"Reaper Bones Sealing?" Topic

Is it safe to use spray sealant on Reaper Bones? Primed with Gesso, then painted normally. I know you can't use enamel spray primer, but am unsure how the sealant may react, if at all.

If unsure, why not do a test on a surplus miniature? Or, say, paint just a base of a miniature and seal it.

I've never tried it, because usually the Bones material is good enough that a sealer isn't strictly required. I would definitely say test first. I had a friend that did a repaint on a Star Wars CMG figure, and while with the dullcote, some painted areas came out fine, others came out tacky. I'd definitely say it requires some experimentation. In theory it should work, but in practice…?

Damon.

You are talking about varnishing the finished figure? Go ahead and treat them like any other painted model.

Yes, as long as you've entirely covered the figure with gesso and/or paint you should be fine. It will act as a protective layer between the spray sealer and the Bones material. I regularly spray mine with Testor's Dullcote.
allbonesabout.blogspot.com

I've used "the Dip" on mine with no issues. really don't need to prime if you wash them well.

I have varnished mine with no ill results.

Thanks gents, will give it a go on a test mini and then go from there. Guessing by the comments above it should be fine.

Thanks!

Do not use a spray anything on a Bones figure directly. The plastic will react badly to the solvents in the spray. As others have mentioned brush on gesso or similar matte rather than spray it on and you'll be fine.

I've been painting bones minis for over a year. I just clean them up, paint them and use them. When they are done for the session I just throw them back into a coffee can until next session…no damage yet.

I use P-3 paints to paint them with no primer (you should not use primer or gesso.) You could also use Reaper Paints. Both brands mentioned are acrylic. I use the P-3's as the base coat and then other brands of acrylics: Vallejo, Ral Partha/Iron Wind Metals, Games Workshop and others.

The most important thing is: GET THE MOLD RELEASE SCRUBBED OFF THE MINI BEFORE PAINTING! I use Dawn Dishwashing Liquid, the blue stuff with no scent. Take an old toothbrush and scrub throughly.

Bones are different than lead, plastic or pewter. They have their own rules. They are simpler to paint and near indestructible to a point where I'm not buying any other type of mini now-a-days.

On their website reapermini.com there is a tutorial called:"Painting Your Bones."

+1 for acrylic paint, followed by The Dip, sans primer. No issues. Cheers!