Pickleing mini's

Shawn R. L.

New member
The last few mini's I've painted I soaked over night in vinegar to etch the surface so as to have the primer stick better. Drives me nutz how easily the primer would come off and so far this seems to have made quite a difference. Little tip you may find helpful.
 

doyme

New member
Neat idea. First off though, does it ever fetch off any detail? Plus could this be done with something a little less acidic and still work (so that it takes less metal off the mini), say for example coke?
 

mickc22

Granddad!
coke's probably worse!
you could always dilute the vinegar to make it weaker, or just remove it sooner than Shawn's overnight soak
 

freakinacage

Well-known member
Let me get this straight, overnight soak in vinegar means the primer sticks better?! And no loss
of detail or obvious texture?
 

doyme

New member
Of course just use a little water with the vinegar if it's too strong... dddduuuhhhh! I'm so dumb sometimes. I'm definately going to try this with a bog standard white metal imperial trooper I've got.
 

supervike

Super Moderator
Plus, when you are done, you can just mix a bit of olive oil, some black pepper, and Viola! You have a tasty vinagrette for your Salad.

MMM....these tomatoes taste of Sicily and Pewter...YUM!
 

Shawn R. L.

New member
It doesn't etch off any detail. If I were to go up to, say, muriatic acid then that would be a problem.

The acid microscopically etches the surface, and give the primer a better surface to 'hold on to.'

Tomato juice, ketchup make good etch solutions (put a penny for an hour or two, wash it off and see)....milk may even work - lactic acid - my dad did work at a creamery and said that the milk would demolish concrete over time.

I've tried many primers and have had a problem with them rubbing off. Not terribly but enough to be annoying.

Chianti is good with the Spacemarines but Bud or Coors is a must for Orks.................and a little french bread.
 
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Einion

New member
The acid microscopically etches the surface, and give the primer a better surface to 'hold on to.'
I'd certainly buy that.

The problem with lead acetate is something for folks to bear in mind if the alloy might have lead in it.

Einion

P.S. As far as the milk and concrete goes, any idea what they cleaned the floors with?
 

Shawn R. L.

New member
I'd certainly buy that.

The problem with lead acetate is something for folks to bear in mind if the alloy might have lead in it.


Einion

P.S. As far as the milk and concrete goes, any idea what they cleaned the floors with?
DEFINITELY WASH YOUR HANDS AND THE MINI.

Not sure. I think it may have been a loading dock where there was spillage.
 
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