People deliberately use the technique of sanding to attain a clear shiny surface of the epoxy resin. But they fail to achieve their goal and end up spoiling their whole project.
Little did they know that this ninja technique of time has to be followed religiously, or the whole project will get destroyed.
If you are also among them, then, fortunately, you are at the right place now! Read the complete article to know how long to wait before sanding epoxy, along with some additional concepts of sanding.
Table of Contents
Sanding and the theory of its types –
Sanding is a simple technique after curing epoxy resin to make the resin surface regular and ready for polishing. The main aim is to attain epoxy resin’s clear, shiny, and glossy look.
As already discussed here, Sanding is of two types:
1. Dry sanding, and
2. Wet sanding.
Both of these follow a proper procedural method and works wonder if done with the best sandpaper for epoxy resin.
I suggest using waterproof sandpaper, which is a closed coat, silicon carbide when relying on wet sanding because it ensures better elimination of clogging dust.
How long to wait before sanding epoxy resin?
Practically, epoxy cuts easiest after curing for around 24 hours. It gets in alignment gradually after 48 hours and more. For this time being, it gets fixed enough to be cut but even then lacks strengthening mechanical properties.
When sanding your epoxy resin with sandpaper, you will be surprised how it turns dull quickly after just a minimum number of rubs.
Sandpaper also has grains that get clogged easily with the residues of the resin, and that’s why it is essential to clean and replace the snapper accordingly and regularly.
Well, several factors must be considered when deciding how long you should wait before sanding your epoxy resin.
But on a rough note, you should wait for 48 hours minimum before proceeding with the sanding, as the epoxy resin must be completely dry before sanding.
If you are pouring your epoxy resin in layers, you should at least wait 24 hours, sand down your whole project with coarse sandpaper to create some tooth and then pour the second coat immediately.
To know how to sand your epoxy resin, Click Here.
If you are promptly relying on oil-based epoxy, then you will have to keep a bit more patience for 72 Hours.
Also, you should avoid using excessive pressure with your sandpaper on the epoxy surface as it will damage the outer and well as uncured inner surface of your epoxy resin.
What will happen if sanding is done on an uncured epoxy?
Sanding is preferably done with the help of sandpaper (Check what sandpaper you use to sand epoxy resin) after curing the epoxy resin.
Before it gets wholly cured, opting for sanding the epoxy resin may alter the goal as the surface will invite a lot of dust particles to settle down on it, thus destroying the whole finishing of the project.
Additionally, suppose you will not give enough time to your epoxy resin to get cured completely. In that case, it may give rise to problems like bubble formation, thus affecting adhesion and durability.
It is, therefore, necessary for you to wait sufficiently before proceeding with sanding or else be ready to face difficult-to-handle complications.
How to find out whether the epoxy resin is completely cured or not?
Epoxy resin has a particular curing time. Curing time is the time the epoxy takes to dry entirely from within. It may take more time than expected, as epoxy resin casting requires much of your patience.
If I’m not wrong, you tend to check the state of your epoxy resin with your fingers. This is one of the biggest mistakes you would make in the princess of epoxy resin casting because if it has not cured completely, it may make your fingerprints last on the surface, destroying the whole project.
Well, let us know how to check whether the epoxy is cured or just mocking us.
To check whether the epoxy resin is completely cured, observe your epoxy from the edges and follow the circle pattern to observe it carefully. It might not have entirely cured if it appeared more shiny and damped.
You are not needed to check your epoxy resin often, as any disturbance in the uncured resin can alter your desired product of epoxy resin casting. Get a tea and sit on the couch for at least 24 hours.
FAQ’s –
1. Why my epoxy appears and feels to be bumpy?
Well, this is a critical situation for your epoxy resin, especially when you are trying to get a masterpiece. The bumpy appearance may result from some unwanted stuff falling into your epoxy or its tendency to trap the air to form bubbles when it is cured.
To avoid this, make sure to protect your epoxy resin even when it is curring and follow all the protective measures to birth the bubbles.
2. Can I sand and buff epoxy resin without facing any severe side effects?
Yes, you can sand your epoxy resin and even buff it. Sanding is an excellent process to make epoxy resin regular and ready for polishing which will, in turn, make the surface of epoxy resin glossy and shiny.
Read the complete article here for detailed information on whether you can sand epoxy resin without any side effects.
3. Can I sand epoxy resin and recoat?
Yes, you can sand your epoxy resin and recoat. But for the same, you will be required to wait for at least 24 hours so the layer of epoxy resin gets cured entirely, and use a vacuum to remove dust before pouring the next layer.
Failing to do so can force you to face quality-based severe complications.
Conclusion –
So, on reaching here, I hope you understand well how long to wait before sanding epoxy. Patience is the real key in the process of epoxy resin casting, and you have to own the same in abundance to get a masterpiece out of the process.
The sanding process needs proper technique, patience, and the best sandpaper with the correct grit (I confronted this article to know about the grit in detail, and personally will suggest you check and consider the same).
Share your experience sanding the epoxy resin in the comment section to let others know how it could be enjoyable. Happy Epoxy Resin Casting!