Sanding Epoxy Countertops: Achieve a Smooth, Glossy, and Durable Finish

Epoxy countertops offer stunning depth, durability, and a unique high-gloss finish—but getting that professional, glass-like surface requires careful sanding and polishing. Whether you’re working on a DIY resin pour or a full countertop refinish, this guide will walk you through the ideal grit sequence and sanding technique for flawless clarity.

Why Sand Epoxy Countertops

Even well-poured epoxy surfaces can have small bumps, trapped air bubbles, or uneven texture. Sanding levels the surface and eliminates imperfections. Once polished, the epoxy becomes clear and reflective, showcasing color pigments or embedded materials beneath.

Tools & Materials

• Orbital sander with soft interface pad
• Spray bottle with clean water and mild dish soap
• Microfiber towels and polishing compound
• Optional: heat gun (for small air bubble repair)
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper: 800 Grit (25-pack), 1500 Grit (50-pack), and 2000 Grit (100-pack).

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 800 grit: Levels high spots and removes small surface imperfections.
• 1500 grit: Smooths the surface, reducing fine texture marks.
• 2000 grit: Prepares the countertop for a crystal-clear polish.

Step-by-Step: Wet Sanding Epoxy Countertops

1. Let the epoxy cure fully. Wait at least 5–7 days after pouring to ensure the surface is hard and stable before sanding.
2. Start with 800 Grit (25-pack). Wet-sand in small circular motions, keeping the surface fully lubricated. The goal is to flatten uneven areas, not remove large amounts of material.
3. Progress to 1500 Grit (50-pack). Continue sanding until the entire surface feels uniformly smooth. Rinse the area and inspect for dull or uneven spots.
4. Finish with 2000 Grit (100-pack). Lightly wet-sand for a satin sheen. Wipe clean and allow to dry completely before polishing.
5. Polish for gloss. Apply resin-safe polishing compound with a microfiber cloth or low-speed buffer. Buff gently until the countertop shines like glass.

Special Cases

For matte finishes, stop at 1500 grit. For embedded art or metallic pigments, use extra care to avoid sanding through the top layer. If you spot air bubbles or pinholes, warm the surface slightly with a heat gun before re-sanding and polishing. Always keep sandpaper clean to prevent scratches.

Pro Tips

• Always wet-sand to avoid friction heat that can soften epoxy.
• Sand under strong side lighting to easily see uneven spots.
• Use new sandpaper frequently for consistent results.
• Finish with a UV-stable topcoat if your countertop is near a window or exposed to sunlight.

Aftercare

• Clean with pH-neutral soap—avoid ammonia-based cleaners.
• Reapply polish or wax periodically to maintain shine.
• Use cutting boards and trivets to protect from heat or scratches.
• Wipe spills immediately to preserve clarity and gloss.

FAQs

• Can I start sanding sooner? No—uncured epoxy will gum up sandpaper and leave smears.
• Can I use a dry sander? Only if equipped with dust extraction and used lightly; wet sanding yields smoother results.
• Why does my epoxy still look hazy after polishing? Try re-sanding with 2000 grit—haze usually comes from skipped grits or uneven sanding.

Watch & Learn

Using 800 Grit (25-pack), 1500 Grit (50-pack), and 2000 Grit (100-pack) gives epoxy countertops a flawless, durable, and reflective surface—ideal for kitchens, bars, and art installations.