Resin buildings - how, what, why, etc.

[Count Belisarius]

OK. I've finally acquired a couple (well four actually, but that's only slightly more than a couple...) of 28mm resin Dark Age buildings. I've pottered in the past with smaller buildings but would appreciate some advice on working with the bigguns?

I assume they need a good wash first?
What's the best way to clean them up? I've heard you need to avoid the dust if sanding?
Best for priming? Spray or do things like the Vallejo surface primer work?
Better to work from black and brush lighter? Or light and then apply washes?
Do cheapo craft acrylics work fine on them?
Normal varnish to seal?

Probably lots of bleeding obvious stuff there but I have a huge pile of resin (that takes me back...) and it's time to paint it!

A

[grizzlymc]

Vacuum them up, that'll get rid of the dust, then all the hard floors with a good mop and some elbow grease.

If the walls are covered in grease from cooking you can use one of those grease removal agents.

Or just hire professional cleaners when the tenants move out.

[Buff Orpington]

A good scrub. Primer of choice, now't wrong with Poundworld rattle cans. Most of my scenery gets done with Wilko matt vinyl testers. Don't use the cheap ones in plastic pots but the stuff in tins is good. The colour range is a bit limited though.

[Jeremy]

I’d clean them in a dilution of bleach and then some soapy water. In the past, I’ve found that releasing agent that they use on the moulds to be a bloody pain in the arse to get off with just plain soapy water. Don’t be afraid to use a nail scrubbing brush. Then pretty much as Buff says

[Etranger]

I’d clean them in a dilution of bleach and then some soapy water. In the past, I’ve found that releasing agent that they use on the moulds to be a bloody pain in the arse to get off with just plain soapy water. Don’t be afraid to use a nail scrubbing brush. Then pretty much as Buff says

I use an old toothbrush rather than a scrubbing brush. Careful when filing - at the very least do it in a well ventilated space and clean up afterwards. Resin dust is not something that you want in your lungs.

Occasionally there will be a sticky patch on the surface which is where the resin hasn't cured properly. It usually gradually dries but sometimes that can take forever. Leaving it in a warm spot (sun, top of radiator etc) can help, not too hot though as that may warp the resin.

Conversely if the resin is warped, a spell in very hot water, followed by gentle straightening (eg under a book) can correct that.

[levied troop]

Pretty much everyone else said, there’s nothing very special about handling resin except - wear a mask when sanding, cutting etc and wash your hands afterwards and clean up after you [Mum mode: off]

Just about any undercoat will work as will any acrylic or emulsion paint.

Post pics afterwards

[Timmo]

I prime white. You can always undercoat areas that you want to be dark with black, dark brown etc. I don't bother with varnish as I think they will only get very minimal handling.

[Count Belisarius]

Bought some wet and dry sandpaper, a bowl, and some cheap toothbrushes. First building is cleaned and ready. Just trying to decide on priming colour(s) and if I have suitable colours in my stock...