model soldiers?

Question

iv just bought some model soldiers what type of paint shall i use the paint am using at the moment the paint keeps flaking off (acrylic) and iv washed the soldiers in soupy water thanks

Answer 1

What kind of model figures are they?

- Polyethylene: soft bendy plastic. As in fairly cheap 1;72 and 1:35 soldiers. If so, degrease them before painting and prime them with a oil based paint before trying to use acrylic on them. Use scale modelling acrylics (like GW and Vallejo) if you do.
- Polystyrene: hard plastic like in plastic model kits. Also degrease them (wash them in soapy water). Then it's best to prime them but you don't need to. The acrylics should hold straight away.
- White metal: prime them with a primer suitable for metal. Then use acrylics on them. You can clean them with soapy water jsut to remove any grease from your fingers.

You can also use scale modeling enamel paints for them but since these are oil based they (and the thinners) are less safe to use in enclosed areas. Advantage of these is a beter adhesion and thinner layer. Also, more opaque than acrylics.

Answer 2

MiniMaker covered it !!

Always wash model parts in mild dish-soap and warm water and air-dry. I prime ALL figures, and I've been using enamel paints for 30 years.

I have played with acrylics in the last few years and found they require thorough mixing, and work just fine.

Good Luck and Enjoy the Hobby