BFG Sledgehammer Shells: Wargaming & Painting Guide
By Victoria Miniatures by Victoria Lamb | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Guides pratiques
Learn how to use and paint BFG Sledgehammer Shells for 28mm wargaming. This guide covers assembly, painting tips, and diorama ideas for these resin shells.
Quick answer
To use BFG Sledgehammer Shells effectively, clean and assemble the resin parts, then paint them with a metallic base and weathering for a battlefield look. They work well as ammo scatter, base decorations, or diorama props.
Why use resin shells over plastic?
The BFG Sledgehammer Shells are cast in resin, which gives them sharper detail and a more rigid feel compared to the plastic 'Bones' version included in the BFG Sledgehammer Cannon kit. Resin is easier to file and modify, making these shells ideal for custom placement on bases or terrain. However, resin requires careful cleaning to remove mold release residue before painting.
Where to place shells for best effect
These 24mm x 7mm shells are scaled for 28mm troops, so they look natural scattered around a heavy weapon team, near ammo crates, or inside a bunker. Avoid placing them on infantry bases unless you want a specific ammo-themed vignette, as they can overwhelm smaller models.
Step-by-step painting and assembly guide
- Clean the resin shells: Soak the shells in warm soapy water for 10 minutes, then gently scrub with an old toothbrush to remove mold release. Rinse and let dry completely. Resin dust from filing is toxic, so wear a mask and work in a ventilated area. Skipping this step can cause paint to peel or bead up.
- Trim and file excess flash: Use a hobby knife to cut away any thin flash along the edges, then smooth with a fine file or sandpaper. Check that the shells sit flat on a surface if you plan to glue them to bases. Over-filing can remove surface detail, so work slowly.
- Prime with a dark base coat: Spray or brush on a black or dark grey primer. This provides a uniform surface and helps shadows appear in recesses. Let the primer cure for at least 30 minutes. White primer can make metallic paints look too bright and unrealistic.
- Apply metallic base colors: Paint the main body of the shell with a steel or gunmetal acrylic. Use a small brush to avoid pooling in the grooves. For the warhead tip, use a copper or brass color for contrast. Thin your paint with a drop of water to avoid obscuring the shell's ridges.
- Add weathering and washes: Apply a dark wash (e.g., Nuln Oil or a homemade mix) to the recesses to define the details. Once dry, dry-brush a lighter metallic like silver on the raised edges. Add rust spots with a sponge or stippling for a worn look. Too much wash can make the shell look muddy; wick away excess with a clean brush.
- Glue to bases or terrain: Use super glue to attach the shells to a base, ammo crate, or terrain piece. For a natural scatter, place them at angles rather than perfectly parallel. Let the glue set fully before handling. Cyanoacrylate glue bonds instantly, so position the shells carefully the first time.
Product details
- BFG Sledgehammer Shells x 3: 3x BFG Shells suitable for 28mm troops, resin version of the plastic shell in the BFG Sledgehammer Cannon kit, designed for use with BFG ammo crates, each shell 24mm x 7mm, sculpted by Jake Schneider. The resin material holds sharper detail than plastic, making these shells stand out on your models or terrain, and they fit perfectly with other BFG ammo accessories.
BFG Sledgehammer Shells x 3
