Plastic Sprue Basics for Wargames Atlantic Kits
By Wargames Atlantic | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to handle plastic sprues in Wargames Atlantic kits: cutting, cleaning, and assembling with the right tools and techniques for crisp miniatures.
Quick Answer
Start by cutting parts from the sprue with a sharp hobby knife or clippers, then clean mold lines before assembly. Use plastic glue sparingly and dry-fit pieces to avoid misalignment.
Why Sprue Handling Matters
Plastic sprues are the backbone of Wargames Atlantic kits, holding every component in a carefully arranged frame. How you remove and prepare those parts directly affects the final look of your miniatures, from crisp detail to seamless joints.
Taking a few extra minutes at the sprue stage saves you from frustrating gaps and weak bonds later. It also keeps your workspace safer, since loose plastic shards and stray glue are common causes of accidents.
Step-by-Step Sprue Handling
- Gather Your Tools: Use a sharp hobby knife or sprue cutters, a cutting mat, and plastic cement. Avoid using dull blades or wire cutters, as they crush the plastic and leave rough edges. Check your blade is sharp before starting; a dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one.
- Cut Parts from the Sprue: Hold the sprue steady and cut each part away at the connection point, leaving a small tab of plastic. Do not cut flush against the part, as this can nick the surface. Always cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade path.
- Clean Mold Lines and Flash: Use the back of your hobby knife or a mold line scraper to gently remove raised lines and excess plastic. Work in short strokes along the part's contours to avoid gouging detail. Hold the part under good light and rotate it to catch every angle; missing a line is common on curved surfaces.
- Dry-Fit Before Gluing: Test-fit the cleaned parts together without glue to check alignment and gaps. Adjust or trim if needed; this prevents misaligned joints and awkward poses. If a joint is loose, add a tiny piece of sprue as a shim rather than using extra glue.
- Apply Glue Carefully: Use a small amount of plastic cement on one surface, then press the parts together. Avoid over-gluing, as excess glue can melt detail or create a sticky mess. Wipe away any glue that seeps out immediately with a damp cloth or your finger.
- Let the Assembly Cure: Allow the glued joints to set for at least a few minutes before handling further. For load-bearing parts, wait longer or use a clamp to hold them in place. Plan your assembly order so that early steps have time to cure while you work on other parts.
Product Spotlight
- Coftyran Specialists: The Coftyran Specialists kit includes hand-picked rhyflers drilled for roles beyond the standard line company, armed with the finest kit the Crymuster can issue. Specialist models often have more intricate parts and gear, so careful sprue handling ensures those details stay crisp and assemble cleanly.
Coftyran Specialists
