How to Paint Resin Models

File off any flash, thin strips of resin left along the edges of the model, or mold injection points. Repair any damage using modeling putty. Check the kit instructions for special preparation requirements.

Clean the model in a sink or bucket of mild soap and warm water to remove any mold release agent.

Lay out the paints for your color scheme. The base coat color will subtly affect the model's final appearance, so choose a white or light gray primer for models with bright colors, such as lifelike humans, race cars or superheroes. Use darker primer for buildings and military vehicles.

Spray a thin, even base coat of primer while turning the model to ensure full coverage. Spray a large model in sections and a smaller model, such as a figure, in one pass. Spray for no longer than two seconds at a time, and always keep the spray moving.

Let the model air-dry completely out of direct sunlight. Depending on temperature and humidity, this could take as little as an hour or as long as a full day.

Paint the broadest area of the model with a basic color using a small, flat brush. The brush should be small enough to fit into any nooks and crannies, but large enough not to leave too many brush marks.

Dab a small quantity of the first basic color onto the palette. Add 1/10 this amount of black or dark paint on one end of the basic color paint.

Dip a paintbrush into the appropriate thinner and allow a few drops to fall onto both colors. Mix the paints and thinner with a toothpick to create a slightly darker shade of the basic color. Add more thinner, one drop at a time, until this shadow color flows smoothly and looks slightly transparent.

Load a small brush with the shadow color. Use light strokes to paint the deeper edges of the area you have already painted, leaving the highest points with the original color.

Mix a little more black with the shadow color. Paint the deeper edges of the model with this darker color. Continue darkening the shadow and painting the deeper parts of the model until the whole section is shaded.

Paint each additional section of the model using the same techniques, with the basic paint color on the highest surfaces and shadow colors in the deeper nooks. You don't have to wait until each section has dried before moving to the next section.

Paint details and outlines with a small round brush.

Set the model in a protected spot with good air circulation until it is completely dry, up to a full day.

Spray on a clear top coat or lacquer to protect the model. Glossy lacquer will give a shiny, polished finish suitable for a showroom model. Matte lacquer will let more of your color come through and is more appropriate for a weathered or realistic model.