Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Assembly
Assemble the miniature or miniatures if required using an appropriate glue, such as Super Glue for metal models, or plastic cemente. Be sure to position arms, weapons and other accessories appropriately. Affix the model to a base if required.
Use the modeling knife to remove any mold lines (metal or plastic left by the manufacturing process but not intended to be part of the figure) on the model by scraping them away, holding the blade at a 45 degree angle to the surface. This vital step ensures a cleanly finished final miniature.
Choose whether to make your skeleton white or tan. White skeletons will appear to be sun-bleached, while tan models have a "fresh from the grave" look. Also decide what color accessories like shields and armor will be, and have all those pain colors on hand.
Painting the model
Using a spray primer specially designed for models to "base coat" the model in dark brown (for a tan skeleton) or black (for sun-bleached white) according to the chosen color scheme. Follow the instructions on the can carefully and apply the primer in several light coats, turning the model to cover it entirely. Allow the primer to dry.
Use a lighter brown or gray paint formulated for model painting. Load your larger brush (the 0 or 1) with paint, being sure not to get paint into the metal that attaches the bristles to the brush handle, called a ferrule. Wipe off most of the paint on a paper towel or piece of scrap denim. The brush is ready to use when it appears almost free of pigment. Holding the base of the model, paint the model very lightly, flicking your brush gently across the raised surfaces to bring out the detail and create a three-dimensional effect. This not only adds realism to the figure but also makes details easier to see for further painting. Eye sockets and other recesses will remain the color of your base coat. Clean the brush thoroughly with water after each use.
Follow the process as above, using a lighter color, such as a pale bone tan or white, but applying the paint even more lightly to highlight knuckles, teeth, cheek bones and other details. Paint only the actual bones during this step, avoiding weapons and other details.
Use the smaller detail brush and appropriate colors to highlight details. Load the brush lightly with paint so that a thick coat will not obscure the fine details of your model. Metallic paints should be used to paint weapons and most armor (chain mail can be dry brushed), while browns and reds are appropriate for leather straps, spear shafts and similar details. The base should also be painted at this point: use green for grass textured bases, and browns or grays for stone. Take care not to paint over any bone, as touching up can be time-consuming.
Lighter shades can be used to carefully accent highlights with the detail brush. Highlight only the raised areas. Jewelry can be painted silver or gold and gems finished in any appropriate color. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before proceeding, at least one hour.
Spray or brush a finishing coat of matte spray clear coat over the entire model, following the manufacturer's instructions. This will keep the model looking great for a long time by protecting the paint from bumps and scrapes.