Best tool for removing mould lines from hair

[Gapow]

Hi guys

I was wondering what the best tool is for removing mould lines from hair. I always struggle to do this as my normal tool (a chisel style knife blade) isn\'t very effective due to all the ridges.

The model in question is \"Mad Donna Ulanti\" who has an unfortunate mould line right along her bunches and is quite obvious from the front. I\'m loathe to use files as I\'ve found that I always file away the detail. Any other suggestions?

Thanks

 

[kathrynloch]

I\'m not familiar with that particular mini.

But for plastic and resin minis I have discovered my carbide scraper is fantastic. You can find it at:

http://www.riorondo.com/

It doesn\'t work so well on metal minis tho. (Although they say on the site you can use them on pewter models - I don\'t like to do it. I just cringe but maybe you\'ll have better results. lol )

But they also have a Pocket Needle File set that makes it much easier to file mold lines on metal minis without destroying detail.

This site is primarily for the model horse hobbyist but the tools translate well to minis - and they are expanding to offer more for the miniature hobbyist as well.

HTH!

 

[mattsterbenz]

for mould lines in hair I prefer using the corner of a triangular-shaped file. Just use a light touch at first and you should be ok.

-Matt

 

[Ritual]

Originally posted by mattsterbenz
for mould lines in hair I prefer using the corner of a triangular-shaped file. Just use a light touch at first and you should be ok.

-Matt

Yep, a triangular- or wedge-shaped needle file is what I use as well.

If you don\'t have a good set of needle files I can recommend the diamond needle files that you can buy from Heresy Miniatures. They come in a variety of useful shapes and are of much higher quality than the steel files.

 

[Donga]

Originally posted by mattsterbenz
for mould lines in hair I prefer using the corner of a triangular-shaped file. Just use a light touch at first and you should be ok.

-Matt

Thirded!

Either that or a bit of wet and dry paper, jut using the edge. That\'s often after using the triangular file to clean up.

 

[freakinacage]

i tend to use a scalpel. bear in mind that if you scrape off too much, a small bit off putty is easy to build up the detail

mad donna, classic!

 

[falela]

I don\'t know if you have thought about it, how about cover it with some putty and sculpt the texture. I did it before, sculpting hair strand is actually quite easy.

 

[Gapow]

Cheers for all the replies, I\'ll give the triangle needle file a whirl. I\'ve only got the GW set, but they\'re not too bad, I just have to take it easy and not press too hard

 

[Einion]

I\'d guess a lot of people use a combinations of things for removing mould lines from this sort of detail, I know I do. A bit of scraping (chisel-type tool, craft knife, sharpened sculpting tool), filing and maybe even some sanding.

Tip: if you fold and crease abrasive paper you can get a nice sharp corner, so it acts like a triangular file but with any grit you like. Good for smoothing inside of grooves, plus you can get a shallower angle than on a triangular file.

Einion