Epoxy resin is often used for giving projects such as furniture, flooring, and jewelry a smooth, elegant appearance. By applying a coat of epoxy to your projects, you can increase its longevity while boosting its visual appeal. Because the purpose of epoxy is to give your projects a glossy look and feel, it can be frustrating when the result is an uneven, rough finish. It may even leave you to ask the question, “How do I get a smooth epoxy finish?”
In short, there are two solutions for making an epoxy finish smooth. First, you may lightly sand it and apply a finishing product. Using high grit sandpaper works well for smoothing epoxy finish. Second, you may apply a top coating of epoxy to your project.
Creating a smooth epoxy finish does not have to be a challenging process. With the right tools and knowledge, you can transform your uneven epoxy into a stunning masterpiece. If you’re unsure how to get a smooth epoxy finish, you have come to the right place. Today, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide for making epoxy finish smooth through two easy methods.
How to Make Epoxy Finish Smooth
A smooth epoxy finish is essential for the durability and beauty of epoxy-coated projects. Without a smooth finish, epoxy will eventually lose its shine, leading to dull, sticky spots. Consequently, the entire project may be at risk of losing its strength due to the lack of a level, glossy finish.
There are basically two methods for getting a smooth epoxy finish. The first method is sanding the epoxy finish with high grit sandpaper. Shortly afterward, you may apply a finishing product. The second method is applying a top coating of epoxy to your project.
Giving your projects a smooth epoxy finish is necessary for a number of reasons. In addition to giving your projects a glassy appearance, epoxy will protect the surface from damage. If the epoxy is not applied correctly, it may lead to a dull finish. For this reason, it is important to make epoxy resin smooth as soon as possible after applying it to your projects. Below, let’s take a closer look at how this can be done.
Method 1: Sanding the Epoxy Finish
The first method for getting a smooth epoxy finish is sanding the epoxy. Note that cured epoxy can be relatively difficult to sand due to its hard surface. Additionally, the hardness of the epoxy can make the sandpaper dull and clogged fairly quickly. For this reason, using wet sandpaper is often the best approach, as the abrasive paper will not become clogged as easily. Keep in mind that when working with epoxy finish on wood, it may be best to use a dry sanding method.
Before sanding the epoxy, allow the epoxy finish to fully cure. This typically takes 72 hours, although it may take longer on certain projects. Sanding epoxy before it cures can have disastrous results, including damage to the epoxy’s surface. Although it may appear the epoxy is cured within 24 hours, it is best to wait the full 72 hours before attempting to sand it.
To sand the project, dip the waterproof high grit sandpaper in a container of warm water. Alternatively, you may spray the surface using a spray bottle. From here, sand the surface in a circular motion until there are no traces of the previous grain. You may check your progress by removing the sanding residues with a cloth.
Once the epoxy has been sanded, gently wipe the dry surface with a paper towel. Avoid using old rags, as they can contaminate the epoxy. If you plan on painting the surface immediately after sanding, you may need to use an electrostatic dust cloth to remove any dust particles.
The final step is painting your project. You may either apply a different finishing product or add another coat of epoxy. If applying another coat of epoxy, make sure to use the correct mixing ratio to prevent an uneven surface.
Method 2: Applying the Second Coat of Epoxy
The second method for getting a smooth epoxy finish is applying a top coat of epoxy. Applying a second coat of epoxy resin will solve any mistakes or damages that occurred during the curing process. Common issues such as bubbles and uneven surfaces can easily be fixed using this method.
Before applying the second coat of epoxy, it’s important to sand the entire surface. Make sure the project has had time to cure before you sand it. Generally, epoxy requires 72 hours to fully cure, although this time may vary among different projects.
For best results, use waterproof high grit sandpaper with warm water to sand the surface. Sand the surface in a circular motion until there are no traces of the previous grain to be seen. Once you’ve finished sanding the surface, use a paper towel or broom to remove dust particles.
Next, mix the correct ratio of epoxy and hardener in a container. Although every product has a different ratio, a 1:1 or 2:1 mixing ratio of epoxy and a hardener is the most common. Once the epoxy and hardener are well mixed, pour about 1/8″ of the mixture to the surface. Allow the surface to fully cure for 72 hours before handling it.
Depending on the type of project you are working with, you may add multiple layers of epoxy finish. In addition to giving your project an artistic design, multiple layers ensure the epoxy finish remains smooth. Similar to applying a second coat of epoxy, applying multiple coats requires sanding between layers. As always, make sure the surface has time to cure before sanding or adding another layer.
How to Prevent Uneven Epoxy
While it is possible to solve an uneven epoxy surface, the best solution is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. There are a number of ways to prevent uneven epoxy from developing. The most common reasons for an uneven surface include using an incorrect mixing ratio and working in the wrong environment.
Mix the Correct Ratio
Mixing the wrong ratio of epoxy and hardener can result in sticky spots even after the epoxy has had time to cure. For best results, use a 1:1 or 2:1 mixing ratio when working with epoxy. Keep in mind that every product is different, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is often recommended to mix more epoxy than you calculated to use so that you may fill in uneven spots. This is a simple solution for making epoxy finish smooth without having to sand the entire surface. You may also use epoxy that drips off the edge for areas that are a bit uneven.
Apply Epoxy in the Correct Environment
Working in the wrong environment can often result in uneven, dull epoxy. For instance, applying epoxy in high humidity can prevent the epoxy from becoming smooth. To prevent this from occurring, make sure you work in a well-ventilated area with low humidity levels.
Properly Prepare the Surface
Surface preparation is also extremely important when creating a smooth epoxy finish. Before working with epoxy, make sure the surface is properly sanded and free of debris. The surface must be solid in order for the epoxy to bond. In some cases, you may need to remove any old coating before sanding to ensure the surface is smooth and level.
Although it can be frustrating to discover uneven epoxy, there are many ways to make epoxy finish smooth again. Simple steps such as sanding the surface and applying more epoxy are excellent ways to make an epoxy finish smooth. By following these easy tips, you can enjoy the appealing beauty of epoxy for many years to come.
