Laser and 35lb Cannon Ordnance: Assembly and Painting Tips

By Victoria Miniatures by Victoria Lamb | Published: 2026-10-20

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to assemble and paint the Laser and 35lb Cannon Ordnance from Victoria Miniatures. Step-by-step tips for clean assembly, realistic metal effects, and battlefield-ready finishes.

Quick Answer

Assemble the Laser and 35lb Cannon Ordnance with dry-fitting and superglue, then paint in sub-assemblies for clean access. Use metallic layering and weathering to make the ordnance look battle-worn.

Why Assembly Order Matters

The Laser and 35lb Cannon Ordnance combines a laser weapon with heavy cannon ordnance, designed for vehicles, walkers, or fortified positions. The two components have different surface details, so painting them separately before final assembly gives you better brush access and avoids accidental paint buildup in crevices.

Metal miniatures can have mold lines and small flash. Cleaning these before assembly prevents visible seams and helps parts fit snugly. Take your time with a hobby knife and file—rushing this step often leads to gaps that are hard to fix later.

Trade-Off: Sub-Assemblies vs. Full Assembly

Painting in sub-assemblies lets you reach every detail, but it means handling smaller pieces and risking paint chipping during final assembly. If you prefer a sturdier build, you can fully assemble first and paint with a brush, accepting that some recessed areas will be harder to reach.

For most hobbyists, a middle ground works: glue the cannon barrel to its mount, but keep the laser component separate until after painting. This balances access and stability.

Step-by-Step Assembly and Painting

Clean and dry-fit all parts: Remove mold lines and flash with a hobby knife and file. Dry-fit the laser and cannon components to check alignment before applying glue. Common mistake: gluing without dry-fitting can cause misaligned parts that are hard to separate. Check that the cannon barrel sits flush against the mount before committing to glue.
Prime in sub-assemblies: Prime the laser and cannon separately using a metal primer. This ensures paint adheres to the metal surface and reduces chipping. Common mistake: using a non-metal primer can lead to flaking during handling. Use a primer designed for metal miniatures for best durability.
Paint the cannon with metallic layers: Basecoat the cannon with a dark metallic, then layer lighter metals for highlights. Use a wash to bring out the recessed details. Common mistake: applying wash over a glossy base can cause pooling; use a matte or satin finish. Test the wash on a spare part to confirm it flows into crevices without staining the surface.
Paint the laser component with a contrasting color: Use a bright color like red or blue for the laser lens and a neutral metallic for the housing. This creates visual contrast and makes the weapon read clearly on the tabletop. Common mistake: using the same metallic as the cannon can make the laser blend in. Choose a lens color that stands out from your army's main scheme.
Weather and finish: Add weathering with pigments or washes to simulate wear and battlefield grime. Seal with a matte varnish to protect the paint. Common mistake: applying varnish too thick can obscure details; use thin coats. Let the varnish dry completely before handling the model.

About the Product

Laser and 35lb Cannon Ordnance: The Laser and 35lb Cannon Ordnance includes a laser weapon component for long-range precision strikes and a 35lb cannon for powerful, explosive payloads. This dual-purpose design lets you customize your vehicle or emplacement for different battlefield roles, so you can paint each component to match its function.
Laser and 35lb Cannon Ordnance