Best Sandpaper for Polishing Epoxy Resin Tabletops to a Glossy Finish

Epoxy resin tabletops are popular for their crystal-clear shine and durability, but sanding is the key to unlocking that flawless finish. Whether you’re making a river table or refinishing a countertop, the right grit sequence ensures clarity and depth in the final polish.

Why Sand Epoxy Resin?

Resin can cure with ripples, air bubbles, or surface haze. Sanding removes these imperfections and prepares the surface for polishing. Without proper sanding, epoxy won’t achieve the high-gloss clarity it’s known for.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Spray bottle with water (for wet sanding)
• Microfiber towels
• Buffing pads and polishing compound
• Silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Epoxy Resin Tabletops

• 400 grit: Initial leveling of imperfections.
• 800 grit: Refining surface and removing sanding scratches.
• 1200 grit: Preparing for polishing clarity.
• 2000 grit: High refinement before buffing.
• 3000 grit: Ultra-fine finish for maximum gloss.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Epoxy Resin Tabletops

1. Start with 400 grit. Use 400 grit (50-pack) wet to flatten uneven areas.
2. Move to 800 grit. Switch to 800 grit (25-pack) for smoothing scratches left by coarse sanding.
3. Refine with 1200 grit. Use 1200 grit (25-pack) to prepare for a semi-clear finish.
4. Polish with 2000 grit. Sand gently with 2000 grit (100-pack) to maximize clarity.
5. Finish with 3000 grit. Ultra-fine 3000 grit (50-pack) ensures a mirror-like surface ready for polishing compound.
6. Buff and seal. Use a polishing compound and buffing pad to achieve ultimate gloss.

Special Cases

For deep bubbles or scratches, start at 220 grit before moving through the sequence. For tinted or colored epoxy, wet sanding prevents overheating and preserves clarity.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand epoxy to prevent clogging and heat damage.
• Sand in overlapping passes for uniform results.
• Replace sandpaper frequently—resin dulls grits quickly.

Aftercare

• Seal with a high-quality polish or wax for durability.
• Avoid placing hot items directly on polished epoxy.
• Clean surfaces with microfiber cloths to maintain gloss.

FAQs

• Can I skip straight to polishing compound? No—grit progression is critical for clarity.
• Will sanding make epoxy cloudy? Temporarily, yes—clarity returns with finer grits and polishing.

Watch & Learn

Polishing epoxy resin to a glass-like shine starts with proper sanding. Stock up on our resin sanding collection for the grits you need.