How to polish resin
Resin is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of creative projects, from jewellery making to furniture and home decor. Once you have poured and cured your resin project, you may notice that the surface is not completely smooth or has a dull appearance. Polishing your resin can help to smooth out any imperfections and give it a high-gloss finish. In this blog, we will discuss how to polish resin and achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish.
What you will need to get started
• Sandpaper in various grits (starting with 400 grit and going up to 2000 grit)
• Water
• Polishing compound
• Microfiber cloth
Buffing wheel (optional)
The first thing to note before following the below steps is how dull or rough is the resin you are trying to polish. If it is only slightly rough, start with a higher grit. If it is only the corners of your coaster for example which are rough, focus on those as there will be no need to sand the entire coaster down.
Step 1: Sanding
The first step in polishing resin is to sand it. Start with a low grit sandpaper, such as 400 or 600 grit, and sand the surface of your resin project. Use a circular motion and be gentle so as not to damage the resin. Once you have sanded the entire surface, move on to a higher grit sandpaper, such as 800 or 1000 grit. Continue sanding in a circular motion until the surface is completely smooth.
Step 2: Wet Sanding
After you have sanded the resin with higher grit sandpaper, it's time to move on to wet sanding. Wet sanding helps to remove any remaining scratches and smooth out the surface of the resin even further. Wet the surface of the resin with water and then use a higher grit sandpaper, such as 1500 or 2000 grit, to sand in a circular motion. Continue wet sanding until the surface is completely smooth.
Step 3: Polishing Compound
Once you have sanded the resin to your desired smoothness, it's time to apply the polishing compound. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to a microfiber cloth and then rub it into the surface of the resin in a circular motion. Be sure to apply enough pressure to work the polishing compound into the resin. Continue to polish the resin until it has a high-gloss finish.
Step 4: Buffing (Optional)
If you want an even higher gloss finish, you can use a buffing wheel to buff the resin. Attach the buffing wheel to a drill and then apply a small amount of polishing compound to the wheel. Turn on the drill and gently buff the surface of the resin in a circular motion until it has a high-gloss finish.
In conclusion, polishing resin can take some time and effort, but the end result is worth it. By following these simple steps, you can achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish for your resin projects. Remember to be patient and take your time, and soon you'll have a stunning resin creation that you can be proud of.
