A Primer on Custom Pirates CSG

Although the game has been out of print for many years now, Pirates of the Spanish Main and its associated expansions, collectively known as Pirates CSG, is a wonderful game with delightful pieces that can still be found on ebay. Even if you don't want to play the game with the original rule set, each miniature can easily be adapted for other naval games. Occasionally, one may want to customize a ship to meet a particular need or simply for visual appeal, and this can range from simply swapping out masts (kit-bashing essentially) to completely changing the paint scheme or even physically modifying the hulls and sails.

A relatively simple kit-bash and repaint.

A much more involved re-design.

Overall I would say there are two main ways of changing the outward appearance of a ship.

1. Paint directly onto the miniature.

2. Create a design on paper and then glue the design directly onto the hull.

In method 1, the painting can be as detailed as you would like, but several things must be made clear. The finish that these models have do not take paint well, and any coat that you paint on will scratch off very easily. If you do not want to remove the design already on the ship, you will have to prime the model. Otherwise, you must remove the design that the ship came in with a fine sandpaper. The plastic will remain slightly rough after this, which usually has enough of a texture to hold onto some paint, although priming here wouldn't hurt. In either case, always spray your finished design with a finish to protect the final coat. A gloss finish is recommended to as closely match the original ships as possible. 

A painted design with lots of detail. 

With method 2, you have much more control over how the design will look as paint takes to paper very well. However, unless you are using a very glossy paint the models will never have the same glow as the original models. The extra paper will also bulk up the model a bit, but this can be hidden somewhat by darkening the edges of the paper.

A paper design. 

Whichever method you decide on, remember to have fun and start simple. Overtime as you become more comfortable, your designs can become more complex and soon you will find clever ways to make your models that much more unique.

Happy Modeling!