Introduction
Building and painting 1/72 scale figures is a rewarding hobby, allowing you to create lifelike miniatures and detailed dioramas. However, working with such small figures can be challenging, especially for beginners. In this guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of assembling and painting 1/72 figures, from unboxing to finishing touches. Whether you’re new to the hobby or looking to refine your skills, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve impressive results.
1. Understanding 1/72 Scale Figures
Before diving into the assembly and painting, it’s important to understand what makes the 1/72 scale unique. At this scale, one inch on the figure represents six feet in real life, making these miniatures small but detailed. Their size allows for large scenes without requiring too much space, making them ideal for dioramas and wargaming.
2. Tools and Materials You'll Need
To get started, gather the right tools and materials. Here’s a basic list:
Hobby knife or scalpel
Fine sanding sticks or files
Tweezers
Plastic cement or super glue
Acrylic paints
Fine detail brushes (size 00 or 000)
Primer (spray or brush-on)
Magnifying glass or Optivisor (optional)
Varnish (matte or satin)
Modeling putty (optional for gap filling)
3. Unboxing and Inspecting Your Figures
When you first open your 1/72 figures kit, take some time to inspect the sprues (the plastic frames holding the parts). Look for any imperfections such as mold lines, flash (excess plastic), or small gaps that might need filling.
3.1 Checking the Parts
Ensure that all parts are present and in good condition. Compare them to the instructions, which will usually include a diagram showing where each piece goes.
4. Cleaning and Preparing the Figures
Before assembly, it’s crucial to clean and prep your figures for both assembly and painting.
4.1 Washing the Figures
Plastic figures often have mold release agents on them that can interfere with paint adhesion. Wash the parts in warm, soapy water, then rinse and let them dry completely.
4.2 Removing Mold Lines
Using a hobby knife or fine sanding stick, carefully remove any mold lines or flash from the figure. This step ensures a smooth surface for painting and gives your miniature a more polished, professional look.
5. Assembling the Figures
Once the figures are cleaned and prepped, it’s time to assemble them.
5.1 Using Plastic Cement
For most plastic models, plastic cement is ideal because it fuses the plastic pieces together, creating a strong bond. Apply a small amount to the contact surfaces and hold the pieces together until the glue sets.
5.2 Super Glue for Metal or Resin Parts
If your figures have metal or resin parts, use super glue instead of plastic cement. It bonds these materials quickly and securely.
5.3 Filling Gaps
If you notice any gaps between parts after assembly, use modeling putty to fill them. Once dry, sand the area smooth to blend it with the surrounding plastic.
6. Priming Your Figures
Priming is an essential step before painting. It helps the paint adhere better and provides a uniform surface for your color layers.
6.1 Choosing a Primer Color
The color of your primer depends on the final look you want to achieve:
White primer: Best for bright, vibrant colors.
Black primer: Ideal for darker figures or if you want natural shadows.
Gray primer: A good neutral option.
6.2 Applying the Primer
Spray primers are quick and effective. Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the figure and apply light, even coats. If you’re using brush-on primer, apply thin layers to avoid clogging up fine details.
7. Painting 1/72 Figures: Basic Techniques
Now that your figures are assembled and primed, it’s time to start painting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to painting your miniatures.
7.1 Base Coating
Begin by applying a base coat to the largest areas of the figure, such as the uniform or skin. Thin your acrylic paint with a little water or medium to avoid clogging details and apply it in smooth, even layers.
7.2 Painting Faces and Skin
For exposed skin areas, start with a mid-tone skin color and apply it as a base coat. Once dry, use a darker wash to create shadows in the recesses, followed by a lighter color for highlights on raised areas like cheekbones or hands.
7.3 Detailing Uniforms
Uniforms often require multiple colors, depending on historical accuracy. Use a fine detail brush for painting smaller areas, such as straps, belts, and insignia. Keep your brushstrokes clean and precise.
8. Advanced Painting Techniques for Realism
To really make your figures stand out, try these advanced painting techniques to add depth and realism.
8.1 Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is perfect for highlighting raised areas like folds in clothing, hair, or gear. Load your brush with a small amount of paint, wipe most of it off on a paper towel, and lightly brush over the figure’s raised areas. This technique emphasizes texture and brings out details.
8.2 Washes for Shadows
Washes are thinned-down paints that flow into the crevices of your figure, creating natural shadows. Use a darker shade of your base color or a specialized wash (such as black or brown) and apply it to recessed areas like clothing folds, facial features, and gear.
8.3 Layering and Highlighting
Highlighting involves applying lighter shades to raised areas of the figure to simulate light hitting the surface. Gradually layer lighter colors over the base coat, focusing on the edges and high points of the figure. This creates a sense of depth and realism.
9. Painting Weapons and Equipment
Weapons and gear are integral parts of 1/72 figures, especially in military models. Here’s how to paint them for realistic results.
9.1 Painting Metallic Surfaces
For guns, knives, or metal armor, use metallic paints sparingly. After applying the metallic paint, use a black wash to tone down the shine and create a worn, realistic look.
9.2 Adding Wear and Tear
To simulate wear and tear on uniforms, weapons, or gear, use dry brushing with a lighter color to mimic worn edges or dirt. For added realism, apply a weathering powder or pigment to simulate dust, mud, or rust.
10. Sealing and Varnishing Your Figures
After all your hard work, it’s important to protect your figures with a varnish.
10.1 Choosing a Varnish
There are several varnish options available:
Matte varnish: Best for realistic military figures, as it reduces shine.
Satin varnish: Adds a slight sheen, ideal for a more polished look.
Gloss varnish: Not typically used on figures but can be applied to specific areas like armor or equipment for extra shine.
10.2 Applying the Varnish
Use a spray varnish for even coverage or apply it with a brush. Be sure to use light, even coats to avoid a thick, glossy finish that can obscure details.
11. Creating a Diorama Base (Optional)
For those looking to display their figures, consider creating a simple diorama base. You can add grass tufts, rocks, or even small pieces of rubble to match the environment your figure is set in.
11.1 Choosing a Theme
Pick a theme that fits the figure, such as a battlefield, city street, or forest. A well-crafted base enhances the overall presentation of your figures.
12. Final Touches
As a final step, take one last look at your figure. Fix any small mistakes, touch up details, and add any additional highlights or shadows to bring out the realism.
Conclusion
Assembling and painting 1/72 scale figures may seem daunting at first, but with patience and the right techniques, you can create stunning miniatures that capture incredible detail. From preparation to the final varnish, each step contributes to the overall success of your project. Whether you’re building a single figure or an entire army, this guide provides the foundational skills you need to achieve lifelike results.
FAQs
How long does it take to assemble and paint a 1/72 figure?
Depending on the complexity, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to complete a figure.Do I need to use a primer before painting?
Yes, priming is essential for proper paint adhesion and to create a smooth surface for painting.What is the best type of paint for 1/72 figures?
Acrylic paints are ideal for 1/72 figures because they are water-based, quick-drying, and easy to clean up.
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