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I'm no stranger to resin models. I've built and prepared them for years. But never have I run into something like this. When I wash the pieces of one of my Cataphractii Terminators of release agent, namely one of my powerfists, there is a thin, shiny layer. I at first thought that it was release agent, but after three hard, thorough scrubs in hot, soapy water, the sheen will not disappear. What am I doing wrong? I don't want to put this model together only for his mitt to not take the paint. Is it just the resin and I shouldn't worry about it? I don't understand it, it's the strangest thing.

Sometimes resin will be shiney. Sometimes a bad mix of resin will continue to leach chemicals for months. If you touch it with your finger you can usually feel the difference between the two.

Beyond that, it is hard to say without closer examination.

 Sean_OBrien wrote:
Sometimes resin will be shiney. Sometimes a bad mix of resin will continue to leach chemicals for months. If you touch it with your finger you can usually feel the difference between the two.

Beyond that, it is hard to say without closer examination.

It sounds like the latter is my problem. Is this chemical leeching effect as detrimental to painting as release agent is? Is there any way to fix it? I've had these models since December and I am just now putting them together.

Yes. It will cause just as much issue as release agent.

Typically, you can try either a little sanding, or attempt to get a replacement from the manufacturer.

Sort of depends...I'll poke at it a bit, then I might soak it in rubbing alcohol over night. Poke some more, and if it is still shiny then I'll toss them in some water/Simple Green. If that doesn't work then I might try some 409.

Depending on the cause, one of those three should fix it.

A light sanding should dull it down and give the paint something to grip to.