Lt. Sean Blackthorn: Assembly and Painting Tips

Quick answer

Clean the 3D-printed parts, test-fit without glue, then assemble with superglue. Prime with a quality spray primer and paint in thin layers, starting from the inside out.

Assembly and painting steps

1. Clean and trim parts: Use a hobby knife or fine file to remove any print lines or small nubs from the body, arms, and heads. Wash the parts with mild soapy water and let dry completely. Skipping the wash leaves release agents or dust that can prevent primer from bonding.
2. Dry-fit everything: Place the arms and chosen head onto the body without glue. Check that the joints align and the pose looks natural. Adjust with gentle sanding if needed. Glue first and you may lock in a misaligned pose that cannot be fixed later.
3. Glue arms and head: Apply a small drop of thin superglue (cyanoacrylate) to the arm sockets and head joint. Hold each part in place for 15–20 seconds. For the round base, glue the body's feet to the center of the base. Too much glue can seep out and mar the surface; use a pin or toothpick to apply tiny amounts.
4. Prime the miniature: Spray a light, even coat of acrylic primer (gray or black) from about 8–10 inches away. Let it cure for at least 2 hours before painting. Rushing the primer cure leads to paint that chips off during handling or gaming.
5. Paint base colors: Start with the deepest areas (e.g., coat, trousers) using thinned paint. Apply two thin coats, letting each dry fully. Then paint the face, hands, and any visible equipment (Shako, rifle). Thick paint obscures detail; thin layers preserve the crisp 3D-printed textures.
6. Apply wash and highlights: Mix a dark wash (paint heavily thinned with water or medium) and brush it into creases and recesses. Wipe excess away. Then drybrush a lighter color over raised edges for contrast. A wash that is too dark can stain the whole area; test on a spare part first.
7. Seal the finish: Once all paint is dry, spray a matte or satin varnish to protect the paint job. Let it cure for 24 hours before handling or gaming. Gloss varnish can look unnatural on military uniforms; matte or satin keeps the realistic finish.

Product details

• Lt. Sean Blackthorn: This kit contains the following high quality 3D prints: Body, Left arm, Right arm, Head with Shako, Head without Shako, 25mm round base. Having both head options lets you choose between a fully detailed face or a more covered, historical look without buying a second model.