does any one how to paint 1:72 scale figures

Bigfoot (or is it Bigshot?),

Painting 72nd scale figures means using just about the same technique as that used on 35th or 16th scale figures. Except that everthying is, literally and figuratively, on a smaller scale. Use less wash, for instance, so that the shadows wont appear exaggerated.

Your bigger problem might be the soft plastic 72nd figures are usually molded in. The paint chips off. In my experience even primer doesnt stick to it. The last time you should touch the figure is while laying it down after applying the last coat of paint.

Some have suggested coating the soft plastic with liquid super glue before painting. But that just blurs the already limited detail.

Hope this helps.

so it waSNT JUST ME WHEN THE PAINT CHIPPED OFF wht does wash do

QUOTE: Originally posted by bigshot20 i need help on paintin my 1:72 scale ww2 figures. so if any one has any tips it wouls be helpful thanks

Here's a couple of useful guides for 1/72 figures. http://www.hat.com/Tips.html

http://www.angelfire.com/id/macp/techniques.html

QUOTE: Originally posted by bigshot20 so it waSNT JUST ME WHEN THE PAINT CHIPPED OFF wht does wash do

Nope. I wasnt just you.

Wash is a thin mixture of thinner and dark paint or oils which is allowed to flow through the creases of the uniforms and equipment like web gear to create some sort of shadow in those areas. That way, details come out more vividly.

Over flesh paint, do not try painting lips, eyes and other details. Use a wash of Burnt Sienna over the flesh paint. This will give you enough contrast to look realistic.

O.k first off I use waterbase paint.Glue figure to base I use a penny.This makes less handling of figure while painting.Paints i use are polly S ,wallmart ceramic paint,and seal with dullcote.hope this helps here some pics.

check out more on websitehttp://www.geocities.com/dave_gaspur/

Hi there Bigfoot.

First wash your figures on the runner with a mild detergent to remove any mould releasing agent that may still be on it. Paint the figures with a coat of "Future" ( acrylic floor polish ) and let dry. Now paint in a similar fashion to any other figure painting. The paint will adhere to the "Future" and not chip off. If you do your base color in enamels, use an acrylic wash and vice versa. The wash will emphasize the shadows. Drybrush the highlights and leave it at that. Do not attempt to paint eyes and other small detail as it will lead to grotesque results.

I hope this helps.

now i've only been painting 1/72 's for 15 years, not too long,but i give my guys 2 coats of clear coat, flat, and they've remained in great condition, i guess that's why i've stayed with 1/72 scale for so long, plus they take up less space.oh by the way, initially, i wash my figurines in a mixture of dish soap, water and a little bleach, swirl them around for a while, rinse them in hot water, let them air dry and they're ready, i find that the paint adhere's better and with the clear coats on they'll stay in great condition for years.

Nice tip, Nick. Thanks.

Man Im having a of a time just doing the few 1/35th ones I have I couldnt even begin to imagine doing 1/72nd figs! Id go insane....

I've been modeling in 1/72 scale for over 20 years......still do. Wash your soft plastic figures with dish soap and a small toothbrush, use oil based paints only, they look better and adhere extremely well. again same technique as larger scales just less of it. I would forget about shadow washes as you won't really see it in this scale. You will get the same effect with your base color and 2 drybrushings of lightened base color. Keep the paint colors dead flat (no glossing) the realism will pop when they are done. fleshes can have slight gloss if desired. all piping,trim, metal hardware paint as normal. Depending on the usage small amouts of black can be added to these colors to make them look "used". Clear coat with Testors dullcote or similar (be carefull DO NOT SOAK COAT THE FIGURE) Keep it dead flat, keep your dry brushing under control(less is more) use 4/0 thru 10/0 sable brushes for area painting and details. For dirt and grime pastel powder is you best friend.

1/72 ESCI Elefant built out of the box

Nice work on that elefant Rob.

Nice job on the elefant . Thanks for sharing.
mark956

thanks for the compliments guys. Who says bigger is better [

Rob

Quote: "Who says bigger is better :)" Unquote:

Well, small has it's own advantages and disadvantages just as big has. I don't think one scale is better than the other. It's just a matter of personal preferences and circumstances. I do 1/35 Armor, 1/72 A/C and 1/48 A/C. Like them all for specific reasons.

Dwight: To take me out of context I was being fecicious. I have just heard that a lot through the years ....."OH you can't do this"....."oh there's no detail"........."oh you can't super detail that small"....well, I beg to differ. But, I do agree with you, every scale has it's place. I prefer 1/9 scale figures if the figure itself is the center of attention like a fantasy figure. But all in all 1/72 is my deal. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it, lol

Rob

No problem here Rob. We all have our own preferences. But you know, I would like to try 1/72 or 1/76 armor in one of these days. Just recently, I have been seeing a lot of these kits in my area. Previously these are quite rare. And they are getting more detailed, too.

In your opinion what would be the best starter for a 1/72 or 1/76 armor kit?

Dwight: Are you asking about a particular piece of armor or a kit manufacturer? Not knowing that I would say stick to US Amor like a Sherman "Firefly" or a British Churchill maybe, simple paint to get your technique down for small scale enought details (or percieved detail) can be brought out without agony. As for a manufacturer I would say Hasegawa for one, good casting and great part fit, detail is somewhat light. ESCI was the deal for me but they are OOB :( Revell and Italieri also excellent, better details on these.

Hope this helps,


Model On!
Rob

We have a really good article on Painting small scale figures (1/48th and smaller) done by Gavin Anderson. You may have seen some his stuff in contests out West, he is the one with all of the trophies.
You can check it out at www.ipmsslc.com and he has a separate page in the Gallery to look at his other stuff.

Thanks for the suggestions, Rob.

i just bought some 1/72 U.S. paratroopers,out of the 48 pcs,none of them were sitting down nor did they have any parachute packs like i had hoped for.,so i've been cutting them up to put them in the desired position(oddly though i feel barbaric when cutting off arms,legs & heads)AC glue does'nt work as well as hoped.(this project is getting more complicated at every turn)i may end up resin casting(for the first time) in order to get the desired quantity ,i saw the article in FSM but didnt read it real close.........Unless one of you have any better ideas on how or where to get about 20 troopers that are jump ready.(this is the part of modeling i enjoy,problem solving & learning new stuff)

I painted a set of 1/72nd scale Hasagawa pilots and ground crew as well as the soft plastic types. I did as a few here have mentioned; prior to painting I cleaned the figures with Alcohol, sprayed a thin coat of Future, then began painting as normal with my MM enamels. The Future makes a good primer. When painting the small figures I mainly use small detailing brushes such as an 0 to 000 round size. My washes are made with acrylics; easier for me to control its placement.

Are you refering to that ground crew and pilot set that actually includes the small GM panel van? It's sweet! I just picked it up last weekend at Hobby Town USA for 50% off! I am falling more and more in love with 1/72 scale! I also buils Zoids models which are also 1/72 scale.

 

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Anonymous

I've been modeling in 1/72 scale for over 20 years......still do. Wash your soft plastic figures with dish soap and a small toothbrush, use oil based paints only, they look better and adhere extremely well. again same technique as larger scales just less of it. I would forget about shadow washes as you won't really see it in this scale. You will get the same effect with your base color and 2 drybrushings of lightened base color. Keep the paint colors dead flat (no glossing) the realism will pop when they are done. fleshes can have slight gloss if desired. all piping,trim, metal hardware paint as normal. Depending on the usage small amouts of black can be added to these colors to make them look "used". Clear coat with Testors dullcote or similar (be carefull DO NOT SOAK COAT THE FIGURE) Keep it dead flat, keep your dry brushing under control(less is more) use 4/0 thru 10/0 sable brushes for area painting and details. For dirt and grime pastel powder is you best friend.

1/72 ESCI Elefant built out of the box

I just started building 1-72 scale plastic figures for the first time. What is meant by clear coating? And using wash? I'm pretty good with the fine detail painting, but want more realism. Will this help?

 

 

 

dock

What is meant by clear coating?

Once you have the painted figure ( or whateveryour working on) finished you "clear coat" That means you spray it with Testors Dullcote or some similar product. That seals the paint and gives it a Uniform finish.

dock

And using wash?

A wash is a very thinned down paint.... its meant to bring out detalis by shading recesses and edges. I usually use a flat black as a wash. but other colers work to. just depends what your working on.

A wash is also a great way to weather stuff. like rust on armor.... or exaust  or oil stains streaking down a airplane engine.