Polythene Figures

[zak]

The 1/56 figures are proving to be small and quite a challenge and so.........................

This is really me revisiting something from 10 or more years ago.
I painted 1/32 polythene figures and thought I would try again.
I was sure I would find something on here from years ago, but no luck so far.
I think the post from the past was part of the blog, and that is not available now.
I sold all my previous efforts as well.

Anyway, it is a voyage of rediscovery.
I can't remember which method worked best, so I will try again.
The figures come on a sprue and so have to be cut off.
The plastic is very slippery and does not respond to sanding and gluing can be a trial.
I could give you a chemistry lesson but I will refrain.

Once cut from the sprue they were washed with detergent and water and rinsed.

The mould lines were removed with a hot pin and some judicious work with a sharp blade.

[chriswil42]

Looks like you've stepped back in time to the Romans.
By the way what glue do you use for these figures?

[zak]

Looks like you've stepped back in time to the Romans.
By the way what glue do you use for these figures?

I usually pin and try anything, nothing really works, a spot of superglue, but I am not sure that works.
The figures are from the Punic Wars and I only bought them to try out some techniques for future use. They are HaT 1/32 Italian Cavalry and Command, You get 8 horses and riders.

So the methods will be

1. Painted in a mixture of water PVA and acrylic white
2. Klear and Acrylic white
3 .Klear
4. Simple acrylic spray undercoat

[zak]

I think that I will adopt the following on a few figures and see how they wear,
Wash with detergent, rinse and dry.
Coat with Klear.
Coat with white undercoat, I like the way this makes its easier to see details.
Paint with Vallejo paints.

This is the progress to date with number 1 (see above for its treatment initially)

[MSea]

Unless the paint falls off - another excellent job.  I have had trouble with this type of material and now try to avoid it if I can.

[zak]

Didn't you use some of this type for Rourke's Drift?

I hope my messing about works.

[chriswil42]

Looking good Dave. I have some figures to model later for another Vietnam diorama in 1/72nd.

[zak]

Looking good Dave. I have some figures to model later for another Vietnam diorama in 1/72nd.

I find them a bit small nowadays, wish I could get to something like Howards standard - some hope.

[councilman]

In my limited experience your figures will be fine unless you play with them too much, then the paint will start to crack and flake off. Having said that, there maybe a type of etch primer out there that may help.
Great paint job by the way.

[zak]

In my limited experience your figures will be fine unless you play with them too much, then the paint will start to crack and flake off. Having said that, there maybe a type of etch primer out there that may help.
Great paint job by the way.

Any thoughts gladly accepted.
I think Loctite may have an available product - Polyolefin primer 770? But I have not come across any as yet.

[zak]

Well one completed and based, the paint has stuck ok, time will tell now.

[Wizzel]

Your patience has paid off.  Let's hope the paint isn't as impatient to fall off!

[chriswil42]

Not bad at all Dave. Keep going.

[cph64]

Looking good, certainly giving Howard some competition. I also have some figures to paint so all the tips have come in handy. I'd forgotten about using a hot pin on the mould lines.

[councilman]

Well one completed and based, the paint has stuck ok, time will tell now.

They look really good .
I wonder how good this primer is...