How To Polish Epoxy Resin Like A Pro!

[@derektomlin1272]

Here from Blacktail Studio recommendation. Love the channel sub'd

[@MattsWoodworks]

Awesome Derek, thank you for the sub!!

[@fk6536]

@@carlfeniak2224 seems familiar :)

[@firegoose2167]

Same

[@OyvindSOyvindS]

Me too!

[@sethflorence3815]

Me too. Subd

[@HaDeZs1]

Awesome video Matt. This is the best video I’ve seen detailing any millwork shop polishing process using industry standard items. Just an FYI, although 3M and Mirka recommend sanding past 2000 grit, you don’t need to sand past a 2000 or 2500 grit pad. Start the polishing process with 3M step 1 past 2k sanding saves a ton of time with the same result. Also, don’t sand with 100grit. 150 should be the lowest. 100 leave away too big scratches in any resins to sand through and buff out efficiently. Material is so soft you don’t need that extra grit with an Deros sander. Been doing polyester/paint in high gloss polished finishes for 10+ years commercially in high end residential.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you for the feedback my friend! I wanted to take it this high for this video only to make it easier for anyone trying this out for the first time, I should have clarified this that it's not required at all to go up to 8000, you're totally right! I am new to the, 100 grit deal, I'll give that a shot next time I do this, thank you! Appreciate a professionals clarification!

[@carlhowell170]

I was reading comments to see if anyone said it before I added my two cents. I agree with Tosiek and share similar strategy. I'm also a finisher with tens of thousands of square feet of polished polyester behind me. Depending how much orange peel I have to eliminate the coursest I will start is 320/400. If things laid down clean i might start at 800 grit. My biggest question on this vid was why the 100 grit? I guess we are going after air bubble craters and orange peel? My final sanding is usually 3000 grit trizact, but Ive been known to go up to 5000 when Im pissed off at sanding scratches (pig tails). Ive left 3m for Menzerna polishes. They seem to cut and polish cleaner with less chemical smells and greasiness. The process you have in this vid works great obviously, but I think you needn't go all the way down to 100 or as high as 8000. Good vid.

[@lindadoss6521]

Came over from Blacktail Studios. What an informative video to jump in on. I do resin tables and have had a problem with that kind of finish. Now I know what I have been doing wrong. Self-taught brings a long learning curve. Heat will do away with your bubbles along with good deep pour resin. I use resin from the epoxy store, they have a deep pour that is amazing and great customer service. There factory is in California. Thanks for the great Vid. Think I will start over on one that I can't get the cloudy out of!

[@emirumpf9947]

Used it for the first time last weekend definitely worth buying if you're a person who likes detailing your own car recommend first time to use on lowest setting 800 so you don't burn paint don't leave in one spot keep moving it over paint easy to use kzbin.infoUgkxfzbDkCRyv3CFXnLZI4APZtRRuG2uRmP2 truck looks like new again used maguires black light battery life like all milwaukee products seem to hold up well 😀

[@vevesbandlatinshow1560]

God blessed you 🙏🏻 I had been searching for the right way to polished resin for months, wasted so much money on product, didn’t know which buffer to buy, thank you soooooooo much. I preserved flowers 💐

[@MrsDeLow]

Finally a video that’s actually helpful. Thank you!

[@DJSbm-28]

Matt thank you so much. I was looking for a tutorial on polishing epoxy as I built a table for my son when he became an navy officer, all hand done from a liberty ship hatch way from ww2 with challenge coins laid in. It has been close to two years of use in his office and needs to be cleaned up a bit. This is exactly what I was looking for. Great job looks mirror finish.

[@kylecastiglioni7374]

I've watched many videos about polishing from multiple people. Most of them tend to keep their techniques/products used a secret. They focused more on the finished piece...like "look what I did!"...and skipped over the "how" they did it. THANK YOU for laying it all out there and even giving links to products!

[@MattsWoodworks]

My pleasure Kyle, thank you for watching!

[@rfehr613]

The title of this video was dead on ...that's a true pro quality finish. Very nice.

[@spacewatch]

thanks for the advice. I have a coffee table setting at the mo and I'm seeing like a scale forming on the top . was worried I wouldn't be able to get the glass like finish. feeling more relaxed now, can't wait for when it dries. Thanks again

[@wittnessbe_judged8723]

I'm here, thanks to, Blacktail Studio, I subscribed, with the bell on, to receive all notifications. You truly are an upcoming star. I will try to share all of your videos, as your work is amazing

[@BeardedCigar]

Hey, really nice! How about the sides of the table? How would you get those done?

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you! This exact same process would apply!

[@blackirishredneckb6383]

Sorry just hit the default…lol. Watched your video on polishing resin. Great tutorial by the way. I’ve been trying to finalize a few gloating chess boards. Didn’t like the flood coat because of crap in the air. Decided to give your technique a try. First real attempt wet sanding. Had most of the things you’re using. Gloss I got but also major swirls. A couple of questions if you have time. 1. How long did you wait before buffing resin? I took my sanding to 220/240 like you suggested. Looked good enough to proceed. Wet sanded to 4000. Stopped at 4000 and went ahead and began the buffing. Nice gloss at the end but noticed the swirls…ugh. Went back down to 220 and tried again. Same end result. 2. Wet sanding. Damp or wet? I’ll assume wet. Trying to figure out where the swirls came in. I think it came in at the first buffing stage. 2200 seems too high and may have scratched the finish…? 3. How far back should I have gone to remove swirls? Should I go as far back as 80 or 120? 4. Lastly, how do I know when I should get a new pad? Care tips with used sandpaper and buffing pads? In the end I’m thinking I didn’t wait long enough for the resin to fully cure? Waited about 2 weeks. Full cure 30 days…? Thank yiu in advance. Keep the videos coming. JB…aka…All for the Love of Cedar”

[@lumo9701]

Same here, I just found blacktail and he mentioned you and as an resin enthusiast. I couldn’t miss subscribing and like. Thanks for your dedication and knowledge and more of all sharing.

[@williamwolfe3277]

The bubbles tell me it’s made by hand, great job, great video!

[@patricklemieux8963]

Ah! Finally a great, comprehensive video on how to make a bar table epoxy finish not just clear but smooth too. THANK YOU!! I've been working on my table for months and this is where I'm at. One question: how long do you estimate you spent to go from original, rough sanded table to the final product for this particular case?

[@woodchopper5216]

Nice video mate. As with most worthwhile things in life, taking your time and not skipping any steps is the way to go.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you! I like where your heads at, I'm with you!

[@MaryWehmeier]

Great instruction. Need to do some plexi. Will use this info. Thanks!

[@rrhett2119]

DAAAAAAAMN SON! That's nice. I've never seen epoxy polished so well.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you for that!!

[@scott98390]

Blacktail Studio sent me your way - great channel!

[@dalepage5511]

Matt, you do a fine job with your projects and your techniques. I've learned so much from KZbin videos and yours are among the best.. That's why I subscribed. When I hear loud music like the one I commented on, I turn off the sound or exit from the program. No one watches any how-to video because of the music. If you watch enough videos, you'll see that teen-ager music is not what most of your viewers would select to play for themselves. To answer your question, "No." Any music is not better than no music. No music is better than something that interrupts the crafting experience I clicked on to watch. Thanks for answering. It's your show and you can play what you wish.

[@MattsWoodworks]

This is great feedback Dale! Just bought a set up for voice over, appreciate all of your input!

[@adamakaru2683]

Matt, you work have, so much energy and gravity I get hoked on it. Thank you man and keep us all informed of new projects.

[@oneringruler1986]

Black Tail brought me here, happy to see your channel blowing up!

[@drummerman1206]

Wow. The algorithm sent me here. Great video and what a great polish you put on that piece. Thank you so much for the info. I’ll have to check that stuff out.

[@MattsWoodworks]

My pleasure, thank you for watching!

[@markrobbins1018]

Awesome craftsmanship, thanks Cam from Blacktail Studio for the heads up

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you very much Mark! Happy you came over!

[@cindyshirey8561]

Wonderful Job ! Got your sight info from Blacktail Studio. Look forward to more Matt's Woodworks ! Thanks!

[@whatsupwithsteve]

Awwesome, finally...thanks!!! I'm getting the pour down pat but hung up on the glass look. this should do the trick..:)

[@robertsonmiller]

Thank you for this video. I followed your steps on my table. The result was great, like glass.

[@TheWoodWerker]

BlackTail Studio recommended your Channel & I’m glad he did!..Thumbs Up and Subbed!...Great Video AND Channel Matt! Looking forward to seeing all your content both past & present. Good Luck in your journey, I wish you MUCH SUCCESS! Have A Super Week!.....Gus

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you my friend, super glad you came over and sub'd!! I have some super fun projects Ill be showcasing this year, stay tuned!

[@dokternooter933]

great project. i also tried to go from 320 all the way up tot 4000 and then 3 types of polish. use a festool rotex sander. up to 1500 it has holes for the vacuumsystem. Nevertheless I still get pigtails. with the vacuumsystem you cannot use water. what would you suggest? are the pigtails the result of insufficient cleaning in between? the pigtails also will not vanish with a next poor of epoxy. suggestions? kind regards. love your video!

[@MattsWoodworks]

The pig tails are a result of not cleaning properly between grits, also after 320 I take the vac system off and just wet sand.. Clean clean clean!

[@walterfaets1490]

Love the finish. Is it scratch resistant, if not, is there any "polishing" compounds that will make a resin table scratch resistant? Thank you

[@timshelton4303]

yes there is, but it dulls the shine out a bit. look on amazon you will find it

[@bigjmacg]

Blacktail studio sent me. Happy to see your work. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MattsWoodworks]

Happy you came over!

[@atasoy]

Hi there; I want to buy a Mirka Deros to sand my epoxy work. There are two options in front of me, which one I choose will give me a better performance and result. Mirka Deros orbit 5.0 or Mirka Deros orbit 2.5?

[@anthonyfortier8765]

Great video. The only thing I would add, because I've been asked a lot and I feel there is a lot of misinformation, is why you switch to wet sanding. People seem convinced it's more aggressive. In a way it kind of is, but the point is to "wash" away the sanding dust and keep the paper clean, while also keeping the surface cool so the material doesn't soften and ball up causing all kinds of other issues.

[@MiloTheHusky]

Good stuff man, I work with acrylic and I learned something here thanks 😊

[@Saiyanthou]

Hey Matt, came here from BlackTail Studio. Really cool stuff. I'll be watching!

[@jamespaynewoodworking9854]

Great video Matt, thanks for listing your products, going to change a few of the ones I use and try some of these!

[@MattsWoodworks]

My pleasure James, glad you dig the video!🙏🏻

[@weederminb7091]

Never a fail just gives character

[@MattsWoodworks]

I'll take it!

[@bullyakker]

Found ya via Blacktail studios.. Nice video on finishing!!

[@neovisionservicesgroup5031]

Thank you for the straightforward video Matt

[@lisapie777]

Cam from Blacktail said you were awesome. And he was right! Hope your channel takes off

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you so much for coming over Lisa! I do to hah

[@BoomerKeith1]

Matt, can you do a video about how to do a resin pour and get the results you have in this video (I know this wasn't a perfect pour, but better than most of what I've done!)? Bubbles are always an issue for me!

[@MattsWoodworks]

I may consider this!

[@deborahtolliver421]

I did my countertops in slices of wood. Wasn’t sure how to make it shine, Thank You

[@filament1860]

Best video ive seen for this. Thank you. People like to keep it a secret.

[@colinpeake6612]

Thats all videos watched now. You are very talented mate. When is the next one? Looking forward to seeing the finished root table.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Wow thank you Colin! I’m making a “who has the clearest resin” test/video next! Root table is coming too soon!👊🏻

[@jordancurtis1]

I'm also here from blackmail studio love wood working so I'm here to subscribe and enjoy your video.

[@Moonmoonmurica]

Came in through blacktail, subd on the intro. Blacktails show case of your stuff was incredible. Im glad to be here man.

[@Moonmoonmurica]

Also, how many years has it taken you to get to this point? I cant imagine making a non glass something and making it look like this so great job!

[@MattsWoodworks]

@@Moonmoonmurica Thank you for the sub my friend!! I have been in this space for 6 years now!

[@SY-oy7st]

It’s unbelievably beautiful.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@Clamlifenc]

Beautiful work and you surely taking your time, I'm so lazy to go through a million stops like you but I admire your patients!

[@tripled5340]

Matt great detailed video...I spent a few years to perfect the polish all the way up to 4K pads, technique and polish...never did I get a clear finish like I do with a Flood Coat...there are times I would like to just polish, but gave it up...I saved the video, maybe Ill try again with each of your steps when one of my projects call for it!!

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you! I agree it's always been almost impossible to get that "flood coat" look, but after seeking help from a few automotive buddies I was able to (with tremendous amounts of patients) get a really good result. Good luck!

[@Dragonuv2002]

I was hoping you’d clean up and polish the round sides, that’s where most people have the most problems. Higher grits aren’t too bad, but with the lower grits it’s easy to create flat spots, sand off the sharp edges, or get the piece out of round. The piece you did looks amazing.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Could be a future video, I didn't because it takes a little longer, I use the same process myself and it seems to work great. T'hank you for the kind words!

[@brymac8904]

Stunning, Blacktail was right about you and your channel. Best wishes.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you for coming over Bry!

[@seansuttles1813]

That is one expensive mess up! Beautiful polishing job. Thanks for showing how!

[@sinbincreations]

Here via a Blacktail vid and my man, you have a new subscriber 👌

[@elenan9230]

Hi! Great video! Very informative!! Thanks for your efforts! Never saw you before but will definitely watch your videos from now one👍 I’m sitting here now with same dewalt machine and then I saw a video of an automotive guy, and he said that dual action machine was the best, since it doesn’t heat up so much and polishes better. then I saw other guys comparing dual action, rotary and forced action on the same good and they concluded that dual action was actually first one to burn through paint 😫😫😫😫😫😫 so now I sit and can’t choose which one to leave and which one to return Any comment on that? I wanted to go have a look which machine blacktail studio guy has, since Cam had a very nice comment that all these great machines are specifically for people who are not pro’s and make their life much easier..

[@dannyjacob]

Would love to see how you can achieve similar glasslike finish on the edges.

[@MattsWoodworks]

I was going to display this, but it's the exact same process just super time consuming. After 320 grit I do my router edge work and then continue the process.

[@wynanddutoit104]

@@MattsWoodworks Can you post a picture after you have done the sides?

[@briankalanda5885]

Hi there from Toronto! So appreciate the info. I could not find your list of products (including the sander). I just started epoxy pours and your list would be a HUGE saver versus trial and error. Many thanks.

[@juanitov214]

@blacktailstudio brought me here... subscribed.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Shweet!! Thank you!!

[@terryb2389]

Awesome finish! I've never been able to get a finish that great. I learned alot thanks!

[@MattsWoodworks]

Great, glad you learned something!

[@JesusFan]

Here from Blacktail Studio recommendation. Love the channel sub'd!

[@josephsmith1210]

Hello Matt, Cam sent me. Great work. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Great, thank you for coming over!!

[@stoobdogg9056]

Came over on the advice of blacktail studios glad I did very enjoyable 👍

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you for coming over Stuart!

[@cody1612]

So the last stuff you used is considered the finish. No need to apply an oil finish to it. About to do my first clear epoxy pour in the next week or so. Thanks for the video. You got my sub

[@MattsWoodworks]

I'd say this is the final step in this process and no need for any oil, you can take it a step further and add a nano coating, just depends on how far you'd like to take it. Glad you sub'd!!

[@cody1612]

@@MattsWoodworksappreciate the knowledge. Look forward to more of your videos.

[@waterlilly62lori]

I'd be ecstatic if I could get my resin to look like this. What brand sandpaper?

[@bradleytuckwell4854]

Came over from blacktail love that process and dig your channel oops thanks for the links

[@dragan3290]

Oh Damn. I'm still trying to get 5000grit. In Australia I was lucky to find 3000 grit. That is awesome!

[@leonardmartin5145]

Bubbles look cool!!

[@ccgsales]

Quick question... you wet sand up to 8000, but then use the 3M #1 and #2 ... isn't #1 about 1200 grit and #2 about 2000 grit? I tried with 3M and Maguires 105-205 (roughly the same grit as 3M) but I just can't get out the swirls. Am I pressing too hard or too soft? I really want to polish rather than add another flood coat to get it glassy, But I can't figure out how to get the polish as glassy as you.

[@jbucha48]

Great video. I used to cut and polish gemstones basically the same idea. Enjoyed the vid.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@karmensimonson1101]

Cam from Blacktail suggested your channel, already subscribed. Love your channel

[@BC-ni3sk]

Beautiful finish! Blacktail Studio tip to come here, glad I did.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Glad you came over!!

[@lloydslures1987]

Hello Hi I started a epoxy resin table project for the first time. I have had mixed results as far as learning to work with epoxy resin. I'm a custom wood lure maker, so trying something new with epoxy resin.

[@roxoriginal732]

This video deserves aa award I totally got everything you said ,answered a lot of questions nice one fella i subbed straight after top vid 👌

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thats awesome, glad you came over and thank you for staying!

[@naptownsfinest2345]

Man dude I still love it with the bubbles

[@MattsWoodworks]

right on, glad you do!

[@rosascreativeworks5403]

I definitely need to up my game polishing epoxy. Nice video. Beautiful table. 💙💛👍😎

[@angelmom916]

That would make an awesome clock or wall hanging..as well as a table..Imperfections are expected..We live in an imperfect world...Handmade with love items always have imperfections...My algorithms sent me and glad it did...Subbed immediately ...Thanks for sharing your knowledge...♥️

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you for the sub, and I totally thought about a clock!!

[@mrjc4949]

Awesome video. Thank you for sharing !!

[@maxwellpowers]

Found you through Blacktail Studio cool video!

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you for coming over!

[@Rd-kj1xk]

Hey Matt, 3 questions. A) Can you do this process with Table Top epoxy in art pieces (final top coat)? B) if you have imperfections like divots/indentations on your final clear coat, will this process make them disappear and make the piece look perfect? C) if I want to apply a UV varnish to protect the piece from sun (like bristol clear, or other urethane varnish) when is the exact moment during the process you showed to apply it? After the final wax? Or way before? Thanks a lot!

[@MattsWoodworks]

Hey Rodrigo! A: Yes you absolutely can! Table top epoxy is usually harder anyways, so it'll polish out nice! B: Yes it will, If you're doing a table top coat, and you have imperfections, I would start at a higher grit like 600-800 so it saves you time, just enough to get the imperfections out, then proceed to higher grits/polishing. C: I personally wouldn't add any varnish to something like this, it would yellow or amber faster than the epoxy to be honest (granite you choose a good epoxy brand). I would look into maybe a nano coating as a final step! Hope this helps!

[@naginbhaiparmar9524]

Give me the detail list of electric grinder, buffing machine and other buffing wheel Name and brand so it is easy for us for my other job of epoxy an polyester both I need mirror finish but which machine and accessories is useful I don't know Pl do the needful Thanks N.LP

[@AndrewConway]

Found this, did this... Came out great... Thank You

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@jerryjussila8777]

Great video man, so helpful! Just a couple of questions: Do you start wet sanding with the abranet discs (320)? How do finish the sides? I have the mirka deros aswell, best thing ever - been kinda shy to use it to water sand since it's electric, but i guess its ok!

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you Jerry! I start wet sanding @320 with the abranet too yes! Sides I do all the same process just didn’t show in the video, usually would router the circle first. I’ve used the deros for wet sanding for quite a while and it’s holding strong! You will burn through the pad savers quicker though! 👊🏻

[@Tonewood]

This is great! If you could do a tutorial on how to pour epoxy without any bubbles, let me know! 😊

[@MattsWoodworks]

I could do that, possibly! :)

[@timwoolston1011]

Matt, have you ever tried to put the resin in a vacuum chamber prior to the pour? It removes the micro bubbles in the resin. I do this with acrylic resins and it makes all the difference in the world. If not it would be worth a try on a sample piece…

[@timwoolston1011]

😂 never mind the next video I watched, you were doing exactly what I was talking about!

[@dela1]

I will love it if you do this on varnished wood....what will the result look like

[@dela1]

Woooooooooooow I'm amazed Super clear finish

[@racheltreherne5607]

As per the recommend......Love your work!

[@dowdyc57]

Do you change the process at all when you have the wood exposed along with the epoxy?

[@brianruesch2930]

Wondering the same thing

[@MattsWoodworks]

I will be launching a video on this process this year!

[@aydinj3894]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience! Fascinating. Thank you. 😊🌳

[@MattsWoodworks]

Absolutely my pleasure!

[@Liedragon]

Came over from Blacktail. Im looking forward to your videos!

[@mpakirk]

Can this process be used if the wood is exposed on the surface? So you would be polishing wood and resin at the same time.

[@clintonmiller4917]

Here from Blacktail. Good luck to you young man. Good work

[@MattsWoodworks]

Welcome, thank you for coming over!

[@daveross1968]

Those bubbles are not always bad. Add a light to underside of table out of sight. So that you can get epoxy to glow, then the bubbles enhance the look

[@williamharris6301]

True. I do Led lights Wall pieces using fall leaves. I actually insert pieces of cling wrap and sea salt in the back to make ut look like ice on a pond. I welcome bubbles

[@daveross1968]

@@williamharris6301 I love to see your work

[@rayadouno7811]

Looks amazing! Being new to this I wish there was a brief explanation of the timing on sanding and of the polishing conpounds!

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you, I would say it's best to sand as long as you need to in order to get the previous scratches out. Usually I'll make a left/right then up/down (crosshatch) pass 5-6 times and that usually will do the trick! Polishing, you'll need to concentrate mostly on step one with the wool pad, doing this step as many times until all pig tails/scratches are gone! Hope that helps!

[@rayadouno7811]

@@MattsWoodworks Wow 😳 Thanks for the reply! I am gonna attempt my very first round table and have no experience whatsoever. But watching your video made the final push to go for it! 🙌🏼

[@johnflynn4148]

Came over due to a mention on Blacktail Studio. Great work!

[@firestarter2793]

Stunning. Thank you for sharing. Regards Lee (UK)

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you for watching!

[@terrymiller552]

Thanks to Blacktail Studios fo letting me know about your channel.

[@stanktank9722]

Where did all the bubbles come from? Wrong shop temp? Love your vids man. So what are you doing with that failed piece? I'll throw some legs on it and make it a anniversary gift lol.

[@craigpierson7675]

Hi Matt! Awesome Video! I can't seem to find your product list, could you please let me know where it is? Thank you!

[@MattsWoodworks]

Hi Craig, it's in the video's description :)

[@Corewood_TJP]

Quite beautiful, even with the bubbles. 🙂

[@taqukaqyupik2802]

Great video! Really hard to hide any imperfections when you can get that kind of finish.

[@MattsWoodworks]

Thank you! They really came out after I was done, haha!

[@rossfontana9718]

Realistically what is the difference I in seeking opportunity In perfect condition that size what could you have got? Correct condition what could you expect to sell for?