Sandpaper

I would recommend the wet/dry (black) sandpaper used wet.   The Grits that I use the most are 360, 400.600 and 800.  I also keep a sheet or two of 1000, 1500 and 2000 on hand.  I would make a suggestion in that you might find a wider range of grits in an auto supply store (especially if that store provides automotive paints and supplies).  HTH

Get some sanding sticks too. They help getting in tight spots.

I use 400-2000 grit for most work. I get mine in the automotive section of Walmart. For canopies or paint polishing, I use the 3200-12000 grits, Hobby Lobby sells those, or you can get them online.

I keep few sheets of the coarser stuff- I use needle files for that. I keep on hand 400, 600 and 1000.

Ditto to everything above. Also, if you buy the large sheets of sandpaper (regardless of grit), cut them into usable strips, and label the back of each strip as to their grit. Makes them easier to store, and, because you've already cut them to strips, makes 'em a lot easier to grab and use instantly when you need them.

Devil Dawg

Ditto to everything above. Also, if you buy the large sheets of sandpaper (regardless of grit), cut them into usable strips, and label the back of each strip as to their grit. Makes them easier to store, and, because you've already cut them to strips, makes 'em a lot easier to grab and use instantly when you need them.

+1

Dawg, that what I do too, well, the labeling part anyway.  Every time I cut  a piece from a sheet, I write the grit number on back in pencil.    I keep a small pile of used pieces on the work table so there's always some sandpaper handy for those little needs that will crop up.  Great advice DD!

Gary

Alpha Abrasives offers a variety pack or two with multiple grits in each. I got mine at Hobby Lobby with a 40% coupon.

Although I"ll use 320 or 600 grit from the hardware store for general sanding work, I use the Alpha Abrasives set on canopies.  

Chris

Everything posted above is great advice. Only thing I wanted to add is that it's not too tough to make your own sanding sticks. You already have the sandpaper,so just some popsicle sticks carved or sanded to shape  and a can of 3m spray adhesive  and your good to go.  Mike

Hadn't thought of popsicle sticks. I bought a big wad of mixing sticks for casting that are closer in size to tongue depressors; I'll bet those would work too.

Texgunner

Devil Dawg

Ditto to everything above. Also, if you buy the large sheets of sandpaper (regardless of grit), cut them into usable strips, and label the back of each strip as to their grit. Makes them easier to store, and, because you've already cut them to strips, makes 'em a lot easier to grab and use instantly when you need them.

+1

Dawg, that what I do too, well, the labeling part anyway.  Every time I cut  a piece from a sheet, I write the grit number on back in pencil.    I keep a small pile of used pieces on the work table so there's always some sandpaper handy for those little needs that will crop up.  Great advice DD!

Gary

***sniff*** Why, thanks, Gary. That there's the best thing any modeler has ever said to me. ***sniff***

Seriously, though, glad you liked it. It's one of the reasons I love this forum - all the things you can learn from everyone else. I can't even count the new techniques that I've learned just by perusing the threads here. And it's all free!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!

Gary Mason