Mirka Galaxy pads are high performance sanding and finishing pads suitable for 125mm or 150mm diameter dual-action/random orbital power sanders (please choose the correct disc size for your sander from the options at the top of the page).
Galaxy is Mirka's latest abrasive technology. The unique ceramic grain is self-sharpening, clog resistant and long lasting. In our experience, we have found fine grit (>P1000) Galaxy pads to perform as well as Mirka's industry-leading (but considerably more expensive) Abralon finshing pads, making them equal to the best finishing pads available. To achieve the same performance as the soft Abralon pads on contoured moulds, Galaxy pads can be combined with a soft 10mm interface pad (see further info below).
These finishing pads are suitable for use on just about any composite material, including all resins, gelcoats, primers.
The pads feature a series of holes to allow sanding dust to be extracted at source and vacuumed through the pad itself, resulting in a sanding action with almost no dust generation with the sander connected to a suitable dust extractor.
How to Fit
The sanding discs feature a looped (Velcro) backing which is designed to attach easily and securely to the velcro interface on most power sanders.
Grit Selection
The pads listed on this page have a very fine P1200 grit abrasive which is the correct grit to follow P800 or grit in a composites flatting and finishing operation. P1200 grit can be followed by Galaxy P2000 or can be compounded to a gloss using a cutting compound such as Pai Cristal NW1.
Whatever your starting grit, it is important to work up through each grit without skipping any steps. Our experience has taught us that the most effective grit sequence for finishing composite materials such as resins and gelcoats using a power sander is:
Soft Interface Pads for Contoured Surfaces
For flat surfaces, Galaxy sanding discs should be fitted directly to the Velcro pad on your sanding machine. However, when using the discs on curved or compound surfaces, it is highly recommended to use an interface pad between the sanding disc and the sander.
Use of a 10mm Mirka interface pad will allow the sanding disc to follow curves and contours of a surface whilst maintaining an even pressure across the pad, eliminating marks usually caused by the edges of the disc on concave surfaces or flat spots from the centre of the disc on convex surfaces.
