Preparing the mini

[flagoon]

I have a slight problem with preparing the mini. I bought this mini and its robes are very grainy. I expect smooth surface, but in some areas it looks like a sand paper, some of them quite hard to get. I was wondering how to get rid of it. I can use sand paper in some places, but I'm not sure it will be enough. What I should use? Green stuff is overkill, isn't it?

And another question. I have a mini that has some... I don't know the name... lets assume that someone take a modeling knife and make a line in hard to get place. How I can repair it? Green stuff looks promising in this case, but maybe there is something else? My friend who is teaching how to make models suggested modeling spatula for this. I would like to know your opinion on that.

[Nameless]

get miliput, dillute it heavily with water so that it has a consistency of ...water (well, almost). paint your mini with such a mixture.
as for bigger imperfections like the mentioned 'line' - I suppose any modelling putty would suffice.

[mahon]

I'd use steel wool and sandpaper to remove as much of the roughness as possible, and then use some modelling putty to make porous surfaces smoother. Then use fine and soft sandpaper again to make the surface smooth. You will see how much better paintjobs look when the miniatures were prepared properly!

And I think 'filler' putties would work much better than sculpting putties. My favorites are Tamiya putties, but there are many alternatives of different prices and qualities.

[Barton]

400, 600, 1000, 1500 grit sandpaper are good ideas for you. Try to avoid a diamond tipped file, it may remove TOO much of the mini.
Use bits of sandpaper on a end of a toothpick to get into small areas.
Also I use Epoxie Sculpt (from MN, USA) with water to make a paste for painting on mini rough spots.

[flagoon]

I'd use steel wool and sandpaper to remove as much of the roughness as possible, and then use some modelling putty to make porous surfaces smoother. Then use fine and soft sandpaper again to make the surface smooth. You will see how much better paintjobs look when the miniatures were prepared properly!

Yeah, I've finally started to pay bigger attention to the mini before I start painting it. Too bad I see most of imperfections after priming or basecoating. Anyway I've watched the mini closely yesterday and it seems, that I should start with putty first and then use sandpaper.

[mahon]

That's why it's good to apply putty and then use sandpaper - you see most imperfections just like on primer

[Dargrin]

Sorry, late to the show on this one. But I use rubber polishing tips for my Dremel.