[Workshop] Casting Molds

This post is to compile information related to casting molds. I am using the casting molds made from Hirst Arts (Castlemolds) and from Happy Seppuku (Your Board System). Like the texture stamps post, this is currently just a list of the casting molds I have. I will in the future update this post as I gain more experience with using these molds.

Castlemolds from Hirst Arts (top) and
Your Board System from Happy Seppuku (bottom)

[Workshop] Texture Stamps

Updated on April 19, 2018. This post will be used to compile information on the use of stamps to create texture for bases and terrain pieces. Specifically, I have been using Happy Seppuku texture stamps. Their website have useful advice on how to use their stamps. Right now, this post is just a list of the stamps I have. I will update this post in the future on my experience with using them.

Rubber Stamp, 3" x 3" (left) and a Polyurethane Stamp 3" x 5" (right)

[Workshop] Magnets

Last Updated: December 4, 2017. I attached magnets underneath the bases of miniatures for the purpose of storage and transport of miniatures. I plan to make trays and shelves with a metal surface - 28 gauge galvanized steel sheet. Here is just a list of the different type of magnets I used.

[Workshop] Putties

Updated on April 30, 2016. This post will list the variety of putty that I have in my inventory and what I use them for. I use putty for conversions and filling gaps, however, my main interest is to use putty so that I can make use of all the extra bits from the plastic kits. For example, I have extra human heads and arms. I decided to make the torso and legs so that I can make an extra Empire crew member. My sculpting is rather basic and there is a lot of room for improvement! Nevertheless, if I can get better with putty, it will open up an entire new section to my miniature hobby.

Yellow-grey putty was used to make the torso and leg.

[Workshop] Sealing Miniatures

To seal painted miniatures, I use Golden Polymer Varnishes with UVLS.  I apply by brush with 1 coat of a gloss finish and then one coat of a matte finish.  According to Golden Artist Colors, the varnish dries to touch by 30 minutes and a second coat can be applied in 1-3 hours.  The label on the containers states that the varnishes require 1-3 hours to dry and 3-6 hours before you can apply a second coat.  From my experience, the drying time is closer to what the website suggested. I think the drying time written on the bottles is to be on the safe side. Flock for the base is added after both varnish coats have been applied.

[Workshop] Paints

Updated on November 15, 2017 - After 4 years, I am getting back into painting miniatures. Unfortunately, I found my line of paints from Citadel have been replaced with a new line. Lucky for me, I still have plenty of the old Citadel paints. It won't last forever, so I will need to find replacements.  This reference post lists all the paints I used and also possible substitutes when inevitably the paint runs out. Currently, I am using Plaid's Apple Barrel/Folk Art and Games Workshop's Citadel paint lines. I have also got several free Master Series Paint from Reaper.

Color cards I made for miniature painting reference. I cut index cards into smaller 

strips, painted one end with the sample color at different concentration,

punch a hole on the other end, and attach all of the color cards with a twist tie.