In this tutorial, learn how to get a matte finish on epoxy. Also, I show you how to easily sand and refinish any epoxy surface.
In fact, I use this technique to control epoxy sheen levels to get a satin, eggshell, semi gloss, or matte finish on all my epoxy projects.
I included a FREE resin calculator at the end of this post, so download a copy before you go.
So, let’s get started with a list of things I used for this project
Tools I Used
Soft Sanding Pad
HEPA Dust Extractor
120 grit Sandpaper
150 grit Sandpaper
180 grit Sandpaper
220 grit Sandpaper
320 grit Sandpaper
Felt Buffing Pad
Applicator Pad for Oil
Odie’s Oil
Video Tutorial
There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial below!
Sand Epoxy
First, I use a specific epoxy sanding technique to get a matte resin finish.
I sand the surface with 120, 150, 180, 220, and 320 grit sandpaper.
Also, I use a specific sander and dust extractor to sand epoxy resin.
The dust extractor attaches to my sander reduces resin dust and eliminates build-up.
Obviously, resin build-up while sanding creates burn marks on the epoxy surface.
In order to get a matte finish on epoxy, I use my Festool RO125 in rotex mode and a soft sanding pad.
Next, I sand across the surface with 1 or 2 passes and remove the resin build up on the sandpaper with an air compressor.
Also, I overlap each pass with the previous pass by a few inches to prevent sanding lines.
Then, I sand the epoxy surface in the opposite direction (with the grain or the longer direction).
DIY Epoxy Final Sanding
I repeat this step for each sandpaper grit.
How to Finish Epoxy Resin
Sanding and finishing epoxy resin properly are the most important aspects of this project.
After all, the point of writing this tutorial is to teach you how to get a matte finish on epoxy and wood.
Of the 4 epoxy wood finishes, I use Odie’s Oil when I want a matte resin finish.
More importantly, the final sanding grit determines the sheen level of Odie’s Oil.
Since I want to achieve a matte finish on this epoxy table, my final sanding grit was 320 grit.
I find any grit under 400 leaves a low sheen (flat or matte).
Clean Surface
To clean the surface after sanding, I use a damp cloth.
Then, I verify no sanding swirls or pigtails exist on the epoxy.
Apply Odie’s Oil Finish
After I cleaned the surface, I applied Odie’s Oil to the epoxy resin and wood surface.
First, I stirred Odie’s Oil until the consistency resembled honey.
Next, I saturated a non-woven applicator pad with Odie’s Oil.
Then, I worked the oil into the surface.
I allowed the Odie’s Oil to sit for about an hour and performed the fingerprint test.
Essentially, the oil is ready when I leave a mark across the surface after wiping my finger across it.
Remove and Buff Odie’s Oil
To remove the excess Odie’s Oil, I wiped the epoxy surface with a terry towel.
Next, I used my festool felt pad to remove the remaining oil.
The felt pad really helps bring the surface to life.
Matte Epoxy Finish
As you can see, this epoxy ocean art proves a matte finish on epoxy looks great.
Conclusion
The combination of sanding with the correct sandpaper grit and using Odie’s Oil finish makes it possible to achieve an epoxy matte finish.
Additionally, this technique works to get a satin epoxy finish as well.
Please leave a comment down below if you have questions or tips on how to get a matte finish on epoxy.
Free Resin Calculator
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