High Gloss Finishing Solid Surface

Tools Required

Random Orbital Sander

Spray Bottle of Water

80 Micron Pads

(2) per 20sq/ft

60 Micron Pads

(2) per 20sq/ft

30 Micron Pads

(5) per 20sq/ft

Orange Trizact Pads

(2) per 20sq/ft

Blue Trizact Pads

(2) per 20sq/ft

White Trizact Pads

(5) per 20sq/ft

What finish is right for me?

Polishing Option Comparison

Finish is a major thing to consider with solid surface. A matte finish undoubtedly shows scratches less than semi-gloss and much less than a high-gloss finish. This is especially true of darker colors which tend to show scratches more in general. For high traffic areas a Matte finish is generally recommended. Semi-Gloss finish is an acceptable alternative although you may have some additional maintenance required every few years. High-gloss finishes should only be considered in low traffic areas where aesthetics outweigh durability.

What are micron disks and how does this compare to regular sanding pads?

Micron to Sandpaper Comparison Chart

Adding a High-Gloss Finish to Solid Surface

1. Check to see if the surface is free of any scratches or defects caused during transportation, handling or fabrication. If there are no scratches or defects, you can skip step two and begin with a 60-micron disk.
2. Using an 80-micron abrasive disk, sand the entire top to a uniform finish using your orbital sander. Be sure to overlap sanding strokes by at least ½ the pad diameter and cover the entire surface. Once complete, wipe down the surface and inspect for leftover scratches and a uniform finish.
   

   80 Micron Sanding

   

   After 80 Micron Sanding

   Most people recommend sanding in an up-down, left right motion. This is certainly acceptable, however it sometimes produces a "railroad" effect if your not careful. In our facility we generally train employees to use random swirls while making sure to cover the entire material evenly. Either technique works, just take care not to oversand any one area
3. Using a 60-micron disk, sand the entire top to a uniform finish. Typical to step two, be sure to overlap your sanding strokes.
   

   60 Micron Sanding

   

   After 60 Micron Sanding

   With each successive sanding pad, the goal is to sand until you have removed the scratches from the previous grit (i.e. While using the 30 micron disk, you will know you are finished once you have removed all of the scratches made by the 60 micron disk.)
4. Re-sand the top with the 30-micron disk and repeat the cleanup procedure. Inspect top once again
   

   30 Micron Sanding

   

   After 30 Micron Sanding

5. Next, wet sand the entire surface using the orange trizact sheet. For wet sanding, you will need to use a random orbital sander that is powered by compressed air. Wet sanding using an electric sander is not advised as it is a shock risk. A spray bottle is often helpful in this step. Liberally spray water on the area you finishing and sand in a typical fashion to dry sanding. Continue until you have a consistent glossy finish.
   

   Wet Sanding with Orange Trizact

   

   Wet Sanding with Orange Trizact

   

   After Wet Sanding

   Make sure to check the trizact sheets regularly for imperfections in the pad as trizact can bubble and create an uneven polish
6. Repeat the process, wet sanding with the blue trizact sheet
   

   Wet Sanding with Blue Trizact

   

   After Wet Sanding

7. Lastly, wet sand with the white trizact sheet until you have a consistent high-gloss finish.
   

   Wet Sanding with White Trizact

   

   Wet Sanding with Orange Trizact

   

   After Wet Sanding

Note: There is no standard high-gloss finish. You can continue to use the trizact sheets until you have achieved the level of gloss you desire. Remember, the glossier the finish the more scratches will who on your surface. To effectively check for a uniform finish during sanding, install low-angle lighting behind the work station