Paint rubbing off.

[Tharen]

I just started using Vallejo game color paints and I have been having a problem where they seem to rub off the model as it is handled.

I used the games workshop primer. I sprayed it when it was ~ 45 degrees out. Could the cold weather be a problem? I also left it really light, still a lot of the metal great showing through. I then basecoated the white primer with black game color from vallejo and have been painting on top of that.

This model is my second attempt at blending so it is time consuming. When it rubs off it costs me hours. Can I use some sort of varnish to preserve the parts that I have finished?

Thanks!

 

[Corvus]

You're already using a primer: good. Too high or low temperatures when spraying usually result in a bad finish of the primer: grainy, glossy. Another important thing about primers it so shake them well (+1 minute).

Question: did you wash that miniature? I think your problem is caused by this. Use lukewarm warm with some dishwashing soap and a soft toothbrush to clean the miniatures, this will remove the release agents from the surface which is used to get the minis out of the mold when producing them.

If you are going to use them to game then varnish is a must: preferrably multiple layers.

If it's for display purposes: simply don't touch the figure! Only the base (you can brush varnish that).

 

[Einion]

I just started using Vallejo game color paints and I have been having a problem where they seem to rub off the model as it is handled.

This during painting? If so, you need to figure out some kind of handle or other mounting method so you don't have to touch the painted surface as you work.

I sprayed it when it was ~ 45 degrees out. Could the cold weather be a problem? I also left it really light, still a lot of the metal great showing through.

That's really too light generally speaking, but especially to withstand any handling since it leaves too much of the paint adhering to metal, which it isn't good at.

Einion

 

[Tharen]

It is falling off during painting. I guess I should mount the model on the base and attach it to something so I am not handling it directly.

The finish on the primer seems okay. Its not chalky. I do however think I put it on too thin. I had read somewhere that its better not to put it on thick but I think I went to far to the extreme.

I did wash them as well. I used soap and scrubbed them with a toothbrush. However they are old miniatures. I purchased them over 3 years ago. They had yellowed a bit. Is it possible that the paint is falling off because the release agent didn't wash off because of age or something?

 

[RuneBrush]

Although you want a thin coat of primer you also need good coverage. A common mistake people make when priming is to put on a really thick coat of spray, which obscures details and makes it look like you've dipped it in emulsion paint... You can do more than one coat of primer too. When I spray mine, it's very rare to do it in one pass, I tend to spray once, let it dry and then spray again. Any missed patches I'll do on a third spray (again once dry).

What make of primer are you using by the way? Adherance does vary depending upon the manufacturer.

pete.

 

[Chris S]

Hi

I use Vallejo paints and get the same problem, I have read that Vallejo paint is prone to do this if touching the mini a lot, and it does.

So it more than likely not anything you are doing or temperature, but the nature of the paint being used.

As suggested mount the mini on a cork, paint pot, 35mmm film case ( If you any from wayback )

 

[Shawn R. L.]

You might try soaking the mini in vinegar over night, washing it off then prime it. The vinegar will make the surface more receptive to holding the primer.

 

[Majnun]

Vallejo paints have always had that problem. Reaper, on the other hand, has more 'stick' to it. Though Vallejo has as fine a pigment as Reaper...Reaper gives so much more and their medium is different.
And as pointed out...don't hold the figure with your fingers....mount it.

 

[Einion]

It is falling off during painting. I guess I should mount the model on the base and attach it to something so I am not handling it directly.

Definitely a good idea - not just to prevent ruboff.

The finish on the primer seems okay. Its not chalky. I do however think I put it on too thin. I had read somewhere that its better not to put it on thick but I think I went to far to the extreme.

It is better not to put it on too thick (it's possible to really overdo it!) but yes, there is too thin also. The less you handle your models during painting the more you can get away with a barely-there coat of primer, but I would generally advise aiming for the thinnest application that'll give you solid, even coverage. Some other people do use a mist coat of primer though.

Einion