Preparing your figure

Take a pair of wire cutters and remove any large pieces of lead. I see this most commonly on the feet of cavalry figures. Then, take a sharp hobby knife like an X-acto and carefully clean up any bits of flash or other lead that is still hanging onto your figure. Sometimes there is still some unevenness after you've removed the excess lead. This can be pared down using a knife or if it is a larger surface, use a small file.

When you are cutting with the hobby knife, be careful to always cut away from yourself. If is also easier if you remove excess lead bit by bit instead of getting it all in one try.

Once you've cleaned your figure, take another close look at it under good light to make sure you've gotten everything. Even minor lines will show up after the figure has been primed. It's easier to take the time now than later when the figure is already partially painted.