Remove sharp edges of epoxy

Does your epoxy artwork have sharp edges and you want to get rid of them? Our experts share their best tips for finishing epoxy.

When you remove epoxy from the silicone mold, the artwork may have sharp edges. This is because epoxy shrinks slightly during curing. This causes a silicone mold that is filled to the brim to suddenly appear less full after curing. Epoxy rises slightly at the edges of the silicone mold, which causes the sharp edges. Fortunately, there are several methods to deal with these edges, each with different results.

1. Preventing edges

The best approach is to avoid these edges. That is probably why you are reading this article, so we will quickly explain how to do this. Fill the silicone mold slightly too full, so that a slight bulge is created on top of the silicone mold. Mix a small amount of epoxy and wait until the epoxy mixture has thickened before filling the silicone mold. Thicker epoxy is less likely to overflow and is therefore better suited for applying the final layer. Make sure that the mold is completely level to prevent uneven distribution. Also be careful that the epoxy does not overflow the edges.

2. Use a deburrer

There are special tools available to cut off edges, such as deburring tools . This tool has a handy little sharp blade with which you can carefully remove the edges. The big advantage of this method is the speed. However, after cutting off, a dull line can remain. You can make this shine again with some nail polish or by sanding and polishing the edges, although this is similar to the previously mentioned sanding method.

3. Epoxy domes

An easy way to get rid of edges is by doming . This involves pouring a thin layer of epoxy resin on top of your artwork, which makes the edges disappear. This technique is especially useful for making epoxy coasters and keychains.
You can read all about this on the following page: epoxy doming .

4. Sanding and filing

Edges can also be sanded or filed away. You can do this very carefully with sandpaper or a nail file. For larger edges, good sandpaper offers a better result.
For larger projects such as a table, you can also use a sander. This allows you to sand all the edges at once. After sanding, the surface must be polished or domed before it will shine again. Sanding and then polishing is a slightly more difficult method and is only recommended if you have the right equipment, such as a combi tool .

With these tips and techniques you can easily remove sharp edges from epoxy castings and ensure a perfectly finished result.