Welcome to Joe Fahey's Tutorial on Casting and Painting Prince August Miniatures.

We have chosen to use a 54mm mould as an example and have therefore added extra information that is required for this type of mould. We will walk you through the entire process of casting first then move on to the painting and altering figures. Remember you should have adult supervision if you are under 14 years. Tutorial 2 / Tutorial 3 / Tutorial 4 / Filing Tutorials / Painting Tutorials

Before starting it is always advisable to heat the mould and use it while warmed.

This removes dampness, which can cause the hot metal to splatter and to allow a better flow of metal in the mould.

The temperature may vary depending on the mould and metal used but I find that between 30 degrees and 40 degrees Celsius best. You can easily set the temperature in most ovens.

Always apply dry talcum power (see illustration on right) to BOTH parts of the moulds from edge to edge. This protects the mould. More importantly this practice allows the air to escape during casting.

Talcum powser needs to be absolutely dry before application so warm it as well as the mould. (Water expands 2000 times when turned to steam.)

Always slap mould halves together to remove excess talcum powder. (See illustration on left)

To much can effect the surface texture of the miniature or block the flow of metal to some parts of the miniature.

Place O Rings in the neck location (does not apply to all moulds).

This will form a tubular joint for the location of the head and will allow you to do simple alterations as changing the head or turning the head.

Tips to remember:

• Heat mould and talcum beforehand.
• Apply talcum evenly and clap halves together to remove excess.
• Add O Rings to body to allow later alterations.