It goes without saying that the parts that have been prepared accordingly are for ensures of achieving a smooth and clean outcome. Orientation modifies greatly and in fact this is the only part that dictates the bonds and the joints that come together to form the outcome after painting. In this model preparing guide, we arm you with all the basic measures that guarantee decent and cleansed parts of the model.

1. Part Removal from Sprue

In order to get started with any plastic model, the most rudimentary step should be separating the pieces from the sprue. How these steps are followed defines in the end how the model would be displayed.

Best Method: Sprue Cutters

Redgrass Sprue Cutters For Scale Model Kits
Redgrass Sprue Cutters For Scale Model Kits

Be sure to nip the corners properly and snip components off the sprue to avoid unnecessary amounts of plastic and bits from half cut details.

Tips:

  • The right way to do this is to pinch the cutter I.e the sprue cutter without having to touch the sprue, then slightly nip the part in question to procure juicy edges and avoid the ones with fractures.
  • Never Twist Or Snap The Parts Off The Sprue By Hand As This May Damage The Part Or Leave Rough Edges.

Alternative: Hobby Knife

In case you are working with really sensitive components, it could be wise to rely on a hobby knife (for instance, an X-Acto type knife) for excising the particular part from the sprue.

Tips:

  • Make sure that you place the component on a cutting mat and take teeth out deliberate and gradual tries so as not to slice into the component.
  • Maintain the edge of the blade in a sharpened state for clean and lucid cuts.

2. Repairing The Parts

After you’ve finally detached the parts from the sprue, you will often notice some leftover material near the joints in the form of small leftover bits of plastic called nubs or flash. It is worth it to clean the areas where the nubs or flash exists since this will allow the parts to fit together naturally or seamlessly without gaps between them.

Using a Hobby Knife

Employ your hobby knife to cut the nubs off and resize the punching joint. The use of a hobby knife is critical especially when cutting tiny pieces of components.

Tips:

  • Hold the cutting blades loosely against the edge of the punch to increase the ability to remove the plastic head while reducing the risk of cutting the surface.
  • Try not to apply too much force since it may cause part or unnecessary material to come out.

Sanding Sticks and Sandpaper

Sanding Sticks for Plastic Models
Sanding Sticks for Plastic Models

Utilize sandpaper or sanding sticks as well to smoothen the edges following trimming. This process clears any uneven areas and helps prepare the surface for painting and assembly.

Tips:

  • For a start, use the 400 medium-grit sanding sticks for the larger areas, and then finish off with 600 grit and finer ones.
  • Sand evenly, applying as little pressure as necessary and working in small circles, so that flat areas or uneven surfaces do not develop.

3. Test Assembling Parts

Before gluing anything together putty out, it is advisable to dry-fitted all the parts for proper positioning. This procedure assists in determining the changes that need to be put in place prior to the last assembly of the scale model.

Why Test Fit?

  • It assists in checking if two or more parts will fit on the assembly together without leaving any spaces between them.
  • Helps you see and understand how each part is meant to be fitted.
  • Gives a preview of complex assemblies and how they would appear with permanent glue joints.

Tips:

  • If you want to check for alignment, the idea is to place the respective parts and press them together without adding glue.
  • When parts do not connect well, consider applying slight sanding onto the bonded joint areas to improve connection .

4. Removing Seam Lines

Seam lines are created when two halves of the mold are brought together for joining during the making of some plastic model kits. These sometimes become part of the model surfaces, and if they are not dealt with, they diminish the end appearance of the model.

How to Remove Seam Lines

  • On the seam line carefully pull the blade of a hobby knife while scraping it and in this way gradually get rid of it.
  • Once finished and you rub off a fine grit sandpaper. But remember to only rub the surface and don’t leave any part of the seam line untouched.

Precautions:

  • When sanding seams consider being extra attentive on parts like weapons or antennas as they are prone to be damaged easily. The best approach would be sanding them lightly to protect the details and smooth out the seam.

5. Cleaning Parts

Once the parts are sanded and they have been handled frequently, the assembly should be the last step. Ensure that a person washes their hands as a lot of oils seem to build up over time. Since glue bonding and paint adhesion are crucial steps, oils, dust, and sanding debris should ideally be removed before assembly.

Parts Washing Regime

  • Grab an empty container and fill it with warm water alongside gentle dish soap. A few drops will be enough!
  • Parts like spinning tops, which have oils and dust, can easily be cleaned by gently scrubbing it with a soft brush. An old toothbrush is an excellent replacement.
  • Finally, ensure that parts and the water are not too hot as overly heated water stress might warp delicate plastic parts.

Tips:

  • Avoid using hot water, as it can warp delicate plastic parts.
  • Make sure the parts are fully dry before moving on to the next step.

6. Optional Application of Primer To Parts

A lot of workers are quite fond of applying a primer to their parts in the beginning as it allows the paint to hold on stronger while also making noticeable flaws visible. Although it is quite rare for people to apply a primer at this stage of construction as it is not required with the current builders. However, there is evidence that suggests a primer under large or precise models tends to help a lot.

When to Use Primer?

  • Use Primer Paint on Plastic if it is dark in color and you intend to paint it with light color.
  • Use Primer Paint on Plastic if its surface texture is smooth or slippery.
  • Use Primer Paint on Plastic if you intend to look for uneven areas or surface anomalies on the components before applying paint on them.

Tips:

  • Primers are best applied using spray paints and with thin layers.
  • Wait for the primer coat to dry completely before touching or joining the sprayed parts.

Conclusion: One Must be Ready before The Battle Star Art

Trying to build a model using unprepared parts might be one of the greatest sins especially if one uses a plastic model, such as the constantly being knocked spawn tab that one gets while trying to fly broadside. This goes without saying, but proposal of separating and refining the component tabs and fitting pieces in positions of their equivilant place allows the model to look professional without so much effort. Picking up on those points and taking your time with them just adds a level of polish and high quality to the final look whether you are a professional model builder or a novice.

Your models will not only look better with the fittings and paints but they will assemble quite easily as well allowing the entire model to have better visuals and fix the detailings. Though with the right way to do it that one stage does enhance the entire building to be more fun in every sense of the way.

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