Are you wondering how to professionally paint your miniature figures?
Here you will learn how to remove remains of the supports, degrease and prime the miniature. We will not only show you what the individual steps look like, but also why you have to do them in a certain order.
Save yourself frustration and learn all about painting miniature figures! After reading this article you will surely know more than the average painter - so what are you waiting for?
It's time to express your creativity and give your favorite characters a colorful home!
Unfortunately, it can always happen that a few small remnants of the support structure remain on the miniatures. Even tiny holes that result from removing the supports cannot always be avoided.
You should consider the following steps in preparing miniatures for painting:
1. Removal of any small remnants of the supports (support structures)
How do I remove small remnants of the supports (support structures) on miniature figures and tabletops?
It is important that you have the right tools to remove the small remains of supports on miniature figures and tabletops. Good advice is to get a pair of tweezers made specifically for this type of work. It is very precise and allows you to remove even the tiniest pieces. Another useful tool is a fine brush; it helps you remove the dust without having to smudge it with your fingers. But you can also work with a scalpel, because it allows you to get into hard-to-reach places. However, even if you have the right tools, you will need patience and care when removing the small remnants of the supports. Start severing the larger pieces using the scalpel. However, never try to force them off - this can cause cracks in the surface. Once you've removed all the larger pieces, use the fine brush or tweezers to get rid of the smaller pieces. Then wash the surfaces with soapy water to ensure there is no residue left. Another important note: Please make sure not to use any sharp-edged objects or chemicals - you could damage the figure or even attack the material! With patience and the right tools, it should be possible to remove the supports from miniature figures and tabletops cleanly and gently.
How to fix small holes in miniature figures
Small holes created in the surface texture of a miniature figurine are fairly common. But they're easy to fix if you know the right steps. Here's how to easily remove them. First, you should thoroughly clean the area around the hole. Wipe or vacuum dust and debris to keep particles out of the hole when patching it. Next you need to find a suitable filling material. For smaller holes, more component epoxy resin is best suited here. This is very strong and forms a durable bond with the material of the miniature figure. Make sure that the filler material is completely sealed to the hole. You should remove excess material with a fine brush and then check again whether all irregularities have been eliminated. For fine details, it is advisable to rework the surface with fine emery paper. With this you smooth the surface and grind away any bumps that may still be present - this way the miniature figure regains its true-to-life look! With these instructions you now have all the necessary steps in mind to repair small holes in the surface structure of miniature figures - try it out now!
2. Degreasing miniatures before priming
How to degrease?
Degreasing is an important preparation before priming, but what's the best way to do it? There are different methods depending on the product you are using. In this article we explain what you have to consider. First of all, it is important to know that you only use materials that are suitable for degreasing. Do not use any solvents or other chemicals on your miniatures! This can damage the surface and make it look bad over time. A popular degreasing method is to use alcohol. A cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol will clean the surface and remove any excess dirt or grease residue. However, make sure that the alcohol is not too strong - otherwise it could damage the surface of the model. Gasoline and turpentine oil are also good cleaning agents for miniatures before priming. Both have a high dissolving power and are good at removing excess fats and oils. Again, it's important to be careful and only use a light amount of petrol or turpentine - otherwise you could sand the paint off the model. If you prefer to use something more natural, vinegar or lemon juice are good options. Both contain acids that are good at dissolving grease residues - but the same applies here: Only use a small amount! If you treat the model too much with vinegar or lemon juice, it can happen that the surface of the miniature is damaged. There are also specific products on the market for degreasing miniatures prior to priming. Such products often offer the advantage that they are very cleaning and at the same time have a protective seal - ideal for all model lovers! Using degreasing agents correctly Have you now decided on a degreasing agent? Then follow these tips to ensure your model is optimally prepared: - Start by cleaning your model thoroughly - remove dirt and dust particles with warm water or mild soap. - Then apply degreasing agents selectively on the areas where grease residues may be present (among other things, contact joints). - Wait a few minutes for the liquid to do its work (should be written in the instructions for each product). - After the specified time has elapsed, thoroughly remove everything again with warm water and soap.
3. priming miniature
Proper priming for best results Welcome back! Now that the surfaces of your miniature figures and tabletop collectibles are degreased, we can get to the priming. The right primer is crucial for the best possible results when painting and is also necessary to set the color. A good primer protects your miniatures from scratches, dirt and paint peeling off. When priming, you should be careful not to apply too much pressure to the figure to avoid damage. It is best to use a brush with soft bristles to prime the figure evenly. Spread the primer directly on the material of your miniature figures or tabletop collectible figures.
You can also use a sprayer or airbrush, but you have to be extra careful and use the product carefully according to the manufacturer's instructions. When you're done with the primer, give your figures enough time to dry. Then you can start painting!