Not sure what grit for seal coat epoxy? Don’t worry, we have got you covered. Let’s learn how to sand epoxy like a professional and avoid ruining your finish with the wrong grit.
If you’ve ever stood over a floor wondering what grit for seal coat epoxy you need, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a DIYer with a palm sander or a contractor with years of experience and expertise, choosing the right grit can bring a huge difference between a glassy-smooth finish and a complete do-over.
Let’s stop with the confusion right here and discuss what really matters when sanding between epoxy seal coats and why it’s not just about the number on the sandpaper.
At Illinois Epoxy Coatings, we believe great floors aren’t just made, they’re finished with care. Whether it’s residential garages, industrial warehouses, or commercial showrooms, our epoxy flooring services cover it all.
Gentle sanding and choosing the right grit is important for the tight grip between epoxy layers. Epoxy might dry hard as a rock, but it's not that easy. Each new layer needs a little bit of roughness to have a grip on the layer beneath it, this is where sanding takes place, therefore choosing the right grit is important for a glassy finish.
Use too fine a grit? Your next coat may slide right off.
Use too rough? You’ll leave deep scratches that show through.
The following table provides a quick review on what is the recommended grit for sanding between seal coats epoxy:
When people ask what grit to sand epoxy between coats, 220 is often the best recommended. It gives just enough abrasion to help the next layer stick, without ruining or damaging your smooth finish.
Yes definitely, a palm sander for epoxy work is common and a go to tool for many professionals and DIYers. It’s lightweight, easy to control, and won’t scratch or scrape the surface, only if you are not using low grit sandpaper. Just make sure to clean the surface thoroughly before and after sanding.
Still wondering can you use a palm sander to sand seal coat epoxy? The answer is a solid yes, as long as your grit choice is right and you don't apply too much pressure.
Epoxy coatings and epoxy resin are related but they are not exactly the same. Epoxy resin is often more aesthetic and artistic, whereas epoxy coating is built for performance and durability. If you’re working with epoxy resin, not just coatings, the approach is similar. For rough leveling: start at 120 grit. For fine sanding before polishing or recoating: go for 220 grit or even higher.
And yes, if you're curious, you can seal sand in epoxy resin, but that's a completely different game.That’s more of a decorative effect, where you mix clean, dry sand directly into the resin. It looks cool, but it doesn’t replace sanding between coats.
If there’s one takeaway from this guide, it’s that what grit for seal coat epoxy. It's not just a throwback question, it’s your way to a flawless finish. Whether you're using a palm sander, sanding by hand, or debating what grit to use on seal coat, the highly recommended grit range is between 180–220, make sure to keep your surface clean, and be patient with your curing times.
Got questions about your next epoxy project? Reach out to our team. We’re always ready to grit, gloss, and everything in between.
Q1. What grit to sand seal coat epoxy between layers?
The best range is 180 to 220 grit for sanding between seal coat epoxy. It brushes the surface just right enough to help the next layer bond properly, without leaving visible scratches.
Q2. Can you use a palm sander for epoxy?
Yes, a palm sander for epoxy works best for most seal coat jobs. It gives you control, consistency, and a smooth finish, just don’t forget to clean off the dust between the epoxy layers.
Q3. What grit sandpaper for epoxy resin polishing?
For polishing epoxy resin, begin with a 400 or 600 grit, then gradually work up to 1000+ if you want a glass-like shine. But for sanding between coats, stick with 220.
Q4. Can you seal sand in epoxy resin?
You can, but it’s more decorative than structural. Clean, dry sand can be mixed into epoxy resin to create textured finishes or aesthetic layers, but you know the drill, this doesn’t replace sanding between coats.
Q5. What grit to use on seal coat for garage floors or commercial spaces?
For projects like garage floors, that are usually large epoxy projects, 120 to 150 grit works well for the base. To seal the coat, finish it up with 220 grit before applying a topcoat to have a proper adhesion.