Giving Old Warhammer Fantasy Models a New Life

Meta Description: Revive your classic Warhammer Fantasy miniatures! Our guide reveals how to strip paint, repair damage, and use modern techniques to restore your old models for The Old World. Breathe new life into your veteran armies.

Is a treasure trove of classic Warhammer Fantasy miniatures gathering dust in your attic? Those battered regiments of Empire State Troops, hulking Orc Boar Boyz, and majestic High Elf Dragon Princes are not just relics of a bygone era—they are a goldmine of hobby potential. With the triumphant return of Warhammer: The Old World, there has never been a better time to rescue your veteran warriors and give them a glorious second life on the battlefield. This guide will walk you through the rewarding process of transforming your old models into centerpiece miniatures you can be proud of.

The Resurrection Process: Step-by-Step

1. Assessment and Stripping

First, carefully assess your models. Identify broken parts, bent metal pieces, and the type of paint used. For plastic and metal models, a soak in a dedicated paint stripper like Biostrip 20 or isopropyl alcohol (for plastics) is highly effective. For metal models, methylated spirits or even a gentle soak in detergent can work. Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away the softened paint.

2. Repair and Reassembly

Old superglue becomes brittle. Gently twist or carefully pry apart broken components. Remove old glue residue with a file or hobby knife. Reattach parts using a fresh, high-quality superglue for metals and plastics. For larger, heavier metal models, pinning the joints with a small drill and a piece of paperclip provides a strong, permanent bond.

3. Modernizing with Painting Techniques

This is where the magic happens. Techniques that were niche in the 90s are now standard:

• Spray Priming: Use a neutral grey or zenithal (black base coat with white spray from above) primer to create perfect base coverage and natural shadows.

• Layering and Glazing: Build up smooth color transitions with thin layers of paint. Use glazes to tint areas and create depth.

• Contrast & Speed Paints: These modern paints are perfect for quickly painting rank-and-file troops, flowing into recesses to create instant shadows and highlights.

• Dry Brushing 2.0: Using softer, specialist brushes and lighter touches, you can achieve incredibly smooth highlights on textures like fur, chainmail, and scales.

4. Basing for a New Era

A modern base can completely redefine a model. Ditch the old green flock and painted Goblin Green rims. Instead, create textured bases using:

• Texture pastes (e.g., Citadel's Stirland Mud, Astrogranite)

• Cork for rocks

• Static grass and tufts for realistic foliage

• Resin water effects or UV resin for puddles and streams

A cohesive, well-made base unites your entire army and makes your restored models look like part of a modern collection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the safest way to strip paint from old metal and plastic models?

For metal models, methylated spirits or isopropyl alcohol are very effective and relatively gentle on the material. For plastic and resin models, Biostrip 20 is highly recommended as it is non-toxic, odor-free, and will not damage the underlying plastic. Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone, which will melt plastic miniatures.

2. How can I straighten bent weapons on old metal models?

Gently bend the piece back into shape with your fingers. For stubborn bends, submerge the metal part in hot water (not boiling) for a minute to soften the metal, then carefully straighten it. Hold it in place under cold water to set the shape.

3. Should I try to remove every last bit of old paint?

Not necessarily. The goal is to remove the bulk of it so that the new paint layers go on smoothly. A tiny bit of residual paint in the deepest crevices is often fine and won't be visible once the model is repainted.

4. My old model is missing a part (weapon, shield, arm). Where can I find replacements?

Bits resellers online are a fantastic resource for sourcing individual components. Alternatively, the modern Cities of Sigmar range or many 3D printing studios offer bits that are perfectly suited to the Old World aesthetic.

5. How can I make my repainted army look cohesive?

Choose a unified color scheme and basing theme for your entire army before you start. Even if the models are from different eras, consistent colors and bases will tie them all together perfectly.

6. Are these old models still valid for games?

Absolutely! With the release of Warhammer: The Old World, many classic regiments have official rules. Even if a specific model is no longer produced, it almost always has a suitable proxy or "counts-as" equivalent in the game's rules.

Conclusion

Restoring old Warhammer Fantasy models is more than just a hobby project; it's a journey through gaming history and an immensely satisfying creative endeavor. It’s a sustainable practice that saves you money and honors these classic miniatures. By applying a few modern techniques, you can bridge the gap between the past and present, creating an army that is rich with nostalgia yet stunning by today's standards. So, open that old case, break out the paint stripper, and get ready to lead your revitalized veterans to glory once more.

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