Hey guys,
some advice/discussion if you dont mind.
So resin is cheap, easy to use and can create incredibly high detail components with virtually no flash, its also relativley easy to cut, file, trim etc for conversions, so far so good.
Untill you come to paint it, when its almost universally a total bitch. scrub with soap and toothbrush, use an industrial car primer which clogs detail and still the paint flakes sometimes..
Im constnatly looking to improve Anvil Industry products and one thing I really want to do is solve this paint adhesion problem.
I already dont use any mold release sprays or anything like that, but the natural oils/chemicals in the resin still mean paint doenst like to stick to it, and Im sure you guys all have similar issues.
The ONE product in my range without this issue is my Anvil Gaming Bases, paint sticks to them with no trouble what so ever, even just a normal brush.. the difference is they are loaded with a high content of finely powdered iron. The presence of this filler seems to give the resin surface a "key" to which paint sticks instantly.
The other benefit of the metal filler is the the gaming bases do not require pressure, they are fine just with a vacuum and then atmosphere and Ive yet to see a bubble in any detailing..
The downside of a filler is obviouslt the potential for the parts to be more brittle than they otherwise would be, for some parts like torsos, heads etc this is no problem, but for more delicate components like weapons, its an issue..
SO my plan is to experiment with different quantities and combinations of filler materials, to try and find a mixture which has-
good paint adhesion
still a light grey colour
still quite lightweight
still sufficiently non brittle
There is Iron fillings, slate powder, "fillite", marble powder etc etc, all of which can be used as fillers in various ratios.
Another idea is to add micro glass fibers, like static grass but glass.. but this is then a problem if anyone decided to convert/cut up the components, shame really as they would be very strong!!
The Gaming bases with the Iron are strong but I dont think as strong as pure resin.. but they are very heavily filled,
I welcome everyone elses feedback on this topic, if we collaborate we can come up with the best possible combination and call it "finest cast"
AH