Do you want to give your epoxy resin jewelry a new shine? Cleaning and polishing epoxy resin jewelry is easier than you may think.
In this article, we’ll show you how to clean it step by step and explain all of the materials that you’ll need in depth.
With the right knowledge, tools and techniques, you can have your beautiful pieces of jewelry sparkling in no time!
Materials You’ll Need
Resin Appropriate Soap
When you’re looking to clean your epoxy resin jewelry, it’s important that you opt for a gentle soap. Mild dish or hand soaps are the ideal choice as they won’t damage the resin and contain no harsh chemicals or abrasives which could potentially scratch or harm the delicate piece.
For an extra layer of protection, investing in a jewelry cleaner specifically formulated for resin is always a great idea.
When selecting soap for your jewelry, beware of products containing alcohol, ammonia or bleach – they can be overly harsh and damage precious pieces. After cleaning with the chosen product, it is extremely important to rinse thoroughly with water to make sure no residue remains.
Water
Self-explanatory.
Soft cloth or sponge
This is for the initial cleaning phase of the jewelry. Don’t use anything too hard. A super soft cloth or sponge is what’s needed.
Microfiber cloth
A microfiber cloth is an important tool in cleaning resin jewelry, as it helps to gently remove any dust or debris from the surface of the jewelry without scratching it. The role of a microfiber cloth is to absorb any dirt or dust particles on the surface of the resin, rather than pushing them around or spreading them further. The fibers of a microfiber cloth are very fine and soft, which makes them ideal for gently cleaning the delicate surface of the jewelry.
Using a microfiber cloth for cleaning resin jewelry is especially important because it is a gentle and non-abrasive material that won’t scratch or damage the surface of the jewelry. The fibers of the cloth are able to attract and hold onto any dust or debris, which makes it a more effective cleaning tool than other types of cloths.
Sandpaper (Lower and Higher Grits for Different Steps)
Sandpaper is an important tool in polishing resin jewelry as it helps to smooth out any imperfections on the surface of the resin.
Sandpaper is essential for ensuring that your jewelry shines, as it can take away any unsightly marks or rough patches. Its purpose is to restore the original luster and beauty of the piece!
The process of sanding involves rubbing the surface of the resin with a sheet of sandpaper, which has tiny abrasive particles embedded in it that gently abrade the surface of the jewelry.
When working with resin jewelry, it’s important to use different grits of sandpaper to achieve the best results. Starting with a lower grit, such as 400 or 600, you can work your way up to a higher grit, such as 1000 or 1500, to achieve a smooth and shiny surface. The lower grits are used to remove any rough spots and scratches, while the higher grits are used to smooth out the surface and prepare it for polishing.
It’s important to use sandpaper correctly when polishing resin jewelry to avoid damaging the surface. Be sure to use a light touch and work in a circular motion, gradually increasing the pressure as you work your way up to higher grits. Always use a clean and dry sandpaper, and avoid using the same piece of sandpaper on different jewelry pieces to prevent cross-contamination.
Overall, sandpaper is a critical tool in polishing resin jewelry, as it helps to achieve a smooth and polished finish that enhances the beauty and durability of the jewelry.
Towel
Polishing compound
A resin polishing compound is a product used to achieve a shiny, polished finish on epoxy resin jewelry. It’s usually made from a combination of fine abrasive particles and a wax or oil-based binder that helps the compound adhere to the surface of the jewelry. When applied to the resin jewelry, the polishing compound helps to remove any fine scratches, imperfections, or dullness on the surface, resulting in a glossy and smooth finish.
There are several different resin polishing compounds available on the market, each with its own unique properties and recommended uses.
We recommend getting something specific for resin jewelry such as this Promise Epoxy Pro Polish.
However, people online have reported using other polishes as well, but be sure to double-check the label.
- Turtle Wax Polishing Compound: This is a multi-purpose polishing compound that’s designed to remove scratches and swirl marks from automotive finishes, but can also be used on epoxy resin jewelry.
- Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound: Another multi-purpose compound that can be used on both automotive finishes and epoxy resin jewelry. It’s designed to remove scratches and restore the shine to dull or faded surfaces.
- NOVUS Plastic Polish: This is a specialized plastic and acrylic polishing compound that can be used on epoxy resin jewelry to remove scratches and restore the shine to the surface.
- Dremel Polishing Compound: A fine polishing compound that’s designed for use with rotary tools and can be used to polish epoxy resin jewelry to a high gloss finish.
When selecting a resin polishing compound, you must factor in the type of resin being used and how much polish is needed to achieve desired results.
Some compounds are designed for more heavy-duty polishing, while others are more gentle and suited for delicate work.
Be sure to check the label and find an appropriate option for whatever you’re polishing.
Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and use appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and a mask, to protect yourself while working with polishing compounds.
Mask or respirator
When cleaning resin jewelry, you need to wear a mask or respirator to keep yourself safe. This is because the polishing compound you use can have tiny particles that can get into your lungs, so it is important to protect yourself from these particles.
How to Polish Epoxy Resin Jewelry (Step by Step)
Of course! Here’s a rephrased version of the step-by-step guide on how to polish epoxy resin jewelry:
- To get started, clean the epoxy resin jewelry using mild soap and water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have built up. Be sure to use a soft cloth or sponge and be gentle.
- Once the jewelry is dry, sand it using sandpaper with a low grit, such as 400 or 600. Gently sand the surface in a circular motion to remove any scratches or imperfections.
- Next, use a higher grit sandpaper, such as 800, 1000, or 1500, to further sand the surface of the jewelry. Again, use a gentle circular motion and don’t apply too much pressure.
- Once you’ve completed sanding, make sure to take a minute and use a clean microfiber cloth to brush away any accumulated dust or debris. Doing so will ensure your jewelry is sparklingly clean!
- Apply the polishing compound using either a buffing wheel or a soft cloth. Use a circular motion and gentle pressure, being careful not to overheat the resin. If using a buffing wheel, keep the jewelry moving and don’t stay in one spot for too long.
- Repeat the polishing process until the jewelry has a smooth and shiny finish. If necessary, apply the additional polishing compound and repeat until you achieve the desired level of shine.
- Once you’ve finished polishing, use a clean microfiber cloth to remove any excess polishing compound from the jewelry.
- Store your polished epoxy resin jewelry in an airtight, protected space to keep it safe from damage or scratching.
Following these simple steps, you can easily polish your epoxy resin jewelry and give it a beautiful, shiny finish. Remember to wear a dust mask while sanding, and choose the appropriate polishing method depending on the size of the jewelry. With a little care and patience, your resin jewelry can look great for years to come.
Can you clean resin jewelry with alcohol?
It is not a good idea to clean resin jewelry with alcohol. Alcohol can make the jewelry sticky or dull. Find another way to clean it that does not involve alcohol.
Wrap Up
Polishing epoxy resin jewelry may seem intimidating at first, but with the right materials and techniques, it can be a breeze! With just a few steps you can have your pieces of jewelry looking brand new in no time.
Don’t forget to wear protective gear while sanding and polishing, as this will help keep your skin safe from harsh chemicals or particles. And remember – when cleaning resin jewelry avoid using alcohol as it could damage the material.
Now that you know how to polish epoxy resin jewelry, get out there and give your favorite pieces an extra sparkle!