"Prepping Shapeways starship miniatures" Topic

So, I've recently received my first few starship miniatures from Shapeways to supplement my fleets of pewter minis.

What preparation do I need to do for these minis compared to what I would normally do on pewter minis? I don't see a need to trim/file any mold lines, but do they need washed in soapy water as you would to get rid of any release agent as on a pewter mini?

Plus, can I paint them as I usually do, with a spray paint undercoat from a can, followed by a base hull colour also from a can, detailed with acrylics.

I can tell you from hard personal experience, if you are using FUD material, do NOT use acetone. Alcohol is also a bad idea. I find that removing the coating on them tends to reveal a nasty stepped surface, complete with roughness and much graininess.

I would use just cool water and some dish soap at the most. Make sure to prime them.

I went with the basic WSF material, Bill.

Priming them, of course. So water/dish soap is fine. Did you use spray paint for your primer coat? I tend to always use basic auto primer from a can. I've used it on most of my starship minis, as well as my 25/28mm Roleplaying figures.

Mark

For mine (15mm infantry) cheap water based acrylic paint like Folkart from Michaels. Shapeways recommends this type of paint and to paint in the same direction.

I've used various model primers, no noticeable difference between them. Most of the Shapeways models have been spray painted.

For WSF, I just wash in water and give a quick scrub with an old toothbrush. To prime, I use a spray primer (I've used gesso too, but it soaks up lots). I usually go pretty heavy on the primer, it helps smooth some of the roughness of WSF. But I'd suggest testing that till you're happy with the result.

I wash in water as above but when dry I then immerse in a bath of Pledge Multi-Surface Wax at least twice before removing and allowing to stand.

When its dried fully I'll give it at least two coats of spray primer.

For cleaning, I bathe mine in Simple Green overnight, then give them a gentle rinse. Prime, then paint as desired.

Hope some still ck this from time to time.
Ive never bought any from Shapeways. BUT they carry a 'lot' of ST ships, both TOS & NextGen you just cant find else where.

However WSF Ive heard has a 'bad' problem as @billclo mention w/ 'graininess'. A fuzzy look I would call it, based on a cpl pics Ive seen once primed.

@javelin98
Does an over night soaking in Simple Green solve that problem for you or do you prefer the FUD (ultra detail) material?

I have been noticing that my Shapeways models that are primed white and painted white are all yellowing. I don't see it on models painted any other color.

Exact same primer and paint on pewter or resin minis does not yellow… so I guess its the un-removed wax/support material residue causing the problem.

have No experience w/ Shapeways but that and the 'grainny' look are the reasons Im very hesistant to invest in any shapeway minis.

I have heard 'some' say that you MUST get all of the 'wax'-mold release (im guessing) off of the model or can cause painting problems sooner Or later.
Never used it, but a number have mentioned "bectine" IIRC? to wash them in before painting? Ive never had to use anything other than pure dish liq. and warm water, but thats the traditional hard plastic figs / minis.