After finishing a stunning flood coat on one of your epoxy projects, you are looking at that glossy shiny finish and wondering: do you need to polish epoxy after flood coat? Don't worry, we have got you covered. This blog is everything you need to know about epoxy polish.
A short and simple answer to this question is going to be, no! Polishing epoxy after a flood coat is not always necessary. but if you want to achieve that glassy sleek look or a perfectly professional finish, then polishing is the key that can change your surface and give it a more spectacular finish.
Let’s discuss it in detail:
Before discussing what happens after the flood coat, it's important to know what a flood coat is first. So, a flood coat is referred to as the final or the last pour. This final pour leaves your furniture with a thick, dense, and self-leveling layer of epoxy.
Ideally, this last layer is supposed to be smooth and glossy but sometimes things don’t go as planned and tiny imperfections make their way into it. These imperfections can be caused by anything such as, dust nibs, microbubbles, or uneven sheen. That is when polishing epoxy enters like a hero and becomes your best friend.
Here is the main question, when should you consider polishing epoxy after the flood coat? As we know, timing is everything when working with epoxy resin, so here are three best times where you can polish epoxy after the final pour.
But how exactly can you get the best polish for epoxy resin?
That is a great question, can you use palm sander to sand seal coat epoxy? Yes! Sanding seal coat epoxy is a common and very important step before the flood coat too.
A palm sander will flatten out any uneven surface or raised spots, particularly in the seal coat stage. Just be sure to wet sand using fine-grit paper (320-600 grit) and maintain even pressure. This prepares your surface for a flood coat or polishing afterwards.
Once your epoxy is fully cured, it’s time to smooth, buff, and shine.
Using a buffing compound for epoxy helps smooth the surface and bring out the depth of the finish. Epoxy floor polishing compound is highly recommended if you are working on floors. They are best suited with larger areas and are a bit more heavy-duty.
There are multiple options, but the best polish for epoxy resin usually includes:
Are you confused about which one to choose? Don't worry, if you're not sure what to get, using a complete epoxy polishing kit is the best way to begin. This kit has everything you need for polishing epoxy, from epoxy polishing compound to applicator pads and buffing tools.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide that will help to make your surface shine like glass:
Always do a small test spot before polishing the entire area. And if you’re working with epoxy floors, use a floor buffer and epoxy floor polishing compound for even coverage.
Polishing is not mandatory, it is optional. It best works for those who are looking to bring out maximum clarity, depth, and durability of their epoxy surface, it’s for sure a game changer.
And for businesses or homeowners using Platinum Epoxy, polishing can help seal the deal on an already premium finish.
To sum up the blog, do you need to polish epoxy after flood coat? Not always, but when you do, make sure to use the right tools, the best polish for epoxy resin, and don’t forget to buff it, but be gentle, we don't want to ruin the surface in order to get that shine.
Whether you’re working on floors, countertops, or custom art, polishing your epoxy surface is the final touch that turns a great project into an exceptional one.
And if you want your polish to be done like a professional contact us at Platinum Epoxy, an organization where excellence isn’t optional, it’s expected.
Do you need to polish epoxy after flood coat every time?
Not necessarily. When the surface cures up smooth and glossy, you don't need to polish. However, it enhances clarity and takes away any defects.
What’s the best polishing compound for epoxy resin?
Use non-silicone, fine-abrasive epoxy resin polishing compound that are designed to polish epoxy resin.
Can I use an epoxy resin polishing compound on a countertop?
Yes, you can. Just make sure that it's food-safe and is made to use for indoor surfaces.
What’s the difference between an epoxy polish and a buffing compound for epoxy?
They tend to perform the same job. Yet "buffing compound" tends to have slightly rougher grit, whereas "polish" is used for finer finishing.
Should I use an epoxy polishing kit for small projects?
Yes, definitely! Epoxy polishing kit is perfect for beginners or projects that are made one time or for single use.
