Painting Miniatures: Tips For Control Panel Perfection

Painting miniatures is a fun hobby that can add a personal touch to tabletop gaming. Miniature models are small-scale figures used in wargames such as Warhammer 40K and board games. Painting these miniatures can be a daunting task for beginners, but with the right tools and techniques, anyone can create vibrant and detailed pieces. The process involves several steps, from assembling and priming the model to applying a basecoat, shading, layering, and highlighting to bring the miniature to life. This introduction will cover the basics of painting miniatures, including the importance of preparation, the different types of brushes and paints, and the step-by-step process of bringing your miniature from bare plastic to a finished model.

Priming the miniature

Priming a miniature is an important step in the painting process. It creates the best conditions for your paint job and colours to last. Without a primer, paint will not stick well to the miniature, leading to peeling or flaking over time.

There are several ways to prime a miniature, each with its own pros and cons. One of the most accessible and beginner-friendly methods is to use a brush. Thin down some base paint and apply it thinly to the model with a brush you don't mind ruining. You'll likely need two thin coats to get good coverage without losing detail. While this method is great for small areas and provides the most control, it is also the most time-consuming.

Another option is to use a rattle can or spray primer. This is a quick and easy method, but it requires a well-ventilated area and the right weather conditions - not too hot, cold, or humid. Hold the can at arm's distance from the miniature, and move it across the miniature to ensure an even coat. To control overspray, you can use a simple cardboard box with one side cut away, placing the miniature inside the box before spraying.

If you have access to an airbrush and proper ventilation, this can be a great way to prime your miniature. It gives you more control over how much primer you apply and is a good way to get started with using an airbrush.

When priming, it's important to apply multiple thin layers rather than a single thick layer to reduce the chance of obscuring fine details and prevent bubbles from forming. Additionally, consider the colour of your primer. A light-coloured primer, such as white, is a good choice if you plan to use vibrant colours, as it will make them pop. On the other hand, if you're using primarily dark colours, a dark primer will require fewer layers of paint to achieve full coverage.

Finally, remember that the purpose of the primer is to create a surface that your paint can adhere to. Avoid using glossy paint as a base, as paint doesn't stick well to glossy surfaces. Instead, opt for a flat or "matte" finish.

Choosing the right brushes

Brush Size:

The size of the brush is essential for achieving the desired level of detail and coverage. For painting a miniature control panel, you will likely need a range of brush sizes for different areas. Smaller brushes (sizes 0-3) are ideal for fine details, while larger brushes (sizes 4 and up) are more suitable for covering bigger surfaces. Consider the scale of the control panel and choose brush sizes accordingly.

Brush Shape:

The shape of the brush also plays a significant role in the painting process. Round brushes are excellent for base coating, layering, and bigger detail work, as they can hold a lot of paint and provide good control. Flat brushes are commonly used for dry brushing due to their large surface area, but they may be too big for smaller details on a miniature control panel. Tapered brushes are useful for blending and smooth transitions. Assess the specific areas of the control panel and choose brushes with the appropriate shapes to navigate those spaces effectively.

Bristle Type:

The type of bristles impacts paint-holding capacity, application, and maintenance. Natural hair brushes, often made from sable or kolinsky, are known for their superior paint-holding ability and smooth paint application. They are ideal for detailed work but require careful maintenance to prevent damage. Synthetic brushes, on the other hand, offer a durable and cost-effective alternative. They are suitable for creating textures and dry brushing techniques. Assess the specific needs of your control panel painting project and choose the bristle type that aligns with your requirements.

Brush Quality and Price:

Investing in higher-end brushes can provide improved control, precision, and durability. Premium brands like Artis Opus, Rosemary & Co., Da Vinci Maestro, and The Army Painter offer high-quality brushes that can enhance your painting experience. However, it is important to consider your budget and prioritize quality over brand reputation. Avoid "cheap brush syndrome" by steering clear of low-quality brushes that may hinder your progress and lead to frustration.

Brush Maintenance:

Proper maintenance of your brushes is essential for their longevity and optimal performance. Clean your brushes after each use with a brush cleaner or mild soap and water. Store them upright in a brush holder to maintain their shape and avoid using harsh chemicals. A painting holder can also improve your brush control and reduce hand fatigue. Additionally, consider using a brush conditioner to keep the bristles soft and replacing worn brushes as needed.

Applying the basecoat

To achieve the desired consistency for the basecoat, you should prepare your paints accordingly. Place a drop of your chosen Warpaints Fanatic on a wet palette and mix the paint with your brush. For basecoating, a consistency similar to heavy cream is ideal. Remember to always shake your paints well before using them.

When applying the basecoat, start with the areas that are hardest to reach to avoid accidentally painting over areas you've already painted. It is best to use thin coats of paint to avoid obscuring the miniature's details. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes, and avoid overloading your brush—a little paint goes a long way.

Depending on the thickness of your paint and the humidity in your environment, the drying time for the basecoat can vary from a few minutes to about an hour. After successfully applying the basecoat, you will have laid a solid foundation for the more detailed stages of miniature painting, such as shading, dry brushing, and highlighting.

Adding shadows and shades

• Use thin layers of paint: When adding shadows and shades, it is important to use thin layers of paint. This helps to preserve the details of the miniature and prevents the paint from becoming too thick and obscuring the intricate features. Thin coats of paint also allow for better control and precision when working with small areas.
• Choose the right brushes: Select brushes with good tips for detailing. For smaller areas of the miniature, use a small brush for more precise application. A larger brush can be used for base coating or washing larger areas.
• Highlighting: Highlighting is a technique that goes hand in hand with shading. It involves painting the edges and raised areas of the miniature to simulate light reflection. Use the flat edge of your brush and drag it along the raised surfaces to create highlights.
• Practice different techniques: Experiment with different shading techniques such as glazing, weathering, and dry brushing. Each technique can create unique effects and enhance the overall appearance of your miniature.
• Prepare your paints: Before you start shading, ensure your paints are well-mixed and have the right consistency. A thin, smooth consistency, similar to heavy cream, will help the paint flow easily and reduce the risk of obscuring details.

Remember, adding shadows and shades is a detailed process that requires patience and practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out perfectly. With time and experimentation, you'll develop your own techniques and improve your miniature painting skills.

Highlighting

Understanding Highlighting

Choosing the Right Brush

Having the right tools is essential for successful highlighting. You'll need a brush with a very good tip for highlighting. This allows you to apply the paint with precision and control. It's best to avoid highlighting with the tip of your brush, as it can be challenging to control. Instead, use the flat edge of your brush and drag it along the raised areas. This technique will give you cleaner highlights and save you from having to be extremely accurate with a brush tip.

Thin Coats and Patience

When highlighting, always remember to keep your paint thin. Thin coats are crucial for preserving the details on your miniature and ensuring a smooth finish. Apply your paint in thin, even strokes, and avoid overloading your brush. It's better to build up the highlights gradually with multiple thin layers rather than applying a single thick coat. Remember, two or three thin layers are better than one thick layer.

Focus on Edges and Raised Areas

When highlighting, focus on the edges and sharp ridges that would catch the light. This includes the ridges on armour, folds in clothing, and areas around the fingers. By highlighting these raised areas, you create a realistic lighting effect that adds depth and dimension to your miniature.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don't be discouraged if your highlighting doesn't look perfect on your first try. Practice makes perfect, and with each attempt, you'll improve your technique. Remember that mistakes can be easily corrected by painting over them, as long as you keep your paint thin and build up your highlights gradually.

Frequently asked questions