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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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: 

• How to embed LEDs in resin?
• How to Make a Resin Lamp?

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Step 2: Wipe away all water and sanding residue.

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

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

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

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. 

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.

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

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.

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	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	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	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	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	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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!