So i've gone from not having really ever painted to mostly completing the DV set. With the new codex coming out, I am pretty sure I am going to be starting a Storm Warden space marine army (though I may switch the color scheme a bit from dark blue / white to lighter blue / darker gray). This will be a pretty big project, and it will also be my first time working with vehicles.
I feel pretty comfortable doing sand/cork/grass bases, basic prepping gluing, priming and painting. Painting wise, I'm still using a brush for everything. I generally prime => base => wash => base => layer 2-3x => highlight. It is pretty slow but I generally like the results.
I don't have the space right now for an airbrush setup (maybe in a year or two), though it is on my mind.
I'm trying to figure out what I should learn next. I have a couple of ideas
1. weathering pigments for when I starting making vehicles
2. sponge weathering (for same)
3. varnish and then using oil washes (rather than having to base => wash => base => layer
4. more effort on posing / pinning / greenstuff
5. magnetizing (at least for vehicles).
Is there anything people would recommend as a next step? I obviously don't think I'm ready for wet blending or anything. I've been watching videos on all sorts of techniques, and up until now, self directed learning has been great. However, right now I just don't know what I should be trying next. Thoughts?
If you have a hold on your paint style and like the results, I guarantee wet blending wont be as hard as you think it is. Greenstuffing to modify a mini is a great way to customize, I'd personally go that route. Also nothing wrong with only using a brush to paint.
Ah those. I blocked them out because you make awesome look effortless and it made me mad at myself. Screw you, man. Do you have any suggestions for us? Because god damn.
I don't know, start weathering or something and make us all feel bad about how we do that. grumble
I'd just suggest picking something you want to do next. I'd add two-brush blending to your list, it can be tricky to get a hang of but the results can be really impressive.
But weathering is a great skill to have for vehicles, and being able to customize models really makes things stand out, so it really is just whatever you want to do .
*blush* thanks all, since a tac squad is next on the list I'll give greenstuffing a go. I'll also look up two brush blending, haven't seen that one before.
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valhalla13013 Dark Shield Perceives the GodsRegistered Userregular
I think those models looks excellent. With my meager skills, I would have nothing to add to what has already been said.
I cant remember if I posted this conversion before I painted it (I don't think I did). Wasn't a fan of the Dreadknight so I did a little kitbash with a VenDread - I know the post isn't the most dynamic but I am pretty pleased with the end result.
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ArcticLancerBest served chilled.Registered Userregular
I honestly think the pose is the only thing you can complain about. I saw another one of these on coolminiornot a week or two ago and basically thought the same thing. It's a really good job overall, Khade.
*blush* thanks all, since a tac squad is next on the list I'll give greenstuffing a go. I'll also look up two brush blending, haven't seen that one before.
TBB is Privateer Press' house style, so you can see it on a lot of the Warmachine/Hordes models. Basically you apply a line of paint on the model, then quickly swapping to a separate damp brush (most say that licking the brush is best) and move it back and forth on the new paint to get a smooth blend. The hardest part is getting the right thickness on the paint, speed at switching brushes, and the right dampness on the blending brush.
There are several really good articles and a few decent videos out there. I gave it a try, my dark colors came out ok but my highlights were awful. I'm going to try it again once I get caught up on painting.
Couple questions I didn't see mentioned in the OP.
I see people showing WIP's of their mans, and in these pics their mans are on top of a bottle or paint jar or some such. Now I get that they are stuck to the jar to give a bigger surface to hold as opposed to the tiny base, and thus make painting easier, so my questions are these: What is the substance used to stick the mans to the lid? How do you get it off? Where would I buy some (in the US)?
Next question. This is I realize probably personal preference, but I would like to see peoples opinions and why, the pros and cons, etc. Say you have a squad of 12 dudes. Do you paint them individually one by one? Or do you do like, all of the first base coats. Then all of the second coats, etc?
Appreciate any and all input. Thanks to you fine gentlemen in advance.
If you are reading this add me.
D3: HexDex#1281, PSN: DireOtter, Live: DireOtter
1. whatever you can find that works. I tried sticky tac for like posters on walls and it didnt work great. YMMV.
2. You are going to want to learn how to do assembly line painting, where you paint a specific part on each mini on 12 minis at a time, if you want them to be uniform. So like, prime all at the same time, then your first coat on a major piece on #1,2,3... then the next piece that is another color on #1,2,3...
DiannaoChong on
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tzeentchlingDoctor of RocksOaklandRegistered Userregular
Couple questions I didn't see mentioned in the OP.
I see people showing WIP's of their mans, and in these pics their mans are on top of a bottle or paint jar or some such. Now I get that they are stuck to the jar to give a bigger surface to hold as opposed to the tiny base, and thus make painting easier, so my questions are these: What is the substance used to stick the mans to the lid? How do you get it off? Where would I buy some (in the US)?
Next question. This is I realize probably personal preference, but I would like to see peoples opinions and why, the pros and cons, etc. Say you have a squad of 12 dudes. Do you paint them individually one by one? Or do you do like, all of the first base coats. Then all of the second coats, etc?
Appreciate any and all input. Thanks to you fine gentlemen in advance.
1) Blu-tac is what I usually see as attaching the guys. Usually office stores will have it or something like it - it's also used to stick posters or paper to walls. Peels off relatively easily, if a bit sticky - it's kind of clay-like.
2) Depends on the squads. I may paint a single member fully, to ensure my desired scheme looks good, but otherwise I'll usually paint the same colors on models across a squad. Means I open paint bottles less, the unit looks consistent if I have any mixes or washes, and I find assembly line painting gets squads done faster. Solos or three-man squads get painted individually.
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ArcticLancerBest served chilled.Registered Userregular
Indeed, I simply use sticky-tac, which is the stuff you often see holding posters up (other than push pins). It's white, and I bought it about 7-8 years ago at Staples. Since it's reusable, I still have over half the original package still unused. >_>
I just use regular super glue. havent had issue with clogging, but as you get further into the hobby youill be sure to have pins/other devices to unclog them anyways.
Loctite gel is the shizz-niddle-bam snip-snap-snap.
Also: If you want to be all OCD about it, then PIN EVERYTHING. It's astoundingly easy to do with plastic, paperclips make for easy to find pins, and a small set of snips and a cheap pin vise set won't set you back much. You can also lightly score the plastic at the joins for additionally good adherency.
The additional bonus is that tightly fitted pins will allow you to pre-assemble the model to a certain point and play around with poses before you finalize it with glue. You can get poses that are a bit more dynamic, and a quick mark across the join with a fine tipped pen lets you ensure you'll get it lined up right when you apply your adhesive.
If my role play is hindered by rolling to play, then I'd prefer the rolls play right, instead of steam-rolling play-night.
I'll set aside 10-12 models to paint at once, paint one step on 2-4 at a time, followed by my attention/interest shifting to something completely different for a while, then move onto the same step on the next group.
If my role play is hindered by rolling to play, then I'd prefer the rolls play right, instead of steam-rolling play-night.
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valhalla13013 Dark Shield Perceives the GodsRegistered Userregular
I ran out of my thin brass rod last night, so I'm out for pinning at the moment, and I have 4 terminators to pin to bases. I was able to get enough to pin their arms though.
My daughters go home to live with their evil non-step mother tomorrow, so I'll either get a lot done soon, or just lie around in the fetal position crying.
I find that assembly line just feels like a chore to me. Probably because I usually over complicate things, paint too many layers etc.
If I keep it between 1 and 4 models it's quite different. That way it really feels like I'm making progress and I'm inspired to keep on painting.
Yeah, I do Tyranids 3-4 at a time. When doing the simpler paint jobs on Termagants it's enough time for the first one to dry so I can start the next stage on it.
Also, picked up the airbrush compressor today. Still waiting for the rest of the stuff (airbrush + hose) from Amazon.
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Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
Got any pictures? Hard to say where to go when we don't know where you are now.
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
If you have a hold on your paint style and like the results, I guarantee wet blending wont be as hard as you think it is. Greenstuffing to modify a mini is a great way to customize, I'd personally go that route. Also nothing wrong with only using a brush to paint.
So far
forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/27435410/#Comment_27435410
forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/27298222/#Comment_27298222
Guess I should pick up some Vallejo surface primer too.
Ah those. I blocked them out because you make awesome look effortless and it made me mad at myself. Screw you, man. Do you have any suggestions for us? Because god damn.
I don't know, start weathering or something and make us all feel bad about how we do that. grumble
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
I'm going to echo Keenbean.
I'd just suggest picking something you want to do next. I'd add two-brush blending to your list, it can be tricky to get a hang of but the results can be really impressive.
But weathering is a great skill to have for vehicles, and being able to customize models really makes things stand out, so it really is just whatever you want to do
Perhaps I can interest you in my meager selection of pins?
TBB is Privateer Press' house style, so you can see it on a lot of the Warmachine/Hordes models. Basically you apply a line of paint on the model, then quickly swapping to a separate damp brush (most say that licking the brush is best) and move it back and forth on the new paint to get a smooth blend. The hardest part is getting the right thickness on the paint, speed at switching brushes, and the right dampness on the blending brush.
There are several really good articles and a few decent videos out there. I gave it a try, my dark colors came out ok but my highlights were awful. I'm going to try it again once I get caught up on painting.
I see people showing WIP's of their mans, and in these pics their mans are on top of a bottle or paint jar or some such. Now I get that they are stuck to the jar to give a bigger surface to hold as opposed to the tiny base, and thus make painting easier, so my questions are these: What is the substance used to stick the mans to the lid? How do you get it off? Where would I buy some (in the US)?
Next question. This is I realize probably personal preference, but I would like to see peoples opinions and why, the pros and cons, etc. Say you have a squad of 12 dudes. Do you paint them individually one by one? Or do you do like, all of the first base coats. Then all of the second coats, etc?
Appreciate any and all input. Thanks to you fine gentlemen in advance.
D3: HexDex#1281, PSN: DireOtter, Live: DireOtter
2. You are going to want to learn how to do assembly line painting, where you paint a specific part on each mini on 12 minis at a time, if you want them to be uniform. So like, prime all at the same time, then your first coat on a major piece on #1,2,3... then the next piece that is another color on #1,2,3...
1) Blu-tac is what I usually see as attaching the guys. Usually office stores will have it or something like it - it's also used to stick posters or paper to walls. Peels off relatively easily, if a bit sticky - it's kind of clay-like.
2) Depends on the squads. I may paint a single member fully, to ensure my desired scheme looks good, but otherwise I'll usually paint the same colors on models across a squad. Means I open paint bottles less, the unit looks consistent if I have any mixes or washes, and I find assembly line painting gets squads done faster. Solos or three-man squads get painted individually.
Perhaps I can interest you in my meager selection of pins?
Glue. What glue do you guys use? The normal super glue tubes is driving me crazy with how quickly it clogs up, etc etc.
There has to be a better way.
I am a newb. Sorry fellas.
D3: HexDex#1281, PSN: DireOtter, Live: DireOtter
http://www.ibuyofficesupply.com/loctite-gel-control-super-glue_LOC1364076?ref=google&source=google&utm_medium=shopping_engine&utm_source=google&mr:referralID=02a8d4ba-0545-11e3-9dea-001b2166becc
This is exactly what I use and I love it.
Also: If you want to be all OCD about it, then PIN EVERYTHING. It's astoundingly easy to do with plastic, paperclips make for easy to find pins, and a small set of snips and a cheap pin vise set won't set you back much. You can also lightly score the plastic at the joins for additionally good adherency.
The additional bonus is that tightly fitted pins will allow you to pre-assemble the model to a certain point and play around with poses before you finalize it with glue. You can get poses that are a bit more dynamic, and a quick mark across the join with a fine tipped pen lets you ensure you'll get it lined up right when you apply your adhesive.
If I keep it between 1 and 4 models it's quite different. That way it really feels like I'm making progress and I'm inspired to keep on painting.
2-3 at a time for me
I'll set aside 10-12 models to paint at once, paint one step on 2-4 at a time, followed by my attention/interest shifting to something completely different for a while, then move onto the same step on the next group.
My daughters go home to live with their evil non-step mother tomorrow, so I'll either get a lot done soon, or just lie around in the fetal position crying.
Yeah, I do Tyranids 3-4 at a time. When doing the simpler paint jobs on Termagants it's enough time for the first one to dry so I can start the next stage on it.
Also, picked up the airbrush compressor today. Still waiting for the rest of the stuff (airbrush + hose) from Amazon.
It almost never works out.
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
and the unit so far
At this rate they should be good to go by the time the 7th ed marine book drops
Perhaps I can interest you in my meager selection of pins?
The overwhelming awesomeness of their unit is helping, though.
I can't. I'm literally out of things I can paint. I don't want to do my Warmachine stuff right now because the league restarts next month ...
Perhaps I can interest you in my meager selection of pins?
t Tox, how about putting them in a Crusader or a Redeemer?
You could also have them ride in style in a stormraven or storm eagle.
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
Not gonna put a shooty unit in a choppy unit's ride. That's just silly.
Before:
... and after:
Perhaps I can interest you in my meager selection of pins?