A little of both
Definitely wash the figures first. Use a small drop of dish detergent and get the suds up in a good sized bowl.
Place the figure into the "bath" and I like to use a very soft old toothbrush - not too agressively though.
Then give them a thorough rinse. Set aside to air dry or pat with paper towel or even blow dry.
After that I attach the figures to a small piece of cardboard using double sided tape. This allows me to hold and turn the figure without touching it and getting oils from my hand on the figure.
Sometimes I prime the figures and other times I don't.
It sounds like priming would be a very good idea as well as making sure to thoroughly mix and stir your paint and be sure you clean your brush before painting.
|