Subassembly & Pinning Large Bioforms for Competition

Large resin miniatures are a joy to paint — and a logistical challenge if you don't plan ahead. Subassembly and pinning are the two techniques that separate a frustrating build from a smooth one, and for competition entries they're non-negotiable.

Here's how to approach both for VoidHive Forge large bioforms.

Why Subassembly?

Painting a fully assembled large model means fighting your own brush to reach recessed areas. Subassembly — painting major components separately before final assembly — gives you clean access to every surface. For a model like the Cortex Siege Beast or Void Leviathan, this can be the difference between a good paint job and a great one.

Plan your subassembly before you prime. Ask yourself: which areas will be impossible to reach once this limb is attached? Those are your cut points.

Identifying Subassembly Points

• Limbs — always paint separately, especially where they meet the torso
• Head/cranial structures — separate if they overhang the chest or shoulder detail
• Bio-weapons and growths — paint separately if they obscure the body beneath
• The base — always paint separately and attach the model last

Pinning: The Basics

Resin-to-resin joins rely on surface area and adhesive alone — fine for small models, but large bioforms need mechanical support. Pinning adds a brass or steel rod through both join surfaces, dramatically increasing joint strength.

You'll need: a pin vice drill, brass rod (1mm for medium joins, 1.5–2mm for large limbs), superglue, and patience.

Step-by-Step Pinning

1. Dry-fit the join and mark the centre point on both surfaces with a pencil
2. Drill into one surface to your desired depth (typically 8–12mm for large limbs)
3. Apply a tiny amount of paint to the tip of a brass rod and press it into the drilled hole — this transfers a paint mark to the opposing surface for perfect alignment
4. Drill the opposing surface to match
5. Test fit with the rod, trim to length, then glue with thick superglue
6. Fill any gaps with green stuff or Milliput, sculpt to match the surrounding texture

Competition Considerations

For display and competition entries, pinning also protects your paintwork during transport. A model that survives the journey to the competition table in one piece is a model that can win. Use a foam-lined case and consider pinning the model to a temporary transport base during painting, switching to your display base only when complete.

Build it right. Paint it right. Win.