removing scratches from lacquerware / resin

[pizza]

i have a decorative table made of sea shells (abalone?) covered in some kind of lacquer, resin, or similar. i'm guessing it's epoxy, but i'm not very knowledgeable about this stuff at all. on the underside, it says something like 'VIETNAM FINE ART LACQUERWORKS'

it's got several scratches on it.

the scratches are not super deep. i'd say there's plenty of material left.

i have a couple of ideas:

1. in an inconspicuous area, try sanding with like 200 grit all the way up to 2000 wet/dry sandpaper or beyond (idk how high they go). if i can get it glossy and consistent with the surrounding area, then i'll just try sanding out those scratches.
2. OR sand them out and then pour some art resin (clear, thin, UV stabilized epoxy) over it. i'm not experienced at all with using epoxy in this manner, so i'll have to practice first. i worry about this method because i don't actually know what the existing material is, and i don't want to make it look weird. what if their indices of refraction don't match or something? in that case, a bilayer could be visible i'm thinking.

do either of those approaches sound reasonable? any tips or alternative approaches appreciated. thanks

pictures: http://imgur.com/a/MSWuIPt

 

[WoodsTruck]

I have no idea if you can wet sand that surface and then buff it like you would a car finish.

I bought an old snowmobile years ago for the hood and it was in tough shape with deep oxidation layer and surface cracks. It was bad enough I started with a very sharp wood chisel as a draw knife to scrape the funk off first, then I used my random orbital to get it down to a consistent layer of plastic, then went down to a 1200 grit paper by hand. I just used a Rustoleum rattle can paint with about 3-4 coats then wet sanded again to get the orange peel out, then went with 3-4 coats of clear followed by the wet sand then finally a buff with a Meguars buffer and their fine scratch compound. I was baffled how well it turned out given what I had to start with. I didn't take any real before or during photos as I was a bit embarrassed that it was so ugly to start with.

I would wonder if you couldn't wet sand your project to about a 2000 grit then buff it smooth.

 

[pizza]

wow, beautiful result. good job

yea, i think you're right. i'll see how smooth i can get on an inconspicuous, quarter-sized area first. if it blends with the rest, then that will be my move

 

[bonneyman]

Nice table!

I have no advice to add, but am watching and reading with anticipation.