Painting TechniquesAt the outset, let me make it quite clear that I'm no expert when it comes to painting figures - Far from it! However, I have fiddled around with a number of different techniques, so I thought I might just lay them out here (so to speak) for any one to try out (or not) as they please. The Block Technique ("Wargaming Standard") The simplist method I have used on the vast majority of my figures, like 99% of the plastic ones, is just 'block painting'. That is, nice and simple, no shading, nothing fancy, just one colour for one area. This is the way most folks do it, as it requires the least amount of time. I just prepare the plastic figures, and paint away. I started using enamel paint (of which I had a heap left over from my aircraft modeling days), but I have since realised that it's a lot easier, cleaner and over all nicer to use acrylics, as you don't have to use smelly terps to clean your brushes, and the paint generally goes on easier. A slight variation on this is to undercoat your figures black, then dry brush them white and then block paint them. The result can give a subtle shading effect as the contrast between the white and black shows through the top coat (sometimes - depends what colours your using for your top coat). This can look quite good on facial features, as it leaves the eye sockets slightly darker than the rest of the face, depending on who's flesh colour your using. I have found that Citidels Bronze Flesh looks a little washed out this way. The effect is really a little too subtle to be noticed without close examination, however, it's comparitively quick and easy, so if that's what your after, I'd suggest you at least give it a go and make up your own mind. Below is another variation on the block painting technique, as explained by Tony De Lyall, from Australia, in his own words... Tony's Technique Undercoat in black. I now use "student colours" from newsagents or art stores. These are tubes of robust acrylic paints intended for students to use in school. They are thicker than hobby paint. I think this then combines your PVA undercoat approach with a black undercoat in one hit. My technique is to do cartoon style painting. That is, block colour with black outlines at major boundaries and in the recesses. I do this by either leaving a thin line of black undercoat between colours or adding a line with a very fine "draftsmen" fibre tipped pen afterwards. I use 0.1 and 0.3 mm sizes. These are available from newsagents. The ink does not subsequenetly disolve in water or solvent based paint or varnish. Many fine tipped fibre pens ink disolves in one or the other. I don't paint every feature on the figure. I tend to use colours slightly brighter than real life. I think this is needed on small size figures. I use acrylic colors - Tamyia and Humbrol and Citidal. I use straight from the bottle. I don't mix colours up. I finish the figure off with a resin based varnish I got from an art store. This is intened for acrylic based paintings. I don't think this finish would be as robust or as flexible as your PVA coat. I am thinking to moving to that. I'll need to do some experiments to test the diferences out. Tony "Wargaming Plus" The first step - if your painting metal figures - it's going to be your second or third step if your using plastic, after washing the grease off and possibly undercoating them with PVA - see painting in the plastic pages - is to undercoat your figure matt black. (note: I've given away the PVA undercoat (but not the overcoat) on the plastic figures, and skip straight to the undercoat instead). Then decide on the colour scheme you want (not an easy task in itself). From there: Ok, now I'll try and flesh out the details, so to speak...
Ok, so this does sound all very time consuming, and it is to a point. However, I think the end results justify the means. Also, I have very little time to paint, so I figure if I'm going to do a job, I might as well do it well and get it right the first time - I havn't got time to go back and do it again! And besides, I actually enjoy this aspect of the hobby! Well there you have it, for what it's worth. Please feel free to try any, all or none of the above, as you see fit. And happy painting! Online Miniature Painting and Modeling Guide Peter's Picture Page - A site on painting models The Miniatures Page The Paint Pot - a guide to painting Games Workshop miniatures Dr Faust's Painting Clinic The Figure Modelling Archive Painting FAQ Glenn Pruitt's Miniatures Photos TerraGenesis - Clever terrain building tips for Wargamers (GW) Hive Constructors Inc. - more clever (and inspiring) tips for making your own [mostly 40k] terrain pieces Hirst Arts makers of silicon moulds to make your own medieval [stone] buildings out of plaster of paris. Net Terrian - very nicely done. |