit: Final sanding before polishing compound.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Resin

1. Prep the surface. Clean resin with mild soap and water to remove dust and oils.
2. Level with 400 grit. Use 400 grit (50-pack) to flatten high spots.
3. Smooth with 800 grit. Switch to 800 grit (100-pack) for consistent refinement.
4. Refine with 1500 grit. Apply 1500 grit (25-pack) to reduce haze.
5. Polish with 2000 grit. Use 2000 grit (50-pack) before the final polish.
6. Final sanding. Finish with 3000 grit (25-pack) for maximum smoothness.
7. Apply compound. Use resin polish and buff with a microfiber cloth until crystal clear.

Special Cases

For deep bubbles or drips, start with 220 grit before moving to 400. For delicate resin jewelry, work gently with fine grits only to avoid thinning pieces.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand resin to prevent clogging and overheating.
• Sand in overlapping motions for an even surface.
• Be patient—resin requires gradual grit progression for clarity.

Aftercare

• Keep resin pieces out of direct sunlight to avoid yellowing.
• Clean with soft cloths only—avoid abrasives.
• Reapply polish periodically to maintain shine.

FAQs

• Can I skip from 800 to 2000 grit? Skipping grits leaves visible scratches—always step through the sequence.
• What if my resin stays cloudy? Keep sanding with finer grits until scratches are gone before polishing.
• Do I need a buffer? Hand polishing works, but a buffer saves time on large surfaces.

Watch & Learn

With the right sandpaper grits, resin projects can be polished to a flawless, glass-like finish. Stock up on 400 through 3000 grit wet/dry sheets to take your resin work to the next level.