How To Polish Epoxy Resin? 2024 Step-by-Step Guide

  • Resin Art 101
  • Posted by: carson-rutz
  • Dec 12, 2023

Polishing resin is the way you smooth and shine your resin's surface to achieve a flawless, professional finish. Don't worry if you don't know how to polish epoxy resin correctly - we'll show you the ultimate guide to creating an ever-stunning finish! 

Suitable Epoxy Resin Objects or Applications for Polishing

There are many epoxy resin objects that you can polish for more flashy results. If you haven’t decided on which objects to start with, have a look at the following projects:

Epoxy Resin Casting: Polishing epoxy resin casting projects can help you remove any imperfections or blemishes on the surface of the resin. This can give the project a more professional and polished look.

Stunning resin casting is perfectly polished (source: just resin)
Stunning resin casting is perfectly polished (source: just resin)

Resin Art: It is super easy to polish your resin art like the preserved rose. This polishment helps you unleash the full potential of your artistic expression and ensures every stroke and blend shines.

Wonderful resin art with flowers (source: skillshare)
Wonderful resin art with flowers (source: skillshare)

Resin Jewelry: Polishing resin jewelry can help to give it a more high-end and expensive look. Only a few steps on how to polish resin jewelry can protect your jewelry from scratches and other damage.

Make your jewelry mirror-like by polishing (source: youtube)
Make your jewelry mirror-like by polishing (source: youtube)

Epoxy Resin Tables: Make your tabletops a conversation starter by polishing them to lustrous perfection. The smooth, glossy surface adds aesthetic appeal and ensures durability.

Add a touch of elegance to your tables with polishing compounds (source: paicristal)
Add a touch of elegance to your tables with polishing compounds (source: paicristal)

Epoxy and Wood Objects: Combine the warmth of wood with the brilliance of epoxy by polishing your creations. It’ll not only enhance the visual contrast between the materials but also provide a protective layer.

Make your wood objects shine more than ever (source: wisebond)
Make your wood objects shine more than ever (source: wisebond)

Epoxy Resin Floors: Polishing epoxy resin floors can create a more durable and scratch-resistant surface. Also, it can make the floor easier to clean and maintain. 

Enhance the firmness of your epoxy floor by polishing (source: linkedin)
Enhance the firmness of your epoxy floor by polishing (source: linkedin)

Epoxy Lamp: Epoxy lamp can be an excellent project for you to polish. When polished, epoxy resin can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your room.

Related article: 

Make the charm of epoxy lamps increase with polishing compounds (source: hirosart)
Make the charm of epoxy lamps increase with polishing compounds (source: hirosart)

Step 1: Prepare the tools you need

To have a stunning finish without any imperfections, preparing your tools is of utmost importance. Here are some crucial pieces of equipment that we suggest you prepare for 

Tool name Usage
Sandpaper

Sandpaper

  • A must-have tool to achieve a smooth, flawless surface.
  • Helps level the resin and remove any imperfections from the surface
Polishing Compounds

Polishing compounds

  • Buff the surface of the epoxy resin to a high gloss.
  • Choose one specifically designed for epoxy resin, like Flitz Compound or 3M Compound. 
Safety Gear

Safety gear

  • You must deck yourself with safety gear to prevent heat damage.
  • Dust masks shield you from fine particles. 
  • Safety glasses ensure your eyes stay away from glitter.
Clean Cloth or Towel

Clean cloth or towel

  • Used to apply and remove the polishing compound.
  • Wipe away any dust or debris.
  • You should use the microfiber cloth to prevent dropping lint.

Step 2: Prepare the epoxy resin surface for polishing

Having a decent surface is of utmost importance to polish perfectly. To make your surface suitable for polishing, there are 2 things that you must do: 

1. Clean your surface

Start by thoroughly cleaning the epoxy resin surface to remove any dust, debris, or residue. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe down the surface. If necessary, you can clean it with a mild soap and water solution, followed by thorough drying. Make sure there is no dust or grime left on the resin before you sand it.

Clean the surface with a microfiber cloth (source: glasscast)
Clean the surface with a microfiber cloth (source: glasscast)

2. Wet Sanding of the Epoxy Resin Surface

Wet sanding is crucial for smoothing out the surface and removing any imperfections from your resin. Compared to dry sanding, wet sanding your resin will provide a considerably smoother surface and also reduce the quantity of dust produced. To sand your epoxy resin correctly, just follow these steps:

Start with 200-grit sandpaper: Attach the 200-grit sandpaper to the sanding block or orbital sander. Keep the sandpaper wet throughout the process to prevent overheating and clogging.

Apply the sandpaper to the polishing machine (source: youtube)
Apply the sandpaper to the polishing machine (source: youtube)

Sand in circular motions: Apply consistent pressure and move the sanding block or orbital sander in a circular motion across the epoxy resin surface. You should work in small sections to ensure complete coverage.

Do it circularly to make sure the surface is covered evenly (source: youtube)
Do it circularly to make sure the surface is covered evenly (source: youtube)

Progress to finer grits: Once the surface is smooth and even, gradually increase the grit of the sandpaper to 400, 600, and finally, 800. You need to continue wet sanding with each grit to ensure a smooth transition between grits. You can sand your resin using 1500-grit sandpaper if you desire a mirror-like sheen.

Put other sandpaper with increasing grit on the surface (source: youtube)
Put other sandpaper with increasing grit on the surface (source: youtube)

Inspect for imperfections: After each grit change, carefully put the epoxy resin surface under good lighting. Then, check for any remaining scratches or imperfections.

Check to see if there are any scratches (source: youtube)
Check to see if there are any scratches (source: youtube)

You find it quite complex to picture all the steps in the process? Here is a perfect video that will help you understand all in a few minutes:

Step 3: Apply the polishing compound

Now, it’s time to answer your question of ‘How to polish resin after sanding?'. You will cover your epoxy resin perfectly. 

Spray a pea-sized amount of polishing compound on your resin's surface. For larger surfaces, you may need to apply more compound. We suggest you use anti-scratch compounds to have a decent finish.

Then, apply the compound to the resin surface in small, circular motions. Be sure to apply even pressure, and do not rub too hard. You can use a microfiber cloth to spread it evenly. If you want to rub it with your hand, remember to wear your gloves to protect your hands from the chemical damage. 

Give the resin’s surface some polishing compound (source: youtube)
Give the resin’s surface some polishing compound (source: youtube)

Step 4: Select the appropriate polishing method

You may wonder what to use to polish resin effectively. No worries - here are the 4 ways for you to shine your objects nicely!

Use a standard drill

Polishing resin with a power drill can be an effective way to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. Here is the process of how to use polish resin after sanding with a drill:

Step 1: Begin by applying the polishing pad to the drill bit.

Put the wheel on the drill (source: youtube)
Put the wheel on the drill (source: youtube)

Step 2: Press the spinning polishing disc on the square surface in order to align the fibers of the polishing accessory.

Pull the trigger to start it (source: youtube)
Pull the trigger to start it (source: youtube)

Step 3: Apply the polishing compound onto the polishing pad, and securely hold the epoxy resin you want to polish against the pad.

Apply the polishing compound on the pad (source: youtube)
Apply the polishing compound on the pad (source: youtube)

Step 4: Start to polish your workpiece with consistent movements and keep going until the surface is as shiny as you desire. In case you accidentally damage your resin due to high heat, you can mix resin with hardener and recover your surface.

Start your polishing on the surface ( source: acrylgiessen)
Start your polishing on the surface ( source: acrylgiessen)

To help you understand more about using a drill to polish your project, we’ve put a video right below. You should check it now: 

Use polishing machine

A polishing machine is different from a drill in that its polishing attachment does elliptical (eccentric) motions rather than pure rotations. The end outcome is now flawless because of this. Such a machine makes it easy to maintain a consistent shine, making it particularly useful for newbies. 

Here is how to polish resin after sanding with a polishing machine: 

Step 1: Attach a soft foam pad or wool pad to your polishing machine.

A soft pad will help you easily cover the resin with compound (source: acrylgiessen)
A soft pad will help you easily cover the resin with compound (source: acrylgiessen)

Step 2: Start the polisher at a low-paced setting, around 1000-1500 RPM.

Set your machine at a suitable spinning speed (source: zhisalesm)
Set your machine at a suitable spinning speed (source: zhisalesm)

Step 3: Apply a small amount of heavy-cut polishing compound to the resin surface.

Put a suitable amount of compound to reduce the residue (source: resin pro)
Put a suitable amount of compound to reduce the residue (source: resin pro)

Step 4: Keep the polisher moving constantly over the resin.

Cover your resin thoroughly with the polish compound (source: resin affairs)
Cover your resin thoroughly with the polish compound (source: resin affairs)

Here is a video of how to make a polishment with resin paint using a polish machine. You can have a look at it: 

Use a dremel tool

Polishing epoxy resin with a Dremel is totally doable, my fellows! Here's what you need to know:

Step 1: Pop on a felt polishing wheel or cotton buffing wheel to avoid being too abrasive.

Apply the spinning wheel on the tool (source: youtube)
Apply the spinning wheel on the tool (source: youtube)

Step 2: Keep the speed low, about 5,000-10,000 RPM, to prevent overheating.

Set up the speed for your dremel (source: youtube)
Set up the speed for your dremel (source: youtube)

Step 3: Use polishing creams or liquids designed for plastics with increasing grits.

Apply the compound onto your project (source: youtube)
Apply the compound onto your project (source: youtube)

Step 4: Avoid heat buildup by taking breaks and not staying in one spot for too long. While you’re polishing the project, the resin may melt and stick to your tool. To effectively remove it from the metal, you simply need to follow this ultimate guide.

Continuously move your dremel around the object (source: youtube)
Continuously move your dremel around the object (source: youtube)

Polish by hand

If you don’t have too much money for these advanced machines, let your hands do it for you. With patience and a few tools, you can make a mirror-like finish. Here is how to polish resin by hand: 

Step 1: Prepare yourself with a microfiber cloth and a suitable compound for your artwork.

Deck yourself with appropriate polish compound and cloth (source: giaonhan247)
Deck yourself with appropriate polish compound and cloth (source: giaonhan247)

Step 2: Wipe away all water and sanding residue.

Make sure there is no dust on your project (source: art resin)
Make sure there is no dust on your project (source: art resin)

Step 3: Apply a thin, even coat of polishing compound to the resin.

Apply the compound with a tissue (source: instructables)
Apply the compound with a tissue (source: instructables)

Step 4: Buff the compound using a microfiber cloth in small circles with light pressure.

Gently buff the polish compound on the resin’s surface (source: epodex)
Gently buff the polish compound on the resin’s surface (source: epodex)

Step 5: Use another fresh microfiber cloth to wipe away excess compound.

Clean the remaining compound on the resin (source: youtube)
Clean the remaining compound on the resin (source: youtube)

Difficult to imagine how to do it properly? No worry - you can watch the following video to know more about it:

Depending on different projects, you may need to use an appropriate approach. Make sure you understand when to use them by referencing the table below:

Method Pros Cons Suitable for
Drill
  • High speed helps polish resin quickly and efficiently
  • Easily removes deep scratches and imperfections with great power
  • Usable with a variety of polishing pads and compounds.
  • Generates a lot of heat, which can damage the resin
  • Difficult to control
  • Can be dangerous 
  • Countertops
  • Epoxy resin keychain
  • Resin coaster
Polishing Machine
  • Faster than hand polishing
  • Effective at removing scratches and imperfections
  • Can be used on a variety of surfaces
  • Can overheat the resin
  • Quite expensive
  • Can be difficult to control
  • Epoxy resin furniture
  • Epoxy resin countertops
Dremel tool
  • Faster polishing time
  • Easy to achieve a high gloss finish
  • Versatile 
  • Variable speed control
  • Generates heat
  • Takes practice to master the technique
  • Not ideal for large surfaces
  • Small decorative items
  • Pen blanks
  • Resin coaster
Hands
  • Cost-effective
  • Can focus pressure and work
  • Gets into details
  • Safer for small pieces
  • Time-consuming
  • Easy to apply uneven pressure
  • Can't remove heavy scratches
  • Small jewelry pieces
  • Resin coasters 
  • Bottle stoppers

Step 5: Clean the surface

It’s time to make your surface clean so you can see its stunning beauty entirely. You can do it simply with clean microfiber cloth. For stubborn polishing paste, we advise using a plastic cleaner or solvent like denatured alcohol applied with a cloth to cut through buildup. If the resin sticks to your hair, get rid of it easily by following this guide

Clean the remaining residue after finishing your polishment (source: resin-expert)
Clean the remaining residue after finishing your polishment (source: resin-expert)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Any beginner, when learning how to polish resin at home usually makes some mistakes that make the result not as expected. Here are 3 common mistakes and how to avoid them correctly.

Insufficient Surface Preparation

Neglecting the preparation of the resin surface is the most common mistake that most beginners suffer from. It can be the result of not sanding your resin carefully or leaving behind debris, grease, or impurities on the surface. To avoid this problem, all you need to do is to: 

  • Sand starting with coarse (120-200 grit) and going up to fine (600-800 grit)
  • Sand until previous sanding mark scratches are gone before moving to finer grit
  • Clean thoroughly between sanding grits, using a tack cloth or alcohol.
Cover your resin with polish compound evenly (source: zhisalesm)
Cover your resin with polish compound evenly (source: zhisalesm)

Wrong Polishing Compound

Using the wrong polishing compound is a pretty common mistake, and it can lead to some frustrating problems like scratches, hazing, and swirls. Usually, the reason comes from: 

  • Formulated for other materials: Compounds designed for metal or car paint may be too abrasive.
  • Old or contaminated polish: Partially cured or dried out compound can leave new scratches.

Here are some tips on how to solve the problem of using the wrong polishing compounds when working with epoxy resin:

  • Identify the compound that you want to use for polishing
  • Read labels carefully
  • Choose water-based compounds
  • Always use fresh polishing compounds
Use an appropriate compound for the best result (source: soft 99)
Use an appropriate compound for the best result (source: soft 99)

Inconsistent Pressure

Using inconsistent pressure when polishing resin is a common mistake that can lead to many problems, like scratches or swirls. To avoid these problems, it is important to use consistent pressure when polishing resin. Here are some tips:

  • Use a light touch: Start with light pressure and gradually increase it as needed.
  • Move the polishing machine smoothly: Move the polishing machine smoothly and evenly over the surface of the resin.
  • Use a consistent speed: Keep the polishing machine at a consistent speed.
Apply consistent pressure to your resin (source: resin pro) 
Apply consistent pressure to your resin (source: resin pro)

Best Polishing Compound for Resin

Choosing an appropriate polishing compound is very important as it will help you make a decent finish. Here’re the 5 excellent polishing compounds that we suggest you use:

Polishing Compound Product details Prices
Flitz Polish

Flitz polish

  • Produced by Flitz
  • Item form: Paste, liquid
  • Has no scent
  • Remove scratches, tarnish, and oxidation from resin
  • Residue-free, non-toxic, eco-safe
$5.99 per ounce
3M Perfect-It Rubbing Compound

3m perfect-it rubbing compound

  • Brand: 3M
  • Item Form: Liquid
  • Have mild and chemical scent
  • Removes P1200+ sand scratches and surface defects from resin
$1.26 per ounce
Meguiar's Ultimate Polish

Meguiar's ultimate polish

  • Made by Meguiar's
  • Have liquid form
  • Mild scent
  • Remove light scratches, swirls, and haze
  • Safe for use on all types of resin
$1.31 per ounce
P4 Precision Paint Perfection Polish

P4 precision paint perfection polish

  • Brand: Chemical Guys
  • Liquid form
  • Delivers a brilliant deep reflection, high gloss finish
  • Protects resin from UV rays and oxidation
  • Non-abrasive and gentle on resin surfaces
$1.28 per ounce
Promise Pro Polish & Cleaner

Promise pro polish & cleaner

  • Made by Promise Epoxy
  • Have mild chemical odor
  • Removes light scratches and scuffs
  • Polishes to a high gloss
  • Contains no harsh chemicals or solvents
$1.45 per ounce

*Note: Product prices may change over time.

Flitz Polish

Flitz Polish is a versatile polish that can also be used on resin surfaces. It is gentle and safe to use, and it can effectively remove scratches, hazing, and oxidation from resin. Flitz Polish also restores shine and protects resin surfaces from future damage. The price will be about $5.99 per ounce.

Flitz polish is a versatile compound (source: kult of athena)
Flitz polish is a versatile compound (source: kult of athena)

Promise Pro Polish & Cleaner

Promise Pro Polish & Cleaner is a two-in-one product that's perfect for polishing and cleaning resin surfaces. It's specially formulated to be gentle yet effective, removing scratches and imperfections without damaging the resin. The cleaner component leaves your resin surfaces sparkling clean and protected from future damage. You can buy it at $1.45 per ounce.

Promise is a top brand for polishing compounds (source: promise epoxy)
Promise is a top brand for polishing compounds (source: promise epoxy)

P4 Precision Paint Perfection Polish

P4 Precision Paint Perfection Polish is a high-performance polish specifically designed to remove scratches and restore shine to resin surfaces. Its unique formula gently removes imperfections while enhancing gloss and protecting the resin from further damage. Each ounce will cost you about $1.28.

Make your resin like a mirror with p4 polish (source: ebay)
Make your resin like a mirror with p4 polish (source: ebay)

Meguiar's Ultimate Compound

Meguiar's Ultimate Compound is a decent polishing compound created to remove scratches, hazing, and oxidation from resin surfaces. This easy-to-use compound can achieve a professional-looking shine without removing any paint. Therefore, you can paint on the resin without hesitation. You’ll need to pay $1.31 per ounce.

Meguiar compound is the top-list choice for polishing (source: halfords)
Meguiar compound is the top-list choice for polishing (source: halfords)

3M Perfect-It Rubbing Compound

It is an effective rubbing compound for polishing plastics like epoxy resin. It is formulated with a unique blend of abrasives that effectively remove scratches without damaging the resin. The compound is easy to use and leaves a smooth, high-gloss finish. Each ounce of the compound will price $1.26. 

3m compound will turn your epoxy resin in a mirror (source: national autobody wholesalers)
3m compound will turn your epoxy resin in a mirror (source: national autobody wholesalers)

How to Make Resin Shiny Without Polishing

You want to know how to polish resin without polishing compounds? No worries, as here are some alternative solutions for you!

Use a Resin Gloss Sealer

Resin gloss sealers are specifically designed to enhance the shine and luster of epoxy resin surfaces. They can be applied to fully cured resin surfaces using applicator pads or clean cloths. After applying a thin, even layer of sealer, allow it to dry completely before buffing the surface. What’s more, this method will also help preserve your resin flower.

Resin gloss sealer is a perfect alternative for the compound (source: sophie & toffee) 
Resin gloss sealer is a perfect alternative for the compound (source: sophie & toffee)

Use toothpaste 

Can you polish resin with toothpaste? Of course, yes! Toothpaste can be used to polish resin in the same way as you would polish any other surface. Use toothpaste with a high grit and apply it to the surface of the resin. Then, buff it out with a clean, soft cloth. If the resin is heavily scratched, you may need to use a grit-laden polish in place of toothpaste.

How to polish epoxy resin with only toothpaste (source: youtube)
Polish your resin with only toothpaste (source: youtube)

Buff with automotive wax

Automotive waxes are designed to protect and shine painted surfaces, and they can also be used to polish resin. Apply a thin layer of automotive wax to the fully cured resin surface using a clean, lint-free cloth. Allow the wax to dry completely before buffing your surface with a clean, dry cloth to achieve a lustrous shine.

Buff your resin with car wax (source: paicristal)
Buff your resin with car wax (source: paicristal)

Conclusion

Mastering the art of polishing epoxy resin requires careful preparation, patience, and the right tools. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you'll be well-equipped to know how to polish resin correctly.

FAQs

What can I use to polish resin?

We recommend you use some polishing compounds to make the resin smooth and clear. Stay away from oils or alcohol, as they won't properly polish the resin. The right compounds and some elbow grease give the best shine!

Why do you polish resin?

Polishing resin is crucial for achieving a flawless, shiny, and expert appearance. It helps you remove the flaws, improve clarity, and prevent your resin from scratches and damage to the surface. Besides its aesthetic benefits, a finished resin product will endure much longer.

Can you polish resin with alcohol?

We wouldn't advise using alcohol to polish resin. While it may create initial shine, alcohol can leave behind hazy streaks and scratches on the resin surface. For the best result, you should try those proven compounds above.

How do I polish epoxy resin?

Start by sanding the resin with progressively finer grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Apply a polishing compound with a clean cloth and buff in circular motions. Use lighter pressure for the final polishing. Wipe away any excess compound and allow the resin to cure fully. With the right sanding and polishing, you'll achieve a beautiful high-gloss finish!

Can I use oil to polish resin?

We would not recommend you use oil to polish resin. Oils don't contain the right abrasives to polish resin properly and may leave behind an oily residue. Instead, you should stick to the above polishing compounds for a professional finish!

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