Spanish Inquisition Metal Minis: Painting & Assembly Guide

Quick answer

Assemble and paint your Spanish Inquisition Metal Edition miniatures with these step-by-step instructions, from cleaning flash to applying the final wash.

Step-by-step painting and assembly guide

1. 1. Clean and prepare the metal parts: Wash all metal miniatures in warm water with a drop of dish soap. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush to remove release agent. Rinse and pat dry with a paper towel. Let them air dry for at least 30 minutes. Skipping this wash is the most common cause of paint peeling later.
2. 2. File and trim flash lines: Use a hobby file or fine sandpaper to remove mold lines and any small flash from the castings. Pay special attention to the hands and accessories where seam lines are visible. A sharp hobby knife can also scrape away thin flash. Metal flash is harder than plastic; use light pressure to avoid gouging detail.
3. 3. Assemble multi-part figures: Use cyanoacrylate (super glue) for metal-to-metal joints. Apply a tiny drop to the contact points of the hands and accessories. Hold each piece in place for 10–15 seconds until the glue sets. For the hands with cushion, hands with rack, and standard, test fit before gluing. Avoid using plastic glue—it won't bond metal. Super glue works best.
4. 4. Prime the assembled miniatures: Apply a thin coat of metal-compatible primer. Spray primer works well; hold the can 6–8 inches away and use short bursts. Let it cure for 24 hours for maximum adhesion. Brush-on primer is also fine but may require two thin coats. Rushing the primer cure time leads to paint rubbing off during handling.
5. 5. Base coat and layering: Start with a base coat of your chosen color. For the Inquisitor and Cardinals, a dark red or black robe works well. Apply thin, even layers. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next. Use a wet palette to keep acrylic paint workable longer. Thin coats preserve the crisp detail of the metal castings.
6. 6. Add washes and highlights: Mix a dark wash (e.g., black or brown ink diluted with water) and apply it to recessed areas like robes and the rack. Let it flow into the crevices, then wipe away excess with a damp brush. For highlights, drybrush a lighter shade on raised areas like the cushion and mace. Washes should be runny enough to flow but not so watery that they stain the whole surface.
7. 7. Seal and protect the finish: Once all paint is dry, apply a matte or gloss varnish. Spray varnish is easiest; use two thin coats. Let it dry for 24 hours before handling or storing. This protects the paint from chipping during gameplay or display. Matte varnish reduces shine and looks more natural on historical figures.

Products used in this guide

• Spanish Inquisition. Metal Edition. Boxed Set.: The Spanish Inquisition Metal Edition Boxed Set includes 9 metal miniatures: Inquisitor, Cardinal 1, Cardinal 2, and six hand pieces with accessories, plus a painting reference card. The reference card shows official color schemes, saving you time deciding on historical paint choices for your Inquisitor and Cardinals.