Model Painting Guide - Custom Designs

Painting your new model should be fun and you don’t need loads of tools or experience.
Just follow the steps and take your time.

If you purchased a model painting kit from us it will include: sandpaper, primer, and acrylic paints.

Start with the sandpaper and use it gently.

You just need to rough up the surface a little bit. That will help the primer stick properly.

Use light pressure. Small, steady movements work best.

When the surface looks less shiny and feels slightly rough, stop.
That’s all you need.

After sanding, the model will be dusty.
That dust will ruin paint if it stays.

Brush it off first. Then wipe it with a slightly damp cloth or kitchen roll.

Let it dry completely for a minute or two.

The primer allows the paint to attach nicely to the model.

Apply it in light coats. Don’t try to cover everything at once.

Let each coat dry before adding another. Two or three thin coats are better than one thick one.

Once finished, the model should look evenly covered.

When the primer is fully dry, do a very light sand again with barely any pressure.

You just want to smooth out rough spots and ridges to make painting easier.

Clean the model again afterwards so there is no dust or grease on it.

Now you can paint.

Acrylic paint works best in thin layers. Thick paint hides detail and looks lumpy.

The first coat might look streaky, but don’t worry, that’s normal.

Let it dry, then add another coat.

Several thin layers allow the colour to build up slowly.

Small brushes can help, but patience matters more. If something goes wrong, let it dry and paint over it.

There’s no rush, just stop when you’re happy with how it looks.

Painting models is a skill you learn by doing.
Your first one doesn’t need to be perfect.

Enjoy the process.
Each model gets easier.