Hello:

I recently purchased an assortment of Vallejo paints to use for my 1/35 figure painting. In the past, I had used Testors Acryl with good results (for me), however I wanted to move up and try the paints that so many use.

After some painting, I noticed that when I began to work on the boots, that some of the paint from the trousers had come off. The paint was sufficiently dried (about one month between sessions), so perhaps I need to prep the figures? I was using a set of 1/35 Dragon figures, and I did not prime the figures. I am relatively new to this and had never primed in the past when using Acryls. So, is it recommended to prime the figures when using Vallejo? This happended on all four figures so I do think it was an isolated incident.

Thanks for any and all input!

Had the same thing happen. Did you wash the figures prior to panting them? I usually wash the ready to paint figures in warm soapy water, rinse throughly and let air dry. This removes any left over mold release agent or oil from touching them which of course paint won't stick to!
Since then I have taken to priming my plastic figures just as I prime resin ones...with light grey auto primer from a spray can. It seems to hold well to the plastic and any brushed acrylic or oil paint holds well to it.
Cheers,
Charles

Hi Trabbot

I wash the figures in warm soapy water then when there are completely dry i use an acryilic based primer and let that dry for 24 hours.

However acrylics by there very nature are not as hard wearing as enamels and do not stand up to handling as well , as you have allready discovered the paint will wear off or develop a sheen with constant handling.

One thing you could try is to drill a small hole in the foot of the figure and insert a thin wire or cocktail stick into said hole and attach using CA glue, then you can use that to handle the figures.
Once the figure is complete simply snip the wire/cocktail stick off with some side cutters.


Ian

I use Vallejo regualry and have not had that happen. However, that may because I always wash everything to prep for painting. Most of the time I prime as well. I highly recommend both. The priming makes the painting much easier in general in my opinion.


The idea of putting them on the wires is also a very good one as well. the points made already are very excellent. Another advantage of placing them on wire is that the wire can be use to help secure them to the base of whatever setting you are using, unless of course you are seating the figure in a vehicle.

Sean

heya Trab.

Im in the same boat mate, just got me some V acrylics to muck about with. One thing that i did learn through error was not priming my figures or washing them.

Also, if you really get frustrated and want to wipe the slate clean so-to-speak, soak your figure in some windex and attack him with an old toothbrush. The ammonia in the Windex gets that acrylic straight off.

Vallejo have an awesome website for using their paints, and i an forever browsing this one both at work and at home. Check it out at http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/ and find your way there through the Model Colour link on the side.

Good luck mate

A.

i normally use tamiya "dark yellow" applied via airvrush for priming. before priming cleaning the figure in warm water and letting it dry for a few hours is mandatory.

i can not remenber i encountered your problem while using vallejos in the described way.

yes, I learnt that the hard way. I washed my figure and then primed it twice, but rough handling has led to the paint wearing off and showing through to guess what? the primer!

Hi,
I have been using both Vallejo acrylics and Testor Model Master II enamels and acrylics. I have never undercoated and never had issues with paint either peeling or sloughing off. I do wash the figure before painting it and I use my own painting style where I may use both types of paint on the same figure.
I love Vallejo's for the fact that the Waffen-SS camo colors are ready to use and need no mixing, just a little shaking. And, I love Model Master's for the great face, SS style Field Grey and the good Panzer colors.
Also, MM's make for very good shadowing and highlighting.
Plus, I have used Humbrols and Gunze Sangyo sometimes for certain details and effects.
I do not use Tamiya under any circumstances.(YUCK!).
Just an opinion here , but I have been modelling for almost 30 years.

Chris- Waffen-SS camo expert wannabe

"Sweat Saves Blood"- Felix Steiner
I hate to correct a Waffen SS specialist - however the quote is -
“Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, and brains saves both.”
and it is by Field marshall Erwin Rommel
http://en.thinkexist.com/quotation/sweat-saves-blood-blood-saves-lives-and-brains/1329408.html

Thanks for the info guys...I think I will follow all of the advise I received, namely wash the figures, prime, and attach to a needle type of thing to help minimize direct contact with the figure....thanks again!!