SPONGE P2000 GRIT (6 UNITS)

P2000 sanding sponge (6 pcs), AK interactive

A pack of six flexible sanding sponges with a grit of P2000 from AK interactive. It is not a kit and not a paint; it is a tool and a consumable for surface preparation. The abrasive is applied to a flexible foam backing, so the sponge can be bent without creasing and cut with scissors or a knife as needed into a smaller piece for cramped places.

Where P2000 lies in the process

A simple rule applies: the higher the number, the finer the grit. Sanding always goes step by step from coarser to finer and each further step erases the scratches left by the previous one. A skipped step takes its revenge, because coarse grooves show through under the clear coat, and under a gloss color or a metallic every single one is visible. P2000 is very fine, almost a finishing grade: it is brought in for the last smoothing just before spraying, for sanding between coats of clear and for smoothing away the specks of dust that always catch somewhere in a fresh coat. It will not do the coarse work, though, so for sprue attachment remains and leveling filler reach for a coarser grade and work your way up to P2000. AK also offers the coarser grits P400 and P1200 to P1500 and the finer P3000 for polishing; the whole range makes sense, not a single grade.

Why a sponge and not sandpaper

• Flexible foam spreads the pressure over the whole contact area. With P2000 you are sanding right next to engraved panel lines, and flat paper is easily worn through under a finger. A sponge spreads the pressure and the line stays sharp.
• It adapts to the shape, following the curves of a fuselage, the transitions and the edges evenly, whereas paper only bears on a curve with its edge.
• It neither creases nor cracks and it can be cut to size.

Wet sanding

With a grit this fine, always sand with water. Water carries the dust away, so nothing gets into the air, and plastic and filler dust is harmful to health and definitely should not be inhaled. At the same time the abrasive does not clog, it lasts longer and the surface comes out noticeably smoother.

Who it is for

For everyone who sprays with an airbrush and wants a surface without scratches: modelers of aircraft and cars and figure painters. You will appreciate it most before gloss shades and metallics, which forgive an imperfect surface nothing.

The abrasive is a consumable. Sand wet, do not inhale the dust and use a respirator for dry sanding. Paints, fillers and clear coats are not included in the package.