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Hi guys,

I am new to this whole wargame thing. I have some new minis, as well as some older ones that are "inherited" (Tyranids).

The older minis are already based and painted, but they don't match my existing hive fleet colours. Could someone give me a quick rundown on how to repaint minis? Also, some quick questions:

1) Can I just rip them off the bases, basecoat them black, and then repaint them? Do note that these older minis are covered in 'Ard Coat.

2) Some of the older minis are magnetized. If I spray base coat all over the bits, including the magnets, will that cause problems?

3) Is it acceptable (in most proper tournaments, with WYSWYG rules) to have 'nids of two different colour schemes?

Provided the existing coats of paint are not too thick, one can easily re-prime and paint as required.

Most of the time, though, it's better to strip and paint again. If they're metal, soak them in acetone overnight and vigourously scrub clean with a bristle brush.

If plastic, soak overnight in Simple Green Concentrate.

Painting over magnets has never caused a problem for me before. But I've always used rare earth magnets, and they're pretty strong.

1) If the paint is very thick, then you need to strip them of paint or else the detail will be all gone. Stripping is good no matter what anyway. If they're covered in 'Ard Coat then you'll probably have to strip them for your scheme to be better.

2) If they're rare earth magnets then it's fine as long as the paint isn't too thick.

3) Tyranids are always changing, so it's perfectly fine if a couple of Warriors or Genestealers are off-colour.