There are numerous guides to pouring metal for miniatures. Below are just a couple of tips when using my custom metal recipie.
🫗 Pouring Tips
- Pour temp: ~260–290°C (500–550°C) particularly if you are using metal moulds.
- Preheat metal molds: 110°C (230°f) for better flow and surface finish.
- Pour steadily but heartily to avoid air bubbles and cold spots.
- If you find you are unable to completely fill the mould, check that your metal is hot enough and you are pouring quickly enough. also try resetting (moving) the clamps you are using. I have found moving the clamps to be the single biggest help when struggling with a pour. If all esle fails you can use your dremel and cut a vent into the metal mould. cut a SHALLOW vent (do not cut thru the mould) up and away from where you are having issues with the mould.
🧊 Cooling & Handling
- Allow molds to cool naturally (no fans or water)
- Once cool, de-mold carefully. Note if you are too eager you are likely to break the model when you open the mould halves. Yes this really does happen!
- Inspect castings for shrinkage, voids, or surface flaws
🧼 Finishing
- Trim flash with a fine hobby knife or small file.
- Polish surface as needed — I use a brass wire brush and GENTLY brush the model to remove the talc. This also lets you see flash or lines you may have missed.
- Clean castings thoroughly before painting for best adhesion - You can use dish soap or liquid hand soap. you do not need to use thinner. Regardless of what you use, make sure to rinse the model part thouroughly.
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