I've been doing customs for over 25 years. Here's some tips and tricks that might help you.
Before you start, always wash your figures / fodder and make sure they are 100% dry before you begin. Get rid of all the factory mold release residue on the plastic, so that paint can adhere to it better.
Prime your figures. I recommend Tamiya Fine White primer. It is the BEST around and will give you a smooth, even surface to paint on. Spray on the primer in light passes, essentially passing OVER your figure as you spray, never ever directly onto the figure. That will get gloppy and will dry uneven.
Invest in GOOD BRUSHES. These are GREAT. I use them all the time.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7UFLP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Paint with light, watery layers. Never directly from the bottle. Build up the color and do it slowly.
Every 4 or 5 coats, I spray my customs with a sealant. It helps lock down the color and also allows for more even coverage. It also acts like a barrier in case you mess up, you can easily wipe off the paint. I like to use Krylon Matte Finish.
Eyes are really tough, but if you have patience, and a small enough brush you can do it. Look at the other figures and see how they are painted. Usually a solid holding line around the white, then an iris color, a pupil and a small white highlight dot. GO SLOW.
Don't be heavy handed with washes or drybrush. That will only gum up the surface and make it harder to see the fine detail.
Finally, practice, practice, practice. Keep at it. You're on the right road - and if you need any help, or have any questions, I'm happy to chat it up.
You can get good sets on amazon for like 20 bux that work just fine.
Ive used this set Miniature Paint Brushes Detail Set -12pc Minute Series XII Miniature Brushes for Fine Detailing. Model Brushes for Acrylic Watercolor Oil - Paint by Numbers Art Supplies Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7UFLP5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YY8QGQ7JH87MWBD8YWY0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Worked fine
https://www.amazon.com/Miniature-Brushes-Detailing-Painting-Watercolor/dp/B01M7UFLP5
I use this set above. It's not sables but the handles are so comfortable that I can paint for hours with them. Try it. It's from a company called D'Artisan Shoppe and called Minute Series XII. There's plenty of copycats with lesser quality bristles though so make sure you're getting the right one.
Here are the ones I use. Search for miniature detail brushes. The set I have has some general mini-painting brushes, but about half of them are the detail brushes. This same manufacturer has multiple options on Amazon. The brushes are really good, and they are well packaged.
The more I paint, and the more brushes I gather, the more I realize I don't really use the middle size brushes much. I use tiny, tiny ones, or the bigger ones. I have a couple of flats (bristles make a square shape) that are 1 1/2 to 2 inches (3-5 cm) that I use frequently, as well as a bunch of detail size brushes, like these . I do like filberts (rounded) in almost any size. And the pointed ones, called rounds in all the sizes. The angled brushes, I tend to like smaller, less than 1cm. If I was doing really large paintings, bigger than 18"x24" (45x60 cm) I think I'd want more of the middle size brushes.
All of what I said, though, depends on her style of painting. Abstracts have a different brush dynamic than more realistic paintings, and the brushes can be bigger and looser. Hyper-realistic paintings really rely on more detail.
Anyone else have an idea?
Yeah I’ve really enjoyed AP’s primer and paints and varnish. Brush is meh.
Looks like I spent $26. Close enough!
Miniature Paint Brushes Detail Set -12pc Minute Series XII Miniature Brushes for Fine Detailing. Model Brushes for Acrylic Watercolor Oil - Paint by Numbers Art Supplies Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7UFLP5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_SGBPNDRWB1H783VSSPPN
Hi Karazax thanks so much for your detailed reply and I look forward to looking at the videos.
Regarding brushes these were the ones that I purchased. However only the smaller brushes really have a 'tip'. I did notice paint dries quicker on those...did I purchase an incorrect set?
And regarding the thinning of acrylic paints I assume that Reaper Paints fall under this and should also be thinned additionally out of the bottle?
Thanks!
this is a really good set and it’s pretty cheap. As for paint, I’d probably go with reaper paints as they’re a little cheaper and grab yourself a citadel nuln oil as well for washing. If you need further help hit me up or head over to the mini painting subreddit they’re a great resource.
Legion is my first miniature game as well! A buddy of mine recommended a army painter set when I first started. To be honest they are not that great and a couple of the brushes have fallen apart. I have been eyeing these brushes on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Miniature-Brushes-Detailing-Painting-Watercolor/dp/B01M7UFLP5/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=18KR6TIBSRBKI&keywords=miniature+brushes&qid=1550092873&s=gateway&sprefix=miniature+bru%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
they seem like a nice set! Those vallejo paints will work perfectly, I have a few of them and I really like their product. Citadel paints (in my opinion) are top tier paint quality wise. If you dont want to shell out the "Citadel Tax" for them, vallejo is an awesome product for the price.
Everyone touts the W&N line and natural hair brushes but I've been having no problems with my synthetic brushes. You dont need to pay an arm and a leg for brushes if you dont need to, if you are looking for a decent set here is one on amazon for 26 bucks that has a great selection of sizes. Heck a lot of the reviews for this specific set came from warhammer painters.
You can save up over time for W&N if you want, look up basic brush maintenance and keep your brushes in good shape and you will rarely have issues.
Happy painting.
I’ve been using some brushes I bought off amazon, made by D’Artisan Shoppe or something like that. I’ve had them for well over a year and so far they haven’t failed me. Here’s the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Miniature-Brushes-Detailing-Painting-Watercolor/dp/B01M7UFLP5/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=mini+paint+brush&qid=1585583914&sr=8-5
I use these now after citadel for a year or abuse, but honestly you don't need to buy expensive brushes to get good results a value pack from a craft store is my go to for everything but detail work
What about buying thicker handled brushes? Or putting pencil grippies on them.
Edit: Like these
Detail Paint Brush Set 12pc Minute Series XII Miniature Brushes for Fine Detailing & Art Painting. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7UFLP5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ylINzbFVDJHES
If these ever come back in stock, they are really nice brushes for the money. Been using them almost exclusively recently. They get more use than my Windsor and Newton brushes.
If you want a good cheap starter set I would get the following items:
Paints to paint your mini with, including spray primer. (Tell us what you are painting and your color scheme for more details.)
A wet pallette. I have this one and love it.
https://www.redgrassgames.com/
Brushes. Get a cheap set to start and learn to care for them. I like these.
Brush cleaner. To keep your tips clean and sharp
Minis to paint.
So this is specific to a space marine dread but here is a great video on the basics for painting one up. You would switch up the colors for other Space Marine factions to suit your tastes (or just paint up space wolves cause they rock!).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-oymeNjsMw
This video shows you how to paint it to the absolute highest standard and may be a bit intimidating. Here is one for a redemptor dread that can be easily used to paint a regular dread as well as an Ultramarine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCybi5r71RE
As for supplies:
I have been happy with this brush set:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7UFLP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also recommend getting this brush cleaner for brush maintenance.
You will need an exacto knife, Sprue Cutters, and Hobby Glue (I like Zap-a-Gap)
The videos above shows the paints for that specific color scheme including the primer. If you want to do a different color scheme let me know and I will help you pick out paints.
So yes, I did the same thing as you, I can not state enough how much watering down the paint helps with overall look and control. Yes it takes a bit more time as you will need to do 2-3 coats for your base layers but it really helps keep the model looking slick.
I would advise buying a nice set of brushes as well i your serious about painting I ended up buying these for like $25 and my god they have been amazing, and have held their point thus far.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7UFLP5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yes! These are the ones I use Miniature Paint Brushes
I use these and love them, they aren't too expensive either which is great
This brush ?
These are what i have, besides a couple of citadel brushes that are frayed and ruined (my fault ) https://www.amazon.com/Miniature-Brushes-Detailing-Painting-Watercolor/dp/B01M7UFLP5 some of these brushes seemed fine others split immediately
I use these and they are great, right price and keeps their point. Don't need to buy expensive brushes to get good quality minis
Great advice thank you. I got a set of 12 synthetic detail brushes on amazon for a little over $20 that seems like a great jumping-off point: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7UFLP5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Once I am more confident in my brush care I will spring for W/N. I got the pick of masters brush cleaner too, and set up a wet palette in a small Tupperware box the way I saw on the Tabletop Minions channel: https://youtu.be/96mjmqWTPfM
Airbrushing still seems miles away (advanced) and I don’t think I have a workstation set up for it. I’m going to rattle-can prime the dark imperium box next.
Agrax does wonders to the bronze trim.
Welcome to the hobby, nice first mini! Watch your edges -- if you need some finer paintbrushes I recommend this kit.
There is a good set on amazon for a decent price that I can recommend.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7UFLP5/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A bit of advice from my own experience. I got these brushes a couple of weeks ago and I LOVE them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7UFLP5/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I had alot of trouble with other brush sets, getting the tips to stay pointy and not have hairs just come right out because of cheap quality. Use what you are comfortable with but after trying a few different brush sets those are the ones I'd recommend.
I first bought this set when i started
Gives you a ton of brushes and you dont have to worry about what happens to them. You will mess them up and learn why. I also think having some cheap sythetics like the ones michaels sells (if in us) is helpful. Synthetic sucks because it doesnt hold much paint but that doesnt mean they cant serve a purpose because they have more spring usually and dont fray at tio as quick. There are several other bruah packs on amazon comprable and maybe better then what i listed. I literally just got my windsor brushes today in mail so i cant comment how much better they are but i know i would have destroyed them if i got them when i started. Its a nice way to reward yourdelf after a few months painting