Mini Prep - Sand Paper question

[skraaal]

Hey,

I was just trying to use the main super thread compilation http://www.coolminiornot.com/forums/showthread.php?34306-The-Sticky-Thread-Links-to-Tips-Threads-Tutorials. but each time I click on a link I get the following message;

" Sorry, the page you're looking for isn't here. Try our main page instead: CoolMiniOrNot home "

I was just wondering, for prepping mini's at the sanding stage, what grade sand paper ought I be using and would you recommend a different range of grade depending on surface? Ie metal / plastic. I don't want to go out and get the wrong stuff :silly!:

Also would it be best to sand in a single direction or just a quick all over job ignoring direction of movement?

Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[CrookedEye]

Testor's makes a nice pack of sandpaper for modeling. It's only a couple of bucks and has 5 or 6 sheets, each with a different grit. If you're in the US you can usually find them at any modelling shop, AC Moore or Michaels.

Zach
www.crookedeye.net

 

[skraaal]

Thanks for the reply, I was an idiot and forgot to mention that I'm in the UK though (updated my profile to fit now).

If I can't get the tutorial threads up on my browser, then I'll definitely give scouting a few model shops a go for some packs like you suggested.

Only reason I was asking about grades was cause I thought I might be able to pick the stuff up cheaper at one of the big DIY stores over here.

Thanks again though, happy painting!

Edit - Finally got the search engine working, found what I was looking for.

 

[Einion]

Only reason I was asking about grades was cause I thought I might be able to pick the stuff up cheaper at one of the big DIY stores over here.

Yep, it's very unlikely you wouldn't! With stuff sold in hobby shops, if there's an equivalent available out in the world it'll be cheaper elsewhere more often than not, sometimes for the very same product if not for something actually better. And sometimes it'll be much cheaper and better, which is nice.

Halfords isn't a bad source for abrasive papers, worth comparing their prices for some of their variety packs against what you might find in B&Q or Homebase.

I'd recommend wet-and-dry papers nearly always over any regular kind of sandpaper, both because it's usually a little more uniform and it will usually last much better. Plus it can be used wet or dry (you can also rinse it off after using it dry).

Einion

 

[skraaal]

Thanks for the wet-and-dry tip, I was in B&Q yesterday and saw some, but wasn't sure whether there would be an issue with any residue from the paper being left on the mini (when used wet) or if it'd be fine with a quick soapy water wash afterward, so I didn't buy any.

Least you've confirmed the wet-and-dry option for me - thanks for that =)

As a quick question, is the wet-and-dry usable on both plastic and metal models?

All the best!

 

[Chrome]

As a quick question, is the wet-and-dry usable on both plastic and metal models?

A quick answer, Most definitely.

The longer answer is that the metal surface will start to polish earlier than the plastic one when using fine paper but unless you're after heavy duty metal work (where I'd recommend a file instead ) you're absolutely fine.

 

[skraaal]

Brilliant, looks like I'll be giving using it a go over the next few days then - thanks for getting back to me on the topic. :tongue: