Painting A Plasma Orb: Step-By-Step Guide For Models

Painting a plasma orb on a model can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, there are various methods to achieve the desired effect. Some tutorials recommend using an airbrush to create a luminous finish, while others suggest dry brushing or conductive paint for a glowing orb. The choice of colours is also important, with contrasting colours like blue and orange being popular for creating a vibrant plasma effect. Additionally, the use of LEDs inside the plasma orb can add a unique touch to your model.

Choosing colours: Pick a colour that contrasts with the rest of your model

When painting a plasma orb on a model, it is important to choose a colour that contrasts with the rest of the model. This will make the orb stand out and be more eye-catching. For example, if your model has red trim or weapon casings, avoid using red for the plasma orb. Instead, opt for a different colour like magenta, blue, or green.

You can also consider using complementary colours to create a striking contrast. For instance, if your model has blue armour, an orange plasma orb would be a bold choice as orange is the complementary colour to blue. This combination would create a vibrant and visually appealing contrast.

Additionally, you can experiment with different shades and tints of the same colour family to achieve a subtle yet effective contrast. For example, if your model has dark green armour, a vibrant blue plasma orb would create a nice pop of colour without being too overwhelming.

If you're feeling creative, you can even use LED lights to make the plasma orb glow. This technique involves placing LEDs inside the plasma orb and requires some additional tools and skills, such as soldering or using conductive paint to make the necessary joins.

Remember, the key is to choose a colour that complements the overall colour scheme of your model while also creating a visually appealing contrast to make the plasma orb the focal point.

Basecoating: Apply a few thin coats of your chosen base colour

Painting a plasma orb on a model can be a fun and rewarding project, and the process can be relatively simple if you follow these steps. One of the first steps in painting a plasma orb is applying a basecoat with your chosen base colour. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Basecoating is an important step in painting any model, and it involves applying a thin layer of paint to create a uniform base for subsequent layers of paint. When it comes to painting a plasma orb, the basecoat will be the foundation for creating the desired colour and effect. It is recommended to use a thin coat of your chosen base colour and apply multiple layers until you achieve the desired opacity. This technique ensures a smooth and even finish, allowing subsequent layers of paint to adhere properly.

For a plasma orb, you can choose a variety of colours as your base. Some popular choices include blue, green, yellow, orange, or magenta. It is important to select a colour that contrasts with the rest of your model to make the plasma orb stand out. For example, if your model has red accents, avoid using red as the base colour for your plasma orb.

When applying the basecoat, use a thin layer of paint and avoid overloading your brush. Multiple thin coats are always preferable to one thick coat, as they dry faster, reduce the risk of paint dripping or pooling, and result in a smoother finish. Take your time and allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one. This process may take some patience, but it will ensure a high-quality finish.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the paint reaches the recesses between the coils of the plasma orb. This attention to detail will create a more realistic and polished final product. If you make a mistake or notice stark transitions between colours, you can use a very thin layer of paint (about 70% water) to smooth out the transitions and create a more seamless blend.

By following these steps and taking your time, you'll be able to create a beautifully basecoated plasma orb, setting the foundation for the rest of your painting process. Remember, the key to success is thin coats, patience, and attention to detail!

Shading: Mix a wash to shade the lower two-thirds of the orb

To create a shading effect on your plasma orb, you will need to mix a wash to shade the lower two-thirds of the orb. This technique will add depth and dimension to your model, enhancing the overall visual appeal. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this effect:

First, select an appropriate wash colour that complements the overall colour scheme of your model. A wash is a thin paint mixture used to add shading and bring out the details in the recesses of the model. For plasma orbs, colours like blue, green, magenta, or orange are often used as base coats, so choose a wash colour that will enhance the depth of the base colour.

Next, prepare your wash mixture by mixing your chosen wash colour with a suitable medium. You can use a dedicated shading medium or thin your paint with water to create a translucent wash. The ratio of paint to medium will depend on the desired opacity and flow of your wash. A good starting point is a 1:2 ratio of paint to medium, but feel free to adjust this to suit your needs.

Once you have your wash mixture ready, it's time to apply it to the model. Use a brush to carefully apply the wash to the lower two-thirds of the orb, allowing it to flow into the recesses and details of the orb. You may need to thin your wash with additional medium or water to achieve the desired consistency and flow. Make sure to protect any areas you don't want to get shaded, such as the upper third of the orb, by covering them with tape or blu tack.

After applying the wash, let it dry thoroughly. Depending on the paint and medium used, this may take some time. Once it's dry, you can assess the shading effect and decide if you want to add more depth. If you wish to enhance the shading further, you can apply a second coat of the wash, focusing on the lower half of the plasma orb, as mentioned in the source. Building up the shading gradually will create a smoother and more natural transition.

Finally, once you're happy with the shading, you can move on to the next steps in your painting process. Remember to thin your paints and use multiple thin layers when transitioning between colours to achieve a smooth finish, as mentioned in the source. You can also use techniques like dry brushing or airbrushing to add further highlights and details to your plasma orb.

Highlighting: Use a fine edge highlight with white around the orb

Painting a plasma orb on a model can be a tricky endeavour, but with patience and the right techniques, you can achieve impressive results. One crucial step in this process is highlighting, which adds depth and dimension to your orb. Here's a detailed guide on how to approach the highlighting with a fine edge of white around the orb:

Begin by selecting the right shade of white for your highlighting. A pure white or a slightly off-white shade can be used, depending on the overall colour scheme of your model. Ensure that your chosen white colour stands out against the base colour of the orb.

Next, thin your white paint to the right consistency. You want it to be fluid but not too watery. Add a small amount of water to your paint and mix well until you achieve a smooth, thin consistency. This step is crucial, as it will impact the ease of application and the final finish.

Now, carefully load your paintbrush with the thinned white paint. Choose a fine-tipped brush that allows for precise application. You may want to practice on a separate surface first to get a feel for the amount of paint your brush can hold and the pressure needed for a controlled application.

Steady your hand and carefully apply the white paint along the edges of the orb. Follow the natural contours and curves of the orb, creating a fine, crisp line. Take your time with this step, as a steady hand is essential for a clean highlight.

Depending on the desired intensity of the highlight, you can adjust the thickness of the white line. For a more subtle effect, keep the line very thin and delicate. If you wish to accentuate the highlight further, you can carefully apply a second layer to thicken the line, building up the intensity gradually.

Finally, assess your work and make any necessary adjustments. If you notice any areas where the white paint has strayed outside the intended line, use a thin layer of the base colour to correct it. Alternatively, if you wish to soften the transition between the highlight and the base colour, you can use a very thin layer of paint (approximately 70% water) to smooth out the edges.

By following these steps, you can effectively create a fine edge highlight with white around your plasma orb. Remember to take your time, work steadily, and make adjustments as needed to achieve the desired result.

LEDs: Place LEDs inside the orb for a glowing effect

To create a glowing orb, you will need to make a circuit with LEDs (light-emitting diodes), a battery, wire, and a switch. It is important to note that attaching an LED directly to a battery can damage the LED, so a resistor is required to protect it. You can use an LED Array Wizard to determine the number of resistors needed based on the LED Forward Voltage and current.

Once you have assembled the circuit, you can create the orb by blowing up a balloon and wrapping it with wet yarn. Leave a hole near the knot of the balloon, which will serve as an access point for placing the lights later. Continue wrapping the balloon with yarn until the desired thickness is achieved, then set it aside to dry overnight.

After the yarn has dried, gently press the balloon from the edges of the yarn structure to speed up the process, pop the balloon, and remove the balloon pieces from the center. Finally, insert a strand of battery-powered LED lights into the small holes of the orb, turn on the lights, and enjoy your glowing creation.

You can experiment with different LED colours and vary the size and colour of the orbs for a more dynamic and colourful display.

Frequently asked questions