The Art of the Finish: From Sandpaper to a Mirror Sheen
- M S
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 21
The journey from a rough sawn slab of wood to a beautifully finished tabletop is a long one, filled with countless hours of sanding. I used to hate this part, a necessary evil before the fun of pouring resin. But now, I see it as its own art form. The point where the wood’s story truly begins to shine.
Here’s my step-by-step process for getting that perfect finish on a resin and wood piece.
The Sawdust Process
Start with the Coarse Grit: After curing, I use a random orbital sander to level the surface, starting at 80 grit. The goal is to flatten everything, the wood and resin, into one seamless plane.
Progressing Through the Grits: This is where patience is key. I methodically move up to 120, 220, 320, and sometimes even 400 grit. I clean the surface thoroughly between each grit to avoid scratching.
The Wet Sanding Revolution: For an ultra-smooth, glass-like finish on the resin, I'll switch to wet sanding, starting at 600 grit and going all the way up to 3000. It turns the resin into a foggy mess at first, but it pays off with an incredible clarity.
The Final Buff: To bring out that deep shine, I use a polishing compound and a buffer. This removes the last microscopic scratches and gives the resin a professional, mirror-like finish that catches the light beautifully.
Pro Tip
Wipe the surface with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol after each sanding grit. This will reveal any hidden scratches and show you where you need to spend more time before moving on.
Final Thoughts
The finish is what sets a piece of furniture apart. It's the final testament to the care and attention to detail that went into its creation, transforming raw materials into a work of art.
Interested in seeing how we bring the best out of our wood? Check out the polished pieces we have available in the store, or let us craft a piece exclusively for you.
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