Why start from a monochrome piece
A monochrome figurine offers a uniform surface, ready to paint. Tip: order it in a light colour (grey or white) — painting over it will be much easier.
The basic equipment
A primer (undercoat) in spray or pot form, hobby acrylic paints, two or three brushes (a medium, a fine, a very fine one for details) and a final matte or satin varnish. No airbrush needed to start: everything can be done by brush.
The method, step by step
1. Dust the piece. 2. Apply a thin undercoat and let it dry. 3. Paint the large colour areas first. 4. Move on to details with the fine brush. 5. Let each coat dry fully. 6. Finish with a protective varnish.
Beginner traps
Paint applied too thick, drowning the details (dilute slightly — two thin coats beat one thick one), impatience between coats, skipping the varnish — and harsh solvents, which must never touch PLA.
Prefer it ready-made?
Full-colour (AMS) printing delivers a piece coloured in the material itself, ready to display on arrival. See all figurines