Painting minis; getting started

[el-remmen]

Can someone explain to me what makes something a "speed paint?"

 

[MGibster]

Can someone explain to me what makes something a "speed paint?"

Speed paints, contrast paints, etc., etc. are designed for you to put one layer over the miniature and be done. It's formulated to flow into the nooks and crannies while leaving highlights in the raised areas simulating shading and highlighting. You can get satisfactory results using speed paints, especially if you just want a nice table top standard for the miniatures used in games.

@Sacrosanct's models above are a good example of a decent speed paint job.

 

[Sacrosanct]

Speed paints, contrast paints, etc., etc. are designed for you to put one layer over the miniature and be done. It's formulated to flow into the nooks and crannies while leaving highlights in the raised areas simulating shading and highlighting. You can get satisfactory results using speed paints, especially if you just want a nice table top standard for the miniatures used in games.

@Sacrosanct's models above are a good example of a decent speed paint job.

With speedpaints, slapchopping is the key. What is "slapchopping"? Basically, you prime and drybrush before putting on any paint. Without doing that, speedpaints aren't that good IMO. With it, they can turn out pretty well if you're in a hurry.

 

[reelo]

Here's two Anglo-Saxon huscarls with standard-bearer I painted a couple months ago. Minis by Victrix and paints by Vallejo.

 

[el-remmen]

Speed paints, contrast paints, etc., etc. are designed for you to put one layer over the miniature and be done. It's formulated to flow into the nooks and crannies while leaving highlights in the raised areas simulating shading and highlighting. You can get satisfactory results using speed paints, especially if you just want a nice table top standard for the miniatures used in games.

@Sacrosanct's models above are a good example of a decent speed paint job.

With speedpaints, slapchopping is the key. What is "slapchopping"? Basically, you prime and drybrush before putting on any paint. Without doing that, speedpaints aren't that good IMO. With it, they can turn out pretty well if you're in a hurry.

Ha! That describes how I paint already!

 

[Andvari]

I saw one video of a slapchopper with an airbrush painting a better-looking miniature in 25 minutes than what I can do in 5 hours

 

[Andvari]

Here's two Anglo-Saxon huscarls with standard-bearer I painted a couple months ago. Minis by Victrix and paints by Vallejo.

These look great. It also looks like I need some Victrix minis. They look perfect for the Norse mythology homebrew game I want to run one day.

 

[Sacrosanct]

Well, I learned a lesson today. when using speed paints, do NOT brush on or dip varnish. Rattle cans are out, because the aresols tend to make the plastic get sticky. So the only I recommend varnishing speed painted minis (not metal) is to use an airbrush. The liquid will cause the speed paint to reactivate, and if you brush or dip, the paint comes running right off.

 

[reelo]

Well, I learned a lesson today. when using speed paints, do NOT brush on or dip varnish. Rattle cans are out, because the aresols tend to make the plastic get sticky. So the only I recommend varnishing speed painted minis (not metal) is to use an airbrush. The liquid will cause the speed paint to reactivate, and if you brush or dip, the paint comes running right off.

Reactivation is a well-known issue with Armypainter Speedpaints, unfortunately.

I have high hopes for the upcoming Vallejo Xpress colours.

 

[reelo]

These look great. It also looks like I need some Victrix minis. They look perfect for the Norse mythology homebrew game I want to run one day.

Victrix are great! If only I had the time, space, and funds to make a nice Norman army...