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Post by NobleSeven on Jan 22, 2011 14:14:55 GMT -5
Nobleseven here. Over the last year I have taken my modeling/terrain building to the next step with the aid of airbrushing, dremel pinning and converting, electric hand saws and quite a few other techniques that were sometimes difficult to begin- harder still to master.
I thought I would offer up some advice on my experiences with these techniques for those who have wanted to try them and didn't know where to start. I'll begin with a few basics. This thread will constantly be updated so feel free to add any questions, comments or techniques you've learned as well!
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Post by NobleSeven on Jan 22, 2011 14:28:35 GMT -5
Technique #1
Cleaning Plastic and Resin
Clean my models you say? There is no way my Ork Horde will practice proper hygiene! Hate to break it to the boyz but washing your models (especially Resin ones) is a sure fire way to guarantee the very best and longest lasting paint jobs around.
The reason? During the casting process certain oily residues remain on the models that make it difficult for paint to remain in place. This residue sits between the surface of the paint and model and over time can lead to chips, smudges and smears. This is especially insidious with Resin models- so much so that you can literally rub whole coats of paint off with your fingertip- or the paint will simply refuse to be applied at all. For plastic models, smaller pieces can generally skip the cleaning process while larger pieces (vehicles, MCs, terrain) often require it- and for what you pay for these models, don't you want the best results?
The best news is- It's simple!
Fill a bowl with warm water (do not use hot water, especially on resin, as it may warp them) and a small amount of liquid dish washing soap. Not too much as you don't want the models to become slick or filmy. Taking an old toothbrush, gently scrub away the casting agent from the models all over with precision and a steady hand. Then, simply leave them out in the open to dry. Give them enough time to dry completely before attempting to glue or apply primer.
For bigger jobs- such as the Citadel Realm of Battle Board- simply take them in the shower with you! Seriously. The soap and water will do you both good!
There you have it! Clean models= longer lasting and higher quality paint jobs!
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Post by NobleSeven on Jan 25, 2011 0:50:43 GMT -5
Technique #2
Pinning
This is a dreaded step for me personally, but let's face it- some models just need to be pinned. This is especially true with resin kits and metal.
For this technique you will need a bit more than just a bowl and some soap. Pinning requires a handful of tools- which if you do not have I highly suggest for any modeler. They are-
-Craft Knife
-Snips
-Snipe-nosed pliers
-needle file
-pin vice
-small precision drill bits
-paper clips or brass rods
-decent super glue
Ok, let's get to work.
First thing you are going to want to do is make sure the surface you are planning to pin is clean. Shave mold lines, remove flash ect. Your snips, knife and files will come in handy here. Then, taking your vice pin, twist a few times until you have added a subtle hole in the center of where you wish to pin. No need to go too deep here as you are really just marking the area. I like to add a small dot of paint here and press the two pieces to be pinned together so that I can accurately "mark" the areas I'll be working with.
Now that the model is marked you can get to drilling. Start slow and drill your holes about 4-6mm deep (depending on what you are working with.) Do this with a steady hand as a deviation can throw the angle off. Do not go too deep here! I have, yes, I have managed to get a little overzealous and go THROUGH smaller pieces. Battle damage anyone?
Fitting the clip/rod is pretty simple. Start with the bulkiest portion you have drilled and dry fit the pin in place. Once you are satisfied snip the end of the pin off with about 2mm or so showing. If this is too big or too small (considering the other piece involved) simply compensate. There doesn't have to be a large amount of pin showing- just enough to fortify that joint!
Before adding glue, dry fit the two pieces together. Make sure the angle is what you desire, that the pins fit and that there is enough pin length to properly join the two pieces together. When this is achieved simply add a touch of glue in the pin hole (glue one side at a time) and join the two pieces together. With a paper towel wipe up any excess glue that could gunk up the works.
And there you have it! No more crumbling Space Marines or armless Demon Royalty at the next big event!
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