Care & Painting Guide
Whether you print at home or display one of our hand-painted pieces, these tips will help your fairy garden stay magical for years.
Caring for hand-painted pieces
Dust gently with a soft brush. Store unpainted seasonal pieces in a dry box when not on display.
Touching up chips or scratches
All pieces are damage resistant and can handle drops from a low height. However, they are not indestructible! Damage from drops or knocks can be touched up with matching acrylics and re-sealed with a clear coat.
Weather protection for outdoor pieces
Weather is the bane of all outdoor pieces. Ensure your pieces are protected from direct sun during extreme heat. Warping will occur if left in the summer sun against a brick wall, for example.
Cleaning raw 3D prints
Raw 3D prints have been washed and lightly sanded before shipping. For further surface preparation before painting, a light sanding with a high-grit sandpaper to smooth any further rough surfaces or edges should be all that is required.
Priming
Apply a thin coat of plastic primer or gesso in a well-ventilated area. Two light coats give better results than one heavy coat. Let each layer dry completely before painting.
Painting
Acrylic craft paints work beautifully on fairy garden miniatures. Build colour in thin layers, starting with base coats and adding dry-brushed highlights for bark, stone, and leaf textures.
Sealing for outdoor use
Finish with a matte or satin UV-resistant clear coat. Reapply annually for pieces in full sun or heavy rain.