Polish Resin Art: 1000?2000?3000 Wet Sanding + Buff

Resin art pieces—tabletops, jewelry, coasters—often come out glossy, but drips, ripples, or dust specks can dull the finish. The path to a mirror shine is a careful sanding and buffing ladder: 1000 ? 2000 ? 3000 grit wet sanding, followed by polishing compound. This process evens the surface, removes imperfections, and brings resin to a crystal-clear gloss.

Why Wet Sand Resin

Resin is hard but sands like plastic—dry sanding clogs paper and leaves deep scratches. Wet sanding with fine silicon carbide sheets cuts smoothly, flushes debris, and keeps heat low. The result is a flat surface ready to polish into a reflective finish.

Tools & Materials

• 9×11 in wet/dry sandpaper sheets: 1000, 2000, 3000 grit
• Soft foam sanding pad or rubber block
• Spray bottle with water + drop of dish soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Polishing compound for resin or automotive plastics
• Buffing wheel, drill pad, or microfiber applicator
• PPE: gloves, respirator, safety glasses

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 1000 grit — Levels drips, bumps, and ripples.
• 2000 grit — Refines scratch pattern, leaves surface frosted.
• 3000 grit — Pre-polish clarity before buffing.

Step-by-Step: Resin Polishing

1. Clean the piece. Wash with mild soap and water. Any grit trapped in sanding causes scratches.
2. Wet-sand at 1000 grit. Use 1000 grit (25-pack). Sand evenly with light pressure until surface is flat and defects are gone. Keep the surface wet.
3. Step to 2000 grit. Switch to 2000 grit (50-pack). Sand perpendicular to 1000 strokes. Goal: erase 1000 scratches and leave fine haze.
4. Final refine at 3000 grit. Move to 3000 grit (100-pack). Sand until surface looks nearly clear and feels slick.
5. Buff with compound. Apply resin-safe polish using a microfiber pad or buffing wheel. Work in sections until piece turns glass-clear.
6. Inspect under light. Tilt piece in raking light to ensure no sanding haze remains. Re-run grits if needed.

Special Cases

Thick pours: Sand aggressively at 600–800 before stepping to 1000 ? 2000 ? 3000.
Jewelry: Use small foam pads or dowels to reach tight shapes.
Colored or metallic resins: Take care not to oversand edges where pigment layers may thin.

Pro Tips

• Always sand wet—resin dust is hazardous if inhaled.
• Replace paper often; resin loads fast.
• Sand with alternating directions each grit for clear scratch removal.
• Buff at low speed—heat clouds resin quickly.
• Seal finished piece with resin-safe wax or coating for added durability.

Aftercare

• Clean polished resin with microfiber and mild soap only.
• Avoid harsh cleaners—they can cloud the finish.
• Refresh gloss with a quick 3000 grit wet-sand + buff if scratches appear.

FAQs

• Why not stop at 2000 grit? You’ll still see haze—3000 bridges the gap to polish for full clarity.
• Can I dry sand resin? No—resin dust is unsafe and clogs paper instantly.
• Is automotive polish okay? Yes—choose non-silicone formulas made for plastics.
• Do I need to re-coat with resin? Not if sanded and polished correctly. Re-coating is only for major defects.

Video: Resin Polishing Demo

Closing: For resin art that truly shines, follow the ladder: 1000 ? 2000 ? 3000 wet sanding, then buff. With patience and water, you’ll turn dull, hazy pieces into glass-like showpieces.