Often times handling figures will transfer oil from your hands onto the model. This will form a coating on which ever parts are touched, leaving an oily residue that has a negative impact on the ability of paint to adhere to the figure. This results in faster wear and tear as well as chipping.
In order to combat this there are several ways to mount figures to "improvised" bases that give increased handling and keep figures clean.
One of the ways I like to mount figures is on bottle tops.
 |
| 5 Figures mounted to assorted bottle tops |
This is a great *low cost* way to mount figures and keep oily residue off of them. Without these, attempting to paint 25/8 mm figs leaves you in this unfortunate situation.
In the picture above, I have no way to grip the mini without obscuring areas I need to paint.
The solution? Mount it to a bottle top holder.
The first and most important thing when mounting any type of miniature to a temporary base is to use the correct type of glue. I like Tacky Glue.
This small bottle of Tacky Glue will run about $1.00-$2.00 depending on where you buy it.
The best, and most important thing about Tacky Glue is that it is a WATER based glue. This means that when you are done painting your figure all you have to do is run it under some water and the glue bonds will dissolve and figure removal is a breeze.
If you use any other type of glue, make sure it is water-based. If not, it will be next to impossible to remove it from your temporary base. This has the potential to ruin all your hard work.
The next step is to place a small pea-sized drop of glue to the bottom of your figure.
Once the glue has been applied it is important to attach it to the temporary base.
 |
| A bad case of "No Base to Hold On To" |
The solution? Mount it to a bottle top holder.
The first and most important thing when mounting any type of miniature to a temporary base is to use the correct type of glue. I like Tacky Glue.
 |
| A small bottle of Tacky Glue |
The best, and most important thing about Tacky Glue is that it is a WATER based glue. This means that when you are done painting your figure all you have to do is run it under some water and the glue bonds will dissolve and figure removal is a breeze.
If you use any other type of glue, make sure it is water-based. If not, it will be next to impossible to remove it from your temporary base. This has the potential to ruin all your hard work.
The next step is to place a small pea-sized drop of glue to the bottom of your figure.
 |
| Applying glue to the base |
 |
| An appropriate amount of glue |
 |
| Figure attached to the temporary base |
Let your figure dry for 30-45 minutes and you are good to go.
The Tacky Glue bond is fairly strong and should not break when handled roughly. Now, this is not an excuse to throw your figures at that younger sibling no matter how tempting.
The Tacky Glue bond is fairly strong and should not break when handled roughly. Now, this is not an excuse to throw your figures at that younger sibling no matter how tempting.
 |
| Figures secured with Tacky Glue- upside down |
There you have it. These hand holds will allow you to hold your figure without damaging it or leaving an oily residue. To remove your figure, simply run it under cold water and the glue will dissolve. Don't worry, if you are using Citadel paints, they will be fine.
Other items that may be used as temporary bases
Popsicle stick or tongue depressor.
This gives you a priming stick as well as a way to hold your figure; that's a 2 for 1! Does it get any better?
You can also go end to end to maximize use for 25mm figures.
Make sure that you have the figures facing opposite directions, this will help enormously unless you are ambidextrous with a paint brush.
Well that is all for now, thanks for tuning in,
Dave
Other items that may be used as temporary bases
Popsicle stick or tongue depressor.
 |
| Figure mounted to a tongue depressor |
You can also go end to end to maximize use for 25mm figures.
Make sure that you have the figures facing opposite directions, this will help enormously unless you are ambidextrous with a paint brush.
Well that is all for now, thanks for tuning in,
Dave
No comments:
Post a Comment