Does everyone paint their models in bits?

[Nazqua]

hey guys, just a simple question - How do you paint your model? do you paint it on the sprue? cut it out into its separate bits? do the main body as one and weapons as bits? or build it all up first?

I was just wondering, as I have seen lots of people do it in their own way, I personally do less detailed models as one part excluding shields and sometimes weapons and I nearly always paint detailed models in bits before sticking them together.

 

[GuaDan]

I don't like too many bits.
I usually paint the main body after assembly, and then any bits obstructing access to visible areas (arms, armour, shields, weapons etc).
I want to see the model as close as possible to its final shape, it is important for higligthing and transitions.
I recently tried painting shields on the sprue and worked really good.

 

[Steepledhatstudios]

I basically first cut off all the pieces I want to use. Then I trim mold lines, excess plastics, and then glue together the main body. It'll be head to toe, assembled with the weapon, and extras on belts, back, etc. Then I'll recheck mold lines and all that. Then regardless of it being plastic or metal I will wash them all in dish soap to get rid of hidden residue.

After that, I just prime and paint. The only separate piece I do is shields. If they're not attached to the minis, they get their own separate paint job before I stick em on. They'll all be fully painted when I am through with them

 

[Karnus]

hey guys, just a simple question - How do you paint your model? do you paint it on the sprue? cut it out into its separate bits? do the main body as one and weapons as bits? or build it all up first?

I was just wondering, as I have seen lots of people do it in their own way, I personally do less detailed models as one part excluding shields and sometimes weapons and nearly always paint detailed models in bits before sticking them together.

For the most part there is no point in painting in bits IMO.

When the model is assembled: If you can't see it - Don't paint it.

 

[Nazqua]

mhm that is a good point and could save alot of time.

 

[Imrahil]

I mostly build the whole and then start painting but for some times(mostly the bigger models) i split the model into sub-assemblies and paint those.

For the most part there is no point in painting in bits IMO.

When the model is assembled: If you can't see it - Don't paint it.

I thought so too, until the point i got a model witch had parts you could see, but i couldn't get a brush in...

Gr, Imrahil

 

[little-myth]

It varies, with some miniatures like the Saurus Knights, I keep the shields separate. So pretty much any kit that holds anything large close to them, almost hugging their shields or stuff like the Stegadon's howdah with crew. Sometimes I even keep them away from the base.
I just don't like keeping too many pieces apart, ruins the flow for me for some reason

 

[Karnus]

I mostly build the whole and then start painting but for some times(mostly the bigger models) i split the model into sub-assemblies and paint those.



I thought so too, until the point i got a model witch had parts you could see, but i couldn't get a brush in...

Gr, Imrahil

Ah well then you CAN see it, so you must paint it! Weapons, shields etc that block access to visible bits I agree you have no choice.

But then you have my friend who painted the inside of his steam tank before gluing it all together... madness xD

 

[Imrahil]

But then you have my friend who painted the inside of his steam tank before gluing it all together... madness xD

lol, just for the sake of knowing that the inside is painted as well

Gr, Imrahil

 

[Aginor]

Painting on the sprue is
1. The path to madness
2. Bad because you will be left cleaning up all the mold lines and attachments.
3. Bad because you would paint a lot of parts that won't be visible in the end.
4. Bad because the paint will prevent you from properly assembling the parts later.

Painting in subassemblies is recommended if parts are hard to reach later.
Examples are like the guys above mentioned:
- shields
- weapons
- bellies of models that you will be able to see despite the base, but are hard to reach with a brush once the model is on its base
- heads between large shoulder plates
- armor that is blocked by arms, weapons, or shields of the model once it is assembled.


I personally try to make as few subassemblies as possible, but I almost always end up having at least three or four per model.

 

[ravagekitteh]

For me it depends on the model, although I generally don’t paint small items like shields and weapons separately, as it’s difficult to tape up contact points for spraying and I don’t like to use superglue unless absolutely necessary. The subassemblies I typically do are just with riders and mounts - typically I’ll keep the rider separate to reach all the areas that might be covered up. Other than that, I generally just assemble the whole model and paint it that way.

 

[Crowsfoot]

All in one go here, I never paint in sub assemblies etc

 

[Acrocanth]

I've done all sorts, when I did my ripperdactyls I went crazy with subassemblies. Usually tho I leave the shields off will the end and will separate a rider and mount but it really depends on the miniature. Lately I've been trying to be a bit more selective about subassemblies cause it can get a bit silly for details that can never be seen again.