How to Paint Your First Resin Model Kit — Complete Beginner's Guide

So you've bought your first resin model kit. The parts are sitting on your desk, and you're wondering where to start. This guide walks you through everything — from cleaning to final varnish.

Step 1: Clean the Parts

Resin parts come coated in mould release agent — a waxy substance that prevents paint from sticking. Wash all parts in warm water with a drop of dish soap. Use an old toothbrush to scrub crevices. Let them dry completely before moving on.

Step 2: Remove Mould Lines & Flash

Use a sharp hobby knife or fine-grit sandpaper (400-600 grit) to clean up mould lines — the thin ridges where the mould halves met. For delicate areas, a needle file works well. Take your time here; cleanup quality directly affects the final result.

Step 3: Dry-Fit Before Gluing

Test-fit all parts before committing to glue. Resin can warp slightly during casting — if a part doesn't sit flat, dip it in hot (not boiling) water for 10-15 seconds, gently bend it into position, then hold it under cold water to set.

Step 4: Assemble with Super Glue

Use cyanoacrylate (super glue) for resin — NOT plastic cement, which only works on polystyrene. For larger joints, drill small holes and insert brass pins for extra strength. Apply glue sparingly; a little goes a long way.

Step 5: Prime

Primer is non-negotiable for resin. It gives paint something to grip and reveals surface imperfections you might have missed. Use a dedicated resin primer — Vallejo Surface Primer, Citadel Chaos Black Spray, or Tamiya Fine Surface Primer all work well. Apply thin, even coats.

Step 6: Base Coat

Start with your largest areas and base colours. Thin your paint (roughly 2:1 paint to water for acrylics) and apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick one. Thick coats obscure detail and look chalky.

Step 7: Shade & Highlight

Once base coats are dry, apply a wash (thinned dark paint or purpose-made wash like Citadel Nuln Oil) to recesses. This adds depth and shadow. After the wash dries, highlight raised areas with a lighter shade of your base colour.

Step 8: Details & Finishing

Paint small details last — eyes, buttons, insignia, weapon parts. Use your finest brush and steady your hand by bracing your wrists together. Finish with a coat of matte or satin varnish to protect your work.

Essential Supplies Checklist

Here's what you need to get started:

• Cyanoacrylate glue (super glue)
• Hobby knife and needle files
• 400-600 grit sandpaper
• Resin primer spray
• Acrylic paints (starter set of 8-12 colours)
• Brushes: size 0, 1, and 2 minimum
• Palette (wet palette recommended)
• Matte varnish spray

Ready to start? Browse 13,000+ resin model kits and find your first project.