sand paper (and I searched and checked the FAQ)

OK.. here's my question... what grits of sandpaper do I *REALLY* need? I see some people go all the way up to 12000, etc.. I've only seen up to 2000 in the atuo stores here.. What I was thinking if was getting one sheet each of 1000, 1500, and 2000.

Also.. why is it that the Testor's Kit has : 150,280,320,400,600 (Model Maser)m un-numbered in "Testors" brand? What are the grit equivalents of these? Are they comparable to higher grit count 3M for instance?

thanks in advance for any info.. want to get back into the hobby BIG time in a few weeks (as soon as my income tax check comes) and not settle for that "neglected, faded paint job" look I get by just using the molded color or pre-painted kits.

For wet sanding you want to use the 1500 for orange peel, but anywhere else 2000 grit. That is what it says in the FAQ, and I have been told that alot. I also have read to use 600 grit on the car body before primering it, so the primer has something to stick to.... Don't take my word for all of this because I am kind of new, but I have read the FAQ about 2 times fully now, lol, so you get the point.

Well Doc, what do you plan to do? Kit modification, or out of the box?

Look up the MircoMark website to find the polishing cloths they have on offer. They start at 2400grit and go up to 12000grit. Now that I finally have some experience with them I find them indispensable!

I've seen some comments around that 2000grit will get the polishing job done, but I think that without the further use of Tamiya's various polishing compounds (they've got a few different tubes) 2000 won't give you the glass like finish we all want.

My advice, get a polishing kit from MicroMark. You won't be dissapointed.

800, 1000, 1500, 2000 and a polishing kit for the paint if you want
IMHO 600 is way to coarse for a scale model and leaves deep scratches that need to be further sanded before painting over.
If you need something coarser for a small area use a coarse sanding stick , which I feel one should have a variety of grits at hand from very coarse for rough sanding filler to very fine for near to fininsh work

In my limited experience with them, I recommend sanding pads over plain sand paper: They are just easier to handle IMP, especially if you have big hands.

it depend of what you need. I usually use 400 600 800 1500.