Sanding sticks for Gunpla (Best for your Model+ProTips)

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Sanding sticks designed specifically for Gunpla kits are specialized tools that are designed to be used specifically with Gundam plastic model kits.

These sanding sticks are designed to have a specific grit or coarseness that is best suited for sanding and smoothing the plastic parts of Gunpla kits.

Why You should use Gunpla sanding sticks

One of the key benefits of using sanding sticks designed for Gunpla is that they allow for precise and controlled sanding. This is important when working with small and delicate pieces of plastic, as it can be difficult to achieve a smooth and even finish using larger, more traditional sanding tools. 

Sanding sticks designed for Gunpla are often smaller in size and have a more ergonomic shape, which makes them easier to use and manipulate around small and intricate parts.

Another advantage of using sanding sticks designed for Gunpla is that they can be used on a variety of different materials, including plastic, resin, and metal. This makes them a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of different Gunpla projects.

Overall, using sanding sticks designed specifically for Gunpla kits is an essential step in achieving a professional-looking finish on your Gundam model kit.

Best sanding sticks for gunpla models

The best way to sand your Gundam model in a professional way is to use high-quality sanding sticks designed especially for Gunpla kits.

Some of the best Gunpla sanding sticks in the market include:

1. Dspiae sanding sticks – One Of The Best for Gunpla

One of the best sanding sticks you’ll need to buff your Gunpla kits is Dspiae sanding sticks. 

Dspiae sanding sticks are designed with tough carbon fiber boards and last long. 

When you buy one of their sticks, you get legit quality sandpapers in various grits. Even their sanding stick sets are cheap and pretty easy to use in hard-to-reach places.

Dspiae Pros

  • Tough carbon fiber stick
  • Legit quality sandpaper that won’t tear surface area
  • Easy to use

Dspiae Con

  • The adhesives may peel after some time when dipped in water
Dspiae Sanding Sticks – One Of The Best For Gunpla

2. Revell sanding sticks – The Affordable Option

Revell sanding sticks are another fine-quality sanding stick for soft Gundam plastics. They work exceptionally for precision detailing on large models. 

The sanding stick has coarse and medium grit. Their only drawback is that they aren’t really flexible and might take much effort to reach hard corners. 

Revell sanding sticks Pros

  • Cheap
  • Decent quality
  • Easy to use
  • It has coarse and medium grits

Revell sanding sticks Cons

  • It may be too rough on your kit, especially if you don’t need to sand so much
Revell Sanding Sticks – The Affordable Option

3. Infini sanding sticks – The One That Will Last A Life Time

Like every other sanding stick, the Infini sanding sticks from Korea are double-sided. 

Unlike many cheap sanding sticks, they are more durable, have superior grits ranging up to 1500, are easy to use, and are low cost. 

The best part of these sanding sticks on Gunpla kits, like the Bandai HG kits is that they can last you around 15 HG kits(!), sometimes more. 

Infini sanding sticks Pros

  • They hold out for a long time
  • Pretty cheap
  • Easy to use

Infini sanding sticks Cons

  • They aren’t always accessible
Infini Sanding Sponge – The One That Will Last A Life Time

4.  Squadron Sanding Sticks – My Goto Sanding Sticks for Gunpla

I’ve tried various sanding sticks but found that the squadron ones seem to be the best and last quite long. 

Plus, they give you a good level of consistency when sanding your Gundam model. 

However, the climax of buying their sanding sticks is that Squadron have coarse, medium, fine, and extra fine sanding sticks, and they do a tri-grit as well.

Pros

  • Decent plastic quality
  • Holds up well
  • Varying grits

Cons

  • Quite pricey
Squadron Sanding Sticks – My Goto Sanding Sticks For Gunpla

The DIY Option – Make Snading Sticks yourself

While you may have great success using custom sanding sticks, you can also save money by learning to customize a homemade sanding stick for your Gunpla kit. Here’s how to do it. 

What you need

  • Plastic popsicle sticks 
  • Outdoor double-sided tape or glue
  • Sandpaper (400 to 3000 grit)
  • Hobby knife or scissors
  • Marker

Instructions – DIY Sanding Sticks For Gunpla

  1. Cut the length of the tape to be a bit shorter than the popsicle stick. Then, cut it in half lengthwise to get two narrow strips. 
  2. Stick one part of the tape on the popsicle stick and the other on its other side 
  3. Take the sandpaper and stick it to both sides. You’ll have extras on the edges. 
  4. Use a knife and cut along the edge of the stick, and you’ve got yourself a homemade sanding stick. 
  5. Use a marker to label the stick with its grit for easy identification.
DIY Gunpla Sanding Sticks

Use a six-way nail buffer (Not My Favourite, But Still An Option)

If you can’t get your hands on a sanding stick, or can’t afford to stress yourself making one, use nail six-way nail buffer. They are available from your friendly supermarket.  

Nail buffers are very cheap and can be washed. Plus, they are soft enough, so you can cut them up into various shapes to reach those hard-to-get places. 

And, their six corners mean you can easily switch from fine to medium and coarse grits when sanding your models. 

What grit is best for gunpla?

It depends. 

When I sand my Gunpla kits, I start with 600 grit and usually end with 1000. I sometimes even start with 400 to get the job done faster. But, you can also start lower when you need to shave off a lot of plastic (usually 120-240) and work your way up to 400, 800, then 2000. 

If you’re sanding for painting your Gunpla model and want to be extra safe, you need to start low until you can see that the joints aren’t touching, except where they join together. 

To use Gunpla sanding sticks effectively, follow these step-by-step instructions:

  1. Choose the right grit size: Start by selecting the right grit size sanding stick based on the part of the model you are working on. For example, use a coarse grit (around 120-240) for removing large imperfections or excess material, and a finer grit (400-800) for polishing or refining the surface.
  2. Hold the sanding stick correctly: Hold the sanding stick firmly but not too tightly, using a comfortable grip that allows you to control the pressure and direction of the sanding motion.
  3. Sand in one direction: Always sand in one direction, rather than back and forth or in circular motions. This helps to prevent scratches or unevenness on the model’s surface. Typically, you should sand in the direction of the panel lines, or along the length of the part.
  4. Use light pressure: Use light pressure when sanding to avoid damaging the model or removing too much material. Let the grit of the sanding stick do the work for you.
  5. Check your progress: Check your progress regularly by wiping the surface with a cloth or blowing away any dust. This will help you to see where you need to focus your sanding efforts and avoid over-sanding.
  6. Move on to finer grits: Once you have achieved the desired level of smoothness with a coarser grit, move on to finer grits gradually, repeating the same steps until you reach the desired level of smoothness and finish.

By following these steps, you can use Gunpla sanding sticks effectively to achieve a high-quality finish without damaging your model. Remember to be patient and take your time, and always use the correct technique to get the best results.

Conclusion

Painting small details on your Gunpla kit is not all about perfection, but it isn’t always bad to want an exceptional finish on your Gunpla kit. 

These sanding sticks in this guide will help you achieve smooth results, so your Gunpla kits look like showroom custom models.