Epoxy resin has a reputation for being more difficult to polish than some materials, such as wood. However, with proper understanding and just a little effort, this task can become a breeze.

In this Primaloc guide, we'll explain what you need, what to watch out for, and how to properly polish epoxy resin surfaces, such as table tops and bar tops.

Should You Sand Your Epoxy Before Polishing?

A common question we get is whether sanding is necessary prior applying polish to the epoxy resin surface.

Generally, it isn't. As long as your surface doesn't have heavy scratching or other tangible forms of damage, you can just skip to the polishing steps.

However, if there are some notable imperfections or blemishes that you'd like to remove first, you can absolutely sand down the surface to make it smooth before you begin polishing.

For more information, check out our How to Sand Epoxy guide.

Polishing Epoxy Resin: What You'll Need

Before you can begin your polishing project, you'll need some tools and supplies:

1. A variable-speed polisher: A polisher like this is essential for polishing a smooth, tough surface like epoxy resin. This power tool is used by attaching suitable buffing pads that will enable you to polish materials such as epoxy.
2. A medium smooth foam polishing pad: An attachment for your polisher that allows you to polish your surfaces.
3. High-gloss polishing compound for hard surfaces: There are many options for this. We suggest choosing one from a known brand.
4. Microfiber cloths: These can be used to wipe your surface after a pass with the polisher.

How to Polish Epoxy Resin

1. Check the surface: Start by ensuring that the surface you'll be polishing is both clean and dry. Prepare the polisher and attach your foam polishing pad.
   
   
2. Put on some polish: Apply a small amount of polishing compound to your epoxy surface. Just a few blots sporadically throughout the surface so that you'll have even coverage.
   
   
3. Polish the surface: Begin polishing by setting your polisher to a low setting and gradually polish your chosen compound into the epoxy surface. Move the polisher back and forth gradually without pausing over any spot until you've done a pass over the intended area.
   
   Keep in mind that you want to avoid generating high heat. You can stop for a couple moments here and there to check the temperature of the surface. If it's hot, let it cool a bit before continuing. Warmth isn't dangerous, but extreme heat can weaken epoxy resin, and polishers are great at heat buildup.
   
   You can increase the speed once the polish starts getting spread thin and pressed into the surface.
   
   
4. Finish the pass and clean: Keep this up until you've done one pass, then wipe the surface clean (there will likely be polish residue) with your microfiber cloth. This tends to concentrate at the edges where excess polish can get pushed aside.
   
   
5. Repeat once: Repeat this process one time, doing a second full pass.

Once you've done all that, you'll be good to go!

Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results

When it comes to epoxy resin, Primaloc Epoxy gets the job done. Our epoxy resin is premium-grade and cures clear and strong, with high performance in every category.

Epoxy resin can be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting—which is why you shouldn't compromise on quality. With Primaloc Epoxy Resin, you get the ultimate finish in durability and visual appeal.

Protect your surfaces by giving them a rock-solid epoxy finish. Choose strong. Choose reliable. Choose Primaloc.