Fine Grit Sand Paper

[basket19]

I was wondering where you buy the really fine grit sandpaper. The finest I can find at the nearest hardware store is 600 grit.

Also, what grits are reccomended?

[Olle F]

Go to an auto parts store, they usually have fine wet-or-dry paper. I think Walmart has it too. And recommended grit... well, that will depend on what you want to use it for. If you are talking about polishing paint, you're probably better off ordering a Micro Mesh kit.

Edited March 31, 2008 by Olle F

[Andy Wyatt]

Any place that sells auto parts will have 1000 grit or 2000 grit wet/dry sanding paper that is a good all around grit. For polishing I recommend getting a set of the polishing pads from Micro Mark. They go from 2400 grit to 12,000.

[Ron L]

Don't use hardware store paper for models, use the real stuff from 3M or anything where autobody materials are sold. Hardware grade sandpaper is cheap stuff and will fall apart on you, leaving gouges in your finish. Not a big deal when sanding 2x4s, but it can ruin your model.

The polish kits and their "fine" 12000 grit numbers are bogus; they don't correspond with any real-world grit numbers. It's another re-packaging trick to make you think it's "hobby specific". You can do just as well with 1500 and 2000 grit automotive wet/dry paper and some 3M rubbing compound.

[samdiego]

I've had pretty excellent results with the Micro Mesh system. I spend a lot of time with abrasives in my job and the 12,000 grit feels a lot finer than 2,000 grit to me. I believe this system came from what they use to polish fighter canopies and don't feel that is a bogus product.

[Kodiak Island Modeler]

I've got several polishing kits. The set that I use on models is from LMG enterprises, and goes from 1800 to 12,000 grit and there are 8 pads. Be sure to get the soft mesh material type, as they're gentler on the plastic serface. There is a version that's basically on a paper backing, and it just doesn't conform to surfaces as well, and it doesn't last as long. There's also a version that's on a sponge that I use in my woodshop. It has the same grits, but is better adapted to use on the lathe. I not only use it on exotic woods, but I also use it on acrylics and plastics, for such things as pens and other desk type accessories, and it works great for these. The LMG kit makes a huge difference on plastic models. I've used it for years when restoring old kits, especially on the window glass. I've taken glass that was so badly scratched that one couldn't even see through it, and turned it crystal clear. I've used these for hobby and professionally, for a good many years, and I wouldn't be without them