How to Polish Epoxy After Sanding: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Polish Epoxy After Sanding: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to polish epoxy after sanding to bring back the glass finish. There are a few different techniques you can use to polish hard plastic and epoxy, depending on the type of finish you want to achieve and the tools you have available.

Here are a few options:

1. Hand polishing – To hand polish hard plastic, you will need a polishing compound and a soft cloth. Apply a small amount of compound to the cloth and use circular motions to buff the plastic until it reaches the desired shine.
2. Machine polishing – For a more efficient and consistent finish, you can use a polisher or orbital sander with a buffing pad. Apply a small amount of compound to the pad and use the machine to buff the plastic in a circular motion.
3. Wet sanding – Wet sanding is a technique that involves sanding the plastic with a fine-grit sandpaper while using water to lubricate the sandpaper and reduce heat buildup. This can be done by hand or with a machine. After sanding, the surface can be buffed with a polishing compound to achieve a high shine.

Regardless of which technique you choose, it’s important to start with a clean surface and work slowly, applying even pressure to avoid overheating the plastic.

WET SANDING PROCESS OF EPOXY RESINS

To polish epoxy resin after sanding you will need:

1. A set of fine grit sandpapers (e.g., 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 5000 grit + ) the higher you can go the better. But also the technique is very important.
2. A soft clean cloth or buffing pad
3. A power drill or rotary tool ( variable)
4. Compound specifically made for polishing epoxy and hard plastic.
5. Protective eyewear
6. Water bottle or water spray bottle to wet the surface

Here is a step-by-step guide: 

1. Start by adding water on the surface and start with a 1000 grit sandpaper.
2. Begin by sanding the epoxy surface with a 1500 grit sandpaper while still adding water. Sand in a circular motion until the surface becomes smooth.
3. Sand the surface again with a 2000 grit sandpaper.
4. Sand the surface once more with a 2500 grit sandpaper.
5. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth to remove any dust or debris.
6. Using a power drill or rotary tool fitted with a buffing pad, apply a small amount of polishing compound to the surface.
7. Buff the compound into the surface using a circular motion.
8. Wipe the surface with a clean, soft cloth to remove any excess compound.
9. Repeat the buffing process until you achieve the desired level of shine.
10. Wear protective eyewear during the entire process to protect your eyes from flying debris and chemical splashes.
11. Once you have achieved the desired level of shine, allow the epoxy to cure fully before using or handling it.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

BEST POLISHING EQUIPMENT BRANDS

There are many brands of polishing tools that are highly regarded by professionals. Some of the top brands include:

Our Pick: Mirka is a finish company that produces a range of abrasives and polishing products for a variety of industries, including automotive, woodworking, and metalworking. The company is known for its innovative sanding and polishing solutions, such as its dust-free sanding systems and ergonomic hand sanders. Mirka’s products are used by professionals around the world and are highly regarded for their quality and performance.

Other brands of Polishing equipment.

1. 3M – This company is known for producing high-quality abrasives and polishers for a variety of applications.
2. Meguiar’s – This brand is a leader in the automotive detailing industry and offers a wide range of polishing products for cars and boats.
3. Griot’s Garage – This brand is known for its high-quality car care products, including a range of polishes and buffing pads.
4. Porter-Cable – This company produces a range of power tools, including orbital sanders and polishers that are popular with woodworkers and automotive enthusiasts.
5. DeWalt – This brand is known for its durable and high-performance power tools, including orbital sanders and polishers.

Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It is recommended to do your research to find the ideal brand for your. It’s a good idea to do some research and read reviews before making a decision.