User:Walking throughlife/sandbox/Miniature figure painting techniques

Miniature figure painting techniques are the different methods that miniature figure painters employ when preparing and painting miniature figures and/or model figures and those involved in creating scenic bases/dioramas. The techniques used are dependent on the type of paint being used and the desired level of detail, however the end result focuses on creating a look that is clear and creates depth and interest on the model.

Due to the relatively new nature of many of the more advanced techniques and figure painting as a hobby, as well as some techniques and terms being borrowed from traditional painting sometimes with different names, there is no widespread codification of terminology and some terms can be used to have more than one meaning, although the majority of terms have a general consensus to their meanings and usage.

The most common paint types are acrylic, enamel, and oil.

Model preparation
In the majority of cases it is necessary to prepare models before they can be painted.

Cleanup and assembly
All production models will have been cast in plastic, metal, or resin rather than hand sculpted so it is often recommended that models be washed with warm, soapy water and rinsed before any painting to remove any potential mold releasing agent residue from the casting process. Most plastic models and some resin models are sold on the sprue and so need removing. Any sharp object can be used to cut these off, such as a hobby knife or small pair of scissors, although many companies produce "hobby clippers", similar to a small nipper, that can be used to cut more cleanly and flush against the model pieces. Models often suffer from flash due to the casting process which requires trimming off to provide a smooth, uninterrupted surface for painting, which can be done with a hobby knife or specialized "mold line removers" that some companies sell. Once pieces are cleaned up the models can be assembled with either cyanoacrylate super-glues or, for plastic models, plastic cement. Pinning may also be necessary, especially for metal models. At this point some figure painters choose to customize their models, either by custom sculpting onto the stock models or by adding pieces from other model kits, to create more unique look or to make models fit other factions within a game. Once glued together it may be necessary to remove excess glue or smooth the surface of the model with small files or fine grit sandpaper. It may also be necessary to fill gaps where model pieces don't fit flush together, with an epoxy putty such as Milliput. Some figure painters also choose to drill holes to add small magnets so that pieces can be swapped out. This is common with larger models with multiple weapon options.

Sometimes figure painters may choose not to fully assemble a figure prior to painting. This can be for a number of reasons, such as one part blocking access to another for painting, or to allow for more detailed painting. Parts may be partially constructed or left as individual pieces. These sub-assemblies may be held in place with Blu Tack for the purposes of priming or being able to visualize the model as a whole. Sub-assemblies are either megnetized or glued on place after painting.

Priming
Once models are cleaned and assembled it may be necessary to prime the models, depending on the painting intention and type of paint used. Primers are formulated to bond better to the bare model surface than paints and provide a surface for the paint to then bond easily to, which aids in the painting process and the longevity of the paint layers. Primers are not often necessary with enamel paints as enamels bond much more easily to surfaces than other paint types.

Priming can be done either by spray can, airbrush, or brush. Priming is frequently done in black, grey, or white, although hobby companies produce spray cans or airbrush primers in a variety of colors for the purpose of priming and offering a foundation of color at the same time. Additionally, it is common to do a zentihal prime, where a dark primer color, such as black, is applied over the entire model followed by a lighter color, such as white, bring sprayed over the model from above in a downwards direction only. This causes the lighter color to be applied to areas that would be highlighted by an overhead light source with areas that would be in shadow remaining the darker color. This can then either be painted with translucent layers of paint to give a preshaded effect or as a guide on where to place highlights and shadows.