SPONGE P3000 GRIT (6 UNITS)

P3000 sanding sponge (6 pieces), AK interactive

Six flexible sanding sponges with a P3000 grit from AK interactive. It is not a kit and not a paint; it is a tool and a consumable. The abrasive sits on a flexible foam backing, so the sponge can be bent freely and cut into smaller pieces to suit the shape of a part.

The finest grade: no longer sanding but smoothing

The grits read simply: the higher the number, the finer the grit. P3000 is the finest of this range and belongs right at the end of the sequence. Here it is no longer a matter of removing material but of smoothing and polishing: preparing a surface under gloss paints and metallics, leveling what is called orange peel in a finish, smoothing small irregularities after the last spray coat. It is exactly gloss and metallic shades that are unforgiving, because every coarse scratch shows through under them. That is why sanding goes step by step from coarser to finer and no step is skipped: each grade erases the scratches left by the previous one. Deal with the coarse leveling of surfaces and the remains of sprue gates with a coarse grit, a middle step before spraying is handled by P2000, and only then does P3000 come into play. AK also has coarser P400 and P1200 to P1500 in its range.

Why a sponge and not abrasive paper

• It follows curved shapes such as an aircraft fuselage, a car body or a cowling. The foam bears on with its whole face, whereas flat paper touches a curve only with its edge and the polished surface then comes out uneven.
• It does not crease or crack even after repeated bending, so it keeps constant contact to the very end.
• It can be cut to measure and reach places that flat paper cannot.

Wet sanding

Polishing with this grit makes sense strictly with water. Water binds the dust, so nothing becomes airborne; plastic, filler and paint dust is harmful to health and should not be breathed. The abrasive also does not clog with remains of the finish and the surface comes out noticeably smoother and more even.

Who it is for

For modelers who spray gloss finishes and metallics, on cars, motorcycles and smooth fuselages, and for everyone who wants a perfectly smooth gloss base under decals.

Abrasive is a consumable. Sand wet, do not breathe the dust and use a respirator if you sand dry. Paints, varnishes and polishing compounds are not included in the package.