Leo Martínez
Painting miniatures is an intimidating yet rewarding hobby, and one of the first questions beginners ask is whether they should paint a miniature before or after assembling it. There are valid arguments for both approaches, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference and the complexity of the model. Some hobbyists prefer to assemble the entire model first, as they believe it adds a realistic shadow to hard-to-reach areas. However, others argue that painting before assembly ensures better access to all the nooks and crannies of the miniature, resulting in a more detailed paint job.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting before assembling makes it easier to get into all the joints and nooks and crannies of detail easily. | Easier |
| Painting before assembling can make it difficult to keep track of which pieces go together. | Harder |
| Painting before assembling can cause plastic glue to run out of control and melt paintwork, or superglue to create a white fogging effect. | Harder |
| Painting after assembling can leave some visibly unpainted areas because assembling the model prevents access to certain areas. | Harder |
| Painting after assembling can make it difficult to keep pieces together. | Harder |
| Painting after assembling can make it easier to prime the bits on the sprue. | Easier |
| Painting after assembling can make it easier to freehand symbols on certain bits. | Easier |
| Painting after assembling can make it easier to use the models in games. | Easier |
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What You'll Learn
- Painting before assembling makes it easier to reach joints and nooks
- Painting after assembling can create realistic shadows in hard-to-reach areas
- Gluing during the painting process can be tricky and may ruin paintwork
- Painting separate pieces can make the model feel less realistic
- Some models are harder to paint assembled than others
Painting before assembling makes it easier to reach joints and nooks
Painting miniatures is an intimidating task, especially for beginners. One of the most common questions asked by miniature painters is whether to paint a miniature before or after assembling it. While there is no definitive answer, as it depends on personal preference and the model being painted, there are some advantages and disadvantages to both methods.
One advantage of painting before assembling is that it can be easier to reach joints and nooks. When assembling a miniature, certain parts of the model can obstruct access to other areas, making it difficult to paint every detail. For example, the legs of a model could get in the way of painting the inside of the clock or the back of the neck and head. Similarly, gluing the head in place might prevent painters from reaching the inside of the collar. By painting first, artists can ensure that all areas of the miniature are easily accessible and can be painted with detail.
Another benefit of painting before assembling is that it can be easier to prime the bits on the sprue separately. Some painters also find it helpful to freehand symbols on certain bits while they are separate from the rest of the model. Additionally, painting before assembling allows for more control over the painting process, as artists can focus on one section at a time without worrying about accidentally painting the wrong area.
However, one downside to painting before assembling is that it can be challenging to keep track of which pieces go together, especially when painting in batches. It is important to ensure that mating surfaces are free of paint, as superglue and plastic glue may not adhere well to painted surfaces. Additionally, there is a risk of the paint melting or creating a fogging effect when using certain types of glue.
Ultimately, the decision to paint before or after assembling comes down to personal preference and the complexity of the model. Painters may choose to partially assemble the miniature, leaving off limbs, backpacks, and weapons to paint the body as a whole, and then attaching the remaining pieces once they are painted. This allows for ease of access to joints and nooks while minimizing the risk of confusion during assembly.
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Painting after assembling can create realistic shadows in hard-to-reach areas
Painting a miniature model can be intimidating, especially for beginners. One of the most common questions that arise is whether to paint before or after assembling the model. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on personal preference and the model's complexity, there are some advantages to painting after assembly.
One notable benefit of painting after assembling is the ability to create realistic shadows in hard-to-reach areas. When you paint a model after assembling it, you may find that certain areas are challenging to access with your brush. However, this can actually work to your advantage by creating realistic shadows in those areas. By painting the model as a whole, you add depth and dimension to the miniature, enhancing its overall visual appeal.
For example, consider a model with intricate details, such as the pilot of an Eldar Falcon in Warhammer 40k. Painting the pilot's cockpit after assembling the model can create shadows that give depth to the miniature. This effect is challenging to achieve if you paint the pilot separately and then assemble it, as you may end up with flat, less realistic-looking details.
Additionally, painting after assembling can help you avoid the issue of paint obstructing the gluing process. When you paint before assembling, you risk the paint interfering with the adhesion of the glue, potentially resulting in weaker bonds or unsightly fogging effects. By painting after assembly, you ensure that the glue adheres directly to the plastic or resin, creating a stronger and more durable bond.
However, it is essential to note that painting after assembling requires careful consideration of the model's design. Some areas of the model may be challenging to reach, and you will need a thin brush and good hand control to paint them effectively. It is recommended to leave off certain accessories or limbs until the end, such as the arms or backpacks, to ensure you can paint all the details without obstruction.
In conclusion, painting after assembling miniature models can create realistic shadows in hard-to-reach areas, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the miniature. While it may require more precision and attention to detail, the end result can be a more realistic and aesthetically pleasing model. Ultimately, the decision to paint before or after assembly depends on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the model.
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Gluing during the painting process can be tricky and may ruin paintwork
Gluing during the painting process can be tricky and may ruin your paintwork. One of the main issues is that glue can run out of control and melt your paintwork, especially if you are using plastic glue. Superglue can also create a white fogging effect as it cures.
To avoid these issues, some people recommend gluing the model together first and then painting it. This can make it easier to reach all the nooks and crannies of the model and avoid any visible unpainted areas. However, this approach can make it difficult to paint certain areas of the model, such as the inside of collars or the backs of necks and heads. It can also be tricky to paint around limbs, backpacks, and weapons.
One solution is to partially assemble the model, leaving off any pieces that might obstruct your painting, such as arms, backpacks, and weapons. You can then glue these pieces on after painting the rest of the model. This approach can give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to reach most of the model's surfaces while still being able to paint the more difficult areas separately.
Another tip is to use sticky tack or Blu-tac to hold your miniature in place while you paint. This can help you avoid any glue-related issues altogether. You can also use sticky tack to protect areas you need to keep bare while priming or painting.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to glue before or after painting depends on the model and your personal preference. Some models may be easier to paint fully assembled, while others may require partial assembly to access all the details.
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Painting separate pieces can make the model feel less realistic
Painting separate miniature pieces can make the final model feel less realistic. Assembling the model first and then painting it adds a realistic shadow to the areas that are hard to reach. This makes the model look more realistic than if it were painted in pieces, which can make it look "'very fake".
Some model-makers prefer to assemble the model fully and then paint it, especially if they are making a special model. This is because a conversion may turn out to be unbalanced when put together if the model is painted in pieces. However, this can make it difficult to paint all the nooks and crannies of the model.
To overcome this, some people partially assemble the model, leaving off the limbs, backpacks, and weapons. This gives them access to the chest and other areas that would otherwise be hard to reach. They then paint the model and glue on the remaining parts.
Some model-makers also find that painting separate pieces can make it hard to keep track of which piece goes where. This can be a problem if you paint in batches.
Ultimately, the decision to paint a miniature before or after assembly depends on personal preference and the type of model.
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Some models are harder to paint assembled than others
Some models are harder to paint once assembled than others. For example, it is challenging to paint the pilot of an eldar falcon when the model is fully assembled. The same goes for a space marine, where the eagle on the chest is hidden behind a bolter, making it hard to prime and paint. In such cases, it is recommended to paint the chest and other details on the sprue, and then assemble the rest.
For models with complex designs, it is advised to use sub-assemblies. For instance, a Tac Marine with his Bolt Gun and Backpack can be painted separately, allowing better access to the chest. Similarly, for a heavy bolter, leaving the arms and weapons off makes it easier to paint the legs and the marine side of the weapon.
However, some models are easier to paint once assembled. For example, a user on a Warhammer 40k forum mentions that they find it easier to paint Ork Boyz after assembling their legs and torsos. They also mention that they always paint the arms separately, as they find it easier to speed paint them at the end.
Ultimately, the decision to paint a miniature before or after assembly depends on personal preference and the complexity of the model.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people prefer to assemble the model first and then paint it, while others find it easier to paint the pieces separately and then glue them together. It depends on the model and your personal preference.
Painting the pieces separately can make it easier to access all the nooks and crannies of the model and ensure that every part is painted properly. It can also be easier to keep track of the pieces when they are painted separately.
One drawback is that the paint may prevent the pieces from gluing together properly, especially if you use plastic glue. Additionally, it can be difficult to keep track of which pieces go together if you are painting multiple similar pieces.
Yes, some people prefer to partially assemble the model, painting certain sections separately and then gluing them together. For example, you could glue the head, body, legs, and base together, and then paint the arms, weapons, and accessories separately before attaching them to the body.
