Now, you might be thinking, “Sanding? Really? Isn’t that just for woodworking?” Oh, my dear friends, sanding is much more than that.
It’s a main part of preparing your miniatures for painting, ensuring that they’re free of any imperfections, mold lines, or excess material.
Sanding is also a game-changer when it comes to blending in green stuff or other types of putty for gap-filling and sculpting purposes.
But with so many types of sandpaper available on the market, how do you choose the right one for your miniature projects?
That’s where this article comes in! I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with different grits, brands, and materials to find the smoothest sandpaper for all your miniature needs.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of sandpaper and find the perfect match for your next miniature project!
I’ll share my top picks for the best sandpaper options that will help you achieve a flawless, silky-smooth finish on your miniatures.
What is Sandpaper Grit
Sandpaper grit is a measure of the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive material on the paper. Grit numbers range from very coarse (40-60) to ultra-fine (over 1000).
For miniatures, you’ll typically want to use finer grits, as they help achieve a smooth surface without causing damage.
Best Sandpaper Material for Miniatures
Sandpaper comes in various materials, each with its own unique set of properties. Here are the most common materials you’ll encounter in your search for the smoothest sandpaper
Aluminum Oxide
This synthetic material is durable and long-lasting, making it ideal for a range of miniatures, including metal and resin. It’s also available in a wide variety of grits.
Silicon Carbide
Often found in wet-or-dry sandpaper, silicon carbide is known for its sharpness and ability to create a smooth finish. It works well on miniatures made of harder materials like metal and resin.
Garnet
This natural abrasive is more delicate than aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, making it suitable for softer materials like plastic miniatures. However, it wears out more quickly.
Best 3 Smoothest Sandpaper
3M Wetordry Sandpaper (1000-2000 grit)
Check Price on Amazon – 3M Wetordry Sandpaper
This high-quality silicon carbide sandpaper is designed for wet or dry use, offering flexibility in your sanding process.
The ultra-fine grits create a glass-like finish on metal, resin, and plastic miniatures.
Micro-Mesh Soft Touch Sanding Pads (2400-12000 grit)
These reusable foam pads are coated with ultra-fine grits, making them perfect for polishing miniatures.
They’re gentle on plastic and can create a mirror-like finish on metal and resin models.
Check Price on Amazon – Mesh Soft Touch Sanding Pads
Dura-Gold Premium (800-2000 grit)
These Premium sandpapers are specially designed for model-making and are available in various grits for different stages of the sanding process.
They’re suitable for plastic, metal, and resin miniatures.
Check Price on Amazon – Dura-Gold Premium
Sanding Tips for Miniature Perfection
To get the most out of your sanding experience, follow these expert tips:
- Start with a lower grit and work your way up to finer grits, removing any scratches from the previous grit before moving on.
- Sand in a circular motion for an even finish.
- Use a light touch and let the sandpaper do the work to avoid causing damage.
- For hard-to-reach areas, consider using sanding sticks, needle files, or a rotary tool with a sanding attachment.
That’s it for today
The smoothest sandpaper for your miniatures will depend on the material they’re made of and your desired finish.
Consider the options mentioned above, such as 3M Wetordry Sandpaper, Micro-Mesh Soft Touch Sanding Pads, or Tamiya Finishing Abrasives, to achieve a flawless surface. And don’t forget to follow the sanding tips to ensure the best results for your miniature masterpieces. Happy sanding!