So I’ve decided after playing for a year or two that I’m finally going to try painting my minis. I’ve held off because frankly I have terrible artistic and fine motor skills and I don’t want to ruin my mechs.

Ive bought everything I think I need (set of Vallejo paints, primer, brushes, dry brushes, wet pallet, matte varnish, hobby knife, cutting mat, citadel painting handle…probably more) and I’m about ready to dive in.

I was thinking about trying desert camo but I’m wondering if y’all have any suggestions on what might be an easy beginner scheme for me to get my feet wet, or any other tips on painting in general for the artistically challenged like myself :)

Thanks!

  • RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    1 year ago

    I like to use black spray primer and then do some pre-lighting with white spray paint from above the miniature. When its dry it gives a really nice backdrop for your paints. Just soak the spray cans in warm water so they spray smooth. You also want to be about 2x as far away with the white and just lightly dust it on.

    Be sure to thin your paints, 100 really thin coats is way better than 1 extra thick coat.

    I personally don’t use painting handles, I just super glue one end of a toothpick to the bottom of the mini, and then break it off when I am done. This method is pretty delicate, and may not work with very heavy minis or rough handling. The bottom of the base isn’t incredibly important to paint, IMO.

    In terms of simple color schemes, the easiest is of course solid colors, or if you want more than one color, to use large parts to pick other colors. For example, an all blue body with chartreuse arms. Once you start to get the handle on painting small, you can do much more elaborate schemes and weathering.

    Keep in mind, your first minis will be bad, but that’s okay because everyone’s first minis are bad. Even professional mini painter’s first minis were bad. As all things that take practice, you will not be happy with your first minis later down the line. So if you have a mini that is particularly rare, or one you really like, I would avoid the temptation to paint that one until you are satisfied with your skill in painting minis.

    • algebro@algebro.xyzOPEnglish
      4·
      1 year ago

      Thanks so much for the detailed reply! If my first attempts are abysmal, is it possible to strip the paint off and start over without damaging the mini? These are all plastic from AGoAC and the clan invasion kickstarter–I don’t have any of the old metal IWM ones.

      • RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        Its possible depending on the material the minis are made of. I think isopropyl alcohol might be the most universal chemical to remove the paint without causing severe damage to the mini, but you would need to do more research into that. I personally have never stripped paint from minis before. Obviously the metal minis would be better if you plan to strip the paint later. But if you go slow and take your time, they will probably not turn out to be complete abominations.

        Most bad paint jobs come from impatience. The painter wants to see the finished mini too quickly, and paints with too thick coats or takes other shortcuts that ruin the process. The best advice is to take your time.