howdy

I mainly work in 1/35 scale

For figures I assemble the body,legs,arms,and head,as well as any uniform bits needed to complete the basic figure.Then prime and paint.After the figure is dried I then use CA to attach the equipment(pre-painted)

Then add remaining highlights and dull-coat the figure

For me,this is the program that suits my skill level the best

Good luck!

I would prefer to leaves arms and head off but it depends on the fit. Its its poor and will need some filling, i will add them. Arms are the trickest i find as they often cover other parts of the figure. heads i find are usually ok to leave off and i paint any equipment off the figure as well.

Personally I tend to cement all body parts to the figure excepting stuff like a helmet, ammo packs, canteens, and pouches. Just seems easier to paint with the body all in one piece. Even if you have to reach under arms etc it just seems less work than painting them and then trying to patch up where you attach them later. 

Yeap, either the Tamiya or Gunze Sanyo Mr. Surfacer works great.

Some people start with black primer and add highlights as they go claiming the black adds a deeper colour to the finish. I tend to go with white and only go as dark as I need on the figure (aka dark flesh for skin-tone, dark brown on a brown jacket) which seems to give more vibrant light shades. It's all a matter of taste and what works for you. 

Has anyone used the red tamiya primer on figures? I'm a little iffy about. I use that mainly on my tanks and what nots. I think I'll try the mr sufacer. Willing to always try something new 

Krylon Ultra Flat Black and then start painting. 

It really doesn't matter what base color you start with if the results make you happy.

I assemble the main components first so I can fill seams and mate surfaces neatly. Then I work my way around the figure undercutting collars, cufs, and creating depth. Prime and check for defects in my work, and fix them. Touch-up the primer, cure, and begin painting.

My methods are time consuming, but my figures look retty good.

All from Miniart.