I just finished filing the flash and other marks off of the figures.. is it better to assemble the figures and glue them before washing them with soap, or wash them with soap first? Cuz washing is to get rid of oil right.. but if we are gonna assemble it after, the oil from our fingers would get on it anyways..

Originally posted by red120@Feb 5 2005, 08:02
I just finished filing the flash and other marks off of the figures.. is it better to assemble the figures and glue them before washing them with soap, or wash them with soap first? Cuz washing is to get rid of oil right.. but if we are gonna assemble it after, the oil from our fingers would get on it anyways..
321351


well you just answered your own question

Although in some cases the oil is from stuff like mold release and such.

But I'd assemble and them wash them, less little parts to wash and then you can let them dry and go right to painting and such.

Dunking them in water isn't gonna dissolve the glue or anything, right?

It shouldn't do. Are these plastics cos i always wash them first. its easier to do when they are all on the sprue.

I find it difficult to adequately wash miniatures after they are assembled, especially if they are fragile miniatures, such as the new Techmarine. So I trim and file all the parts. Then I wash them with soapy water and a brush, followed by a rinse. I found by that time my hands are nice and clean too, with little or no oils. I assemble the mini without problems. If I don't assemble it right away, and before I paint, I always wash my hands. I don't know how much difference it makes since I limit touching the miniature during painting anyway.

Question: If you dont wash plastic sprues, the paint comes off faster?
am i right? But If you wash it, paint it and put varnish on it,
how long does it usually last before you have to touch up
the model again?

Originally posted by Shas'O'M'Yen@Feb 9 2005, 17:59
...how long does it usually last before you have to touch up
the model again?324936I've got miniatures I game with that are over 10 years old, and show no wear. But I also use them with care. I don't pick them all up in one pile, I don't let people knock them down to "play dead", I don't bash them together when gaming, etc.

I assemble then wash if I'm doing a couple of models - If Im doing a unit then I keep them on the sprues (just easier). The main reason I wash though is os that the undercoat sticks. This is particularly important when you use acrylic undercoat - the release agent used in the plastic molding process is usually still lurking on the miniature when you get it.

I recommend dish-washing liquid - it works better than soap.

LoL Put your models in the dishwasher silverware compartment and set to steam dry let me guess.

Originally posted by Arkofshadows@Feb 9 2005, 19:51
I assemble then wash if I'm doing a couple of models - If Im doing a unit then I keep them on the sprues (just easier). The main reason I wash though is os that the undercoat sticks. This is particularly important when you use acrylic undercoat - the release agent used in the plastic molding process is usually still lurking on the miniature when you get it.

I recommend dish-washing liquid - it works better than soap.
325024

Is there any such agent on metal models?

yes, there is, and in fact, I seem to have an easier time glueing metal minis if I have washed them first. Might help superglue get a grip if the areas are as clean and flat/smooth as possible.