Omar Khalid
Building and painting plastic models from Games Workshop can be a fun and rewarding hobby. The company is well known for its Warhammer 40,000 franchise, which features a range of miniatures, video games, board games, and books set in a grim, futuristic universe. The Build+Paint kits from Games Workshop provide everything needed to assemble and paint a range of fantastic miniatures, including high-quality Citadel miniatures, plastic glue, paintbrushes, paints, decorative stickers, and detailed assembly guides. In this paragraph, we will explore the steps involved in building and painting plastic models from Games Workshop, offering tips and tricks for beginners looking to get started in this exciting hobby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Model type | Classic Warhammer 40,000 kits |
| Kit contents | Citadel miniatures, plastic glue, paintbrush, paints, decorative stickers, assembly guide |
| Assembly | Requires clipping, cutting, gluing |
| Priming | Brush or spray |
| Painting | Water-based acrylics, contrast or speed paints |
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What You'll Learn
Clipping parts from the sprues
Firstly, identify the parts that you want to clip off the sprue. This may not always be obvious, so take your time to examine the sprue and determine which bits are part of the miniature and which are excess sprue. Once you have identified the parts to be clipped, it is important to use the correct tools. Avoid using your fingers to twist or snap pieces off, as this can leave large chunks of sprue on the component. Instead, opt for a pair of clippers designed for sprues. These clippers should have straight blades that come together when pinched, with a flat and concave side. Position the clippers as close to the part as possible, without resting them directly on the model. Align the cutting edge at the same angle as the flat piece, and squeeze the handles together without pulling or rotating the clippers. This will help you make a clean cut without damaging the miniature.
There are two main types of cuts: flat cuts and angled cuts. For flat cuts, use the flat side of your clippers, resting them on a flat surface of the piece to clip it out without damaging the component. For curved or shaped pieces, you will need to take a more careful approach. You can use the concave side of your clippers to gently cut around the curve without pressing them into the piece. Alternatively, if you have unsteady hands, you may find it easier to use the flat sides of the clippers and cut at an angle to the curve.
In some cases, you may need to trim the parts after clipping them from the sprues to ensure a tight fit. If the parts don't fit together neatly, carefully slice or file away the plastic until you achieve a snug fit. Before trimming, check the instructions to ensure you haven't missed anything, as you cannot easily replace plastic once it's been removed.
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Using plastic glue
Plastic glue, also known as plastic modelling glue, is a cement-like adhesive that will help you bond the parts of your Games Workshop model together permanently. Before applying the glue, carefully clip the parts from the sprues, or the plastic pieces holding the parts to the frame. Each part is held by gates, which are pieces of plastic that are not part of the finished kit. Clip as close to the part as possible without cutting into it.
Once you have the parts for the first step of the build instructions, you may need to clean them up a bit. There might be little bits of the gates sticking out from the parts you've removed from the sprue. If the parts don't fit together neatly, you may need to slightly trim the parts. If the pins that snap into each other are very tight, try exerting more careful force. If they still don't line up, don't be afraid to clip the pins off and fit them together like a traditional kit. If the parts still don't line up, carefully slice or file away plastic until the fit is nice and tight.
Then, apply the plastic glue to bond the pieces together. Plastic glue will melt the surfaces and create a permanent bond. Once the glue has dried, you can prime your model, which will prepare it for painting. You can use a brush to apply a thinned-down primer, which is the cheapest method, or you can use spray cans, which are the quickest and simplest option, especially if you're painting multiple models.
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Priming
Before priming, it is important to prepare the surface of the model. Start by cleaning the model with a mild soap or detergent and warm water, gently scrubbing with a soft brush to remove any dirt, grease, or mould release agents. Once the model is clean, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the surface in circular motions, paying attention to any rough spots or imperfections. This will help roughen the surface and allow the primer to bond better.
When choosing a primer, it is important to select one specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. These primers have special formulations that promote better adhesion and prevent damage or melting of the plastic. Consider the characteristics of the plastic material and the desired finish when choosing a primer. For light-coloured plastic models, a white or light grey primer is recommended, while a black or dark grey primer is suitable for dark-coloured models. If you are unsure, a neutral grey primer is a safe choice for most plastic models. Acrylic primers are versatile, easy to use, and compatible with most plastic materials.
There are different techniques for applying primer to plastic models. One technique is to use thin layers, gradually building up coverage. Another method is to apply a mist coat, a light, even layer of primer that provides a smooth base for subsequent layers. When using a spray primer, ensure the room temperature is moderate and avoid high humidity. Shake the spray can thoroughly and hold it about 20-30 cm away from the model. Spray in short bursts, moving the can continuously to avoid overspray in one area. You can lightly dust the model with primer or cover it completely, depending on your preference. If you miss a spot, simply apply another layer of primer.
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Base coating
Firstly, determine the colour of your base coat. Choose a colour that will cover the highest percentage of your model's surface. If your model is mostly a single colour, spray paint is a great option for creating a uniform base coat. Standard spray paint can be used on plastic models, but be sure to read the can carefully to ensure it is suitable for plastic. Spray paint allows for quick and even application, making it perfect for covering large surface areas. Use quick bursts of colour and hold the can at a slight angle to avoid overspray.
For smaller or intricate models, brush painting is a more precise method for base coating. Use a flat brush that is slightly smaller than the surface you are painting. Before you begin, load your brush with the base colour and wipe off the excess paint on your palette or easel. Apply the base coat using as few strokes as possible and make each stroke as large as you can without touching unwanted areas of the model. Take your time and work slowly, ensuring that your brushstrokes overlap for a seamless finish.
The type of paint you use is also important. Acrylic modelling paint is the most popular choice for model enthusiasts as it is easy to work with and can be thinned with water. However, you may also consider enamel or lacquer paints, which offer durability and a smooth finish but may have a strong odour. If you are using a darker colour for your base coat, such as black or blue, be aware that it may take multiple coats to achieve the desired coverage.
Finally, consider the purpose of your base coat. Are you creating a wash, applying decals, or aiming for a flat finish? These factors will influence whether you choose a gloss or matte finish for your base coat. A gloss coat is typically used to prepare surfaces for decals, while a matte coat is ideal for techniques like dry brushing and achieving a non-shiny finish. Remember to allow sufficient drying time between coats and always work in a well-ventilated area.
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Shading and layering
When shading, it is important to focus on the recesses of the model, such as folds of cloth, around joints, and areas with lots of nooks and crannies, like gauntlets. This will create the appearance of shadows and add depth to the model. You can use pre-made washes, such as Games Workshop's shade paints, or create your own by diluting darker paint with water. Apply the wash with a big brush, being careful not to leave pools of wash drying on flat areas. If there is excess wash, use a dry paintbrush to remove it or spread it to other areas that need shading.
Layering is the process of applying multiple layers of paint, with each layer covering a little less of the previous layer. The order of layering is important, as painting over a darker layer will tone down the top layer, while painting over a lighter layer will brighten the top layer. For example, if you want more muted tones, start with a dark base coat and build lighter layers on top. If you want brighter, more saturated colours, start with a light base coat and add progressively darker layers.
It is recommended to use at least three layers: a shade, a key, and a highlight. The shade is the darkest layer, which is applied first and left visible in the recesses of the model. The key is the main colour, which covers most of the shade. The highlight is a small, bright layer applied to the raised areas of the model. Additional layers can be added for smoother transitions between colours.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a Games Workshop kit, which includes everything you need to assemble and paint a range of miniatures. This includes high-quality Citadel miniatures, plastic glue, a paintbrush, paints, decorative stickers, and a detailed assembly guide. You may also want to purchase a Citadel mold line cleaner, a file, and some emery cloth.
Each part is held by a number of gates, which are pieces of plastic that are not part of the finished kit. You want to clip through the gates, putting the flat of the clippers towards the part. Clip as close to the part as possible without cutting into it.
If the parts don't fit together, you may need to slightly trim them. If they are still not lining up, don't be afraid to clip off the pins and fit them together like a traditional kit.
You can prime a model with a brush by using thinned-down primer to apply an all-over coat. This is the cheapest method but takes some time and requires care not to clog the finer details. Alternatively, you can use spray cans, which are quicker and simpler, especially when painting in bulk.
There are two main types of paint you can use: water-based acrylics and contrast or speed paints. Water-based acrylics are the main type sold by Games Workshop and its competitors. They take longer but allow for more detail and variety in your models. Contrast or speed paints are newer and designed to produce a detailed, 3D finish with a single coat.
