Alexei Volkov
Painting plastic army figures can be a fun activity, and the results are much more impressive than unpainted figures. The process can be quick and easy, and the end product looks much better. However, it is worth noting that if the figures are to be played with, some damage and flaking of paint may occur. To prevent this, you can use a coat of diluted PVA glue before painting, and then apply varnish.
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent plastic army figures from flaking
Painting plastic army figures can be a fun project, but it can be frustrating when your hard work starts to flake or chip. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to prevent this from happening and ensure your paint job lasts. Here are some tips to help you avoid flaking and achieve a durable finish on your plastic army figures:
Start with a Thorough Cleaning: Before you begin painting, it's important to clean the plastic surfaces with warm soapy water and then dry them completely. This will remove any dust, grease, or manufacturing residue that could interfere with the paint adhesion.
Apply a Primer or Undercoat: Plastic surfaces typically require a primer or undercoat to provide a better base for the paint to adhere to. Choose a primer that is suitable for plastic models and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.
Use Flexible Coatings: To prevent cracking and flaking, it's essential to use flexible coatings that can withstand bending and manipulation. One option is to use a craft-type PVA glue as an undiluted base coat. This will create a flexible barrier that moves with the plastic, reducing the likelihood of flaking.
Choose the Right Paint: Not all paints are created equal when it comes to plastic. Opt for paints specifically designed for use on plastic models, as these will have better adhesion and flexibility. Acrylic craft paints, for example, are often recommended for plastic figures.
Seal with Varnish: Once the paint is completely dry, apply a varnish to seal and protect the paint job. A gloss floor varnish like Future/Klear can be used, followed by a spray with a matt varnish to give a durable finish.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of flaking and create a long-lasting paint job on your plastic army figures. Keep in mind that some wear and tear is inevitable, especially if the figures are being actively played with, but these techniques will help minimize it. Enjoy your painting project and happy hobbying!
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Choosing the right paint for plastic army figures
Paint Type
The type of paint you choose is crucial. Acrylic paints are a popular choice for painting plastic figures because they are non-toxic and easy to work with. Craft acrylics, in particular, tend to have a thicker consistency and more pigment, resulting in better coverage and a more vibrant finish. You can find these paints at most craft stores or online.
Primer
Using a primer or undercoat is essential when painting plastic figures. It helps the paint adhere better to the plastic surface and can improve the overall finish. Look for a primer specifically designed for use on plastic, such as a plastic bonding spray paint like Krylon Fusion. A flat dark brown colour can be a good choice as it provides a subtle backdrop without being too stark.
Sealant
To protect your paint job and add durability, consider using a sealant. A matte or flat acrylic spray sealant can provide a protective layer over your paint, helping to prevent chipping and flaking. Apply at least two coats of sealant, allowing adequate drying time between coats, for the best results.
Toughening Techniques
If you're concerned about flaking, especially if the figures are intended for children's play, consider using diluted PVA glue as a base coat before painting. This adds flexibility to the paint job and reduces the likelihood of flaking. Additionally, coating the figures with a gloss floor varnish like Future/Klear before applying the final varnish can further enhance the paint's durability.
Paint Brands
When it comes to paint brands, there are various options available. Games Workshop paints are commonly used for miniature and model painting, but you can also explore alternatives such as Abteilung 502, Army Painter, or Ace Models, to name a few.
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Toughening plastic army figures with diluted PVA glue
Painting plastic army figures can be a fun activity, but it can be frustrating when the paint starts to flake and chip. While there is no sure way to entirely prevent this, one method to toughen up the paint is to apply a coat of diluted PVA glue after painting. This extra layer acts as a protective barrier, improving the paint's durability and reducing the chances of flaking.
Prepare the Figures:
Before applying any glue or paint, ensure the plastic figures are clean and dry. Use a toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the figures with warm water and a mild detergent or washing-up liquid. This step removes any dust, grease, or manufacturing residue that might interfere with the adhesion of the paint and glue. Once cleaned, rinse the figures thoroughly and allow them to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Apply the PVA Glue:
For this step, you will need to dilute the PVA glue by mixing it with water. The exact ratio of glue to water may vary depending on the brand of glue and your specific needs, but a good starting point is a 1:1 ratio. Mix the glue and water thoroughly until you achieve a consistent solution. Using a separate brush dedicated to gluing, apply a thin, even coat of the diluted PVA glue to all surfaces of the plastic army figures. Ensure you cover all areas, including crevices and details, as this layer will help protect the paint and provide a good base for it to adhere to. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding.
Painting and Additional Protection:
Once the diluted PVA glue is dry, you can begin painting your army figures as desired. It is generally recommended to use an appropriate primer or undercoat before applying the final paint colors. After painting, you can further enhance the durability of your work by applying a clear varnish. A gloss or matte varnish can be chosen depending on the desired finish. Similar to the glue, ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and drying times.
Additional Tips:
- Keep in mind that while diluted PVA glue can help toughen the paint job, it is not recommended for bonding structural elements of model kits as it may not form a strong bond, especially if the parts are not porous.
- Always use separate brushes for gluing and painting to avoid contaminating your paintbrushes with glue.
- When working with any type of glue or paint, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.
- If you are concerned about the potential ingestion of paint by children, consider using non-toxic craft acrylics, and always supervise young children during play.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can effectively toughen your plastic army figures with diluted PVA glue, resulting in a more durable paint job that can withstand gentle play and handling.
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Painting techniques for plastic army figures
Painting plastic army figures can be a fun project, but it can be challenging to get the paint to stick to the plastic and prevent flaking. Here are some techniques to help you achieve the best results:
Preparation
Before you start painting, it's important to clean the plastic figures with warm soapy water and allow them to dry thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grease, or mould release agents that may interfere with paint adhesion.
Priming
Once the figures are clean and dry, you can apply a primer to help the paint adhere better. Use a spray primer designed for plastic, such as Krylon Fusion, and choose a colour that will provide a good backdrop for your paint scheme. Flat dark brown or black are popular choices. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step.
Painting
When it comes to choosing paint, acrylic paints are a good option. Craft paints tend to have thicker consistency and more pigment than regular model acrylics, so they may provide better coverage and colour saturation. Paint one colour at a time, allowing each colour to dry before moving on to the next. This helps you stay organised and ensures that the colours don't bleed into each other.
Sealing
After your figures are painted and dried for at least 24 hours, it's time to seal the paint job. Use a matte or flat acrylic spray sealant to protect the paint and give it a uniform finish. For extra protection, you can apply a second or even a third coat of sealant, allowing adequate drying time between coats.
Toughening
Even with the best paint and sealant, some flaking may still occur, especially if the figures are being handled and played with. To toughen up your plastic army figures and reduce flaking, apply a coat of diluted or undiluted PVA glue after the paint and sealant have dried. This will provide a flexible, clear coating that won't crack and will help protect the paint underneath.
By following these steps and techniques, you can create beautifully painted plastic army figures that will withstand handling and play, bringing your miniature battles to life!
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The best varnish for plastic army figures
When it comes to the best varnish for plastic army figures, there are a variety of options available, each with its own unique advantages. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the best varnish for your plastic army figures:
The Importance of Varnish
Varnish is crucial for protecting your paintwork, especially if your plastic army figures will be handled frequently. While plastic miniatures are quite durable, varnish adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and chips. It is worth noting that different types of varnish offer varying levels of protection, with gloss varnishes generally providing stronger protection than matte varnishes.
Types of Varnish
There are three main types of varnish: gloss, satin, and matt. Gloss varnishes offer the highest level of protection and give your miniatures a shiny, glossy finish. Satin varnishes provide a semi-gloss finish, adding a subtle sheen to your figures. Matt varnishes, on the other hand, offer minimal protection but are perfect for achieving a flat, non-glossy finish.
Recommended Varnishes
For a high-quality gloss varnish, consider using Vallejo Acrylic Paint Gloss Varnish. This water-based brush-on varnish adds a dazzling shine to your miniatures and is easy to apply. If you prefer a matte finish, The Army Painter's Anti-Shine Matt Spray is an excellent choice. It delivers a true matte finish, toning down the shine while preserving the vibrant colours of your figures. For those looking for a quick and convenient option, The Army Painter Quickshade combines shade and varnish in one, allowing you to dip your miniatures for a fast and efficient finish.
Application Techniques
When applying varnish, you can use a brush, spray, or dipping technique. Brush-on varnishes like the Galeria Gloss Varnish by Winsor & Newton can be applied directly with a brush or thinned and used with an airbrush. Spray varnishes, such as Citadel's spray varnish, offer a convenient way to protect your miniatures, but be sure to spray at the correct distance to avoid unwanted results. Dipping techniques, as used with The Army Painter Quickshade, are ideal for quickly varnishing large collections of miniatures.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent paint from flaking, wash the figures with detergent, spray with a plastic-bonding paint like Krylon Fusion, and then paint with acrylic paints. You can also coat the figures with a layer of diluted PVA glue.
Paint one colour at a time, allowing each colour to dry before moving on to the next. Use craft paint instead of regular model acrylics, as they tend to be thicker and more pigmented.
For American army figures, use a mix of olive drab and khaki green for the uniforms, then paint in the flesh tones. Paint the webbings and ammo holders in khaki, and the boots and rifle butts in earth brown. Metal pieces can be painted with blackened silver. For German army figures, use German uniform grey and grey-green for the uniforms, with black boots for European uniforms and brown for Afrika uniforms.
