If you have a piece of jewelry or a table that is looking a little dull or scratchy, it may be time to give it a polish.The best way to get back the brilliance of the first time you made it is with polishing.Cleaning, sanding, and applying a polishing compound to your piece is all that is required for polishing.
Step 1: If you have to clean your piece, use warm water and soap.
Put a sponge in water and scrub it with it.Before you begin sanding the piece, make sure you have removed any dirt, mold, or grime.If you want to clean a small piece of resin that isn't really dirty, you can dip it in the soapy water.
Step 2: If you want to remove scratches, you must wet sand the resin.
You can either spray water on your piece or dip it in water to get it wet before smoothing it out.Before moving on to the next step, you need to sand the entire surface.If you want a smooth finish and less dust, wet sanding is the way to go.You don't want to inhale airborne particles if you wear a mask.It's important to use wet or dry sandpaper.Ordinary sandpaper won't work when it's wet, but wet sandpaper is specifically designed to hold up.
Step 3: You should repeat the sanding process with sandpaper.
After you have sanded your resin, you need to sand it again with 600, 800, 1000, and 1500 grit sandpapers.If you remove any scratches that the coarser sandpaper couldn't take care of, you'll have a smooth finish.Make sure all of the surfaces are sanded before moving on.If you want to achieve a smooth finish, you can use 2000 grit sandpaper.In most instances, you don't need to go this far in order to get your smooth.
Step 4: You can dry off your piece by wiping it with a towel.
Before you apply the polishing compound, make sure the leftover aggregate from the sanding process is completely removed.This will allow you to do a final check for scratches that still need to be sanded out.A visual Scan can be used to check for scratches.Continue sanding until they are gone, if you see any.The water will make it easier to see scratches.
Step 5: The polishing compound needs to be applied to the surface of the resin.
Apply the compound liberally so that it can be uniformly spread.A polishing compound labelled as a fine scratch remover is the best for best results.Turtle Wax Polishing Compound is labeled as being effective at removing scratches from resin.Most home improvement stores sell this type of product.You can use an automobile polishing compound.
Step 6: A microfiber cloth can be used to rub the compound into the small piece.
Use firm pressure to polish the piece.Extra pressure should be applied to the areas that have visible scratches.
Step 7: A buffing wheel or polishing tool is needed.
Attach the buffing wheel to the power drill or motor and move it along the surface of the resin to polish it.Keep the wheel moving in a circular motion and spin it at 1200rpm.Most home improvement stores and automobile parts stores have buffing wheels and polishing tools.
Step 8: Continue polishing until it is shiny and smooth
Rub the piece with your microfiber cloth until it has a glossy finish and is as smooth as you want it to be.As you polish it, it will get better and better, so stop polishing it whenever you want.If there is a haze or compound left on your piece after polishing it, use a microfiber cloth to wipe it off.