How to get a matte finish with resin?

Epoxy resin is valued for its high gloss protection, but there are times when you may desire a more subdued appearance for your artwork.

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Typical matting agents for epoxy resin can be quite hazardous, but did you know that by utilizing some wet sandpaper, wax, and a bit of effort, you can achieve a beautiful non-gloss finish without any toxic chemicals? It’s true!

Is it easy to do? Absolutely!
Does it look good? Very much so!

Let’s delve deeper...

In addition to avoiding toxic solvents, the method of wet sanding and waxing your resin surface allows you to control the exact amount of shine on your finish: polish more for a shiny surface or less for a matte surface. Either way, you can achieve a stunning, buttery smooth, matte finish without sacrificing any of the protection and color saturation that ArtResin provides your artwork.

What You'll Need:

- A piece of artwork coated with resin, cured for 72 hours before sanding.

TIP: One coat of ArtResin should suffice for light sanding to adjust the finish, but feel free to apply a second coat for added assurance.

- A dust mask

Always wear a protective mask while sanding resin to avoid inhaling dust particles.

- Wet/dry sandpaper in various fine and extra fine grits

TIP: Fine and extra fine paper will be sufficient for sanding only to change the finish - examples include 320 and 600 grit. Ensure you use WET/DRY sandpaper.

- Electric sander

Small pieces can generally be sanded by hand, but for larger items, an electric sander is advisable.

- Spray bottle of water

This will be necessary to moisten your piece while sanding.

- Lint-free cloth

Shop towels from your local hardware store can be utilized.

- Non-toxic wax and soft, lint-free cloths

A non-toxic, food-grade cutting board wax works well, though furniture wax can be a good alternative too. For wood items, consider oils such as mineral oil or Tung oil, complemented by a wax coat for a buttery finish.

How To Sand Resin To Get A Matte Finish:

1. SPRAY DOWN THE SURFACE

Utilize your spray bottle to generously dampen the surface of your artwork.
TIP: Wet sanding stops micro dust particles from scratching the resin, providing a finer, smoother finish compared to dry sanding.

2. SAND DOWN THE WET RESIN

Wearing a dust mask, sand the wet resin surface with the 320 grit sandpaper, using either hand or an orbital sander. A paste will form as the sanding residue mixes with the water. When the paste becomes thick and dry, it’s time to stop.
IMPORTANT: Always wear a dust mask when sanding epoxy resin, whether wet or dry, to avoid inhaling particles.

3. SPRAY DOWN & WIPE OFF THE PASTE

Once again, generously spray the sanded surface and wipe off the paste using a lint-free paper towel. Repeat the wet sanding and wiping process 2-3 times until the surface is perfectly smooth and devoid of scratch marks.

4. REPEAT

Repeat the process 2-3 times with the 600 grit sandpaper after achieving a smooth surface.
TIP: Ensure the resin surface is evenly sanded before moving on to the next grit.

5. SPRAY WITH WATER, WIPE & DRY THOROUGHLY

After removing all sanding marks, spray your piece with water and wipe it clean. Continue this until all sanding residue is eliminated. Ensure thorough drying before applying a generous coat of wax with a soft, lint-free cloth. Polish in a circular motion, stopping when the finish reaches your desired smoothness.
TIP: If any haze remains, use a fresh cloth to wipe it off. You can use an electric polisher at this stage, but be aware that the resin will become shinier as you polish.

Voila! You now have a stunning, silky smooth, matte finish on your artwork!

There you have it!
Two choices for your artwork ... matte or shiny!
Your ArtResin finish is your choice!

We hope this encourages you to experiment with creating a matte finish using ArtResin - please share your tips, comments, and questions below!

Interested in more resin art insights? Explore our blogs:
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