Episode 84: The Basics of Miniature Painting

by Vachones · March 3, 2019

In this episode, we talk with Colin Ward about the basics of miniature painting. We start with how to approach painting your model and painting in sub assemblies and move on to preparing and priming your model. We talk about paint brushes, pallets, and other useful tools and how get a smooth finish. Finally, we talk about varnishing or sealing your models and what you have to do to make sure you don’t ruin the finish.

Introduction

This is a companion episode to our airbrush segments. We realized that there are some basic techniques that everyone should be familiar with in order to get the best looking models. You can’t airbrush everything!

Getting Started

Prepare your model using basic construction techniques. Make sure you have cleaned up the mold lines, removed the sprue bits, covered over gaps, drilled barrels, etc. Paint will not cover up flaws in the plastic or resin, it will only magnify them.

How to approach your model: painting in sub assemblies or not?

Using a brush

Parts of the brush; handle, ferrule, brush hair.

Different materials for miniature brushes; synthetic, Natural, Kolinsky red sable.

Sizes of brushes; measured in diameter:, size 0, 1, 2

It’s the point of the brush that matters, even larger brushes can have a very small point at the end.

Getting paint into the ferrule will cause the brush to fray as paint gets into the brush hair at the end. Make sure paint is only half way up the brush.

The size of the brush will determine how much paint it can hold. You want the paint to flow smoothly out from the tip of the brush.

Priming

Different brands of primer: GW, Army Painter, other brands.

Color primers.

Spray can versus Airbrush.

Weather for spraying; moderate temperature and humidity. Always test before spraying a model!

Painting with a brush

Using a palette, wet palettes.

Thinning your paints; thin with water on the palate, twist the brush to get a sharp tip.

Multiple coats of paint (two thin coats)

Wet paint; do not paint over it when it’s drying; will ruin the finish.

Finishing a model