Step 1: Before Gluing

Before each step, please, watch all the pictures and understand what you have to do.
Do a dry fit before gluing, and if necessary sand any imperfections.

Step 2: Painting the Automaton

WARNING: Don’t paint the surfaces that are in contact with other surfaces. Either because they have to be glued together, or because they move against each other. If you apply paint to surfaces that have to be glued together, the bond won’t be strong. And if you apply paint to surfaces that have to move against each other, the tolerances will change and it will generate friction.

To paint the automaton I applied an acrylic base color (wiping off the excess to avoid covering the details) and then I used the dry brush technique using metallic acrylic paints. Next, I used a very thin brush, with the base color, to delimit the colors and improve some details.

Because I only used brushes, I didn't have to mask any surface. If I accidentally painted a surface, I would clean it off with a damp paper towel after it was dry.

P.S. Using yellow filament and painting a brown base took a lot of time. I recommend using brown filament instead.

NOTE: Paint the parts when suggested. This is to avoid painting surfaces difficult to reach after the assembly is completed.

Step 3: Lubricant

WARNING: Using a lubricant that is not compatible with plastics can deform the parts.

Please, make sure the lubricant you are going to use is compatible with plastics. I used sewing machine oil (which is the one I use to lubricate my 3D printer), but I think grease would last longer.