Sand Paper Set (Optimal Finishing Waterproof Abrasives Set)

Mirage Hobby Sand Paper Set - Optimal Finishing Waterproof Abrasives Set

A set of waterproof abrasive papers from Mirage Hobby. The key property is that very word waterproof: the papers are intended for wet sanding, that is, with water. The set holds nine grits: 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 5000 and 7000, so it covers the whole path from leveling a surface to polishing it. It is a modeling tool, not a kit.

Use

• Wet sanding is the main way of working. Dampen the paper and the surface (a drop of water with a trace of detergent is enough). Less dust is produced, the abrasive clogs less and the result is noticeably smoother.
• Work from a coarser grit to a finer one and skip no step: 400, then 600, then 800, then 1000 and on. A lower number means a coarser abrasive, a higher one a finer abrasive.
• A fine grit will no longer smooth the scratches left by a coarse one, it only polishes them. That is the most common mistake beginners make: the surface shines, but the scratches show even more under the paint.
• The lower grits (400 to 1000) for leveling seams, putty and the remains of sprue gates; the middle ones (1500 to 2000) for preparation under paint and for sanding clear coat between coats; the highest (3000 to 7000) for polishing clear parts, canopies, clear coat and gloss surfaces.
• A piece of paper can be wrapped around a hard backing or a sanding stick, and the surface then stays flat with no hollows forming.
• Rinse the paper after work and let it dry; a waterproof backing takes that without any trouble.

Who the set is for

For modelers who want the whole range of grits at hand in one package, from the build (seams, putty, casting blocks) through preparing the surface under paint to the final polishing of clear coat and clear parts. A range up to 7000 makes it a good choice for polishing canopies and gloss car bodies too.

Safety: do not breathe the sanding dust. Work in a ventilated space and use respiratory protection, ideally sanding wet, which markedly lowers the amount of airborne dust.