Paint and Assembly Quality Standards

The Geek has clearly defined standards for paint and assembly quality. List accurately and buy with confidence!

Assembly Quality Standards

Basic

Beginner to inexperienced level model builder. Visible mistakes may include misfitting joints, excess adhesive, cutting tool marks, gaps between parts, or other visible flaws.

Standard

The model is assembled according to the instructions. The model displays well-fitting joints, minimal excess adhesive, clean cuts, minimal gaps between parts, and a clean appearance.

Advanced

Standard level, with mold lines removed, gaps filled, working hinges and drilled out gun barrels. Also, pinned joints, magnetized weapons, ‘kit-bashed’ parts or other custom work, may be present.

3D Printed Model

3D Printed model listings should include the materials and techniques used to produce the model in the listing description. Proxy models must be listed as such.

Manufactured

The model comes from the manufacturer assembled or nearly so. Hobby skill is not required for assembly. This category does not include 3D printed models no matter their source.

Assembly Examples

Gun Barrels Drilled

Gaps Filled with Putty

Mold Lines Removed

Joints Sanded Smooth

Custom Basing and Sculpture

Kit Bashed Parts

Excess Adhesive Removed

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Paint Quality Standards

Primed

A smooth coat of primer paint covers the model. Additional primer coats may be used to add contrast.

Tournament Minimum

Every section of the model is painted and a minimum of 3 colors are used. The base is covered with flock, talus or textured paint.

Tabletop Standard

Each feature on the model is painted to distinguish it from the background. The brush strokes demonstrate an honest attempt to “stay inside the lines”. The base is covered with flock, talus or textured paint.

Advanced

Exceeds a Tabletop Standard with a noticeably higher level of brush stroke accuracy and greater detail in each painted feature. Includes other advanced paint techniques. The base includes thematic elements.

Showcase

Exceeds advanced by the precise execution of multiple advanced techniques, that convey an artistic vision for the model. The base shows thematic use of materials to portray the model within a chosen environment.