How to Build a Figure Resin Model Garage Kit2. Tools & SuppliesThe tools you need to assemble a garage kit are pretty basic.Brushes You need paint brushes in several sizes, especially fine detail brushes for painting your model's face. I buy all my brushes from the craft store Michael's. Michael's are located all over the United States. Check out their web site's store locator to find one near you. If you don't have a Michael's, go to any art supplies store. They should carry paint brushes. The reason I buy them at Michael's is the price. The brushes I use the most are Royal Fine Sable brushes. They are very inexpensive (less than $10 for a multi-pack). The multi-packs are nice too because they have brushes in various sizes for one price. However, these brushes don't last long...maybe 2-3 kits, so you will need to replace them every so often. To clean my brushes in between colors, I use regular old paint thinner from the hardware store. I use the same brushes over and over again so getting them clean fast is important to me. Brush cleaner is available but I don't use it. You may want to consider trying brush cleaner if you use expensive brushes and want to extend the life of your brushes.  Paint There are tons of different kinds of paint out there. I use four brands in both acrylic and enamel:
Most likely, you will not find a local hobby store that specializes in figure garage kits. If you do, you are really lucky. Instead, like me, you will probably have to frequent hobby stores geared toward car, plane, and miliary models so finding "anime figure" colors can be very difficult. They'll have a billion shades of brown and grey but no hot pink. As I mentioned, I buy my paints from local hobby stores. You should be able to find a hobby store near you by searching your Yellow Pages. If you really can't find a place to buy paints, one of my local hobby stores has a web site where they sell paint online, HobbyPeople.net. I recommend this only as a last alternative because it's always better to see the paint colors in person.  Sprays I only use spray cans to prime and coat. I think using spray paints are very risky because figures are not all one color like cars or airplanes and later trying to cover up oversprayed areas can be very difficult if the correct color is a light color like skin. All my sprays are Testors or Model Masters brand. Here are the sprays I use:
Some hobbist prime their kits in the color that comprises the majority of the figure. Like I said above, if you spray a Smurf model all blue and then try to paint his hat white over the blue, his hat won't be white. So I think white is the best color to prime in because any color can go over white and white primer gives the model an overall lighter tone. Overcoating does change the different intensities of gloss on a completed model and some modelers do not recommend it. However, a coat spray locks in the final paint and look of your model. It also prevents paint from fading and chiping as it gets older. I overcoat all my models because I want them to last. A gloss coat should be used if painted the model in any gloss or metallic paints or if you want your model to have glossy finish to it. A dull coat or clear coat should be used for all other models. It's mostly personal preference but just remember that if you put a clear coat or dull cost on glossy/metallic paint, it will not be glossy or metallic anymore.  Other Tools & Supplies Other things you need are:
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