[Archive] Getting ride of mold lines

Archive [Archive] Modeling Ideas and Advice
1

Kera foehunter:

I want to know the best way to get ride of the mold lines on plastic figures

i use a hobby knife . but some time i dig into the model:hat off

2

Canix:

Using the back of the hobby knife means you dont damage the mini .I know sometimes you have to cut huge chunks out and sculpt if the detail is really bad but scraping with the blunt side of the knife should be good enough for mold lines :hat

3

Grimstonefire:

I use different blades for different things.

For most plastic things a GW craft knife is ideal as it’s still relatively sharp and a nice point.  Do you scrape or cut kera?  Scraping gently away from you may be the best way I think.

For some things I find a curved blade is ideal (I’ve got a small hobby scalpel thing), and for big things I would use a needle file instead of a knife.  I have loads in different shapes, but for most mould lines on metal or plastic you want a really fine one.  If it’s rough it will leave more damage than it cleans, and you’d still need to use a fine file afterwards.

Metal mould lines I use all the above, but also my bigger blunt craft knife as it’s less likely to take big chunks out.  Occasionally I even use a drill to clean off really awkward mould lines (not something I’d suggest).

The most annoything about metal mould lines I find is that often the parts on either side should be even but they’re not, so you have to file away part of the model simply to get them to look smooth (or do some greenstuff repair work).

4

two_heads_talking:

I use the sharp edge of the blade but i turn it away and drag it towards me…

think of it like whittling, except that you don’t push the blade into the model, but rather drag it back towards you like a squweegee…

you can also use very small files to take off the lines.

5

SteveM:

I use the sharp edge of a standard #11 blade and scrape along the mold line with light pressure.  In videos I always see people holding the blade at an acute angle to the surface of the mini, but I hold the blade nearly perpendicular to the surface, which keeps the blade from cutting past the mold line. (Sounds like what two_heads_talking has just described as well)

6

Thorne:

I tend to use glass paper instead of files and knives to remove mould lines generaly

7

Baggronor:

Modelling file. I find a knife damages the model too easily.

8

two_heads_talking:

I use the sharp edge of a standard #11 blade and scrape along the mold line with light pressure.  In videos I always see people holding the blade at an acute angle to the surface of the mini, but I hold the blade nearly perpendicular to the surface, which keeps the blade from cutting past the mold line. (Sounds like what two_heads_talking has just described as well)

SteveM
that's exactly how I do it.. you can also use the back of the blade too
9

Kera foehunter:

thanks all i also found out i had a worn out blade in my hobby knife

geeze some time i don’t know about myself!!!

10

SteveM:

thanks all i also found out i had a worn out blade in my hobby knife
geeze some time i don't know about myself!!!

Kera foehunter
I buy my blades in packs of 100 and change them out frequently.
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/hca/hcahcar0311.htm
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/hca/hcahcar0312.htm
11

Joshmohr:

I use Files/ sandpaper. If your using Plastic Glue, that helps A LOT, and ensures a stronger bond.

12

GRNDL:

I use an X-acto knife to scrape or cut, depending on the severity of the line. That’s for preliminary work. Then I move onto diamond needle files, usually round, flat or triangle cross section. I have issues with lines running through detail work - sigils, runes, fur/hair and so on. If I can’t remove a line, I’ll try to paint it out by subduing the edge of the line with my base coat colour or try to draw attention away from it.

Or just cut out the offending bit and resculpt it. :stuck_out_tongue:

13

Kera foehunter:

Grndl how would you clean the plastic shaving out of the file ??

14

GRNDL:

@Kera

You can just use a toothbrush. Diamond needle files have a very shallow surface, so nothing tends to get trapped there. For larger/metal files you can buy a brush surface to clean them on. It looks like a wooden paddle with lots of iron needles on top. You drag the file across the brush and the file is cleaned.

15

Kera foehunter:

Do you get the Diamond needle files at a home fix it shop like Lowes ??

16

GRNDL:

Nah, more likely Hobby Shops. I got mine from Heresy Minis when I ordered a whack of Green Stuff, but you can get them most hobby places I think.

http://www.heresyminiatures.com/tools.htm

17

Kera foehunter:

thanks so much Grndl