Preparing the Parts

The first part of the project is to wash all of the components. This is done because in the resin casting process, a separating fluid is used so that the parts don’t get stuck to the mould, and enable it to be easily removed once completed. This separating fluid is oil based so unfortunately it prevents paint from sticking to the resin. To remove the separating fluid, the parts must be washed with an abrasive cleaner.

A problem I had with my parts is that it was totally covered in the stuff. Every hole, spike and armour plate was completely covered. This meant that I had to leave it to soak for a while. This did not remove all of the separating fluid, so I also had to scrub the parts with an old tooth brush. To check that the fluid was removed, I dried to parts and then rubbed them looked at the surfaces. If they were slightly rough, then the fluid had been removed. If the part felt greasy and smooth, then there was still separating fluid on the components. Once I was satisfied that I had removed all of the fluid, I moved onto the next stage; removing the excess resin.

 This was done by using a small file, some clippers and a craft knife. Some of the components had large chunks attached which had to be removed with the clippers. The excess was then filed away carefully so as not to damage any of the detail around the area.