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I got some lead models, and had read in some places about the risks of working with such material.

Someone can explain how i solve those?

I know i need a coat of varnish to "seal" the model, but what else i need to do?

I'm interested in this as well, I inherited a bunch of GW/FW tanks whose weapons are apparently made of lead. Haven't started working on them yet but the knowledge will be great to have.

Don't lick your hands after handling the metal

No different than anything else really.

My advice from working with old lead starship models is this:

1) wash them in warm water with a bit of soap

2) assemble and prime

3) paint

4) gloss varnish

5) matte varnish or gloss again if you like the shiny

Big thing is do not eat while working with the stuff. Also wash your hands really well afterwards or wearing gloves works too. Followed this and I have had no problems *twitch* *twitch*

Are you sure they have lead in? Older figures did but more modern (mid 90's on) are mostly lead free but all metal figures tend to get called ´lead´ as shorthand by us older types.

In any case, don't eat them and Don't snort any filing residues but don't worry about casual contact too much.

Just don't go sticking it in your mouth and it will be fine after you had painted and varnish it.

If you are really concerned, wear a mask while cleaning any flash or scraping/sanding mold lines.

Once you have the model primed, you wont have any issues really. Just follow the suggestions already made and you'll be fine. It's not that big of a deal, just make sure to wash your hands when done.

Once the figure is painted and sealed, you don't need to worry about playing with the models.

Enjoy: http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=201028

If you're totally terrified, paint while wearing latex gloves and a mask over your mouth, then put goggles on. That being said just don't scrape it into your mouth or eyes and wash your hands after in lukewarm water, warm opens the pores, cold makes em close.

Its actually less of a health hazard than sanding a resin piece.

Try to collect the bits that come off from scraping, clipping, or sanding and dump them in the garbage right away. Lead dust would be the biggest concern but it's so heavy it falls out of the air quite quickly compared to resin or plastic dust.

Wash your hands before eating.

I cast lead (bullets, buckshot, and slugs) in my garage and it isn't too dangerous with some basic precautions.

I take more precautions with resin dust than lead exposure. The resin dust you breath in can solidify in your lungs. Only around 10% of lead that enters your body actually sticks around (25% if you aren't done puberty yet).

It's only really hazardous if ingested in quantity, wash your hands after handling.

Any risk is gone when painted.

 notprop wrote:
It's only really hazardous if ingested in quantity, wash your hands after handling.

Any risk is gone when painted.

This. Also the need to seal is primarily because metal models tend to chip more easily, rather than any lingering problems with toxicity. If the worst comes to the worst, I'm sure youtube has a bideo on do it yourself chelation

Pfft. I had lead minis when I was about 8. You'll be fine.

Use a light hand with the knife and file when cleaning them up. Lead is a lot softer then modern alloys, and you don't want to damage the mini.

 Nevelon wrote:
Use a light hand with the knife and file when cleaning them up. Lead is a lot softer then modern alloys, and you don't want to damage the mini.

QFT. Some manufacturers still use a lead-heavy alloy (Perry for example). It's surprising how much more easily workable it is (if you're used to the harder 'white metal' alloys). When old grognards like me lament the loss of metal minis, this is the stuff they mean.

Big downside is that dropping them tends to mush the detail rather than simply chip - lead alloys are extremely malleable.

Hey guys, thank you all. Lots of usefull information here. I was afraid of touching those minis, but now i know i was doying everything ok.

Thanks everyone. What impressed me is that the ideia of "lead is dangerous" in the end was caused by a bad marriage o.O

Good to know more about the history of the hobby.

PS: i dont even know if the miniatures are lead, but i think they are, as the metal have a diferent color (darker), is more maleable and have "grena 1989" on the botton of the base...

Its incredible what people throw at the dump box o.O

Here in the UK most people over the age of 30 lived in houses where the water pipes were made of lead. Some still do. Yes there are risks with it but then again so are there every time you step outside your house. We seem to be living our lives wrapped more and more in cotton wool.

In the 80's, there was a health scare with lead based paint on toys in the uk - Transformers from europe were painted in lead paint and then imported for sale over here.

My parents bought me Grimlock (with lead paint on).
I managed not to lick or attempt to eat him at age 9.

Lead>the asbestos our school had in the walls.

I'm fairly sure you'll be fine