What grit fine sand papers and sticks?

[Guest]

What grit does everyone use for fine sanding. My finest is 1000 but I think I may need finer.

For example, I'd like to fine sand the Klear coat to get rid of any stray hairs, or specs of dust that have gotten underneath the paint. There are always some despite my covering the model to dry in a large Tupperware box.

Any ideas?

[stona]

My finest wet 'n' dry is 2500 grit,which I use on a regular basis. I use a selection from 400 to 2500 grit

I have polishing pads or mats (like micromesh) which go into the several thousands. I'm not sure they are necessary for military modelling unless you are after something with a very high gloss or polished finish and I use them very rarely. Something like a micromesh will work for polishing paintwork. A piece of old denim material might work too and is free from an old pair of jeans.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

I use 1200 most of all but do have some 1800 stuff that just cannot be used dry due to clogging up.

not sure what it goes up to but I'm sure I've seen 2400 mentioned being used on another forum

edit* there you go, Steve posted as I typed.. he uses a higher grade than i mentioned.

takes me ages to type on this bloody phone

[Guest]

Alex similar to Steve on the grit. I do keep old stuff as it becomes silky & supple & can give good results especially as most models have curves. Alloy metals stuff do fine grits to 5000 & they are really good. Think you will find John stocks them. They comes as a package with a number of different very fine grits.

Long time since I used Klear but it is thin & I found delicate so I would start with a very fine grit. If you have it about 1800. But I would give it a swish around some odd plastic to soften down & keep it really wet.

On the hair front. Few tips I use to try & lessen these wretches. Sounds daft but do not hoover, open doors quickly & shut them slowly, do not open external doors letting in breeze a couple of hours before spraying. Use one of those plant sprays 15 minutes before spraying it helps to sink the hairs. I use a tack cloth as they do in automobile spraying (not sure if John does them but B & Q do). Give a light dusting over the model & it will gather all the bits you generally cannot see. Works I use it when painting inside woodwork in the house & you get a great bit free finish & it keeps the brush clean. Finally do not test your airbrush with just air escaping as it will stir up the air. All sounds a bit daft but I find you get very minimum hair & bits in the new paint film.

Laurie

[BarryW]

I just use the whole range of sanding sponges and sticks, including skinnies, from Flory Models. No idea what the grits are.

[Guest]

edit* there you go, Steve posted as I typed.. he uses a higher grade than i mentioned.

takes me ages to type on this bloody phone

Well Colin if you will live in a Sleepy town :sleepingfood:

Laurie

[Guest]

Thanks guys, I'll have to look and see what I can get hold of. I'll definitely be getting some of the 2,000 grit stuff!

[yak face]

Alex , until you get some 2000 grit you can get a very fine paper by rubbing 2 pieces of your 1000 grit together , face to face , it works on any grade of paper , cheers tony

[Guest]

Alex , until you get some 2000 grit you can get a very fine paper by rubbing 2 pieces of your 1000 grit together , face to face , it works on any grade of paper , cheers tony

Great tip, Tony, cheers