I've a question for you figure makers. When do you assemble your figures, before or after painting? The dilemma I always run into is this. If I assemble first, and putty any seams, I just can't seem to get into all the nooks and cranny's, especially the straps and belts on the front of the figure because the arms are in the way. If I paint first, then assemble, then there is always a problem with gaps at the arms. I only have this problem with arms, the legs I can assemble then paint with no issue.

The first thing I do is paint the parts which are difficult to reach after assembling. Then I assemble the figure and paint the rest of it. This isn't the quickest way but it works for me.

Martin

I always assmble fully before painting. The only exceptions being the weapons the figures carry. As a general rule, if you can see it............you can paint it. Don't worry about nooks and crannies, you will be able to get to it to paint it somehow if you can see it.

Vinnie

Hi Rodger. Build as much as possible, then paint. Thats my usual way, anyway!
Remember, when you´re holding the figure, and can turn him up-side-down and can come in from all different angles with the paint brush, the viewer of the finished figure won´t have this advantage. As said previously, "if you can see it, you can paint it".
When building figures, I add all personal gear (most of the time ... unless its something that can be placed easily afterwards) as I find it easier than holding small items.
I spray the figure black first, and then block in the main colour with the airbrush. The hard to get areas may remain darker, and this adds to the shadow effect. Another tip when painting in these narrow areas, is to have slightly thinner paint, so it spreads easier. It doesn´t need the same amount of careful painting as the more visible areas, as its obscured, but does need a hint of painting, in case of the more observant/curious viewer.
I usually keep the head seperate if possible, then I paint from the neck down. Jacket first, then webbing. Then block in the personal gear, then detail paint, letting each previous stage dry, so that if you make a little mistake it can, safely be wiped away. I tend to grip the trousers area when painting the details .. for better and steadier grip .. then paint trousers and boots last. Hope this helps some!

Thanks all. I got a few good tips here. I like Martins idea of painting some first, then assembling. I also like the idea of airbrushing black, then the thinned base color from Frank. The two are probably mutually exclusive, so I'll have to try each to see which works better. Thanks again.

Good self advise . Theres no right or wrong way ... just what works best for you! I suppose you could say there are pros and cons with both.
Build two "similar" figures and try them with both methods. It will be interesting to see what you think! It will be a useful experiment, as there will be times when you have no choice but use one method or the other!

I assemble Less heads, Arms & Gear..... Basecoat, attach arms.. paint camo (if needed) atach head & Gear (touch up as needed)

A neat trick is to start with applying a black wash in those crevices and alikes before starting painting. If you cant reach it later it just looks lika a shadow.

Good luck.

Hi Roger,

Understand your point because it happened to me so many time.
My way is to paint the arms separately, and the torso either, but I leave the shoulder area unpainted or just with a single coat. Then I fill in the gap with putty just after and paint the shoulder at the end.

Best,
Julien

Depends. In some cases, the pose would make painting details nearly impossible, fro example, if you go into my photos and llook for my Iroquois. The Mohawk, on the other hand, has wide open access to the chest, but a small attachement point for the rifght arn and even smaller for his feathers. The arm was dry fit and looked to need no real filler so it was left off. The featehr and hairpiece were painted then the hair added to the head ffter all other painting was done and added as a single piece.
I prefer to paint any equipment before attaching it to the body. The parts are harder to hold but easier to detail and highlight/shade.