I tried that for a while. But I was too used to working with palette paper. The was were way to high. So I struggled without a wet palette for a little longer. Then I finally broke down and bought one of the "Sta-wet" palettes. They are usually between $9-$12 on Amazon for the small ones (which are bigger than the Tupperware). Really like the nice and short walls, allows me to pull the brush along the paper at the shallow angle I prefer. Might switch back to the parchment paper and paper-towels once the Sta-Wet paper and sponge wares out. But as for the shape... much prefer this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C18GTE/
Just remember to thin your paints. You can get a wet palette on amazon for around 12 dollars I think, if you don't have one. Here's the link. https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=wet+palette&qid=1611450016&sr=8-3
Fantastic investment. Don't buy any paper for it just get a roll of parchment paper. And cut to size. Helps keep your paints hydrated and moist.
In the future I'd definitely recommend looking into formula p3 paints which I use for almost everything or scale 75. Both are amazing brands with super smooth consistency.
Another tip look into getting some hematite beads on amazon so that you can put in your paints to help mix them. Although I think reaper already comes with stainless steel mixing balls so this is just for future paints like P3, scale 75, GW, or army painter which don't have mixing balls.
Any other questions you might have shoot me a message and I can steer you in the right direction.
There's been some good advice here already, but one thing I haven't seen anyone say yet is to thin your paints. The best way I've found to do this is to put some paint on your palette (ideally a wet palette e.g. $12 from amazon) and then add a drop or two of water to it. The thinner the paint you use, the more coats it will take but the more detail from the model itself is preserved.
This is an amazing starter wet pallette for like $10 on Amazon (Miniac uses it): https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=sr\_1\_5?crid=285GIVH3HHZW4&keywords=masterson+sta-wet+palette&qid=1659652524&sprefix=masterson%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-5.
Sta-Wet Palette Keeps Paints Fresh For Days With Airtight Lid 857 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_E4JVZ5NHR8YY1YY8FPJ2
It’s pretty much an airtight container with a wet sponge that you put parchment paper in. It holds paint for days and keeps the paint moist. I can’t live without mine and it made me a better painter over night
Vallejo - probably your best bet. Good price point, good paint, dropper bottles (good) and it comes in a starter set.
Citadel - good to great paint but expensive, comes in a pot (ew) range uses names like "layer paint" and "technical paint" which can be confusing to new comers DO NOT BUY ANY WHITE PAINTS FROM CITADEL
Army painter - cheap but not a fan of the paint, comes in a starter set with dropper bottles.
There's also scale 75, reaper and a few others but they are smaller ranges and usually more expensive
Honestly though you can get great results with all these paints if you THIN YOUR PAINTS WITH WATER do multiple coats if you have to and try to avoid white or yellow for the first mini, coverage is tough to get smooth (personal experience)
You'll also need something called a we pallet. This one is the best bang for your buck: Masterson sta wet palatte . Use parchment paper from the pantry, not the papers that come in the package or you can make your own with a plastic container and a paper towel/sponge
Lastly find a cheap synthetic brush size 0 for tiny details and size 4 for large areas
Any questions let me know and I'll do my best, check my posts for painted mini creds and to see how the Vallejo paints look on model
Here ya go it's worth it. Then go to the dollar store and get some parchment paper.
Welcome to the hobby! Best advice I can give is don't get too hung up on making everything perfect as you're learning to paint, and don't be hard on yourself. Skill comes with time and it's always fun to look back at your first minis and see how far you've come.
Also, think about getting a wet pallet. It helps naturally thin your paints and keeps them from drying out as you work. This one is great, but if you get it ignore the paper that comes with it and just use baking (parchment, not wax) paper. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_7B596GGS3AZWGAZ0M15F
This is the pallet I ended up getting. Pretty cheap, just something to start with.
My personal gripe is that when thinned down, it was taking 6 or more coats to get a good color, which is why I'm wondering if I thinned it down too much. The Visor is an issue, but that's straight up me being frustrated and impatient. After trying to freehand eyes onto the visor (to give the illusion of being transparent) I didn't like the results and decided to just go with the straight visor. After 4 coats, the eyes were still partially visible. So I just said screw it and used straight, unthinned paint to cover up. And normally I would clean up the base, again, just so annoyed with this mini for whatever reason.
I went to an art class where the teacher recommended this. It works great! It does take up some room in the fridge, but it saves a lot of frustration while painting, and keeps waste to a minimum.
https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE
I use a wet pallet. It uses a sponge and a semi permeable membrane (I use parchment paper) and keeps the paint wet for days. Even in Satan's hell hole here in Phoenix,AZ.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_R4RAMVAD9JVZ0EMBWHKD
Is what I've used for years.
$12 - This is pretty nice. You can just use parchment paper for extra sheets.
https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OLCDHJK0WUI4&dchild=1&keywords=wet%2Bpallete&qid=1604979006&sprefix=wet%2Bpallet%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-2&th=1
Reaper's paint at least from my limited experience (have only like 5 colors) are really highly pigmented which some like and some do not. GW, on the other hand, is a brand that is fine all across the board. As I don't find any of their paints to be amazing but none of it is awful by any means. Also yes you should thin your paints every time as it will ensure for a smoother finish and will over time allow you begin to experiment with mixing colors and such. For this, I would recommend a wet palette they are like 10 bucks on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1544371582&sr=8-4&keywords=masterson+wet+palette
You can use a sealed container. I bought one large enough that I can fit one of those cheap plastic palettes in, and I lay it inside the bin on top of slightly damp paper towels. Then spray the paint a few times before closing it up, and store it in the fridge.
Like someone else mentioned, you can pick up a Sta-wet palette, too. Stay away from the round palette they sell at Michael's though, that thing is way overpriced.
Like the other guy said- just add a drop or two of water (or just transfer some water from your rinse cup and mix it in).
It's also much easier using a wet palette like this. It'll keep your paints from drying out on the palette potentially for days, so long as you remember to keep the lid closed when not in use and add a bit of water to the sponge every so often. Definitely long enough to get a whole squad's worth of minis painted at once.
Generally you should only need to be working with a couple drops of paint at a time anyways- I saw you're using Army Painter, which should come in bottles with dropper lids. For the main color of your model's shirt/coat/pants or anything that covers a huge majority of the surface, start with 2-3 drops. For anything smaller, just go with 1 drop to begin. The key to a good solid color that doesn't look like you applied it with a trowel is to use many thin coats instead of one or two thick ones. You'll get the same vibrant color, but while maintaining a lot more detail. As an added bonus, it makes it a lot easier to keep fine details separate and keep colors from where you don't want them.
I started with these exact ones about a month ago! Get a wet pallet - it will pretty much do the thinning for you! https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=wet+pallete+for+miniatures&qid=1599871691&sprefix=wet+pall&sr=8-4
Welcome to KDM and painting! It's a truly amazing hobby. The one tip I would give is to pick-up a wet palette. I linked one from amazon below. It's cheap and makes a world of difference in your painting. I use mine with parchment paper instead of the paper included. Thinning your paints and keeping them wet will go a long way towards helping you paint quality stuff.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C18GTE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I started with a homemade but if you want to buy one I would highly recommend this. Been absolutely amazing so far.
> use a wet pallet I made myself but it feels like the paints keep drying up after a couple of minutes
What wet pallet are you using? Are you pretreating the paper? My better half and I use the Sta-wet and have not had the issues you describe. You do need to "activate" the pallet paper the first time you use a sheet.
https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE
Tried the "self made" parchment paper and paper towels/sponges in a tupperware bin... that didn't work for us.
> and I haven't really experienced that long waiting time on the paint to dry.
Interesting, it can take a good hour or so for wash to fully dry. A good 20-30 minutes for a base coat. Are you not waiting that long? And if not .. are you not getting streaks or paint pull up?
it could be the lights. My lamp runs hot and caused all my paints to dry the first time I used my wet palette as well
Mastersons's Wet Palette and baking paper(parchment paper).
Buy it off Amazon for like 10$.
Easy to use, add water. Put paper on it. Let it sit for like 20 minutes. Then use. Just add more water if it gets dry. Keeps paint useuable for a week. Except metallics. After a day, the metal will sink out of metallic paints.
I'm a noob, too. I bought a wet palette that I don't use often because it ended up being enormous. Like half my desktop.
Then I got a small Masterson "Sta-Wet" palette for about US$10 and I ended up using parchment paper cut to size on one of the provided sponges. The acrylic paper that came with it was just too thick and despite soaking it in very hot water before use, never seemed to wick moisture into my paints well enough. I use the paper (and the refills I bought because of over-enthusiasm) for testing paints and patterns.
You could very easily make your own for much, much less if you already have the materials laying about. Else, the purpose-built palette isn't much more than you'd spend on a pack of cheap sandwich containers and a few rolls of paper towels. The sponges this comes with are very useful for the palette.
Edit: I should note that I use a well palette for things like washes and inks. And the wet palette really is essential to painting for more than an hour or so, or if I want to paint over the course of a few nights. I haven't done any very large minis yet, but since I'm pretty new most minis have taken me a long time (I still work very slowly).
Also get a wet palette.
For those of you who have 10 dollars and want the real thing: https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497800350&sr=8-1&keywords=wet+pallete
It works great. I have gouache paints in mine from four months ago that are still moist and I haven't added water.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sta-Wet-Handy-Palette-Stay-Wet/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1466515650&sr=8-13&keywords=wet+palette Maybe it's not as small as A5, but it's smaller than A4. Also, don't use the paper that comes with it, go to the supermarket and get parchment paper.
This is what I use and it works great! It's pretty cheap and will last forever if you take good care of it. The paper can also be used many times over and on both sides so the 5 sheets that are included should last a while depending on how often you paint.
I just got a sta-wet palette and I love it! It keeps your paint from drying out while you are working so it is easier to go back over parts of your painting and play around more.
There might also be some DIY versions on pinterest you can try, but the commercial version isnt that expensive, and you can reuse the sheets and they also sell separate replacement packs for both the sponge and the sheets.
Ok, if you’re painting small, check out Golden high flow acrylics. Very low viscosity, so it’s good for painting super tiny.
But my other two product recommendations are only useful for regular viscosity acrylics:
1. Mastersons Sta-wet palette . This helps keep your acrylics from drying up on your palette. I’ve left my paints out for days on this palette and they don’t dry up. But add some listerine to the sponge so it doesn’t mold.
2. Tube Squeezer This tool helps you squeeze every last ounce out of the tube of paint. I love it.
you will hear lots of things being used. I use the one from Amazon with the yellow sponge and paper. Some people use tile from home depot. Some people as below use a Tupperware box with a dish washing sponges and paper towels. Really anything will work, it all comes down to personal preference and if you want to spend $1 or $20.
amazon one I use. nice $10 and it works well. Yes, I use the paper that comes with it but most people just use parchment paper
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C18GTE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Try Vallejo or Citadel for hand-painting. These paints can be thinned with water and self-level a lot better than Tamiya acrylics jars.
​
Best tip I can give you is to make a wet-pallete with Vallejo or Citadel - this method removes the guess-work of how much water you need to add to the paint (usually a 1:1 ratio, but it will differ if you use metallic colors or some other types). All you will need is a shallow plastic tray, a sponge, and baking sheets. Cost is relatively low (<$10) if you make it yourself, but if you are not sure if you can, https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE.
​
IF you want to continue using tamiya for hand painting, you NEED to get Mr. Color Leveling Thinner. This gives the tamiya acrylics stronger adhesion (the Leveling Thinner is lacquer-based) but it also extends the drying time, so the paint can self-level.
​
Lastly, look up on brush care guides. It is important you use the correct brush type to the job, and to keep your brush clean for a good paint job.
How to Paint Miniatures: The Ultimate Guide for getting started has some good recommendations on what to get to get started. A wet palette is a good investment, and some good brushes for detail work.
Some good intro tutorials here:
And a bunch more learning resources here.
I don't know how the prices in Canada compare to the US, but most of the CMON games have a bunch of miniatures and the price is good for how much you get. There is also the LOTR Journeys in Middle-earth game.
There are some cheap models out there, but I can't vouch for their quality. Worse case, if you paint something and hate it, you can strip the paint off and start over.
A lot of people use wet pallets, basically its a sponge with parchment paper on it that keeps your paints hydrated so they stay wet for longer, and you can keep using them.
if you need more information there are a lot of videos out there about them.
No problem!
To say you need primer... Well most paints will probably stick as good as your old paints did, but won't cover as well as they would with primer. If you were happy with your old results then you can certainly try, but primer is generally recommended for best coverage and helps the paint from coming off as easily when it is handled.
A wet palette is a pretty good investment even if you weren't going to save the paint for another session because it helps keep the paint from drying out even while you are using it. This one is one of the best and one of the best priced. Use parchment paper from the grocery store instead of the paper they sell for best results.
One other thing I forgot to mention is the new Citadel Contrast paints. You can see here they are similar to washes, and might be something you would really like for your style of painting as you apply primer, apply the colors and get a solid result. Some more examples of contrast painted models and a review of the paint
Wet palette all day. Can’t imagine painting without it. This one will do you just fine https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE
I went a cheap route on a recommendation:
https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE/
with: https://www.amazon.com/Masterson-Sta-Wet-Palette-palette-acrylic/dp/B0017RCBK2/
But the Army painter I've heard is decent.
I've heard, but cannot verify, that the redgrass one is favored by many:
https://www.amazon.com/Redgrassgames-Everlasting-Wet-Palette-Miniature/dp/B09DGPJQLY/
Since you're at Amazin, I went through my wishlist purchased area, and these are things I find useful for acrylic painting:
This type of palette saves paint. It goes in the freezer, and it can be used again and again. It comes in two sizes: Sta-Wet small Sta-Wet huge
​
A large set of decent brushes half off for Black Friday Brushes
She also needs a fan brush, for happy little trees Fan Brush
This is extravagant, when a jar would really do, but I like this thing so much.
Golden is amazing paint and mediums. You are on a good track there. I've had hit or miss with anything Arteza. That just could be my bad luck, tho.
Since you're at Amazon, I went through my wishlist purchased area, and these are things I find useful for acrylic painting:
​
This type of palette saves paint. It goes in the freezer, and it can be used again and again. It comes in two sizes: Sta-Wet small or Sta-Wet huge
A large set of decent brushes half off for Black Friday Brushes
She also needs a fan brush, for happy little trees Fan Brush
This is extravagant (not a need, at all), but it's so good Paint Puck brush cleaner
And because brushes get a mess after a bit, this cleaner/conditioner General's
She NEEDS Gesso and Palette and Canvas pads and Varnish The pads take up very little room, and she can do a lot of paintings on them, then mount them on frames if they are good. If not, it's not a lot of money out on a quality item. I also like Fredrick's in black
A Sketch set to draw from a reference, and practice drawing in general
(and a stupidly cute Brush holder?)
AND I wasn't kidding about the Color wheel With a limited amount of colors, she will have to learn to mix them, which is a GOOD thing.
Some kind of task chair with arms that lift, or no arms, comfortable enough to sit for hours.
If you aren't a "classically trained" painter then mini painting can have a steep learning curve. But there is a "technique" associated with mini painting beyond just "mix the paint silly".
​
But there's also a few caveats that you should be aware of while looking at "online pics"
​
1)Determine whether a mini is a "one off" or part of a larger army. Most of us want to get to table top quality so we can play. But it's possible and easy to sink 40 hours into a single mini and make it look phenomenal. But again most of us aren't gonna do that if we're trying to paint a squad of 10.
2)Is this person a professional painter or a studio? It can be nigh impossible to keep up with someone who paints for a living if you're just doing it in your spare time
3)Do you have adequate lighting? Professional lighting and photography can be the difference in making a mini look meh and look phenomenal
​
Now that those 3 caveats are out of the way here's some tips
1)Get a wet pallet this will help your paint stay at the same wetness level for pretty much your entire painting session. Yes wet pallets are key for advanced techniques like wet blending but every painter will benefit from one even if you just use it to keep your paints wet
2)Thin your paints! All GW paints are designed to be thinned as are most other companies. It's always best to do 2 thin coats rather than 1 thick one. To thin paint you generally want a 1:1 ratio of paint to water though your mileage may very depending on how wet your pallet is. You're generally looking for the consistency of milk.
3)Always thoroughly wash and rinse your brushes. Paint Pucks that go in your cup can really help with getting your brush clean. Also use 2 cups, a "dirty wash" for the initial rinse this water will get cloudy and colored pretty quick and a second "clean wash" where you want the water to almost always be clear and free from color. Also if you're doing batch painting or a big miniature be sure to "reset" your brush every few models or after a few minutes. Even if you aren't changing colors, this will keep your brushes clean for as long as possible.
4)Try to not let paint get into the fennel as that's the easiest way to ruin your brushes. Rule of thumb is you should always be able to see the natural color of your brush bristles. If you accidentally dip your brush too deep immediately wash it off and try again.
5)Use a "cheap brush" if you need to dip your brush into the pot (or better yet use dropper bottles if your preferred brand has them) and then use your "nice brush" once you've thinned/mixed the paint.
6)If you use a metallic paint you have to completely change your water as the metallic flakes will hang out in the water and ruin non-metallic layers.
7)Are you using contrast/speed paints or the traditional base->shade->layer->highlight system? Contrast/speed paints essentially combine the base->shade steps into a single one but must be applied over a white base layer to work properly.
8)Be mindful of what color you prime your models no matter what system you use. If you're going for yellow it will take forever to get there if you prime your model black, but if you prime it grey, brown, or even white you'll make your life much easier.
9)Make sure you have a good dedicated light you don't have to go all out with your first light but you want something that is consistent and 95% of indoor lighting will not be "good enough" lighting.
10)When doing precision painting with small brushes always dab the brush onto a paper towel first. This will remove the excess paint and ensure you are only painting with the shape of your brush and not globbing it on.
​
Finally no matter what paint system you like the citadel color app is a great resource for finding the "official paint recipes" for many miniatures and can let you know when/where to change paints or colors.
This is the one I have always seen most people use. I recommend not using the paper that comes with it and still use parchment paper. The paper it comes with is for heavy-bodied acrylic and is too thick for mini paints.
I believe matterson wetpalet this is my favorite one
Both can work fine, though at least in the US a Masterson Sta-wet palette is pretty cheap, has the perfect fit sponge and a nice low lip that is easy to work with. Other options like Redgrass Gaming are more expensive.
There are some good guides on making your own, how to use them properly, and reviews of the popular choices here.
They mean make a wet palette. Or you can buy one if you’d like - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YNC8C2G6KJTD8BTVRR9V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Much appreciated!
I recommend starting with:
Citadel paints from Games Workshop or Army Painter paint sets / brushes
Wet palette, store-bought or homemade
A good primer from GW or AP (I recommend matte black)
"The Masters" Brush Cleaner brush soap.
You don't need anything more than that if you're painting pre-formed minis like the ones from Gloomhaven. There are an infinite amount of products and tools to pick up that will make very specific processes in painting easier or more fluid but you will be able to identify what you need and when you need it as you progress. My favourite YouTube resources for painting are Marco Frisoni, Squidmar Miniatures, and Miniac.
I'd be more than happy to answer any more questions you might have!
It's worth it. There are reviews of some of the most popular options, as well as how to make your own here.
The Masterson basic Sta-Wet Palette is a good value, often used with uncoated parchment paper.
A wet palette could easily help you a lot with that, it was a game changer for me.
This is not a big investment and you can even DIY easily. One of the purchase that upped my game the most without effort.
Sounds like you need to make more friends... Or just paint on the mess decks during off-hours... Doesn't take much... A couple bottles of paint, a brush, a small cup of water, and a rag or paper towel to dry the brush off on every once in a while. My workspace is about 24x12". A wet pallet makes things easier, imho... Because you can just put your paint on the wet pallet and only have to worry about the space that takes...
I use this wet pallete: https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE
The other guy I know that uses a wet pallete, uses this Army Painter one: https://www.amazon.com/The-Army-Painter-Wet-Palette/dp/B07Y25DK3J
Either way, I think it helps with the entire painting process, to include putting on some paint, including a few different colors at once, and then putting the paint back away in it's box.
Also, a little painting station like mine may make more sense for you, if you keep it in a locker or drawer, and then you can just set up and paint where-ever makes sense... And just put your whole tray away (with your wet pallete) when you're done.
Thin your paints some more, basically. Look into using a wet palette, doesn't take long to adjust to it and you can find them for around $10 if you look at craft stores. Just avoid using with metallics and you'll be fine.
I use this one and I like it so far. Wouldn't recommend taking it anywhere as the lid isn't super secure.
https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE/
This one's a little cheaper, but I feel like the lid could be annoying.
https://www.amazon.com/Jucoci-Palette-Acrylic-Miniatures-Pigment/dp/B08J6VJRVN/
For metallics, I use Vallejo thinner medium, somewhere between 1-2 drops per brushful of paint seems to work for me.
Sta-wet palette, but use baking parchment/paper (the none silicone-based stuff) instead of the paper it comes with for best results. Here are some of the other popular options for wet palettes.
Pallete: 100% agree with OP on the Wet Palette. If you are tight on funds, consider a (StaWet Palette. Otherwise both Army Painter and Everlast Wet Palette are great.
Clear Coat: Future suggestion-If you want to go matte, I recommend Testors Dullcote Spray (1260).
Primer: Also, if you didn’t want to use a can/spray primer, you can use a brush on primer. Most people I know use a spray, so I’m a bit unorthodox using a brush primer from Vallejo Primer, but it could save you a little bit of money at the expense of some time.
Files: I personally have not had a good experience with metal files on softer plastics as they scratch it. In regards to removing mold lines, I use an Exacto Knife. That also depends on if your miniatures are plastic, resin, or metal.
Brush: I love using a #00 and think that is a great size to have. However, I recommend of a #2 as your 2nd brush size. I also recommend getting 2-3 very cheap brushes intended for dry brushing, mixing, etc..
Looks great, especially the bases. Looks like you need to thin you're paints though. I highly suggest buying a wet pallet, i resisted buying one for so long and i really wish i got one sooner.
heres a cheap one that works great, if you are interested:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C18GTE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The hobby both teaches and demands patience. It's far easier to accept it will take some time than to stress about the investment. Remember that all progress is in fact progress. This has been universal in all your pursuits.
There are a few steps I find improve my shame pile. Assembly line army building works. The first few models I paint individually and keep notes on colors and steps taken. You learn what works and what doesn't, which is just as important. This saves you time, and develops your skills, once you have a standard you like with steps to get there.
Personally, I don't worry about eyes for the grunts. Churn those out to build up fundamental skills - basecoat, wash, highlight, etc. After a few dozen, you can sink time into perfecting that hero unit. I also save time on basing with Vallejo texture pastes, stones (real or cork), drybrush highlight, and grass tufts. The time saved mixing basing paste, and uniformity, is worth it to me. A tablespoonful bases like 30 models.
There is a wealth of creators on YouTube and Instagram that give inspiration or tutorials.
Sorastro - Journeys in Middle-Earth Painting Series
Warhammer - Fellowship Tutorial
Sonic Sledgehammer Studio - Men of Gondor
Pete the Wargamer - The Witch King
Zorpazorp - Rohan Royal Guards
Broadsword Wargaming - Orc Army
Again, there's too much talent to list it all. I wouldn't worry about purchasing every paint. Mixing a similar color and keeping a wet palette can keep units uniform. This post is turning into a novel, so I'll close wishing you luck and to find as much joy in the process as the result.
​
Edit: formatting
Some videos to help.
And my advice, if you end up buying the most popular wet palette. Don't buy the extra pallete paper sheets Amazon recommends. It's a trap! Those sheets are meant for heavy acrylics used in canvas painting. The much thinner acrylics we use will bleed right into them and do nothing but cause you headaches. The baking sheets recommended in the two videos are all you'll ever need.
I started with a homemade one, then I purchased this one, soon after that my son took it over. I ended up getting one from a Kickstarter I backed. I won't go back to a home made one again.
No problem! I was the EXACT same way! Painting right out of the pot, never thinning, priming, or varnishing miniatures... But seriously, trust me that the longer you put off getting a wet palette (just like I did) the more you'll regret it. It keeps your paint from drying out as quickly and saves you a TON of money. You literally just need this and some parchment paper(Just because the paper that comes with it is pretty bad in my opinion). You can DIY your own wet palette to start off with which there's plenty of tutorials for, but the thing I linked has been a life saver and is much better than a homemade one.
I cant tell just from looking at your paint job just because it doesn't actually effect the visual of the paint job- but getting some primer and varnish are huge too. They're more for keeping the paint job on the model instead of actually improving painting, but they're essential too if you haven't used them yet. And ALWAYS shake your matt varnish well, or it'll make your model glossy. You may already know this stuff which is completely fine- I just know these are things that weren't pointed out to me until way farther down the line, and I was kicking myself because I didn't know about them.
Thinning paints is still something I struggle with, most recently on my Luke model. Just lots of testing and trial and error, but this guy explains it pretty well. You're definitely headed in the right direction though, getting these few things down will open up a whole new world as far as what you can do with a model. Good luck!
Okay, that makes sense. Sounds a whole lot cheaper than this, too! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bxbVDbDEEWQM9
Just buy parchment paper instead of acrylic paper for this one.
And if you’re looking for DIY:
Yooo it is one of the best investments I've made. It's a wet palette. https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Wet-Palette-Keeps-Paints-Airtight/dp/B000C18GTE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542739540&sr=8-3&keywords=wet+pallet
You can buy one at the craft store, or you can DIY it. https://makezine.com/2018/04/03/how-to-make-a-cheap-wet-palette-for-acrylic-painting/
You can get sponges from amazon or crafting stores, as well as the paper from super markets.
Try a wet palette so your paint doesn't start to gum up. And try a larger brush (it holds more moisture so the paint on tip doesn't dry as quick)
I personally bought a wet palette on amazon and a winsor & newton series 7 size 3 brush and it's really helped smooth my paint out. The clumps are coming from paint drying.
People who say "expensive" brushes aren't worth it and that you should be Michelangelo before buying anything nice are pretentious.
A wet palette will change your life. You can make them yourself or buy them online.
I've read craft paints have less and larger pigment than miniature paints. They worked fine on the terrain I painted.
Judging by this thread they work, but the guy shoukd have used more coats to get good coverage.
Another convenient thing about mini paints is the color variations. Reaper (my new personal choice-- switched from Vallejo) is pretty cool, because it has shade/base/highlight triads. Seems like GW is moving to this as well.
The main thing is to dilute paints a little on the palette. Almost every kind of paint is too thick from the bottle.
If you want some good, inexpensive brushes check out Rosemary & Co series 33 brushes.
I also just started out in acrylics. I'm not sure of a good set that has everything in one, but I can share what I got to get started. For Christmas I got the basics, i.e. Red, Yellow, Blue, White, and Blank paint (Premiere acrylics), some canvases (8x10 and 12x16), a set of 12 different Royal and Langnickel brushes, and a wooden table-top easel.
Additional items I went back to AC Moore and bought:
--Silver, Gold, Brown, Green, Orange, and Purple paints
--A sta-wet palette which keeps your paints from drying up while you are working.
--Palette knife
--Canvas panels
-- Liquitex Gloss medium & Varnish
-- Brush Cleaner (same as this one on Amazon)
Basically I was having trouble finding an All-in one kit, so I got everything separately. One thing I would have done differently is buy a multipack of the paints with more colors to save time mixing. If you want to go pick stuff out in person then AC Moore or Michaels, as JT suggested, are great. Otherwise, everything seems to be on Amazon and the reviews tend to be pretty helpful! I actually made my shopping list by looking up things on Amazon and then went to the store because I was too impatient to want to wait for shipping.