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I recently got my first finecast model and was eager to try painting it. However, being cautious I tested the paints out on some leftover parts on the sprue before taking on the real deal.

The problem that came up was that the citadel acrylic paints did not seem to stick to the fincast material very well and would rub off easily.
This has made me somewhat hesitant to continue because I don't want to mess the model up. As such I am asking for any advice on painting finecast models.

For most multipart plastic models I would hand brush on the basecoat. However, as stated this seems to rub off too easily when attempted on the finecast material. Does the model need to be washed or prepared in someway to help the paint stick? I was thinking of perhaps using a spray to help keep the detail, but I am not sure if I will have the same problem with the spray rubbing off. I live in South Africa and do not have access to citidel sprays. The shop where I get my minitures from sells a spray paint, but its very expensive. As such would normal matte acrylic spray from a hardware store work, or would I have to bite the bullet and pay up?

Any advice on painting finecast models would be appreciated.

I would try gently washing with soapy water to get rid of any mould release residues.

I sugest reading this befor going any further:

http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Downloads/Product/PDF/R/resintips.pdf

Paul wrote:I sugest reading this befor going any further:

http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Downloads/Product/PDF/R/resintips.pdf

Thanks a lot.
I have a decent idea now why the paint was not sticking well. I will definitely make sure to wash ans scrub the model before I apply the base coat.

Lastly Like I asked, would normal matte acrylic spray from a hardware store be fine, or is the stuff they sell at model stores different / better?

do remember that forgeworld resin is a little different then finecast resin... a gentle rub with a soft brush and some soap and water will do wonders, also, a can of primer will do... i like the GW primers but you could get ones that are much cheaper...

black is hard to see any details but the white tends to powder a little...

SylvanaSekNadin wrote:Lastly Like I asked, would normal matte acrylic spray from a hardware store be fine, or is the stuff they sell at model stores different / better?

Presuming you're referring to priming, I use an el-cheapo brand of spray paint to prime, Valspar from Lowe's, it's like $2 a can and I've not had problems with it, a few years in. I have seen other threads where people use 99 cent Wal-mart brand spraypaint with success. When in doubt, do a test model though, always faster then stripping.

Instead of washing and scrubbing the model I find that giving the model a quick swish in some properly diluted Super Clean works just as well and is much quicker.

Catyrpelius wrote:Instead of washing and scrubbing the model I find that giving the model a quick swish in some properly diluted Super Clean works just as well and is much quicker.

That's the purple stuff, right?

How does it work on resin - have you tried it?

And primer adheres well even without rinsing it?