Originally Posted by
clipper1801
The surface presents a challenge, but there are easy processes to over come it. I started brushing acrylic gloss sealer, two to three coats, then light sanding and add the paint. I moved to spray on clear lacquer to seal them, but discovered the atomized spray paint simply clung to the rough surface and made it appear rougher. Next I tried auto sandable spray primers, they filled some, but also piled the surface and made it look rougher. I am back to three coats of water based gloss clear acrylic with light sanding between coats. This fills, evens, and looks great, making a nice surface to paint. Rule of thumb the finish you have before you put on the final color is the final finish you will get. You cannot depend on the color to even out the surface.
Once the colors are on I give the models a spray coat of high gloss clear lacquer, let it cure a few days then apply a matt finish in the same brand as the gloss so they do not react to each other and blush or bubble.
I still find the Shapeways models to be great models that can be quite effective in the game. I am glad to have the variety they bring to the game and I love the ability to customize and produce my own minis. In many ways they are different than the official minis, some good some bad, but so are the originals. Have fun, give them a try if you like modeling!
Clipper back to the bench . . .
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