Zvezda's English knight of the 100 Years War

[Kazziga]

Hello,
My name is Kaz and this is my first post. I would like to show you the figure I painted a couple of weeks ago. It's just one of Zvezda's English knights of the 100 Years War.
The photo doesn't show the real shades of blue, but there are more than can be seen here:






I have a question for you all - what do you use to prime Zvezda's figures? Even the Chaos Black primer doesn't stick to the plastic they use (both pink and grey version) as well as I would like and often flakes during dry brushing.

[Kekso]

I like your first entry Kaz. Welcome to the forum.
I use Vallejo polyurethane primer. Black one seems a bit better than white but I encountered similar problems as you. It seems that thicker coat of primer and softer brush would improve results.

[Bramble15]

Great first entry. One of my all time favorite figures from a great set!

@ Kesko-I use Vallejo polyurethane primer. Black one seems a bit better than white

I agree 100%. I will add that I also have trouble specifically with Zvezda and some HaT figures due to the mold release agent, I think? So to combat that I take an old brush and very agressively brush rubbing alcohol all over the figures. Once the liquid evaporates, I prime. It seems to help considerably. At least for me

[Beano Boy]

Wow! This is nice. Another fellow Hobbyist joining our ranks. Welcome to Benno`s Figure Forum Kez,and I like the paint job on your Knight very much.
______________________ It Does Good to have a Moan! __________________
Kez,on the question you raised about undercoating figures. I would like to express that I have decided to return to enamel paints. Far to much trouble with paint peeling off using the good,well supposed good acrylic paints. As for undercoating my figures I will return to what I know best. Enamal Black Matt & Black Semi Matt, ( Silk ) Mixed together 100%. Enamal White Matt,and Semi Matt, ( Silk ) Mixed together 100%. Mixing like so gives a much finer paint,but strong bonding to both metal and plastic figures. It`s only a matter of tipping both tins into a container to mix them. I use empty Yogurt Pots.This method is tried and tested,and I have figures painted 15 years ago using those paints as primers and other enamel paints to finish the job,and without using varnish as a protection, and theres no cracking peeling and no costly mistakes. On the other hand, my acrylic escapade ,a complete utter folly,has cost me dearly in both time,money and with a great disappointment added to it. I bought the best of everything and boy do I feel cheated. Last year I paint nearly 2.000 figures,but this year because of loss of motivation,caused by let down and disstress I`ve painted 50.
I must admit the only casualties I`ve had where with the HAT Rubber soldiers,but that was down to the cheap starch they add to their casting up material.
My style of painting is a toy soldiers style anyway,and I cannot wait to get back to my Napoleonic painting. Looking on the bright side I now have some more period piece metal soldiers to paint and restore. Now that's Motivation! OOH- RAH! BB

[Ochoin]

Soak for about 5-10 minutes in white vinegar, then a normal, matte undercoat.

I do this with Zvesda & Caesar figures too. HaT, with their great plastic, barely need undercoating much less cleaning.

donald

[davbenbak1]

Great job on this figure, especially the blue shading. For what it's worth, I scrub them vigorously with dish detergent then soak in white vinegar then prime with black Krylon spray. I still get chipping when I go to assemble most Zvezda figures. I use mine for wargaming so the paint job is not that detailed since they only have to look good in mass. Please post more as you work your way through this set. I have several boxes myself gathering dust as I am back into Napoleonics after a 20 year hiatus. Lot's more sets available now then back in the 80's.

[Peter]

Welcome to this forum!

Nice first post! Show us more!

I use Revell acrylic white as undercoat. If needed I give them two thin layers. Never had problems with the way I do it.

[Benno]

Welcome to the forum!

I used to paint them with black acrylic. First layer would stick in a few places, and once dry, those few places would keep the paint of the second layer in place. Bit annoying actually and probably not the most effective way!

[Kazziga]

Thank you guys for all your suggestions and warm welcome. I am currently painting some more knights from the set and some Vikings (also Zvezda's). I am really slow with that as I have other things to do, but as soon as I have something to show I will post it.

[Kekso]

I think no one asked do you wash them with soap and warm water before priming...
Well, do you?
I know, that is so obvious step but just to make sure you do it.

[Kazziga]

Yes, I have washed them, I always do that. However, I have never used white vinegar. I guess I'll have to give it a try.

[Arekmaximus]

...I use Vallejo polyurethane primer.... Black

I also.
Welcome!

[ADM]

I'm using Tamiya white XF2 and it work well

[vellek]

Welcome to the forum Kaz...I just picked up a box of these figures last week and your painting looks very good. After washing in dish soap overnight, I undercoat all of my plastics with Testors black matte enamel. IMO it's thinner that acrylic so it doesn't obscure the details (it actually brings them out) and forms a good bond with most plastic figures.

[Beano Boy]

Dalibor, I did clean all of them.Perhaps I stirred the paint up the wrong way. BB