Airfix Figures in sets and Dioramas

[Airfix Modeller Freak]

Airfix make their figures out of a greasy slippery grey plastic which appear in all their figure sets and the Battle of Britain Airfield set. The Figures can be incredibly hard to paint as the surface of them as the paint does not stick. A good way around that is to wash the figures in strong soap or washing gel to get rid of it's oily covering then dab it's surface with PVA glue. There should be enough to form a thickish skin on the figure. However, the detail should not be filled in. If it is, prick the skin with a pin and peel away the skin then start again. After that you can then paint it's surface with ease.

 

[Bunkerbarge]

An exellent tip there and quite right. If I remember correctly there remains a mold release agent on the plastic that should be washed off before painting. It is also worth noting that the figures are made of a polythene and so are therefore flexible. Consequently using acrylics is a far better paint for ths job as they are flexible when dry whereas enamels are not so can crack and peel.

 

[Airfix Modeller Freak]

I second that- I use acrylics as well