Rigid Sanding Pads 2000 grit

Sanding blocks of 2000 grit

This rigid sanding pad from the Green Stuff World brand with a grit of 2000 belongs at the very end of the sanding process. Unlike flexible sanding pads, which follow the shape of the surface underneath, a rigid block holds a flat plane, so it genuinely levels an area instead of merely smoothing it. That is a difference which only shows under a gloss finish.

When to reach for it

• polishing a joint after filling, once the coarser grits have done their work
• removing the small grooves that would show through under a gloss coat
• smoothing a speck of dust or a drop dried in a clear coat
• clearing transparent parts, where a fine grit comes before polishing with a compound

How to sand so that it is worth something

A grit of 2000 no longer removes material, it only levels. Work therefore lightly and with no pressure, ideally wet with a drop of water, which washes the sanded dust away and prevents the surface clogging. Proceed crosswise: run each further series of strokes at right angles to the previous one and stop the moment the last grooves from the coarser step disappear. Then wash the surface and let it dry, otherwise the residues will settle under the paint.

Who the tool is for

It will be appreciated by anyone finishing gloss surfaces, such as car bodies, canopy covers, painted aircraft models and figures with smooth skin. It serves just as well in preparing a surface under decals, because even a small unevenness under the carrier film creates a visible bubble. Sanding plastic and filler creates fine dust, so it is sensible to work by extraction or wet and to wipe the space down afterwards. It is worth rinsing the block in lukewarm water now and then so that it keeps its cutting ability.