Overwhelmed by the number of models you have to deal with? Not sure what colors to use? Not sure you have the patience or skill? Here’s a few tips and tricks and words of advice.
It is Possible!
I once painted and based 2500 points of Orcs and Goblins, including the details of their belts, pouches and eyes in three days so they could be used in a tournament while also tending my infant son–he was between three and six months old at the time.
While it might seem somewhat crazy and impossible to think you might be able to assemble and paint all of those models you just bought for your new army let me assure you it is not.
Before You Paint
Did you notice the packaging? That’s right, the box and plastic have to be dealt with first. So rip it open but be careful you don’t toss your instructions with the wrapping.
It is not rocket since to assemble models but most of the kits come with instructions and often that is because the arms match to certain torsos (not always the case but good to check).
Assemble and “Scrape”
I don’t like this word I keep hearing on podcasts though in a sense it is true, we have to “scrape” the models. I prefer to call it preparing the model.
Carefully we remove pieces off the sprue (that plastic framework in the box) and glue the various armor, arms, heads, feet, weapons, etc unless you are one of those who paints on the sprue (I personally never have).
“Scrapping” is when you take a sharp hobby knife or files or both and gently remove any of the excess plastic from where the mood closed around it or sloshed or oozed from an air hole. We hobbiests/hobbies call that flashing.
Can you skip the scrapping? Sure but it affects the look of your models once the paint is on.
Time to Take a Deep Breath
The first thing you need to know is that not everyone has the skill, patience or interest in painting to what is called professional painting and that is totally fine. You are not expected to. Here`s the common expectations:
Tournaments and hobby stores typically require 3 colors
Painting contests require your best skill
You are your biggest critic
Painting Tools-Yes Tools
What you need will depend on what you are comfortable with. I prefer to use a brush but I know plenty of others who prefer an airbrush.
Based on my preference and experience as a Red Shirt I believe your set up should include:
brushes-small and large (my preference is Raphael Kolinsky Sable size 0 & 000)
2 containers of water – one for cleaning your brushes and one for mixing with paint for blending
paper towel
a palate – this could be anything from a lid from a sour cream container to a 39 cent tile from Home Depot or a wet palate (they can be bought or home made)
a good light source
the paints you need
Now you are ready to paint.
Painting Tips
There are hundreds of forum articles, painting sites and other places to get information about how to paint. Tips on how to use your brush properly, how to clean and care for brushes, painting techniques, color choices…the list goes on…I can give basic tips but I would much rather point you in the direction of those who paint with greater skill than I do: Studio Akaranseth, Miniature Mentor, and Cool Mini or Not are a few of those that I use.
Masterclass I Painting with Studio Akaranseth
Aside from painting videos and classes offered by Studio Akaranseth and others many hobby stores offer basic painting tutorials if you need that live discussion and most forums have threads dedicated to posting pictures of models and discussing them (that`s how I got started and got advice on how to improve). Less Technical: Just Want to Git’er Done?
If you are just getting started and painting is not on the top of your list then focus on getting those three base colors on them. Priming doesn`t count but odds are good you need skin, clothes and weapons painted so that`s your three. There are lots of suggestions for color choices in your army book, on websites, forums and in your imagination. There are no right colors in Fantasy (except for the Chaos gods) so you can`t go wrong by choosing any color you want.
If you do want to focus on painting beyond the basic three then plan to take your time and to do some reading or viewing of How To videos, and threads. You`ll need better than dollar store brushes and more than one or two containers of paint. To paint a basic green pair of pants I usually use three paints. A mid tone, shade color and highlight, and if I add things like tears in pants, patterns, dirt and more that means more colors too.
Advertisement
Do you have a favorite painting technique, share it with us here, then check back next time for a Getting Started article on the basics of bases.
The first thing you need to know is that not everyone has the skill, patience or interest in painting to what is called professional painting and that is totally fine. You are not expected to. Here`s the common expectations:
