New to resin? It is not hard, but it is different from snap-together plastic. Here is what to expect.
1. Wash the parts
Resin kits carry a film of mould release agent. Wash the parts in warm water with a little dish soap and an old toothbrush, then let them dry fully. Skip this and your paint will not stick.
2. Clean up the casting
Trim casting blocks and pour plugs with a razor saw, then tidy seam lines with a hobby knife and fine sanding sticks. Work slowly on thin parts like barrels and antennae. Wear a dust mask: resin dust should not be breathed in.
3. Dry fit, then glue
Test every joint before committing. Resin needs cyanoacrylate superglue or two-part epoxy, not the polystyrene cement used on plastic kits. A drop of accelerator helps on larger joints. Warm water will soften a warped part enough to bend it straight, then hold it under cold water to set.
4. Prime and paint
Prime with a thin coat of acrylic or lacquer primer so detail stays crisp. From there, acrylics by brush or airbrush both work well. Figures reward patience: build up thin layers rather than going straight to the final shade.
What you will need
- Hobby knife and razor saw
- Fine sanding sticks or wet-and-dry paper
- Cyanoacrylate superglue
- Primer and acrylic paints
- Dust mask and good ventilation
None of these are included with our kits. Kits contain small parts and are recommended for ages 14 and up.