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.
It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!