Editing WIP (section)

=== Cleaning models and removing moldlines ===
[[file:Flash And Mold Line Removal.jpg|Removal of mold lines and [[flash]]|right|thumb|300px]]
[[file:Mold Line Paint.jpg|This is why you need to remove mold lines. Your model will NOT look good with this, no matter how good a painter you are.|left|thumb|250px]]
While all models should be rinsed in soapy water and allowed to dry after assembly and before painting, this step also refers to removing the imperfections of a model caused by the casting process and the removal of the model from part trees. It is the first, and surprisingly often skipped even by "pro painters", step in doing a model. 

When plastic is molded, a greasy product called "mold release agent" is sprayed on the molds so plastic does not stick to it, akin to oil on a pan when cooking food. This product remains on the sprue when boxed and shipped to stores, and hence needs to be removed so paint can stick to it. This is especially true for resin kits (like [[Forge World]]). After getting the sprues out of the box, get some lukewarm soapy water (dishwasher soap is preferred) in the sink and an old clean toothbrush: wash, scrub, and leave to dry. Water should not be too hot (especially with resin kits) as not to deform the plastic. 

If you are getting a resin model, [[Games Workshop]] released [https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Yb27jN5Z6vN9azwR.pdf a guide that retreads those steps and then some more]. 

Mold lines and the remainder of sprues (or "parts trees"), called "[[flash]]" by some (although the term sometimes is used to refer to chunks of the parts tree), are to be removed via scraping with a hobby knife, sandpaper, or files. All three are viable and come down to preference. What your desired result should be is anything you do not want on the final model to not be present, as the Wash step makes these details very visible, ruining otherwise perfect paintjobs. 

When choosing metal files, be sure to pick one with a diagonal pattern over a dotted one - the latter can wear out fast. Due to the importance of removing flash, very few ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl9NszJDxt4| if any]) models should be painted on their sprues.