Archie Iconic Box: Assemble and Paint the Ice Cream Model
By Wyrd Games Official Store | Tabletop Games & Miniatures | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Dicas e Cuidados
A practical step-by-step guide to prepping, assembling, and painting the Malifaux Iconic Archie box, from resin washing to finishing the two-scale ice cream scene.
Quick answer
Treat the Malifaux Iconic Archie box as two projects: clean and assemble the large display sculpt first, then paint both versions together so the smaller preassembled figure matches the scene. Work in thin layers, and don’t rush the ice cream—it’s the focal point that sells the joke.
Why the two-scale setup changes your workflow
The box gives you a large display sculpt and a smaller preassembled version of the same scene. That means you can paint the big one for the shelf and the small one for the table, but you should plan your colors and techniques so they read as a pair. The large version rewards texture and lighting effects; the small one needs simpler, bolder contrast to stay legible at arm’s length.
If you usually paint single miniatures, resist the urge to finish the large sculpt completely before touching the small one. Painting them side by side helps you match the ice cream colors and the undead skin tones, and it prevents the small version from looking like an afterthought.
Resin prep: what to check before you glue
Resin models often carry mold release agent and small casting artifacts. Wash the large sculpt’s components in warm, soapy water and let them dry fully before any assembly. Inspect for flash and seam lines, but be conservative with a knife around thin details like fingers or the ice cream cone—scraping is safer than carving.
The smaller version is preassembled, so you won’t need to build it, but you should still check for any visible mold lines or release residue. A gentle wash and a soft brush are usually enough; avoid soaking it in harsh solvents.
Pinning and gap filling: when to bother
The large display sculpt may have contact points that benefit from pinning, especially if the pose is dynamic. If a joint feels weak or the parts don’t sit flush, drill a small hole and insert a paperclip pin. For gaps, use a two-part epoxy putty rather than liquid green stuff, which can shrink and leave a depression.
On the small preassembled version, you generally won’t need to pin, but if you notice a gap at a join, a tiny amount of putty applied with a toothpick can tidy it up before priming.
Step-by-step: assemble and paint the Archie box
- Wash the resin: Soak the large sculpt’s components in warm water with a drop of dish soap for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and let them air-dry completely. Common mistake: skipping this step, which leaves mold release agent on the surface and causes primer or paint to bead. If water beads on the resin after rinsing, wash it again.
- Dry-fit and plan the pose: Before gluing, dry-fit all parts of the large sculpt and check that the ice cream, arms, and base align naturally. Decide whether you want to paint any subassemblies separately—for example, the ice cream cone if it blocks access to the face. Common mistake: gluing everything at once and then struggling to reach the chest or the underside of the ice cream. Leave off any part that covers the face or the ice cream until after you’ve painted those areas.
- Clean mold lines and flash: Use a sharp hobby knife or a fine file to scrape away mold lines and flash. Work slowly and check your progress under good light. Common mistake: pressing too hard and gouging detail, especially on the ice cream’s swirls or Archie’s fingers. Scrape, don’t carve; if you’re unsure, leave a faint line rather than risk damaging detail.
- Assemble with pins where needed: Glue the large sculpt together with superglue, using a paperclip pin at any joint that feels weak or supports a lot of weight. Hold each joint until the glue sets. Common mistake: using too much glue, which squeezes out and creates a messy surface that’s hard to clean without damaging nearby detail. Test the bond gently after the glue cures; if it flexes, reinforce with a pin.
- Fill gaps and smooth seams: Apply a small amount of epoxy putty to any visible gaps, then smooth it with a silicone clay shaper or a wet finger before it cures. Common mistake: using too much putty and losing nearby detail, or trying to sand putty before it’s fully hard. Mix only a small amount of putty at a time; it’s easier to add a second pass than to remove excess.
- Prime both versions: Prime the large assembled sculpt and the smaller preassembled version with a thin coat of spray primer, using short bursts and keeping the can moving. Common mistake: spraying too close or too heavily, which fills in fine detail like the ice cream texture or Archie’s face. If you can still see the surface texture after priming, you’ve primed correctly.
- Paint the ice cream first: Basecoat the ice cream in off-white, then shade with a thin wash of light brown or sepia, and highlight with pure white. Add a tiny dot of pink or blue for a cherry or sprinkles if you like. Common mistake: using thick paint that obscures the sculpted swirls; thin your paints and build up layers. The ice cream should be the brightest part of the model—keep it lighter than the skin and clothes.
Product facts
- Malifaux Third Edition: Iconic - Ice Cream, You Scream - Archie: Ice Cream, You Scream turns Archie’s lost ice cream into a towering burst of undead rage, capturing him at his funniest and most dangerous. The joke is the focal point, so plan your painting to emphasize the ice cream and Archie’s expression rather than treating them as background details.
Malifaux Third Edition: Iconic - Ice Cream, You Scream - Archie - Malifaux Third Edition: Iconic - Ice Cream, You Scream - Archie: The box includes a large display sculpt and a smaller preassembled version of the same scene. You can paint the large one for display and the small one for play, but matching their color schemes keeps the pair visually connected.
