Alexei Volkov
Soft plastic miniatures can be tricky to work with, as they are prone to issues like incomplete casting, undercuts, and mold lines. While some recommend using a freezer to harden the plastic, others suggest a wood-burning kit to melt the plastic and smooth it down. Additionally, pinning the legs for stability and using a generous amount of primer can help. However, the type of plastic varies across manufacturers, so experimenting with different brands and techniques is often necessary to find what works best.
Characteristics and Values Table for hardening soft plastic miniatures:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pinning the legs | To make the miniature stay upright |
| Primer | To be applied generously to avoid paint cracking |
| Freezing | To harden the plastic |
| Boiling and flash cooling | To harden the plastic |
| Super glue | To dip the miniature in to harden the plastic |
| Wood-burning kit | To melt the plastic and smooth it down |
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What You'll Learn
Try placing the miniature in the freezer
If you have soft plastic miniatures that you want to harden, one method you can try is placing them in the freezer. This method has been suggested by some people online, although it has not worked for everyone.
The idea behind this technique is that exposing the plastic to low temperatures will cause it to harden, making it easier to work with and paint. This is because the cold temperature causes the plastic molecules to slow down and become more rigid, which can help to reduce bending and cracking.
However, it's important to note that not all plastics will react the same way to freezing temperatures. Some plastics are designed to be freezer-safe and can handle the cold without becoming brittle or cracking. These tend to be thicker, higher-quality plastics made from materials such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). On the other hand, thin, low-quality plastics are more likely to crack or break when exposed to freezing temperatures.
To increase your chances of success when trying the freezer method, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure your freezer is set to a steady, consistent temperature. Temperature fluctuations can stress the plastic and make it more prone to cracking. Second, avoid overfilling your freezer, as this can restrict airflow and prevent the plastic from getting sufficiently cold. Finally, be sure to seal any miniatures in a container or bag to protect them from moisture and condensation in the freezer.
While placing soft plastic miniatures in the freezer may not always be successful, it is worth trying, especially if you are looking for a simple and inexpensive solution.
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Use a lot of primer
Using a lot of primer is one of the ways to harden soft plastic miniatures. Firstly, you should wash the miniature in warm soapy water and rinse it with warm clear water. Carefully dry the miniature with a soft tissue and let it dry completely. You can then brush on a thin layer of primer for soft plastic materials. This will increase the surface adhesion of the plastic and roughen the surface, allowing the paint to adhere better. You can then use a normal rattle-can spray primer or an airbrush primer to prime the miniature. It is important to use a lot of primer to harden the soft plastic. You can also try different priming methods, such as the 2k priming method, to achieve the desired results.
There are various primers available in the market for plastic miniatures. For example, the Army Painter Color Primer comes in over 24 colors and has a fast-drying acrylic formula, allowing you to skip the base coat. Vallejo Grey Primer provides a neutral base and ensures a smooth application with its acrylic polyurethane formula. Micro-Mark Brush-on Primer is another option that delivers smooth and buildable coverage, allowing you to build up the primer in detailed areas. This primer is compatible with most paint brands and provides a matte base.
It is important to choose the right primer for your miniatures to achieve the best results. A good primer will provide a smooth, uniform, and even basecoat that adheres well to the plastic surface. This will ensure that your paint job lasts longer and doesn't crumble or crack easily.
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Pin the legs to keep them upright
Pinning the legs of soft plastic miniatures is one way to harden them and keep them upright. This method is especially useful if you want to avoid the hassle of cutting off the base of the miniature.
To begin, carefully use clippers to cut the plastic to the left and right of the feet. Then, use a scalpel to cut away the remaining material in thin strips, taking your time and making multiple cuts to get closer to the feet with each slice. This process will help to ensure that you don't accidentally cut yourself or damage the miniature.
Once the base has been removed, you can start pinning the legs. Use pins to connect the legs to the body of the miniature, ensuring that they are securely attached. You may also want to use glue and
It's important to note that even with pinning, priming, and gluing, there is still a chance that the paint may crack if the model bends. Therefore, it's recommended to be cautious when handling the miniatures and to avoid bending them after painting.
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Use a variable temperature wood-burning kit
Soft plastic miniatures can be tricky to work with, especially when it comes to removing mold lines. A variable temperature wood-burning kit can be an effective solution to this problem. Here's how you can use this kit to harden soft plastic miniatures:
First, it's important to select the right temperature setting on the wood-burning kit. Adjust the temperature to a level where it barely starts to melt the plastic. This will make the plastic workable, allowing you to smooth out any spots and remove mold lines. It's crucial to be cautious and not overheat the plastic, as it can easily transition from being workable to a molten mess.
When working with the wood-burning kit, safety should be a top priority. Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes released during the process. Wear protective gear, such as heat-resistant gloves, to shield your hands from the hot tools and molten plastic. Additionally, have a fire-safe surface or container nearby to place the hot tools when not in use.
The process of using the wood-burning kit involves carefully applying the heated tip to the plastic miniature. Start by gently scoring the plastic with a knife or blade to create guidelines for the areas you want to smooth out. Then, use the heated tip of the wood-burning tool to follow these lines, melting the plastic slightly and creating a smooth surface. Work slowly and with caution, as too much heat or prolonged exposure can damage the miniature.
It's important to note that this technique may not be suitable for all types of soft plastics or miniatures. Always test on a small area first to ensure that the process is working as intended and that the plastic is not melting too much or becoming deformed. Additionally, be mindful of the potential for fumes when heating plastic, and ensure adequate ventilation at all times.
By following these steps and using a variable temperature wood-burning kit, you can effectively harden soft plastic miniatures, making them more workable and easier to manipulate for your desired purpose. Remember to prioritize safety and take your time to achieve the best results.
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Dip the miniature in super glue
Dipping a miniature in super glue is one method to harden soft plastic. However, it is important to note that super glue does not dissolve soft plastic, unlike polystyrene cement.
Before dipping the miniature in super glue, it is recommended to prime the miniature with a soft plastic primer. This helps increase the surface adhesion of the soft plastic and prepares it for gluing. The primer can be applied in one to three very thin layers. It is also important to ensure that the primer is specifically designed for soft plastic materials.
After priming, you can begin the process of dipping the miniature in super glue. Ensure that you have enough super glue to submerge the miniature completely. Carefully dip the miniature into the super glue, making sure that all surfaces are coated. Allow the super glue to dry completely before handling the miniature.
It is important to work carefully when using super glue, as it can be challenging to remove from surfaces. If needed, there are various methods to remove super glue, including using soapy water, acetone, or rubbing alcohol.
Additionally, it is worth noting that other methods have been suggested to harden soft plastic miniatures, such as placing them in the freezer or using a variable temperature wood-burning kit. However, the effectiveness of these methods may vary, and some people have reported limited success with them.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few methods to harden soft plastic miniatures, including freezing them, using a lot of primer, pinning the legs so they stay upright, and dipping them in super glue.
There is no single "best method" as different people have had different levels of success with various techniques. However, freezing miniatures and using a lot of primer on them are two of the most commonly suggested methods.
It could be that the plastic has a high oil content, preventing paints and other coatings from adhering properly. Try using a clear coat like Testors Dull Coat and painting over it.
One method is to use a variable temperature wood-burning kit, setting the temperature to where it just barely begins to melt the plastic. This will make it workable so you can smooth down the spots with mold lines.
