Painting Figures - Equipment
Paints
There are many makes of paints available for figure painting either solvent or water based. Experienced makers of large scale figures, 54mm and above, also use artists oils paints but it is a difficult medium to use so I would not recommend them for this small scale.
Solvent/oil based paints like Humbrol enamel require a special thinner for thinning the paint and cleaning brushes. They are a very good medium for shading and blending colours as they take a long time to dry. The drying time is their main drawback.
Water based acrylic paints can be thinned and cleaned with water. They are also non-toxic which is why I use them. They dry quickly which means figures can be completed in an evening but it can make blending and shading difficult. I use a mixture of the Miniature Paints and Games Workshops ranges. The quality of the latter tends to vary, some are very thin and watery to start with. They brought out a new range a year or so ago and I was assured the quality was a lot better. I have not however been impressed with the few colours I have tried.
Water based inks are in common use now for giving a shading wash to figures although they don't give the instant effect Games Works would sometimes have you believe.
If starting from scratch the Miniature Paints cost under £1 a bottle and with them being non-toxic they are safe for any age to use. Otherwise if you already have paints or experience of using a certain type stick with them for your first attempts. Be warned however that the different types of paint don't mix together and some cannot be easily painted over another so use just the one type.
I would recommend the following colours as a minimum to start with :
Mid Blue, Red, Yellow, Mid Green, White, Flesh , Black, Mid Brown, Silver and Gold. All other colours can be mixed from these if you can not afford more. Purchase other shades as you need or can afford them.
Most paints don't have colour coded tops so if like me you keep them in a box where you can only see the tops put a little paint on so that you know which is which.
Brushes
Purchase the best quality brushes you can as you only need a few. Sable is the best. Start with a size 0 or 1 for putting the main colours on and 00 or 000 fine detailing. A cheaper quality size 0 can be useful for dry brushing. Games Workshop do a brush set containing a fine detail brush, standard brush and small dry brushing brush. They are of a reasonable quality and will be sufficient for the beginner but get to know your local art shop who will have a good range of various qualities and can give you proper advice about your needs. They will not quibble either when you check the brushes before buying them, if they do go elseware. Check that the hairs are in good condition, not bent or broken, that they form a good point when you wet the end and that some form of protection for the bristles is provided.
Be sure your brushes are soft, clean, and flexible, and keep them that way by cleaning with water or the recommended paint cleaner.
Look after your brushes and they will last a long time. Only dip the tip of the brush in the paint otherwise the bristles will become clogged and separate. Don't leave standing on the bristles in your water pot as they will bend out of shape. Clean them after each colour with the recommended cleaner or in warm water and a little detergent if using acrylic paints. Shape the bristles in to a point and protect the bristles from bending and breaking with the plastic tube cover provided for this purpose.
Keep your newest brushes for doing detailed work, as they start to wear out and no longer form good points use them for putting on large areas of base colours. When they are past that cut the ends of the bristles square and use for dry brushing.
