How to Sand Epoxy Countertops for a Smooth, Glossy Finish

Epoxy countertops are durable and stylish, but imperfections like uneven spots, bubbles, or dull patches can appear after curing. Sanding is the key to leveling and polishing epoxy surfaces to achieve a flawless, glass-like finish. This guide covers the right grits, tools, and step-by-step process.

Why Sand Epoxy Countertops?

Sanding removes high spots, surface scratches, and trapped debris while preparing the surface for polishing. Without sanding, epoxy can remain cloudy or uneven under light, reducing its aesthetic appeal.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9x11 in wet/dry sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander or sanding block
• Spray bottle with water for wet sanding
• Microfiber cloths
• Polishing compound and buffer

Best Grit Sequence for Epoxy Countertops

• 400 grit: Levels high spots and smooths surface.
• 800 grit: Refines scratches and prepares for finer sanding.
• 1500 grit: Smooths to a semi-gloss finish.
• 2000 grit: Pre-polish sanding for clarity.
• 3000 grit: Ultra-fine sanding before buffing.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Epoxy Countertops

1. Clean the surface. Remove dust, dirt, and grease before sanding.
2. Start with 400 grit. Use 400 grit (25-pack) to level imperfections.
3. Smooth with 800 grit. Switch to 800 grit (50-pack) for refinement.
4. Polish with 1500 grit. Use 1500 grit (100-pack) for semi-gloss clarity.
5. Finish with 2000–3000 grit. Wet sand evenly to prep for polishing.
6. Buff and polish. Apply compound with a buffer to achieve a glass-like shine.

Special Cases

For countertops with deep bubbles or dents, sand flat and apply a thin flood coat of epoxy before continuing. For minor imperfections, starting at 800 grit may be enough.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to prevent clogging and overheating.
• Sand in small sections for even results.
• Don’t skip grits—each step removes scratches from the previous one.

Aftercare

• Clean with mild soap—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Use cutting boards to protect the surface from scratches.
• Re-polish occasionally to maintain shine.

FAQs

• Can I dry sand epoxy? Wet sanding is preferred—it keeps dust down and prevents melting.
• Do I need to polish after sanding? Yes—polish restores full gloss and clarity.
• What grit makes epoxy glossy? Sanding up to 2000–3000 grit followed by polishing achieves a glass-like finish.

Watch & Learn

Transform your countertops with eQualle’s wet/dry sandpaper sheets, available in 25, 50, and 100 packs for grits 400–3000. Shop epoxy sanding sheets here.