(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best nail files & buffers

I use hard Wave sticks too and love them. They sand very flat (something I liked files for) but are quite gentle on the plastic in terms of deap scratches. BUT for some reason the 800 grit is disconnected like in your link. Anyone know where else you can get it?

In terms of files I have the Tamiya basic , Tamiya fine basic , and a (hopefully) nicer plastic hobby file on order just to try. Files are nice for larger jobs like serious molding flaws (not common in Bandai kits) and the fine ones are OK for nubs but still quite rough compared to any sanding stick. Although, as you know I'm sure, files last forever and require much less effort and time to chew through plastic. I'm hoping the plastic file is the Holy grail and is a good balance. I bought a set of needle files and diamond files from harbor freight and they blow. The trash just don't grip or cut don't waste your $3.

And as a reference I own Revell, squadron , nail buff sticks, and have made my own sticks from automotive sand paper. The nail files are way too rough imo, making my own is a pain, and while the squadron sticks are nice I mainly only used the tri-grit while I used all the Revell except the roughest and are probably the best value imo. I still use the other more flexible kinds but dramatically prefer wave. Wish the 800 grit still were available.

Long post sorry. Hope it helps

Edits: spelling, phrasing, and lots of links

Hey im a nail technician and used to be a horrid nail biter. I've coached many through the habit! Everything these ppl said is true but im going to provide you with some links:

1- Nail file - you dont need a glass one obv but they last forever and are more sustainable.

2- Cuticle Nippers- I would, like u/deskais said, keep them with you all the time for a while and use that when you have a hang nail or rough cuticle you want to pick at. This one is a pretty inexpensive pair that comes with a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back with.

3- Disgustig nail polish - I've heard tales of people chewing through it but that is mind boggling to me. It tastes awful and will at the very least remind you if you are biting at them subconsciously. There is another brand called "stop the bite" but it wears off and isn't so bad. This one stays on until you remove it.

4- Cuticle Cream. This one is important and would be my #1 choice if you only picked one. Moisturize that shit every day. Keep it on your nightstand or in your car so you dont forget. If they aren't dry, there will be nothing to pick at and they will look so much better.

Id also get a professional manicure just to see how they do it and then that will help you learn how to do it yourself, and it will clean them up and then all you have to do is keep it up with at home care.

​

Good luck! Id love to see a followup post in a month if you remember.

Those should do perfectly fine, though if it's beveled on both sides, you'll have more of a mess to clean up.

For cleaning minis, if they're cheap where you're from, I suggest something like emery board/nail files, as they have a decent amount of abrasion, and are relatively small. Sand paper is also an excellent choice, depending on availability. Otherwise a good knife that has a very good edge can do a decent job of scraping away at excess pieces of sprue and mold lines, though that can take practice.

If you're looking for a little file to keep in your handbag like I needed, I recommend this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B06XSK5TV2/ref=oh_aui_i_d_old_o2_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm very pleased with them. Easy to wash off, perfect size, comes in a pocket to protect them, they're very cheap and claim to have life long guarantee. I think they sell them in a bigger size too, I'm not sure.

The 3-pack of markers for bold lines:

https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Creos-Gundam-Marker-Value/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia?crid=3GTR0RXGUXX4H&keywords=gundam+marker+set&pd_rd_i=B00HY93GHY&pd_rd_r=3b3b062e-d90d-495a-8e52-176ed31b8ba1&pd_rd_w=RRUZa&pd_rd_wg=sdCxW&pf_rd_p=a5491838-6a74-484e-8787-eb44c8f3b7ff&pf_rd_r=9A24ZX8C18EJZBXABCXP&psc=1&qid=1571687311&sprefix=gundam+marker%2Caps%2C152

Tamiya ink works differently, it will spread down the lines: (Comes in a variety of colors)
https://www.amazon.com/TAMIYA-87131-Panel-Accent-Plastic/dp/B01HDJ7BR0/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=tamiya+ink&qid=1571687349&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-1

​

And I like to use this for fine details, it is thinner than the Gundam markers:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UCSNQY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

These I use for cleaning, the middle grit will take off ink, then the fine will buff the marks:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R34AE66/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Hope this is helpful, good luck!

Medicool Turbo File II https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008B8COMK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.5-5Cb9Q56T0D

This is the one that I have. It works in both directions. It's not real fancy, but I've used it for almost two years and it's been great. It's not very expensive so it's a great first drill. Just get some good bits and you're good to go!

it's all about prefrence with top and base coat. I'm glad you found one that works for you.

This is the one I use

Walgreens also has one as well, it works just as well and smells like baby powder.

they will totally clean up your nails. Just tell them no polish. Or hell, have them do the polish it will probably be the same price polish or not and they have some great colors you can try out to see if you like them before you add them to your wishlist. You can also bring your own supplies to the salon. My sister brings her own polish and I've brought my own base coat several times.

and these are the kind I use on a daily basis

You're best option is to piece together a kit. I can not stress enough how important it is to get a good set of nippers. My SS got me the gundam planet nippers and they have been a revelation. I'd also suggest some straight edge toe nail clippers and some foam nail files, as well as a storage box for everything

http://www.amazon.com/Plano-23600-01-Stowaway-Adjustable-Dividers/dp/B000E39T50/ref=sr_1_3?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1453474601&sr=1-3&keywords=tackle+box

http://www.amazon.com/Tweezerman-Professional-Stainless-Toenail-5011-p/dp/B000KEOO4O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453474502&sr=8-1&keywords=straight+toenail+clippers

http://www.amazon.com/So-Beauty-Buffing-Sanding-Pedicure/dp/B00KLWFYGW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1453474527&sr=8-8&keywords=foam+nail+file

http://www.gundamplanet.com/gundam-planet-premium-side-cutter.html

...huh. Tricky. I'm not sure if I can think of anything off the top of my head as an alternative to clipping/cutting or grinding/sanding, when it comes to nails.

Um... maybe going out on a limb a bit here, but if it's the sensation through the fingers which is the major issue, maybe something like a TENS machine to futz with the nerve signals?

Wait, apparently there are powered nail trimmers. Sort of shaves off a tiny bit of the edge of the nail on each pass, apparently, so it's not snapping off a huge chunk of nail like a clipper but it's also not grinding or sanding it like an emery board. Not sure if it'd be useful in your case...?

Fine sand paper is really a waste, to be honest. You can go with a coarser grit and it will take down that seam faster than fine sand paper and as long as it's not too coarse (maybe 400-600 grit) you won't be able to tell after the paint is applied.

The other point is that sandpaper won't effectively work to only sand down the high points; a flat file or sanding stick will work better. You can even hit it with, say, a 400 grit sanding stick side to side, and then go fore and aft with the fine sand paper to polish it a bit afterwards if you want.

Sanding sticks can be pretty cheap, you can buy grab bags or as nail buffers in various grits. I've even gone into retail nail salons to buy specialized shapes in the past.

The Bliss Kiss Crystal Nail file has a lifetime warranty on the filing surface =)

http://www.myblisskiss.com/simply-crystal-nail-file-large-with-case/

https://www.amazon.com/Bliss-Kiss-Simply-Crystal-Small/dp/B01J4JYJP4

One of the easiest ways for a beginner to remove the nubs is a nail file. Super easy to find and cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/Teenitor-Polisher-Professional-Supplies-Pedicure/dp/B071GBVWJ7/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?keywords=nail+file&qid=1559311371&s=gateway&sprefix=nai&sr=8-14

Sanding films being the stuff that's basically "sandpaper, but with plastic instead of paper", right? I have some of those and they're quite nice. Do you know a manufacturer that makes them in really high grit? The ones I have only go up to 800 or so and it's not fine enough. I've seen people on here say, for example, 2,000 grit is good; is that enough?

As for files, do you have specific recommendations? I searched for flex-i-file and found this; is it what you mean? http://www.amazon.com/Flex-I-File-0550-Flex-Set-Complete-Finishing/dp/B00AQME7UG/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1450493727&sr=1-1&keywords=flex-i-file

To jump onto this comment, I have a nail file similar to this that has a neat case, so I keep it in my handbag at all times in case I break/crack/chip my nail. It helps to have it conveniently on hand.

I bought [something like this] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009W1RL2I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UF7JAb6K0V3KX). It's a lot skinnier than a wooden/emery file, so I can file around the elastic hooks pretty easy.

Brushes, striping tape, gems
clear stamper
stamping plate to be used with the clear stamper
stamping polish
makeup wedge for gradients
simply peel latex barrier
bliss kiss cuticle oil
crystal nail file

Everyone has a preferred polish brand. OPI and Zoya seem to be really popular, and you can find both at Ulta or online.

Buff your nails after you file them. Buffing will make the edges smooth.

You can get a nail buffer block for a few dollars online or somewhere like Sally Beauty, TJ Maxx, Ross, etc. Or ask if you can borrow hers.

Many places, Target, walmart, beauty shops, ect. Just look for something like these https://www.amazon.com/-viva-Beauty-Premium-Shine-Buffer/dp/B01186UKB8/ref=sr_1_12_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466551932&sr=8-12&keywords=nail+buffing+blocks

they usually have two different grit sizes and a polishing side to them.

Thanks! I used a nail polish block, started with the harshest part, then went on to the medium and finally the softest part. You probably have one of these already, but they sell them in every drugstore anyway.

This only works with plexi, found on most vintage watches, though. It gets scratched very easily, but if the scratches are too deep, you are better off with replacing the glass. It's very cheap as it's plastic; I paid around $20 the last time.

Linky linky!

Basically they're amazing and I'm so excited.

Last book I read was If I Stay... by Gayle Forman. It was sad and interestingly written. They just released the movie this week. I'm currently on the 2nd book, Where She Went. I liked it though. It was a quick read!

The shipping isn't prime... but it's free... is that ok?

I have the same problem, I just use a metal file now. You don't feel the scratch. It's hard to find any so I usually just use the ones on the back of a nail clipper. I also recommend getting a four sided nail buffer which includes buffing polishing smoothing etc, they just make your nails look nicer but you can't shape your nails with it. https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Fingernail-Professional-Manicure-Iridesi/dp/B00868BNUY/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1537819550&sr=1-3&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A2874020011

If you clip your nails to shape then you could just touch up with a nail buffer. The scratchy side isn't necessary and I usually avoid it. Be careful not to accidentally purchase a nail buffer that's gritty, so just check out your local Walgreens or Walmart to feel them.

No problem :)
You can get them on Amazon here - there's probably plenty more but that's the first link I clicked. Several indie polish makers sell them too.