this post was submitted on 18 Jun 2023
12 points (100.0% liked)

Battletech

642 readers
1 users here now

A fan community for all things BattleTech, Mechwarrior, etc.

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

So I've decided after playing for a year or two that I'm finally going to try painting my minis. I've held off because frankly I have terrible artistic and fine motor skills and I don't want to ruin my mechs.

Ive bought everything I think I need (set of Vallejo paints, primer, brushes, dry brushes, wet pallet, matte varnish, hobby knife, cutting mat, citadel painting handle...probably more) and I'm about ready to dive in.

I was thinking about trying desert camo but I'm wondering if y'all have any suggestions on what might be an easy beginner scheme for me to get my feet wet, or any other tips on painting in general for the artistically challenged like myself :)

Thanks!

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Thanks so much for the detailed reply! If my first attempts are abysmal, is it possible to strip the paint off and start over without damaging the mini? These are all plastic from AGoAC and the clan invasion kickstarter--I don't have any of the old metal IWM ones.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

https://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/WarOne%27s_Simple_Green_Stripping_Method

I haven't tried it personally but simple green gets referenced. should work well for acrylic paints probably not so much for enamel paints.

[–] RightHandOfIkaros 2 points 1 year ago

Its possible depending on the material the minis are made of. I think isopropyl alcohol might be the most universal chemical to remove the paint without causing severe damage to the mini, but you would need to do more research into that. I personally have never stripped paint from minis before. Obviously the metal minis would be better if you plan to strip the paint later. But if you go slow and take your time, they will probably not turn out to be complete abominations.

Most bad paint jobs come from impatience. The painter wants to see the finished mini too quickly, and paints with too thick coats or takes other shortcuts that ruin the process. The best advice is to take your time.