This is a quick tutorial on my process for sanding Epoxy prior to adding a decal. Sandpaper: Norton 48060 Sandwet Sandpaper 400 Grit, 9-Inch x 11-Inch, 5-Pack www.amazon.com...
Mindy I love you videos!! You break down everything so nicely! I do have a question though. I have worked with epoxy for the first time on a tumbler. It’s not perfectly smooth and I was going to do the wet sanding method you show here. After I do that will my last layer of epoxy be perfectly smooth? Also I should note that I don’t have a spinner. I manually turn the cup. Thank you again for all you do for us!!!
I manually turned cups for a year. I would get enough epoxy on the cup so that when you sand the pokey areas you won't hit the glitter. Then if you sand it to be smooth, the final layer of epoxy will be smooth.
Hi it’s me again! Lol One more question! I just wet sanded my tumbler and the white spots from sanding didn’t go away. Will the last coat of epoxy take care of that? I’m planning to add a decal before the last coat as well. Thanks again!!
The white/cloudy look won't go away until you add the final layer of epoxy. Be sure to wipe it down with a lint free item (like a coffee filter) and acetone to remove any epoxy dust or particles or oil, prior to adding your final coat.
I have a question, I left my cup on cuptisserie for about 8 hours, but while it was on cuptisserie, I was doing other things and didn’t realize the cuptisserie metal came los and the tumbler stopped spinning. So my tumblers 1st later of epoxy dried with drips on it. Large drips. Am I able to sand that down like you did in this video? Or is all hope lost? Thank you so much.
I just have it in the sink, dremel at the spot, put the cup under the water and then dremel it until you get it where you want it. Use whichever attachment works for the spot you have.
Hey there! So I'm making a tumbler for the first time EVER. I used some flaky glitter and have already sealed it with the clear sealer spray. It looks EXTREMELY chunky and flaky right now and I'm not sure how the epoxy will even lay if I apply it over this flaky glitter...I'm just wondering if I should even bother with the epoxy now or just start over on a new one?? HELP! =))
When I sand my tumblers with the chunky glitter it takes the color off the glitter. How do I keep that from happening? I usually put the glitter on then let it dry then add a coat of epoxy and sand once dried.
I spray painted my cup then applied a layer of epoxy, which is on my turner right now. (no glitter on this cup) Do I still need to sand? I will be applying a water slide. I'm not sure at what point I do what. I'm thinking Paint, Epoxy, Decal, Epoxy?? Thanks for any input. Great videos.
First I want to say your videos are extremely helpful so thank you for putting the time and effort into making them. My question is if I don't have pure acetone can I just use rubbing alcohol? Thanks again!
Minderella I'm confused I thought acetone was used to remove epoxy that drips before cured and also to break down epoxy to strip cups I've heard u said cup in acetone in ziploc bag for 24hrs so why would u rub it down with it? I'm super newbie so pls help explain to me
Hi there! I love your videos! They are great and easy to follow. I’m trying my first cup and did the sanding with a wet sandpaper 400 grit and it left like cloudy marks where I lightly sanded on my first coat of epoxy. Is this normal? What can I do to fix it? Thanks so much!
Angela Wilson completely normal! It will be cloudy after sanding! Wipe with a lint free item with acetone and then when you apply your next coat of epoxy it will shine back up. Check out my other videos as I show mine before and after in a couple.
Holly Tillery I don't know that there's much of a difference as your goal is the same, to get the roughness out. However you accomplish that is fine. I wet sand to prevent as much dust getting in the air during sanding. Then wipe with acetone to get everything off and clean before adding the decal and next layer of epoxy.
You would want to sand if you want a smooth surface. You want to make sure there is enough epoxy so you aren't sanding the actual glitter though as it will change color (usually silver). If you have a perfectly smooth surface there is no need to sand. If you do not, you will see every bump and lump under your decal and it will not look polished.
I did my first epoxy and I have a lot of bubbles .. of course it’s dried. How do I get rid of them and how do I avoid this from happening again. Thank you!
Marisela Trimm once it’s cured you can’t really get rid of them. It’s best to stir slow and pop them with a heat gun or torch before it cures. You can try sanding if they’re close to the surface and add another coat of epoxy.
Will the chunky glitter still be sparkly after sanding? I just did my first chunky glitter and it’s definitely gonna need sanding I’m just nervous it’ll lose its sparkle.
You want to make sure that you have enough epoxy so when you sand you won't hit the glitter. After you sand it you wipe with acetone to clean off any particles. It will look dull...but once you add your final layer of epoxy it's going to shine right back up clear. :)
How long after the first coat of epoxy should you wait before wet sanding? It’s been 8 hours since I’ve applied the first coat of epoxy... is it safe the wet sand now? Thanks!
Jackie Lowman You do not sand glitter. You Epoxy and then wet sand the epoxy. You only need to wet sand if it’s not smooth and you need to smooth before decal.
Hi, quick question if you have the time.. I understand the wet sanding so epoxy dust doesnt get all over the place and into the air. But doesnt epoxy not mix well with water? Do you have a dry - time period after doing this before the decal and 2nd layer of epoxy? Im currently making my first cup to give my niece.
Okay, awesome! I know you get a "thank you" all the time. But seriously you are awesome, THANK YOU. Im a new subscriber. Thank you for sharing your talents and being a teacher to us all!
It’s best to remove epoxy from the inside when it’s wet. I use a makeup wedge sponge with acetone and clean it up after I apply the epoxy. Once it’s dried you risk damaging the cup getting it off. Sanding will scratch up the cup so you really don’t want to sand it off. You also risk breaking the seal if it’s connected to the epoxy on the rest of the cup.
Waves usually happen because the top is curing faster than the underneath causing the top to shift and create a wave. Don't use excessive heat when popping bubbles or this will happen. You can sand it out and add another coat. Some waves may not go away though in doing that.
This specific cup I used a layering technique that I do plan on putting up on my channel soon (if I get a minute!). This coat has a base of a holo purple and I put an iridescent green on top. Thank you!
When I sand down my cups she sandpaper scratched up the layer underneath (first epoxy layer) Is there anything I can do or will I have to go another layer of glitter again?
I never knew you could use acetone on stainless steel. Interesting and informative! So if you want to put two coats of epoxy would you sand it after the first layer, then place your decal, then add your final coat of epoxy? I want to make sure I know whether to sand after the first coat or the second coat. That tumbler came out just beautiful!! I love it!!
Gilmour11 As long as your layer of epoxy is thick enough to sand then yes, you can. If it’s not thick enough then you can sand the color right off your glitter. I do a thick coat to make sure if I need to sand I can.
I’ve made a few cups now and no matter what I do they never come out smooth at all. On one I’ve had to do 4 coats and it still wasn’t smooth. Please please help me
When you have a blemish or indentation on the epoxy after it cures is there a way to only apply epoxy on the indentation or do you have to apply another layer of epoxy over the entire cup ?
Great tips as always! Thank-you for sharing your knowledge.
One more question...how do you clean the cups that you pour the two different parts of epoxy in to?
Holly Tillery I don't. I buy disposable cups from bettymills.com that are 1oz and the bigger ones are 2oz and from Walmart I think. I just toss.
Mindy I love you videos!! You break down everything so nicely! I do have a question though. I have worked with epoxy for the first time on a tumbler. It’s not perfectly smooth and I was going to do the wet sanding method you show here. After I do that will my last layer of epoxy be perfectly smooth? Also I should note that I don’t have a spinner. I manually turn the cup. Thank you again for all you do for us!!!
I manually turned cups for a year. I would get enough epoxy on the cup so that when you sand the pokey areas you won't hit the glitter. Then if you sand it to be smooth, the final layer of epoxy will be smooth.
Thank you!!!!!!
Hi it’s me again! Lol
One more question! I just wet sanded my tumbler and the white spots from sanding didn’t go away. Will the last coat of epoxy take care of that? I’m planning to add a decal before the last coat as well. Thanks again!!
The white/cloudy look won't go away until you add the final layer of epoxy. Be sure to wipe it down with a lint free item (like a coffee filter) and acetone to remove any epoxy dust or particles or oil, prior to adding your final coat.
Minderella Creations ok thank you!!! I was worried
I have a question, I left my cup on cuptisserie for about 8 hours, but while it was on cuptisserie, I was doing other things and didn’t realize the cuptisserie metal came los and the tumbler stopped spinning. So my tumblers 1st later of epoxy dried with drips on it. Large drips. Am I able to sand that down like you did in this video? Or is all hope lost? Thank you so much.
rozzyroz1108 Is use a dremel and sand it down. Wear protective gear as Epoxy dust is not good to breath in
How do you use the Dremel to sand down? Place cup under water and then sand while wet or just sand? And with which san paper/attachment?
I just have it in the sink, dremel at the spot, put the cup under the water and then dremel it until you get it where you want it. Use whichever attachment works for the spot you have.
great video - thanks for sharing!
If you have multiple cups to sand down do you use one small sheet for all or do you use a new one for each one?
Michelle Hernandez I use the same sheet until it looses its grit.
Minderella1225. Okay thank you
Hey there! So I'm making a tumbler for the first time EVER. I used some flaky glitter and have already sealed it with the clear sealer spray. It looks EXTREMELY chunky and flaky right now and I'm not sure how the epoxy will even lay if I apply it over this flaky glitter...I'm just wondering if I should even bother with the epoxy now or just start over on a new one?? HELP! =))
Chanelle Angelina If you try it you’ve got nothing to lose. Might as well give it a go! Chunky does take more epoxy to cover.
When I sand my tumblers with the chunky glitter it takes the color off the glitter. How do I keep that from happening? I usually put the glitter on then let it dry then add a coat of epoxy and sand once dried.
It probably needs another coat of epoxy. I e also found that sealing your chunky glitter before applying epoxy helps the epoxy go on smoothly.
I spray painted my cup then applied a layer of epoxy, which is on my turner right now. (no glitter on this cup) Do I still need to sand? I will be applying a water slide. I'm not sure at what point I do what. I'm thinking Paint, Epoxy, Decal, Epoxy?? Thanks for any input. Great videos.
Mary Laboy If it’s smooth there’s no need for sanding. I only sand when it’s not smooth
First I want to say your videos are extremely helpful so thank you for putting the time and effort into making them. My question is if I don't have pure acetone can I just use rubbing alcohol? Thanks again!
NoWomanNoCry69 90% alcohol or acetone. Regular alcohol has too much water content and causes issues with epoxy
Minderella I'm confused I thought acetone was used to remove epoxy that drips before cured and also to break down epoxy to strip cups I've heard u said cup in acetone in ziploc bag for 24hrs so why would u rub it down with it? I'm super newbie so pls help explain to me
Hi there! I love your videos! They are great and easy to follow. I’m trying my first cup and did the sanding with a wet sandpaper 400 grit and it left like cloudy marks where I lightly sanded on my first coat of epoxy. Is this normal? What can I do to fix it? Thanks so much!
Angela Wilson completely normal! It will be cloudy after sanding! Wipe with a lint free item with acetone and then when you apply your next coat of epoxy it will shine back up. Check out my other videos as I show mine before and after in a couple.
Angela Wilson and thank you! 😊
Thank you so much for your response! I appreciate it! Onto the next step!
Angela Wilson no problem!!
Is this how u get the cups smooth?? I cant get mine smooth
Can use any sandpaper
The wet/dry works best under water
I have the worst time with epoxy. What are the advantages of wet sanding over dry?
Holly Tillery I don't know that there's much of a difference as your goal is the same, to get the roughness out. However you accomplish that is fine. I wet sand to prevent as much dust getting in the air during sanding. Then wipe with acetone to get everything off and clean before adding the decal and next layer of epoxy.
That makes sense! Thank you so much!
Do I have to sand if applying a decal?
You would want to sand if you want a smooth surface. You want to make sure there is enough epoxy so you aren't sanding the actual glitter though as it will change color (usually silver). If you have a perfectly smooth surface there is no need to sand. If you do not, you will see every bump and lump under your decal and it will not look polished.
I did my first epoxy and I have a lot of bubbles .. of course it’s dried. How do I get rid of them and how do I avoid this from happening again. Thank you!
Marisela Trimm once it’s cured you can’t really get rid of them. It’s best to stir slow and pop them with a heat gun or torch before it cures. You can try sanding if they’re close to the surface and add another coat of epoxy.
@K M I usually let it spin and then use the torch. Let them work their way up and out. Then torch b
@K M I torch about 20 minutes and then an hour to check it again
What type of sand paper is this? I have a clumpy cup. What to make sure I don't miss this up.
Kimberly Dukes-Frink I linked it in the description above.
Will the chunky glitter still be sparkly after sanding? I just did my first chunky glitter and it’s definitely gonna need sanding I’m just nervous it’ll lose its sparkle.
You want to make sure that you have enough epoxy so when you sand you won't hit the glitter. After you sand it you wipe with acetone to clean off any particles. It will look dull...but once you add your final layer of epoxy it's going to shine right back up clear. :)
How long after the first coat of epoxy should you wait before wet sanding? It’s been 8 hours since I’ve applied the first coat of epoxy... is it safe the wet sand now? Thanks!
Kraftastic Kreations I usually wait 8-12. You want it to be hard/squeaky to the touch.
What can I do to not have my glitter to stick up threw the epoxy? Should I seal my glitter before epoxy?
Sam Cook depends on the glitter. Some just does if it’s not a good quality. If it’s chunky, you can apply it onto Epoxy so it lays flat.
Thank you. Should I apply another layer of epoxy or sand with the glitter pocking through?
Sam Cook add another layer of epoxy or use an exacto knife and cut pokeys and then another layer.
Thanks your a great help!
Do you sand after the final coat of epoxy?
Heather Pearen NO!!! You’ll dull your finish. Only sand when you’re going to add another coat. 😬😊
Most epoxies must be used in an environment that 75 degrees or higher. Have you had an issues with this?
Correct. They like room temp. I’ve not had any issues.
Do you wet sand the glitter before epoxy or do you epoxy and then wet sand? Thanks!
Jackie Lowman You do not sand glitter. You Epoxy and then wet sand the epoxy. You only need to wet sand if it’s not smooth and you need to smooth before decal.
Hi, quick question if you have the time..
I understand the wet sanding so epoxy dust doesnt get all over the place and into the air. But doesnt epoxy not mix well with water? Do you have a dry - time period after doing this before the decal and 2nd layer of epoxy?
Im currently making my first cup to give my niece.
Valerie A After Im done sanding I wash with dawn soap and wipe dry with coffee filter and then wipe down with acetone. It’s usually dry by then.
Okay, awesome! I know you get a "thank you" all the time. But seriously you are awesome, THANK YOU. Im a new subscriber. Thank you for sharing your talents and being a teacher to us all!
If epoxy gets inside can I sand it down once dried
It’s best to remove epoxy from the inside when it’s wet. I use a makeup wedge sponge with acetone and clean it up after I apply the epoxy. Once it’s dried you risk damaging the cup getting it off. Sanding will scratch up the cup so you really don’t want to sand it off. You also risk breaking the seal if it’s connected to the epoxy on the rest of the cup.
So it's okay if it's not completely smooth all over?
I add another coat of epoxy after wet sanding and the final result it should be.
when applying the epoxy how do you get a seamless look ??? having problems with that.
Michelle Guzman-Dixon Hi Michelle! I have several videos showing how I apply my epoxy. Take a peek at those. I use a gloved finger.
okay Thank you!
If I have a little drip at the bottom and sand it out do I have to epoxy the entire cup or just that little spot?
950vstar always entire cup. You unfortunately can’t spot Epoxy because it looks obvious.
Wow 😮 lesson learned!... Thanks for quick response
Hi! Why is my epoxy wavy? Can I sand it then do another thin layer? Thanks!
Waves usually happen because the top is curing faster than the underneath causing the top to shift and create a wave. Don't use excessive heat when popping bubbles or this will happen. You can sand it out and add another coat. Some waves may not go away though in doing that.
How long do you wait before sanding, since you’ve applied the epoxy?
Depends on epoxy but typically 12-24 hours.
@K M Yep...I typically wait 24...but if it's dry and glass like to the touch you are good to sand it.
I love the glitter you choose. Is that a pre-made mix or did you make it :) love that.
This specific cup I used a layering technique that I do plan on putting up on my channel soon (if I get a minute!). This coat has a base of a holo purple and I put an iridescent green on top. Thank you!
When I sand down my cups she sandpaper scratched up the layer underneath (first epoxy layer)
Is there anything I can do or will I have to go another layer of glitter again?
The* not she
I never knew you could use acetone on stainless steel. Interesting and informative! So if you want to put two coats of epoxy would you sand it after the first layer, then place your decal, then add your final coat of epoxy? I want to make sure I know whether to sand after the first coat or the second coat. That tumbler came out just beautiful!! I love it!!
Gilmour11 As long as your layer of epoxy is thick enough to sand then yes, you can. If it’s not thick enough then you can sand the color right off your glitter. I do a thick coat to make sure if I need to sand I can.
Minderella1225 thank you! I’ll just make sure I do the first coat heavier. I’ll have to see if I can find a tumbler that size too. It’s perfect!
Gilmour11 I use 15ml each part or more for the first coat on glitter. This was a 14oz coldee from Walmart.
Minderella1225 oh great!! Thank you again!! You’ve been so helpful!!
Gilmour11 no problem!
What Grit sandpaper are you using?
River Burro Productions 400 grit sandpaper
What kind of epoxy do you use. I'm not sure what to get as I am new to this
LADY B'S CUISINE Hi! You can check my supplies video. I have everything linked there. 😊
Can you clean it with alcohol swabs?
ren78nat Probably
Can I epoxy even if it has scratches from the sanding paper?
Yes, they will disappear with a new coat of epoxy.
Omg thank you i dont sand cuz im scared thank you fro replying 😊
So i have a few scratches on my cup from sanding. So they will disappear with my final coat?? Thats very assuring!!! Thank you i love your videos!!!!
Amanda Meza Yes, it will look full until you add your next layer of epoxy.
I’ve made a few cups now and no matter what I do they never come out smooth at all. On one I’ve had to do 4 coats and it still wasn’t smooth. Please please help me
De'Adra Laster What do you mean not smooth? Wavy? Glitter is bumpy? Fish eyes in the epoxy? There can be a lot of reasons why it’s not smooth.
The glitter is bumpy, and sharp and rough
De'Adra Laster Are you using chunky glitter? How do you apply it?
Minderella Creations it’s usually normal sized glitter so not extra fine but not chunky and I apply my glitter with mod podge
De'Adra Laster I would try using my video on applying with epoxy method. The glitter will lay more flat that way.
if i dont have acetone can i use alcohol?
Toni Smith 90% alcohol is best
Minderella1225. thank you.
question: after you sand it all down and wash it off why do you use acetone instead of alcohol to wipe it down with? Thanks
Karen Paul alcohol has some % of water while acetone does not. I use acetone so there are no issues applying Epoxy.
What type of acetone?
Leonila Lucio I use 100% acetone
Minderella1225 where do u buy it?
Leonila Lucio Walmart, Target, or hardware store. Usually in fingernail polish area in Walmart and Target
Minderella1225 thanks u
After sanding, will the epoxy get cloudy looking or anything?
Annie West yes, it clouds up. Once you add your next layer of epoxy it will clear back up.
Thank you!!
When you have a blemish or indentation on the epoxy after it cures is there a way to only apply epoxy on the indentation or do you have to apply another layer of epoxy over the entire cup ?
It’s really hard to apply to blemish only and you can usually tell, so it’s best to do another full layer.
Question.. you said to wet sand however where do you buy the sandpaper to wet sand it? Can you get it at home depot?
Where I purchased mine is linked in my description above.
sorry I didn't see it and thank you !
No worries! :)
What grit sandpaper are you using? For the imperfections before applying the decal ty
150-500 usually wet/dry
Thank you so much for the tips
What sandpaper do you use??
Vanessa Perez 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper.
Why are u sanding it
cutflower To make it smooth to apply the decal and so the final coat of epoxy will be smooth.
Do you need to wet the sand pappee
I typically just do it under the running water. Keeps the toxic epoxy dust down too.