The
Assembly Line Process
Painting is best done as an assembly line
process, completing each step for every figure in a group before moving on to
the next step. This method allows you to complete a large number of figures in
the least amount of time. Start with groups of 10-12 figures at first, and
increase the number to whatever you are comfortable with once you have mastered
the painting techniques.
Paints and Supplies
A Hobby knife (X-Acto or similar).
Miniature files for hobby use.
Acrylic Paints in appropriate colors (flats are recommended). Enamels
are fine, but require more care and cleanup.
Brushes in various sizes (10/0, 5/0, 4/0 or 3/0). Nylon or Red Sable
is recommended.
Uniform guides or pictures.
Cardboard or metal bases for the figures.
Flocking Material (Woodland Scenics turf or a similar product)
Super Glue and white glue (Elmer’s)
STEP 1
Preparing/Cleaning Figures
First, mount the figures on nail heads
using white glue for easier handling. Next, use a sharp hobby knife or a file to
remove any mold lines or flash from the figures. Be careful not to carve away
small details you might mistake for flash.
STEP 2 Priming (Undercoating)
Priming provides a base coat that
improves the appearance of your figures. A spray primer is recommended, but you
may brush it on if desired. Testor’s Flat White Spray Enamel or even Krylon
Flat White work well. Acrylic Primer is also available in spray cans. Coat the
figures completely but don’t obscure details with too much paint. Gray or
black paint can also be used as a primer.
STEP 3 Painting Flesh Areas
Paint faces, hands, and other exposed areas of skin using an appropriate
flesh tone (suntan is the most generally useful shade). To improve the realism
of your figures, mix 1 part red-brown paint with about 6 parts water to form a
“wash” and brush over each area again. The wash will leave red-brown pigment
in the recessed areas of the face, producing a shading effect.
STEP 4 Painting Uniform Areas
Next, paint the various parts of the
uniform. Apply the darkest colors first. Generally, paint larger areas first,
moving to smaller areas and details later. Some painters prefer to paint details
first, and this is largely a matter of personal preference.
STEP 5 Painting Equipment and Weapons
As you can see, painting a figure is most
easily done as if you were dressing it. Paint the major colors on pouches,
cartridge boxes, and weapons next.
STEP 6 Detailing
At this point, your figures will begin to
look like miniature soldiers. Now paint any belt plates, hat bands or plumes,
small straps, and buttons. Also touch up any problem areas left over from
previous steps.
STEP 7 Applying a Wash (Optional)
“Black-washing” is recommended for a
realistic appearance. Mix 1 part black paint with 6 parts water to form a wash.
Apply this wash to all areas of the figure until the desired shading effect is
achieved. This takes some practice, and can result in figures looking dirty
until you get the hang of it.
STEP 8 Dry Brushing (Optional)
Highlighting, or dry-brushing, also adds
realism to your figures. Use an old brush, as this technique is hard on brushes.
For any given area, select a color a few shades lighter. Dip the brush in the
paint and then brush off most of it onto a paper towel until only a trace of the
pigment is left. Now brush it over the figure. The paint should only adhere to
raised areas, producing a highlighting effect.
STEP 9 Applying a Matte Finish
To protect the paint job on your figures,
spray them with Testor’s Dull-Cote or a similar acrylic matte lacquer product.
STEP 10 Basing Figures for Games
You can cut bases from heavy cardstock in
appropriate sizes, or purchase pre-cut bases of metal or wood. Glue your figures
to the base using super glue or white glue. Next, paint the base a dull green
color. While the paint is still wet, cover the base in flocking material, and
sit it aside to dry . Your figures are now ready for the tabletop!
If you have comments or suggestions regarding this guide, please let us know.