Preparing and Painting the Figure
- Remove excess flash and any seam lines which you do not want to be seen. Use a sharp knife and a fine file or emery board.
- Dispose of excess metal shavings and filings to keep them from ending up in the paints or other unwanted places.
- File the underside of the base flat, or use sandpaper attached to a flat board to level the figures base. You can then finish of the casting's base by rounding the corners and the top edges.
- If the casting requires assembly, (ie: arms, weapons or instruments) use a Super Glue product or an Epoxy type glue. You may have to hold the parts together longer then normal. Also remember not to get the glues on your fingers.
- The next step is to wash the casting with household detergent to remove grease and finger oils. An alternative to soak the figure in vinegar for at least an hour. This will provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to. Let the casting air dry before priming.
- Mount the casting temporary to a larger piece of wood with elastics or tacks to give a hands free method of painting the figure and rotating it to reach all areas
- Once the figure has dried completely, you can begin to apply the primer. Since most of the castings have fine details on them, thinning out the primer will help stop the details from being obliterated.
- Allow the primer to dry completely over night. If the primer was a dark colour you may want to apply a thinned out coat of a white paint as a base for areas which will be painted a light colour.
- When you start to paint the figure, you have two or three choices of how to present the finished figure.
As a toy soldier, with limited detail and a glossy finish.
As a military miniature with fine detailing including facial features and a matte finish.
Or a military mannequin, fine detailing with the face being left blank and a matte finish.- Start with the flesh areas of your work, then start on the undergarments (ie: vests, shirts). Always let the paints dry completely before starting a new section of the figure.
- When you have completely finished the figure and it is dry. Apply clear lacquer, gloss or matte depending on what type you are doing. This will protect your finished figure.
Tips on painting the figure supplied by:
The Tin Soldier Factory
Huron County, Ontario, CANADAOr go back to my other PAINTING TIPS PAGE
