Sanding Epoxy Surfaces: Smooth Finish for Tables, Counters & Art

Epoxy is popular for river tables, countertops, and resin art, but once cured, it can have uneven spots, bubbles, or surface haze. Sanding epoxy is the key to achieving a flawless, glass-like finish. Here’s a complete guide to sanding epoxy safely and effectively.

Why Sand Epoxy?

Fresh epoxy often cures with imperfections like air bubbles, ripples, or raised edges. Sanding levels the surface and removes scratches, preparing it for polishing or recoating. Without sanding, your final finish may look cloudy or uneven.

Recommended Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander with soft pad (for large surfaces)
• Foam sanding block for hand work
• Spray bottle with water and mild soap
• Polishing compound and microfiber cloths

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

• 400 grit: Removes ripples, bubbles, and high spots.
• 800 grit: Refines scratches and levels the surface.
• 1500 grit: Prepares epoxy for final finishing.
• 2000–3000 grit: Leaves the epoxy smooth and ready for polishing.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Epoxy

1. Check cure time. Ensure epoxy is fully hardened before sanding—usually 5–7 days.
2. Start with 400 grit. Wet sand with 400 grit (25-pack) to flatten imperfections.
3. Move to 800 grit. Smooth the surface further with 800 grit (50-pack), always keeping the surface wet.
4. Continue with 1500 grit. Refine clarity using 1500 grit (100-pack) for a nearly polished look.
5. Finish with 2000–3000 grit. For a crystal-clear surface, sand with 2000 grit (100-pack) or finer.
6. Polish to gloss. Use compound and a microfiber pad to achieve a glass-like finish.

Special Cases

River tables: Large projects benefit from orbital sanders with wet/dry discs.
Epoxy over wood: Sand lightly to avoid cutting through the epoxy layer into the wood grain.
Colored epoxy: Work carefully—scratches show more on dark or tinted resin.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand epoxy to prevent heat damage and clogging.
• Work through every grit in sequence—don’t skip steps.
• Sand in overlapping strokes for consistent results.

Aftercare & Next Steps

• Apply a topcoat of epoxy or polyurethane for extra durability.
• Avoid direct sunlight on fresh epoxy to reduce yellowing.
• Store leftover sandpaper flat and dry for future projects.

FAQs

• Can I dry sand epoxy? Not recommended—dust is hazardous and heat can cause softening.
• Do I need to polish after sanding? Yes, sanding prepares for polishing but won’t produce a full gloss on its own.
• What if I sand through the epoxy? Apply another thin coat and re-sand after curing.

Watch & Learn

Sanding epoxy takes patience, but it’s the key to transforming dull, uneven resin into a flawless, professional-grade surface. With the right grits and techniques, you’ll achieve a finish that shines like glass.