How do you guys like to go about it for each material they offer?

For the WSF which most of my ships are, I've heard everything now from two good primer coats to 2-3 coats of future shine or other floor finish prior to 3 or 4 coats of aersol krylon clear. i painted one WSF model so far, the YT2400 of Mel's, and I must say that that graininess has be dealt with somehow.

In terms of the detail plastics, I'm told those are pretty much ready to go after a warm soapy water bath?

Definitely interested in any tips and tricks you guys might share as I start painting my stuff. Thanks.

Prep work/priming is a must! Even WSF can look decent at arms length if the model is properly prepped.

1. Clean- Soap and water usually works, gently scrub with old tooth brush. The detail stuff sometimes comes with a wax-like substance on/in them. This has been a real pain to deal with but if the abovce method doesnt do it, soak it overnight in "Simple Green" cleaner, then scrub and wash well.

2. Prime- I have use diluted white glue, acrylic floor polish, etc... They all work. Kinda liking about 3 coats of "Future" floor polish for WSF, don't bother with detail materials. Next, prime with rattle-can spray paint. I like Krylon Fusion, which is formulated for plastic and basic auto primer.

3. Primary color- I use acrylics but will sometimes just use an appropriate spray paint.

3. Detail paint- paint the details.

4. Gloss,clear cote spray.

5. Wash- I usually use the "Magic Wash" method. though you can use whatever you prefer.

6. Touch-up- go back and paint details, touch-up, etc...

7. Gloss, clear cote, again, to protect the paint job.

8. Matte clear cote- to knock down the shine and make fit with your other (FFG) models.

If you are going to be applying any decals, apply them between Step 7 & 8. All the layers (especially, the clear gloss cote) helps to make the model smooth.

Thanks for the tips! there's some pretty great shapeways models, I think I'm going to try my hand at some with some help from my hobby store

John!