Tools of the trade

There are some tools you will need to get the job done right. You can find them at any craft store or online, but I’ve included links where available so you can see how they’re made and where to buy them.

Needle nose pliers: These are useful for removing small parts from models, such as weapons, hands and heads. They are also useful for holding small pieces while painting and for re-gluing them after drying.

A good brush: Make sure it’s soft enough on the model, but firm enough to keep the paint from spreading too quickly across the surface (or worse yet, dripping off). It should also hold the paint well without soaking the bristles too much – you don’t want the pigment to cover your fingers when you go to reuse the brush!

Brush Cleaner: You won’t have time to clean every single brush between colors as you work on your project, unless you use a color with very strong pigmentations such as enamels or acrylics (which would still make it difficult to work because these types of paint tend not to be mixed).

Choose carefully the paints for painting models

Use the right type of paint for your model. This means that you need to use acrylic paints for the plastic models and oil or enamel paints if it is a metal sculpture. If you use the wrong type of paint, your model will not look as good as it could possibly have. You also need to know how many layers of paint to apply to give the model a realistic look. Thick paint layers can cause bubbles and wrinkles. Thin coats of paint may not adhere properly, making the paint job more difficult.

Oil-based paints are not recommended for use on model cars, as they can melt or erode plastic. Acrylic paints also contain solvents which act as drying agents; when applied to these surfaces, the acrylic paint fades over time.

Model paints are similar to regular paints in that they are available in tubes and bottles, but unlike other types they are specifically designed for application to models such as resin or plastic figures; Keep this distinction in mind as you set out to become experts in creating beautiful artwork by hand.

Prepare and paint models

• To get started, you need to clear the mold lines from the model using a hobby knife and sandpaper. This is very important because it will ensure that the paint is applied much better and looks more like the final product. Make sure the model is clean and ready for painting by wiping off any residue with warm soapy water.
• Subsequently, the primer can be added, depending on the type of finish desired (dark or bright).
• After applying the primer to the model, it’s time to apply the base paint. This will give you an idea of ​​what the color will look like when completed. Any type of paint can be used for this stage, but for miniatures it is better to use acrylics, which dry quickly and chip less when handling.
• The next step is adding shading, a technique in which one color is applied over another in lighter or darker shades. This gives depth to the model and makes it look more realistic.
• The last step is to add the highlights, which are the lighter colors added to the base. Pure white is generally used, but any bright color can be used. It is important not to use too much paint at this stage so as not to make the miniature appear flat and unrealistic.
• The final step is to apply a layer of protective paint, which not only protects the miniature, but can also be used to highlight certain areas. After the model has been painted, decals and other details can be added. In this case it is necessary to be very careful not to damage the model by applying excessive pressure with the brush or by using diluents that cause deformation.

Conclusion to painting models

This guide is a work in progress, so as you follow it, keep in mind that this isn’t the only way to paint. There are many ways to achieve successful painting and many different styles of painting models. Here are some general guidelines we found useful for teaching beginners to paint models:

• Start small and simple. For example, try painting eyes on an unpainted Groot bust before tackling something more complex like a large diorama or building model kits from scratch. If things go wrong (and they do), they won’t be as devastating if you start with a budget model that won’t require extensive reworking or repainting.
• Don’t be discouraged if your work isn’t perfect! You may find yourself going through multiple coats of paint before you’re happy with the look, but don’t worry about mistakes – learn from them! The more often someone paints models for fun or for profit (or both), the better they will become – so don’t be afraid to try new techniques and tools until you come up with something!
• Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and tools until you find something!