Sanding Resin Coasters: Smooth, Shiny, and Professional Finish

Resin coasters are a popular DIY project, but they often come out of molds with rough edges, cloudy spots, or uneven surfaces. Sanding is the key step to transforming them into glossy, polished pieces. This guide explains how to sand resin coasters for a professional-quality finish.

Why Sand Resin Coasters?

Sanding removes imperfections, levels edges, and preps resin for polishing. Without sanding, coasters may look dull, feel rough, and be less durable over time.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (400–3000 grit)
• Sanding block or small foam pad
• Spray bottle with water
• Microfiber cloths
• Polishing compound
• Protective gloves and mask

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 400 grit: Smooth rough edges and level surfaces.
• 800 grit: Refine scratches and prepare for polishing.
• 1500 grit: Enhance clarity before finishing.
• 3000 grit: Final sanding for glossy, crystal-clear results.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Resin Coasters

1. Clean the coasters. Wash with mild soap and dry.
2. Start with 400 grit. Use 400 grit (25-pack) sheets to remove mold edges.
3. Smooth with 800 grit. Switch to 800 grit (50-pack) for a refined surface.
4. Refine with 1500 grit. Use 1500 grit (100-pack) before polishing.
5. Finish with 3000 grit. Wet sand until surfaces are clear and smooth.
6. Polish and buff. Apply polishing compound and wipe with microfiber for a glossy finish.

Special Cases

For coasters with embedded designs, sand lightly to avoid cutting into the decorative layer. Always wet sand finer grits to prevent scratches and keep resin cool.

Pro Tips

• Sand in circles for even results.
• Rinse sandpaper often to avoid clogging.
• Work through every grit—don’t skip steps for best clarity.

Aftercare

• Re-polish coasters occasionally to maintain shine.
• Clean with non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratches.
• Store coasters flat to prevent warping.

FAQs

• Can I skip straight to polishing? No—sanding through the grit sequence is necessary for clarity.
• Do I need a machine sander? Not required—hand sanding works perfectly for small pieces.
• Why do my coasters stay cloudy? Keep sanding up to 3000 grit, then polish for maximum clarity.

Watch & Learn

Sanding resin coasters ensures smooth edges, clear surfaces, and professional shine. Stock up on wet/dry sandpaper sheets—packs of 25, 50, and 100 available across all grits. Shop resin coaster sanding sheets here.