HIMACS Surface Finishing & Sanding FAQ
Q. What is the recommended standard finish for HIMACS sheets?
The standard finish for HIMACS sheets is semi-gloss, which balances aesthetics and durability. A high-gloss finish may be applied for artistic or low-use installations, but it is not recommended for high-traffic areas such as countertops. Matte finishes are generally suitable only for light colours.
Q. Can dark or richly coloured HIMACS sheets be finished to high-gloss or matte?
Dark colours and rich patterns require more meticulous finishing. Matte finishes are not recommended for dark colours as they show fingerprints and marks. High-gloss finishes may exaggerate colour variation and are best used only when sheets are from the same batch with closely matching production numbers.
Q. How should HIMACS sheets be prepared before sanding?
Inspect the surface for dust, debris, or scratches.
Vacuum the surface thoroughly.
Correct any flatness deviations or large scratches before starting.
Ensure seams and edges are level.
Proper preparation prevents uneven sanding and achieves a high-quality finish.
Q. What tools are recommended for sanding HIMACS sheets?
Random orbital sanders powered by air or electricity, with sanding pads typically 150 mm in diameter. Larger pads (up to 500–600 mm) are ideal for bigger surfaces.
Wide belt sanding machines for extensive sections to estimate labour and material accurately.
Avoid handheld belt sanders due to excessive heat and aggressive material removal.
For wet sanding, ensure equipment is waterproof and water is used responsibly. The single cut method machines each edge separately. Each sheet is routed individually with a straight edge guide, removing 1.5–3 mm of material. After both edges are cut, they must be checked for perfect alignment. If any mismatch occurs, one or both edges must be re-machined to achieve the correct fit.
Q. How should sanding be performed to achieve a consistent finish?
Use the same type of sandpaper throughout all stages.
Hard pads for flat surfaces, soft pads for curves.
Maintain even pressure and overlapping strokes in multiple directions: horizontal, vertical, and diagonal.
Clean the surface with denatured alcohol and a white lint-free cloth between each sanding stage.
Avoid concentrating on a single area, especially near seams, to prevent dips or unevenness.
Q. What are the steps for achieving a matt finish?
Start with 120–150 grit abrasive paper.
Remove dust and clean.
Progress to 180–240 grit.
Clean surface again.
Use a 3M Scotch-Brite® 7447 (Brown) pad.
Final cleaning.
Matt finishes are recommended only for light-coloured sheets.
Q. What are the steps for a satin or semi-gloss finish?
120–150 grit abrasive paper → clean
180–240 grit → clean
300–400 grit → clean (Satin)
600 grit → clean (Semi-gloss)
Use a 3M Scotch-Brite® 7448 (Grey) pad → clean
Satin finishes may be used as alternatives depending on design. Semi-gloss is the standard recommendation.
Q. How is a high-gloss or gloss finish achieved on HIMACS sheets?
Sand progressively: 120 → 180 → 300 → 400 → 600 → 1000–3000 grit.
Clean thoroughly between each step.
Polish using 3M Super Duty 2+2 White Pad with marine-grade paste or Trizact pads.
Finish with a wool pad (3M Super Buff) using finishing compounds.
Note: High-gloss finishes generate heat; maintain moderate, consistent pressure and avoid overheating. Frequent maintenance is required.
Q. How should seams be treated during finishing?
Uneven seams should be levelled with 60–80 grit abrasive paper on a gear-driven orbital sander.
Sand broader areas around the seam to avoid dips.
Repeat in stages until the seam is flush with the surface.
Q. What sanding sequence ensures visual consistency?
Pass 1: Left to right (West → East)
Pass 2: Top to bottom (North → South)
Pass 3: Diagonal (cross-pattern)
Repeat 2–3 times per grit stage.
Maintain slow machine speed, flat pad position, and 50% overlap for each pass.
Q. Which HIMACS colours require extra care during finishing?
Particular attention is needed for:
Solids: S005 Grey, S103 Concrete Grey, S109 Steel Grey
Lucent: S302 Opal, S303 Sapphire, S304 Ruby, S305 Emerald
Granite: G002 Grey Sand, G004 White Quartz, G010 Gravilla
GRANITE MILLSTON: GM03 Gravilla Millston
These colours are more prone to visible imperfections and require careful sanding and polishing.
Q. Why is dust control important in HIMACS finishing?
Dust can interfere with sanding and polishing, leaving scratches, cloudy marks, or uneven gloss. Always use vacuuming, wet sanding, or dust extraction systems to maintain a clean surface for optimal results.
Q. Are there any tools or materials that should be avoided during finishing?
Handheld belt sanders (excessive heat, aggressive removal)
Non-lint-free or coloured cloths (may leave residues or stains)
Polishing compounds not suitable for food-contact surfaces
This guideline has been created to provide technical information for successful fabrication and installation of HIMACS, and it is intended to be used in a safe environment considering their own discretion and risk by who has technical skill for fabrication and installation of HIMACS.
This guideline is continually revised to provide reliable and up-to-date information, replacing all previous versions of the guideline and technical information, however the usage and conditions of use are beyond LX Hausys control, LX Hausys cannot guarantee the suitability of material, fabrication and installation for all usage and conditions of use. Users should not regard or rely on this guideline as a complete, sole, up-to-date or absolute information. HIMACS users, fabricator and installer should review whether the design for HIMACS, fabrication method, installation method and required performance are suitable for the intended use and conditions of use. LX Hausys shall not be liable for any direct or indirect, commercial damages or losses caused by the fabrication and installation results of HIMACS using any or all these guidelines. In addition, the results of joining with other materials, and the fabrication and installation guidelines for other materials shall not be covered by LX Hausys.
This guideline does not encourage to violate any laws, patents and licenses, and cannot be used as a basis for legal liability. All works on / from HIMACS must be performed in accordance with related laws and regulations.
LX Hausys reserves the right to change the technical information and disclaimers in this guideline for technical development and further information, and the use of HIMACS or this guideline is considered to accommodate the information and changes provided in this guideline. Therefore, please check the changed details of this guideline from time to time.
LX Hausys reserves all information in this material, and no reproduction or alteration is permitted in any way for all or any part of the information without the official written permission of LX Hausys.