Painting tutorials, tips, tricks…
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mindx2 wrote:Not sure if this is the place to post these questions but here goes…
With my growing collection I am going to want to display them even though they are unpainted. Most are in their “Mithril grey” primed color but many still have to be assembled. Is there a tutorial (hopefully video) that I can see that shows the best way to remove attached pieces (such as the Bree Innkeeper’s cups) and then reattach pieces where they should be (sword arms, etc.)? I’ve never attempted to do these things so I can be considered “newb”. I need guidance on the correct type of glue, how much glue to use, which primer color matches the Mithril grey, how to shave rough edges, which tool to use to shave those rough edges, how to apply the primer so it doesn’t clump or take away from the detail, etc.
Everyone has been very generous with their time already and I know I will receive expert assistance here and am looking for specific Mithril related help that I’m not sure I would find in generic tutorials.
Thank you in advance for any and all assistance, links, advice, etc. you give.
There are probably several + answers to each of your points mindx2 (welcome to MMP by the way
), each favoured by the various collectors out there and I’m sure others will furnish you with tips and hints.With my growing collection I am going to want to display them even though they are unpainted. Most are in their “Mithril grey” primed color but many still have to be assembled.
Is there a tutorial (hopefully video) that I can see that shows the best way to remove attached pieces (such as the Bree Innkeeper’s cups) and then reattach pieces where they should be (sword arms, etc.)?
There are probably several + answers to each of your points mindx2 (welcome to MMP by the way
), each favoured by the various collectors out there and I’m sure others will furnish you with tips and hints.Not sure if there are any specific tutorials, but the following may help: a good pair of hobby ‘snips’ would probably be best for removing small parts from the main casting sprues, but be aware of small castings flying off and disappearing for ever. One useful tip here is to wrap kitchen ‘cling-film’ (not sure how this would be described in your own part of the world) around the figure so that when you snip off the part it is hopefully retained by the film; I guess you could use small sandwich bags as well.
Regarding attaching the parts, make sure you clean off any residue metal either using modelling files or abrasive paper (emery cloth here in the UK is a common brand). Use picture references either here or on the Mithril main site so that you know where each part goes.
I’ve never attempted to do these things so I can be considered “newb”.
I need guidance on the correct type of glue, how much glue to use:
For small non-weight bearing parts super-glue is normally sufficient (can be speeded up using an accelerator), but for larger parts you are advised to drill a small diameter hole and use a metal pin (brass, but NOT a soft metal that may bend under the weight of the part). You don’t have to pin it, but it can give you more peace of mind to do so. For the larger figures you may be best advised to use a two-part epoxy adhesive, and pin the feet to the base.
Be advised that superglue is notorious for sticking fingers together, sticking them to the figure, and not sticking parts together :rolleyes:. It also burns like Hell if you get superglue on your fingers and use an accelerator!!!
Which primer colour matches the Mithril grey/ how to apply the primer so it doesn’t clump or take away from the detail, etc:
That I can’t answer as I tend to overspray (if needed) with automotive white or grey primer using UK brand primer or use the Mithril . Some collectors may strip down their figures and re-prime, Mithril did use a primer at one stage which drew a lot of complaints. Generally when using primer apply a couple of ‘misted’ coats rather than one thick one. If you are going to paint the figures then you may want to consider different colour primers.
How to shave rough edges, which tool to use to shave those rough edges:
See above – modelling snips, modelling files, abrasive cloth.
ALSO, I personally tend to remove most figures from the cast on base as I prefer to create dioramas or small scenes. If you do decide to go down this route you may find that if you cut off excess metal with snips it may distort the figures legs therefore using a fine modelling or jewellers saw may be the best option.
AND, before cutting excess casting sprues off consider if this will adversely affect the figure; this can be particularly relevant with the design of some of the mounted figures that due to the metal used, may over time, bend.
Anyhow, there’s some tips to be getting on with, good luck’
Thank you very much for all of your suggestions and points.
It is very much appreciated.One clarification… I shouldn’t have said primer color. What I was thinking was that the Mithril figures all come coated in grey already except for the pieces that still need to be attached. I was wondering what people here coat those pieces to match the existing Mithril grey. I won’t be taking any figures off their Mithril base as I want to keep them as originally created except for attaching the arms, swords, etc.
years ago , but alas not anymore, Prince August was selling “air spray” of this “mithril gray undercoa” they use. so that you could add or rectify or simply undercoat them in their gray
you have to know though that some figurines from the last years are fully undercoated, and will be raw. That is especially the case for Christmas figurines for which you can ask Mithril to get them “gray undercoat” or “antique finish”.
From my point of view, the best way would be to “over-prime” them in a gray undercoat, sold by Prince August too (well at least Prince August France) , it is not a spray it is a manual “gray base”, using vynil component. You can use this one either as a painting base or simply to let them in gray. but it is a smooth gray not a “rubber touch” syle like old figurines.
mindx2 wrote:Thank you very much for all of your suggestions and points. It is very much appreciated.
One clarification… I shouldn’t have said primer color. What I was thinking was that the Mithril figures all come coated in grey already except for the pieces that still need to be attached. I was wondering what people here coat those pieces to match the existing Mithril grey. I won’t be taking any figures off their Mithril base as I want to keep them as originally created except for attaching the arms, swords, etc.
http://www.humbrol.com/uk-en/1-grey-primer-matt-150ml-acrylic-spray-paint.html
…you could buy this spray if you need to put coat of grey primer on light metal pieces… it is realy good…
Well here are my tools ready to go. I am about to embark on my first quest to piece together some of the figures that have multiple parts then give them their needed “Mithril grey” coat. Any advice before I venture forth…?
Good luck, don’t forget to spray in a well-ventilated area, probably best to give a couple of light coats than one heavy coat and depending on the brand, the speed of drying may vary
Stick or put the miniatures on top of something you can rotate! And use bluetack or some soft adhesive tape for tiny pieces or they will be blown away if they are not glued to the miniature already.
spray front, rotate then spray side A, rotate then spray back, rotate then spray side B. Doing this in one run and in batches of 4-5 miniatures will save lots of time and paint!
So far I am having a lot of fun putting these figures together! One thing that surprised me was how easy it was to “snip” the pieces off that needed to be removed like a shield or bow. I thought the metal would be tougher to cut but it took very little pressure to cut. Another thing I noticed was how well each piece fit into the appropriate place. For example, the Wose warrior (M249) with his blow gun. His arms and blow gun fit so snugly into it’s slot it looks like it was molded that way except for the different color because of no grey primer. I think this shows the quality of these figures and their design and production. I’ve had many miniature figures over the years and the detailing and sculpt is nowhere near the Mithril line with many from other manufacturers having bad molding, seam lines, etc.
Well, back to gluing… which can be a little difficult for me with no fingers… these pieces are small!!!
mindx2 wrote:… which can be a little difficult for me with no fingers… these pieces are small!!!I admire your strength and persistence…. one day you’ll should show us your collection….
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