Lena Rivera
Whether you paint a model before or after assembly depends on the type of model, the model's complexity, and personal preference. For example, it is recommended to build a tank's hull and turret first and then paint the wheels and tracks separately. On the other hand, for a car model, you would paint the interior, assemble and mask it, then paint the body and wheels separately. Painting before assembling allows easier access to nooks and crannies, but it can be challenging to keep track of parts and their alignment. Gluing painted pieces together can also be tricky, as the glue may ruin the paintwork. Ultimately, the decision to paint before or after assembly is a matter of individual preference and the specific model being built.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting before assembling | Easier to get into all the joints and crevices |
| Easier to keep track of parts | |
| Less risk of forgetting to paint some parts | |
| Easier to handle the entire model | |
| Painting after assembling | Glue can ruin the paint |
| Easier to spot potential conversions and additions to the model | |
| Easier to do camo patterns and faded paint | |
| Easier to paint highlights and shadows |
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What You'll Learn
- Painting before assembling makes it easier to get into all the joints
- Gluing a fully painted model may ruin the paintwork
- Painting after assembling makes it easier to spot potential conversions and additions to the model
- Painting a complex model in pieces is recommended
- It's a personal choice based on the model and how you want to display it
Painting before assembling makes it easier to get into all the joints
Painting a model before assembling it makes it easier to get into all the joints and crevices. Painting before assembling can be advantageous for models with complex joints or intricate details that would otherwise be difficult to reach. This approach ensures that all areas of the model receive adequate paint coverage, preventing visibly unpainted spots.
However, painting before assembling may not be suitable for all models. Some model builders prefer to assemble first, arguing that it adds realistic shadows to the areas that cannot be reached with a brush. Assembling first can also help achieve a consistent paint finish, as separate pieces may vary in colour or tone if painted individually.
Additionally, painting before assembling requires careful consideration of glue types and application. Certain glues, such as plastic glue, may melt the paintwork, while superglue can create a white fogging effect as it cures. To mitigate these issues, some modellers use sticky tack or Blu-tac to temporarily hold pieces together before painting, allowing for easy separation and glue application later.
The decision to paint before or after assembling ultimately depends on the model's complexity, the desired level of detail, and the modeller's preference. Some models may benefit from a hybrid approach, painting specific parts separately to facilitate access to joints and crevices, while others may be more manageable when fully or partially assembled before painting.
When painting before assembling, it is essential to protect the joints and contact points to avoid gluing issues. Modellers can use masking tape or cover the joints with sticky tack or Blu-tac, which can be easily removed before gluing, ensuring a clean and sturdy bond.
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Gluing a fully painted model may ruin the paintwork
Some people prefer to assemble the model first and then paint it. This is because it is easier to spot potential conversions and additions to the model, which can be performed without ruining any paint. However, this can make it difficult to paint certain areas of the model, such as nooks and crannies, and may result in visibly unpainted areas.
Others prefer to paint the model in sub-assemblies before gluing the entire model together. This allows for easier access to all parts of the model and can make it easier to paint intricate details. However, this method may make the model feel less realistic, as it can be difficult to create consistent shadows and depth when painting separate pieces.
To avoid ruining paintwork when gluing, it is recommended to scrape the paint off the surfaces to be glued for a better bond. Alternatively, you can use masking tape or liquid mask to protect the surfaces before gluing. Another option is to use a small piece of sticky tack or Blu-tac on the contact points before painting, and then remove it to expose the bare metal or plastic for gluing.
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Painting after assembling makes it easier to spot potential conversions and additions to the model
There are various approaches to painting a model, and the process can be subjective, depending on the model and the painter's preference. Some people prefer to paint their models before assembling them, as they can access hard-to-reach areas more easily and get a better sense of the colours and how they will work together.
However, others argue that painting after assembling makes it easier to spot potential conversions and additions to the model. For example, one modeller who plays Imperial Guard says that they assemble the whole model, perform any kit-bashes or conversions, spray it black, and then start painting. This way, they can easily identify areas where additions or modifications could enhance the model without ruining any existing paintwork.
Painting after assembling can also help achieve a more consistent paint job, as all the pieces will be the same colour, reducing the likelihood of missing spots. Additionally, it can be faster and easier, especially when using an airbrush. Painting after assembly may also be preferable for certain models with complex or cluttered designs, such as Dark Vengeance Chaos models, which come in 2-4 pieces. In such cases, assembling first can help visualise the model's overall appearance and identify areas that may require separate painting for better accessibility.
Moreover, painting after assembling can prevent issues with glue and paint not adhering well together. For instance, plastic glue may run out of control and melt paintwork, while superglue can create a white fogging effect as it cures. Thus, painting after assembling can provide more flexibility for modifications and ensure a more consistent and durable paint job.
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Painting a complex model in pieces is recommended
Painting a model in pieces before assembling it is a recommended approach for complex models. This method ensures that all the nooks and crannies of the model are easily accessible for painting. By painting the model in pieces, you can avoid the issue of certain parts obstructing your access to other areas, such as the insides of collars or the backs of necks and heads.
Additionally, painting a model in pieces can make the painting process less daunting for beginners. Partial assembly allows for better access to details and makes it easier to paint intricate designs or small spaces. This approach is especially useful for models with limbs, backpacks, and weapons that might get in the way during the painting process.
Another advantage of painting in pieces is the ability to create a more realistic final product. Assembling the model after painting can add natural shadows to the areas that were difficult to reach during the painting process. This technique can enhance the overall appearance of the model.
However, painting a model in pieces does come with certain challenges. One challenge is keeping track of which pieces go together, especially when painting in batches. It is important to plan and carefully manage the different parts to avoid confusion during assembly.
Moreover, painting a model in pieces requires careful consideration of the gluing process. It is crucial to use the right amount of glue and ensure proper adhesion between the painted pieces. Techniques such as using sticky tack or Blu-tac to temporarily hold pieces together before gluing can help ensure a better bond and avoid issues like paint melting or fogging caused by glue.
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It's a personal choice based on the model and how you want to display it
Ultimately, the decision to assemble a model before painting it is a matter of personal preference and the specific model being created. Some modellers prefer to paint before assembling, as it provides easier access to small crevices and details, while others find that painting after assembly adds a sense of realism to the final product.
For those who enjoy painting intricate details, assembling the model first can make it challenging to access all areas of the model. In such cases, leaving certain parts unattached until after painting can be a good compromise. This approach is particularly useful for models with complex or intricate details that would be difficult to paint once fully assembled.
On the other hand, painting after assembly can simplify the process by eliminating the need to keep track of multiple individual pieces and their corresponding colours or patterns. This method can also create realistic shadows and depth in the paintwork, enhancing the overall appearance of the model.
The type of model being created can also influence the decision. For example, with ship models, it is common to paint sub-assemblies first due to the numerous nooks and crannies that would be challenging to paint on a fully assembled ship. Similarly, for models with intricate details that will be challenging to paint once assembled, like tanks or planes, it is often recommended to paint certain parts separately before final assembly.
In the end, the choice to paint before or after assembly depends on the modeller's preference and the desired final appearance of the model. Both methods can produce excellent results, and it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each approach for a specific model.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a matter of personal preference. Some people find it easier to paint the model before assembling it, as they can access all the joints and crevices more easily. Others prefer to assemble the model first, as it can be easier to keep track of which parts go together and avoid wasting paint on unseen areas.
Painting before assembling can make it easier to access all the nooks and crannies of the model and ensure that every part is painted. It can also help to avoid the glue ruining the paint job.
Assembling before painting can make it easier to keep track of which parts go together and avoid mixing up arms or other components. It can also create realistic shadows in areas that are difficult to reach, adding depth to the final product.
For complex models with many small parts, it may be preferable to paint and assemble in sub-assemblies. This can make the process more manageable and help ensure that all parts are painted and assembled correctly.
