Resin Model Preparation & Painting Guide

Bring Your Resin Models to Life

Whether you're building a custom action figure, upgrading a miniature, or assembling a detailed resin kit, proper preparation makes all the difference.

Every Fantasy World Games resin product is created with collectors, painters, and hobbyists in mind. While our resin parts are designed for exceptional detail, a few simple preparation steps will ensure the best possible painting and assembly experience.

What You'll Need

Before getting started, we recommend having the following hobby supplies:

  • Hobby Clippers
  • Hobby Knife
  • Fine Sanding Sticks or Sandpaper (400–1000 grit)
  • Soft Toothbrush
  • Mild Dish Soap
  • Warm Water
  • Quality Hobby Primer
  • Acrylic Hobby Paints
  • Detail Paint Brushes
  • Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue)
  • Protective Matte or Satin Clear Coat

(Many of these supplies are available right here at Fantasy World Games.)

Step 1 — Inspect Your Parts

Examine each resin component before assembly.

Your parts arrive:

  • Unpainted
  • Unprimed
  • Ready for hobby preparation

Resin color may vary from light gray to dark gray depending on production batches.

Small support contact points or minor surface marks are normal and are easily removed during preparation.

Step 2 — Wash the Resin

Even professionally printed resin parts can retain tiny amounts of release residue.

Wash every piece using:

  • Warm water
  • Mild dish soap
  • A soft toothbrush

Gently scrub the model before rinsing thoroughly.

Allow every part to dry completely before priming.

Step 3 — Remove Support Marks

Most parts require very little cleanup.

Use:

  • Hobby knife
  • Fine sanding sticks
  • Small hobby files

Remove:

  • Small support nubs
  • Minor layer lines
  • Surface imperfections

Take care not to remove fine sculpted detail.

Step 4 — Test Fit

Before applying glue:

  • Dry fit every component
  • Check alignment
  • Make any adjustments

This is especially important for multi-part kits and action figure conversions.

Step 5 — Prime Your Model

Primer gives paint a strong surface to bond to.

We recommend using a high-quality hobby primer.

Choose:

  • Gray Primer
  • Black Primer
  • White Primer

depending on your desired paint scheme.

Allow the primer to fully cure before painting.

Step 6 — Paint

Now comes the fun part.

Resin accepts virtually all acrylic hobby paints.

Popular techniques include:

  • Layering
  • Dry Brushing
  • Edge Highlighting
  • Washes
  • Glazing
  • Weathering
  • Airbrushing
  • Oil Effects
  • Pigments

Take your time and build colors with multiple thin coats for the best finish.

Step 7 — Assemble

Once painting is complete, assemble your model using:

  • Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue)
  • Gel Super Glue
  • Two-Part Epoxy (for larger pieces)

Plastic cement will not bond resin parts.

Allow adhesives to cure completely before handling.

Step 8 — Protect Your Work

After painting is complete, seal the model with a protective clear coat.

Depending on the desired finish, choose:

  • Matte
  • Satin
  • Gloss

A protective varnish helps preserve your paintwork during handling and display.

Resin Care Instructions

To keep your model looking its best:

  • Store in a cool, dry location.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
  • Do not expose resin to excessive heat.
  • Handle painted models with care.
  • Transport models in padded containers whenever possible.

About Resin Models

High-detail resin captures incredibly fine sculpted detail that is difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

Because of the resin printing process, you may occasionally notice:

  • Minor support marks
  • Light layer lines
  • Small surface imperfections

These characteristics are completely normal and disappear after light sanding, priming, and painting.

Every Fantasy World Games resin model is carefully inspected before shipping to ensure it meets our quality standards.

Recommended Hobby Supplies

Complete your hobby workstation with supplies available from Fantasy World Games:

Premium Acrylic Paints

Build vibrant color schemes using professional-quality hobby paints suitable for resin miniatures and action figures.

Detail Paint Brushes

High-quality brushes make fine details, edge highlights, weathering, and layering much easier.

Hobby Tools

Keep your workspace stocked with precision hobby knives, sanding tools, files, and accessories for resin cleanup and assembly.

Adhesives

Use quality cyanoacrylate (super glue) designed specifically for resin models and conversion parts.

Perfect For

  • Custom Action Figures
  • Resin Model Kits
  • Garage Kits
  • Collector Displays
  • Dioramas
  • Tabletop Miniatures
  • Painting Projects
  • Figure Customization
  • Kitbash Builds
  • Display Pieces

Why Choose Fantasy World Games?

Fantasy World Games creates premium 3D printed resin models, conversion parts, and hobby accessories for collectors, painters, miniature enthusiasts, and custom action figure builders. Every piece is produced with exceptional detail and designed to provide an enjoyable building and painting experience.

Whether you're preparing your first resin model or adding the finishing touches to your latest masterpiece, we're here to help you get the most out of every project.