How to remove Epoxy Resin edges
Do you find you have sharp edges on your epoxy resin projects after taking them out of your mould? Epoxy can shrink a little while curing and as a result can create sharp edges depending on the design of your mould.
Smoothing edges can make a piece more professional looking and safer to handle.
We take a look at some of the ways you can smooth these edges.
Ways of removing sharp epoxy resin edges
Sanding
- When sanding resin you can either do this by hand or using a machine sander. Either way, you will need to follow some simple steps.
- Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (like 80-120) to remove any rough spots or sharp edges.
- Gradually move to finer grits (220, 400, and up to 1000 or higher) for a smoother finish.
- Wet sanding can help minimize dust and provide a smoother result. Use water to keep the surface cool and reduce clogging.
Polishing
- After sanding, use a resin polishing compound or a plastic polish with a soft cloth or a buffing pad.
- We recommend Autoglym resin polish available from Amazon.
- Buff in circular motions until you achieve the desired shine.
Check out our blog on sanding and polishing epoxy resin for more tips.
Heat Gun
- For small imperfections, a craft heat gun (a craft specific not industrial heat gun, as they can get too hot) can be used carefully. Heat the edges slightly to help smooth out any roughness.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the resin to warp or bubble.
Dremel Tool
- For more intricate or detailed pieces, a Dremel with a sanding attachment can help smooth edges effectively.
- They can take a little time to master but are great tools and can be perfect for rounded edges. We recommend this Dremel from Amazon which can also act as a small drill and electric buffer.
Deburring Tool
- A deburring tool like this one is a relatively inexpensive and low tech way of smoothing edges.
- Again it is great for edges but a little tricky to master. We suggest testing it on smaller pieces to get the hang of it before using on a bigger project.
- You can add a little polish to your smoothed edges to bring back the shine after you have used a deburring tool.
Epoxy Coat
- Applying a thin layer of clear epoxy over the edges can also help smooth out imperfections and add a glossy finish.
