"Advice on prepping and painting Amera plastic craters?" Topic

I recently purchased some Amera craters for scifi gaming. But I'm uncertain on how to prep and paint them. Are there any instructions around? Questions I have:

1) Should the craters be mounted on a base (e.g., MDF or cardboard)?
2) How to cut? Scissors? And how close to the crater edge should you cut?
3) Painting: I usually spray with enamel. Is that a problem with this plastic? Do I need to do a primer first?

1) Should the craters be mounted on a base (e.g., MDF or cardboard)?

Entirely up to you. Do whatever you think looks best.

2) How to cut? Scissors?

Try it and see. If you can't cut the plastic with scissors you'll have to use a knife or saw.

And how close to the crater edge should you cut?

Again it's up to you.

3) Painting: I usually spray with enamel. Is that a problem with this plastic? Do I need to do a primer first?

I've not come across a plastic that won't take enamel paint. I always use enamel paint as the primer anyway.

I have several Amera pieces. I don't mount them on bases. That is pretty much personal preference. I used scissors and cut them pretty close to the edge. I tried to cut one right along the edge, and cut into the terrain part a little bit. On reflection, I may start basing them on something, not sure what. As for painting, just wash them off to make sure there is no mold release on them. Let them dry completely, and spray paint them. I primed mine with black krylon and had no problems at all.
This all goes to remind me to check Amera's website. I am probably going to get some more.

I did a piece here hammers-slammers.com/how.htm on how I painted up Amera stuff (though not craters, though many of the same techniques would apply)

PDF link

For me its about getting some texturing on them. And they take paint of all sorts that I tried just fine.

And they cut with decent scissors or a craft knife.

John T

John,

BZ! You are a trooper for helping out. People like you are the main reason I like TMP!!

Glad to be of service! :)

John T

Thanks for interest in our products . We have a link to Johns great article here as well as a PDF we can email out, hope useful to anyone thinking of buying our products. Jane amera.co.uk
link