High-quality 3D printed models with intentional surface detail and integrated seam lines can be optimized for painting, making complex paint jobs more achievable and enjoyable for artists.
This video documents Adam Savage painting a 3D-printed crab character named Herman Pinchski (note: the character's actual name is Herman Pinchski, not 'Pinsky' as stated in the video) using alcohol inks and advanced miniature painting techniques. The character is a digital sculpture by Paul Braddock (also spelled Paul Bradock), a VFX artist with over 15 years of experience who has worked on films including Dune: Part One and No Time to Die. Braddock sells his 3D printable character files through his website paul-braddock.com, with Herman Pinchski available for approximately $30 as a digital download designed to be 25cm tall when assembled.
The core technique demonstrated involves using Copic alcohol ink refills—originally designed to refill Copic markers—as a painting medium for weathering and color saturation on 3D printed models. Copic Ink refills come in 12ml bottles (previously 25ml as 'Various Ink'), contain alcohol-based dye ink, and are available in 358 colors. They can be used for airbrush work, direct application, and creating custom colors. The transparent nature of alcohol inks allows for high color saturation while maintaining surface detail visibility. Savage also demonstrates using Vallejo Game Color Wash (specifically the black wash), which is a water-based acrylic wash designed for shading miniatures and models. Vallejo's black wash is available in both 18ml eyedropper bottles and 200ml wide-mouth bottles for dipping figures.
The painting workflow involves multiple barrier coats of clear varnish between color layers, allowing the artist to manipulate upper layers with rubbing alcohol without disturbing previous work. This technique enables selective paint removal to reveal texture and create weathering effects. Savage references rare blue lobsters (occurring at approximately 1 in 2 million odds according to multiple aquarium sources) as color inspiration, combining blue and orange pigments to create a biologically-inspired crustacean appearance. Additional tools mentioned include Mission Models acrylics (a premium water-based polyurethane acrylic paint system made in the USA, known for fine-line airbrushing performance), a banding wheel (heavy cast-iron pottery turntable weighing approximately 3 lbs, priced around $75, used for 360-degree access while painting), and a portable HEPA filter system for safe airbrushing without a respirator.
Adam Savage demonstrates how alcohol inks and strategic 3D model design transform complex miniature painting into an accessible, enjoyable process for artists at any skill level.