Do you paint models on sprue or off the sprue??

[Sardonic Wolf]

Visting GW today saw a group of people painting everything on the sprue, i've never considered it before due to the fact there would be bits to touch up so i don't see it having much benefit apart from been able to paint all of them model.
I tend to paint on a can't see/paint brush can't reach policy. Though i tend to leave things like shields and guns off to be able to paint behind them easier.
just wondering what your thoughts were and your personal choice, adn are there any really benefits eg is it quicker?( i'm a terribly slow painter)

[Alexei]

Off the sprue, always. Mould lines and these annoying bits you need to cut away from the sprue (the ones which always stick to the model when you get them off the sprue)

[LAZtheinfamous]

Off the sprue. I do too much conversion to do anything but.

[Silver]

Probably 90% paint off the sprue, including me. Painting on sprue is just weird.

[Littha]

Having done both over the years I have to say:

1. On the sprue is faster
2. Off the sprue looks better

nowadays I only ever paint once assembled but I do occasionally spray everything while its on the sprue, it saves a lot of time and effort.

[Nomad]

Any method that seems to be "quicker" often ends up being sloppy and actually taking longer due to having to tidy up the mess. I always (nearly) construct the model operating on your can't see/can't reach policy.

[Littha]

Pretty much the reason I don't do it any more.
base coating models while they are on the sprue is a different matter though, you generally dont have much to touch up after and you only have to spray them twice (Front and back) rather than 4 times (front back and both sides)

[NAFOD]

Off the sprue. My minis are 90-100% put togeather before I even basecoat.

[Nomad]

Pretty much the reason I don't do it any more.
base coating models while they are on the sprue is a different matter though, you generally dont have much to touch up after and you only have to spray them twice (Front and back) rather than 4 times (front back and both sides)

Off the sprue. My minis are 90-100% put togeather before I even basecoat.

Just quietly, guys:
Undercoat = layer of single colour that is applied to the metal/plastic to prepare it for the rest of the coats.
Basecoat = first coat of colour over undercoat that further shades are built upon.

I think what you are both saying is that you UNDERcoat whilst on the sprue. I know it may seem like a small thing but it makes a huge difference. Terminology is everything.

[Carrelio]

My favourite part of the hobby is assembling models... so I always end up building them long before I paint them. Always off the sprue.