The manufacturing method used to produce the figures we game with means that, before we can even prime them for painting, a certain amount of preparation must be accomplished. Figures are cast in two part molds which are held together in the casting process by air pressure. Age, variations in mold quality and operator technique frequently cause flash along the part lines of the mold. In older molds, there is also a problem called tearout where the figure damages the mold when it is removed. This excess metal needs to be removed before the figure can be painted.

Flash along the part line is most easily dealt with by scraping an X-acto knife along the figure, being careful not to dig into it. A small file or emery board can then used to clean up any irregularities left by the knife. Tearout is a more serious problem as it often obscures essential detail. To effectively deal with the chunks of metal, you will also need a small file, a larger box cutting type knife, a pair of small electronics technicians nippers (Radio Shack has these) and, optionally, a variety of sculptors scrapers (Michaels).

Use the nippers or box cutter to remove the larger pieces of metal. As you get down to the figure proper, start using a smaller cutting tool, finally ending with the point of your X-acto knife to cut in some of the lost detail. A good high speed rotary tool (15,000 or higher RPM) is also an excellent addition to the anti-tearout arsenal, but be careful when using one of these. A moment's inattention can remove body parts you want to keep!

Last, and with some figures, not least, is to file the base of the figure so it will stand on its own. A No. 5 wood file is good for this job as it doesn't clog up from the soft metal shavings as easily as a metal file would.