sanding paper

I use wet/dry sandpaper (wet usually) on my models (largely 1/72 aircraft) which can be bought at most lumber yards, home improvement stores (Lowe's, Home Depot etc), automotive supply stores and hardwares. The coarsest grade I usually use is 360 grit (although I have been known to use 220 grit on a real problem area) and depending on how fine a finish I want work my way down to 1800 grit. Just remember the smaller the number the coarser the grit, the larger the number, the finer the grit.

thank you, qmiester

your advice has been a real help, now i can finish my revell/frog canberra

For a really fine finish, instead of sandpaper, try using ulta fine steel wool. It is available in the paint section of hardware stores. I prefer this over sandpaper because it is less expensive and it lasts far longer than sandpaper. Also, it can be used wet for an ultra smooth final finish and will reach into places won't fit easily. (Look for ultra fine or "0000") The designation of grit varies from comany to company. Just be sure to wash your model and be sure you get all the dust off so that it wont get under your paint.