If you’ve ever struggled with polishing epoxy to achieve a mirror-like finish, you’re not alone. Many people find it challenging due to the toughness of the material. But fear not, because in this video, we’re going to walk you through the entire process step-by-step, so you can achieve that perfect finish you’ve been longing for.

The Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before we dive into the process, let’s take a quick look at the tools and materials you’ll need. For sanding, an orbital sander is highly recommended, as it will save you a lot of time. You can choose between a 125mm or 150mm random orbital sander, depending on your preference. Make sure to use hook and loop sanding discs, and we recommend using Mirka sanding discs for the best results.
For polishing, you’ll need a polishing machine with variable speed control and a standard 150mm backing plate. The polishing compounds we’ll be using are NW1 and TopFinish 2, specifically designed for hard materials like epoxy. Don’t forget to have a hard and soft foam pad for the polishing stage.
The Step-by-Step Process
Now, let’s jump into the step-by-step process of flatting and polishing epoxy. The first step is to start with sanding. Depending on the level of imperfections on your epoxy surface, you’ll choose the appropriate grit to start with. For rough machine marks, you’ll start with 120 grit, while for lighter scratches, you can start with 800 grit.
You’ll systematically sand your epoxy surface using the orbital sander, making sure to overlap each pass to ensure even sanding. The number of passes will depend on the level of imperfections you’re dealing with. Remember to mist and wipe away any dust between each pass and use a marker pen to draw on the epoxy to track your progress.
After sanding with progressively finer grits, you’ll reach the 1200 grit stage. At this point, you’ll switch to wet sanding using the Mirka Galaxy sanding disc. Mist the surface with water and make four passes with the 1200 grit to remove any remaining scratches.
Once the sanding is complete, it’s time to move on to polishing. Apply a small amount of NW1 compound onto the surface and spread it around using the medium/hard foam pad. Start with a slower speed and gradually increase while applying pressure to work the compound into the epoxy. Repeat this process until the compound diminishes.
Next, switch to the soft foam pad and apply the TopFinish 2 compound. Again, start at a low speed and gradually increase while buffing the surface. Repeat this process until the compound disappears completely.
Finally, wipe off any residue, buff with a microfiber cloth, and reveal your perfectly polished epoxy surface.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully flat and polished your epoxy surface to achieve a flawless, glass-like finish. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key in this process. Having the right tools and materials, like the ones available at Marmalade Cafe, makes all the difference.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. And don’t forget to subscribe for more resin tutorials from GlassCast. Happy epoxy polishing!