I have some 1/72 scale figures by HAT that I need to paint. They are made out of a very flexible plastic. What primer and paint should I use on them to ensure the paint won't flake off during handling (or at any time).

I really don't think there is any primer or paint that will never flake off. But it is possible to prime and paint them, and give them a good coat of a dullcoat, and try NOT to handle them too much ie. don't use them for war-gaming!

Long term handling shouldn't be an issue as they will be glued to a diorama. Thanks.

However...any clean up work will be a miserable job as soft plastic does not file or sand well at all - you'll just get fuzzies where you tried to clean. Try to find figures with the least amount of flash, etc.

I bought the set I have for the gatlin guns - the only ones I could find in 1/72. The figures don't really need cleanup, but, yes, the gun itself has not been easy.