Lena Rivera
Hero Forge offers a range of materials for their 3D-printed miniatures, including plastic and metal options. The choice of material will determine the painting approach and the overall finish. For instance, the Premium Plastic option offers high-quality detail, but the surface may need to be sanded and primed to achieve a smooth finish for advanced painting techniques. Metal options, such as steel and bronze, provide durability, but the texture may pose a challenge for painting, especially with intricate details. Before painting a Hero Forge figure, it is essential to consider the desired level of detail, the suitability of the material for the chosen painting techniques, and the potential need for surface preparation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Premium Plastic, Plastic, Steel, Bronze |
| Surface Preparation | Sanding, Washing, Priming |
| Primer Application | Spray Can, Airbrush, Brush |
| Primer Colour | White, Black, Grey |
| Paint Type | Acrylic, Metallic, Ink |
| Paint Application | Airbrush, Brush |
| Paint Technique | Wet Blending, Layering, Thinning |
| Paint Consistency | Matte, Glossy |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding and priming your Hero Forge figure
Before you begin painting your Hero Forge figure, it is important to prepare the surface by sanding and priming it. Sanding will help create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to, while priming will provide a neutral base for the paint and improve its longevity.
To sand your Hero Forge figure, use fine-grit sandpaper (600 grit or higher) to gently sand the entire surface of the model. This will help to remove any small build lines or imperfections and create an even surface for the paint. Take care not to apply too much pressure during sanding, as it may damage the fine details of the figure.
Once the figure is smoothly sanded, it's time to prime it. Primer serves as a base coat for your paint and helps the subsequent layers of paint adhere better. It also extends the lifespan of your paint job by minimizing chipping or other wear. You can apply primer using a spray can, an airbrush, or a traditional brush. Spray cans are commonly used by hobbyists, while airbrushing can provide a more precise and even application. If using a spray can or airbrush, hold the can or nozzle about 6-8 inches away from the figure and spray in light, even coats to ensure full coverage. Allow the primer to dry completely between coats.
When choosing a primer, consider the colour scheme you plan to use for your figure. Hero Forge's Premium Plastic models offer the highest detail and fidelity, allowing painters to choose a suitable colour undercoat. The basic Plastic option may have some subtle "layer line" texture, so a primer can help create a smooth base. If you're using a darker colour scheme, a matte grey primer is a suitable option. For lighter colour schemes, a white or light-coloured primer may be preferable. You can also find specialised primers, such as brush-on black primer, that can be applied with a traditional brush.
By properly sanding and priming your Hero Forge figure, you'll create a smooth and neutral base that will enhance the adhesion and longevity of your paint job. Remember to take your time and choose the right tools and primer colour to achieve the best results for your miniature masterpiece!
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The best paint types and application methods
Hero Forge offers a range of materials for their miniatures, from plastic to metal, and each material may require a different approach when it comes to painting. Here are some tips for choosing the best paint types and application methods for your Hero Forge figure:
Plastic Miniatures
Hero Forge's Premium Plastic miniatures offer the highest level of detail and are designed to be paint-friendly. They do not come pre-primed, allowing you to choose the appropriate primer and base coat for your desired colour scheme. It is generally advisable to apply an undercoat of primer before painting a figure to provide a neutral base for the paint to adhere to and to minimise chipping or wear over time. You can use a spray can, an airbrush, or a traditional brush to apply the primer. If you want to fill in the grooves created by the printing process, a spray primer is recommended.
Metal Miniatures
Hero Forge offers steel and bronze metal miniatures, which have a smooth surface and fine details. Paint adheres differently to smooth metal than plastic, so keep that in mind when choosing your paint type. The steel figures have a slightly "frosted" texture, which may obscure very fine details, and the rougher texture can make painting more challenging. Bronze figures, on the other hand, have a jewellery-like shine and are well-suited for painting.
Paint Types and Techniques
When it comes to paint types, acrylic paint is a popular choice for miniatures, as mentioned by a user who painted their Hero Forge figure with acrylics. You can thin acrylic paint with a matte acrylic medium or water to create transparent washes and glazes, which can add depth and interest to your figure. To create unique colour tones, you can make your own ink wash by mixing equal parts flow-aid with an acrylic glazing medium. This technique will increase the transparency of the paint and help to balance cool and warm colour tones. Additionally, consider using metallic paint for armour or other metallic elements of your figure. Vallejo Model Air metallic paint is highly recommended for its superior coverage when applied with an airbrush or regular brush.
Application Methods
You can use an airbrush or a traditional brush to apply paint to your Hero Forge figure. Airbrushes allow for quick and even coverage, making them ideal for base coats and large surface areas. Traditional brushes offer more precision and are necessary for finer details. Regardless of the application method, it is recommended to work in thin, layered coats to maintain the details of the figure and avoid the need for harsh paint strippers that can degrade the plastic material.
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How to avoid glossy finishes
When it comes to painting Hero Forge figures, there are a variety of options and techniques to consider. Firstly, it is important to prepare the surface of the figure by sanding it with fine grit sandpaper to make it as smooth and even as possible. This is especially important if you are using advanced painting techniques such as wet blending. After sanding, applying a primer is recommended. Hero Forge's Premium Plastic models come pre-primed in a matte grey primer, which is suitable for both light and dark colour schemes. However, if you have a Premium Plastic model without a primer or a Bronze model, you can choose and apply your own primer using a spray can, an airbrush, or a traditional brush.
Once the surface is prepared, you can move on to the painting process. It is recommended to start with a base coat or a main colour that will cover most of the surface area of the figure. For metallic surfaces, such as armour, metallic paint can be used. To avoid a glossy finish, you can add a matte medium to your paint or wash. Alternatively, you can spray the figure with a matte varnish sealant after completing the painting.
If you are new to painting miniatures, it is advisable to review tutorials and resources, such as the Hero Forge Painting Academy videos, to learn about layering, thinning paints, and different techniques. Additionally, experimenting with different paint dilution ratios and techniques will help you find the style that suits you best. Remember, paint adheres differently to smooth metal surfaces compared to slightly textured plastics, so keep this in mind when painting figures made of different materials.
When painting, it is important to work in thin, layered coats, as paint is designed to stick to the surface and can be difficult to remove. If you need to remove previous coats of paint, avoid using harsh chemicals as they can degrade the underlying plastic material. Instead, consider thinning your paints and working in thin layers from the beginning.
By following these steps and techniques, you can effectively paint your Hero Forge figure while avoiding a glossy finish. Remember to take your time, experiment, and adapt your techniques to suit your personal style and the specific material of your figure.
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Paint stripping and thinning
Stripping and thinning paint from miniatures is a common practice, especially when correcting mistakes or starting fresh with a new colour scheme. However, harsh chemicals used for stripping can degrade the underlying plastic material of the miniature. Hero Forge recommends thinning paints and working in thin, layered coats from the beginning, only resorting to stripping as a last resort.
If you do need to strip paint from your miniature, there are various methods and products available. Some people use nail polish remover, brake fluid, or Dettol, but these products can be country-specific and difficult to obtain in certain locations. A recommended alternative is IPA, which is widely available and effective for paint stripping. You can purchase a stripping pot, a water pot for brushes, and a rinse pot to assist in the process.
Another option for paint stripping is to use a paint stripper product like Biostrip 20, which is water-based, non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-caustic. Ensure that your miniature is fully submerged in the stripper and leave it for the recommended duration, which can vary depending on the stripper and the material of your model. For Biostrip 20, about 6 hours is suggested. Always wear gloves when handling a model that has been in paint stripper, and work over a workstation with access to warm water, not an open drain.
After removing the model from the paint stripper, rinse it under warm water to get rid of any excess stripper. Then, use a toothbrush to gently scrub the model, and the paint should start peeling away. You may need to leave the model in the stripper for longer if the paint is not coming off easily. Continue rinsing and brushing until all the paint is removed, and use a toothpick for harder-to-reach areas.
Before repainting your Hero Forge figure, it is advisable to apply an undercoat of primer to create a neutral base for better adhesion of subsequent layers. Primer can be applied using a spray can, airbrush, or traditional brush. Sanding the surface of the figure with fine-grit sandpaper (600 grit or higher) can also help create a smooth and even surface for painting.
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Paint colour and tone
When it comes to painting your Hero Forge figure, there are a few things to consider when it comes to paint colour and tone. Firstly, it's important to choose the right type of paint that will adhere well to the surface of the figure. Hero Forge figures are made from different materials, including plastic and metal, and paint adheres differently to each. For plastic figures, an acrylic paint designed for miniatures, such as Reaper Bones minis, is a good option. For metal figures, the painting process can be more challenging due to the textured surface, and it is not recommended for steel figures with very fine details as the texture may obscure them.
It is also recommended to apply an undercoat of primer before painting your Hero Forge figure. This serves as a neutral base for the paint and helps the subsequent layers of paint adhere better. The primer can be applied using a spray can, an airbrush, or a traditional brush. If you are using a plastic Hero Forge figure, it is important to choose the right primer colour that will complement your chosen paint scheme. For example, a white primer can be easier to coat evenly over black plastic, and a black primer can be used for other colours. Additionally, a matte medium can be added to the primer to reduce unwanted reflections and create a matte finish.
When choosing the paint colours for your figure, it's important to consider the desired colour tone and temperature. For example, if you want a dark, cool look for the armour, you can balance it with a warmer colour tone for the leather pieces and the flesh of the face. You can create unique colour tones by making your own ink wash with equal parts flow-aid and acrylic glazing medium. This will increase the transparency of the paint and allow you to achieve the desired colour tone.
It's worth noting that the shade and tone of the paint colours may differ slightly from your digital design, as paints are mixed by hand. Additionally, some fine details, such as eye colour, may be indistinct or absent in the painted figure. Therefore, it's important to choose paint colours that will complement each other and create the desired overall tone for your figure.
Finally, when painting your Hero Forge figure, it's recommended to use light and thin coats of paint to maintain the details of the figure. Thick layers of paint can fill in the grooves and lines of the figure, obscuring the fine details. By using thin coats of paint, you can build up the colour gradually and maintain the intricate details of the figure.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to apply an undercoat of primer before painting a Hero Forge figure. Primer can be applied using a spray can, an airbrush, or a traditional brush. Once the primer is dry, you can start painting with light coats. Thinner coats will help to maintain more detail.
The type of paint you use will depend on the material of your Hero Forge figure. Hero Forge figures are available in plastic and metal. Paint adheres differently to smooth metal than it does to slightly textured plastics. For plastic miniatures, acrylic paint is a good option. For metal figures, you may want to use a metallic paint.
Many of the harsh chemicals that can be used to strip paint from a miniature can also degrade the underlying plastic material. Therefore, it is recommended to only strip paint as a last resort. Instead, consider thinning your paints and working in thin, layered coats.
