After seeing various pics now of people's painted mini's, I've decided that I can't do without having mine painted. They look awesome!

Was just wondering if people could help me out a bit, since I have no idea where to start with the paints.

So I've done my mandatory reading, watched a few tutorial vids and now I've specifically read some SW:IA painting guides.

As a start off point, let's use the below video as an example of painting Stormtrooper's:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZUsfAtyEM0

Firstly, I've decided to go with Vallejo paints due to the high recommendations and you seem to get more bang for your buck. My question is, do I go with model or game paints? I want my miniatures to have the realistic sort of look, will the model paints be a better option, or will using the game one's not make much of a difference, plus add to handleability?

For Stormtrooper's, using the Citadel > Vallejo converter chart, I would be looking to secure a Vallejo Heavy Grey or Basalt Grey, a Black Wash and a Dead White or White. For the gloss, what is the Vallejo equivalent to Ardcoat? Or would it be best to just use the Ardcoat?

I'm yet to decide if I'll just buy the paints as the tutorials come out, but they may take a while, so would anyone else be able to give me a rough idea of which colours should suffice for the rest of the figures? I would be looking to paint them as near to their artwork and colour schemes as possible.

Also, any helpful suggestions or ideas will be appreciated.

Thanks!

I have never used Valeo paint but I have used citadel paints for years. The base and washes are really good. I'm not sure of an alternative to 'ard coat but you use very little and it's not that expensive.

Good choice on the Vallejo. I have the game color, game air, and model air lines. I'm mostly using game air and game color, but I also airbrush as much as I can. Even if you don't have an airbrush, you should consider the game air line because the paints will already be thinned for you and they have finer pigment (if you don't, ALWAYS THIN YOUR PAINTS). As for washes, I typically use GW citadel washes and glazes, they really do seem to be the best. Vallejo makes a gloss coat (it's just called Gloss Coat I think) that is basically what ard coat is and it's what I use for the shiny helmets and storm troopers and such. unless you are going to gloss the whole model, be sure to give it a matte or satin (you'll probably want matte) finish. Testors is the best (get it at hobby lobby), but any matte coat will work. Use a spray can for that, don't hand paint it on. Then hand paint any areas you want glossy. Hope this helps.

Vallejo Game color is better suited to gaming and models being picked up than the Model Color. Having said that, if you varnish your miniatures with a good spray that should not be a problem. I personally spray with Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish. In my opinion gloss always looks weird and unrealistic on miniatures, even on Stormtroopers, that look pretty plastic in the old movies

@ Cronus269 & Anyone else who may know- what is the issue with hand painting the matte varnish on? I've done this for years and actually prefer it over spray as I know that I can accomplish a complete and even cover of the model.

As far as I know there is no real issue Reorder. Probably just personal preference. I spray because it's quick and it gets me an even coat. But I really don't see why painting the varnish should be a bad idea if you prefer that.

@ Nao- I had never heard anyone say that before. Took me for a loop. Only one coffee at work so far...time for another.

Cheers Reorder.

I've been painting for years and make sure not to let my own preferences dictate what everyone else should do. I have my advice, but whatever works, works.

After seeing various pics now of people's painted mini's, I've decided that I can't do without having mine painted. They look awesome!

Was just wondering if people could help me out a bit, since I have no idea where to start with the paints.

So I've done my mandatory reading, watched a few tutorial vids and now I've specifically read some SW:IA painting guides.

As a start off point, let's use the below video as an example of painting Stormtrooper's:

Firstly, I've decided to go with Vallejo paints due to the high recommendations and you seem to get more bang for your buck. My question is, do I go with model or game paints? I want my miniatures to have the realistic sort of look, will the model paints be a better option, or will using the game one's not make much of a difference, plus add to handleability?

For Stormtrooper's, using the Citadel > Vallejo converter chart, I would be looking to secure a Vallejo Heavy Grey or Basalt Grey, a Black Wash and a Dead White or White. For the gloss, what is the Vallejo equivalent to Ardcoat? Or would it be best to just use the Ardcoat?

I'm yet to decide if I'll just buy the paints as the tutorials come out, but they may take a while, so would anyone else be able to give me a rough idea of which colours should suffice for the rest of the figures? I would be looking to paint them as near to their artwork and colour schemes as possible.

Also, any helpful suggestions or ideas will be appreciated.

Thanks!

If you're planning on doing all the models as they appear, you're going to need a full range of colors eventually. I don't mean every bottle made by Vallejo, but the full spectrum is pretty much represented so you'll want a variety.

One thing I highly recommend, especially when starting out is using GW inks. They have great consistency and can do a lot of the work shading for you and make it easier to build back up without needing to do a lot mixing or using a ton of shades. Nuln Oil (I use this on all the imperial figures). and Agrax Earthsahde especially can be used on a lot of colors to deepen and darken them in the recesses.

Thanks for all the tips, guys! Think I'm going to mix up Vallejo and Citadel's together, take the best of both worlds.

In regards to the gloss v matte, is it worth putting the gloss on, then finishing with a matte rather than missing out the gloss completely? Having thought about it, I would prefer the matte finish but I'm reading that a matte finish by itself isn't the best protection for the paint.

In regards to getting a wide range of colours, would this box set be worth investing in?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tjbuGL53Hs

Also, wehre's the best place to learn what techniques to use? For example, it wouldn't have crossed my mind to ever use a black wash on white Stormtrooper's.

Keep the tips coming guys! Would be great if some members could write up a rough paint guide for the figures too. Would be very much appreciated. I'm one of those guys that likes to have instructions to fall back on, I'm not ashamed to admit it, manliness be damned! (Natually, I appreciate many methods are personal preferences, but it's great to have choice)

I'd just like to point out that if for some reason you don't like the 'shine' that you get from ardcoat you can always grab a can of dulcoat too. That pulls the shine off but leave the protective layer on to prevent chipping.

As far as what paints to use all I can say is that it is entirely up to the painter on what paints they like. I have friends that use paints that I would never touch, like the new citadel 'dry' paints, conversely I use paints that they would never use like a lot of the P3 line.

I will mimic AlexW though and say that citadels ink range is by far the best out right now. Best range of colors and they do exactly what you want them to.

@ Cronus269 & Anyone else who may know- what is the issue with hand painting the matte varnish on? I've done this for years and actually prefer it over spray as I know that I can accomplish a complete and even cover of the model.

In my experience, you get more even, thin coverage when you spray vs handpaint. but its just preference. And it is faster.

Thanks for all the tips, guys! Think I'm going to mix up Vallejo and Citadel's together, take the best of both worlds.

In regards to the gloss v matte, is it worth putting the gloss on, then finishing with a matte rather than missing out the gloss completely? Having thought about it, I would prefer the matte finish but I'm reading that a matte finish by itself isn't the best protection for the paint.

In regards to getting a wide range of colours, would this box set be worth investing in?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tjbuGL53Hs

Also, wehre's the best place to learn what techniques to use? For example, it wouldn't have crossed my mind to ever use a black wash on white Stormtrooper's.

Keep the tips coming guys! Would be great if some members could write up a rough paint guide for the figures too. Would be very much appreciated. I'm one of those guys that likes to have instructions to fall back on, I'm not ashamed to admit it, manliness be damned! (Natually, I appreciate many methods are personal preferences, but it's great to have choice)

I think it is unnecessary to Gloss and then Matte. It does provide better protection, but *can* make the model look a little "thick" (its not as bad as it sounds). If you are planning on just throwing these models in a box when your not using them, then by all means gloss then matte, but if you are going to keep them in foam, a good matte finish (like testors) will be just fine.

Regarding Citadel Inks, is the reference to Citadel paints in general or their specific Inks line? From what I can tell, that's been discontinued?

Thanks for all the tips, guys! Think I'm going to mix up Vallejo and Citadel's together, take the best of both worlds.

In regards to the gloss v matte, is it worth putting the gloss on, then finishing with a matte rather than missing out the gloss completely? Having thought about it, I would prefer the matte finish but I'm reading that a matte finish by itself isn't the best protection for the paint.

In regards to getting a wide range of colours, would this box set be worth investing in?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tjbuGL53Hs

Also, wehre's the best place to learn what techniques to use? For example, it wouldn't have crossed my mind to ever use a black wash on white Stormtrooper's.

Keep the tips coming guys! Would be great if some members could write up a rough paint guide for the figures too. Would be very much appreciated. I'm one of those guys that likes to have instructions to fall back on, I'm not ashamed to admit it, manliness be damned! (Natually, I appreciate many methods are personal preferences, but it's great to have choice)

I think it is unnecessary to Gloss and then Matte. It does provide better protection, but *can* make the model look a little "thick" (its not as bad as it sounds). If you are planning on just throwing these models in a box when your not using them, then by all means gloss then matte, but if you are going to keep them in foam, a good matte finish (like testors) will be just fine.

Thanks

Regarding Citadel Inks, is the reference to Citadel paints in general or their specific Inks line? From what I can tell, that's been discontinued?

People are referring to their "shades" and "glazes". At least I was. Shades will be the most important and useful for you. I Have been using Nuln Oil, Agrax EarthShade, and Seraphim Sepia a lot on these minis, (I used Beil-tan green for the trandoshans).

PS if you like the "dirty" look of some of the storm troopers out there, they do use a black wash (like Nuln Oil), but some of the cleaner paint jobs that I have prefered (in the movies they look immaculately clean lol) just get the black parts with thin, black paint and no shading, but that can be tedious.

Thanks for all the tips, guys! Think I'm going to mix up Vallejo and Citadel's together, take the best of both worlds.

In regards to the gloss v matte, is it worth putting the gloss on, then finishing with a matte rather than missing out the gloss completely? Having thought about it, I would prefer the matte finish but I'm reading that a matte finish by itself isn't the best protection for the paint.

In regards to getting a wide range of colours, would this box set be worth investing in?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tjbuGL53Hs

Also, wehre's the best place to learn what techniques to use? For example, it wouldn't have crossed my mind to ever use a black wash on white Stormtrooper's.

Keep the tips coming guys! Would be great if some members could write up a rough paint guide for the figures too. Would be very much appreciated. I'm one of those guys that likes to have instructions to fall back on, I'm not ashamed to admit it, manliness be damned! (Natually, I appreciate many methods are personal preferences, but it's great to have choice)

That set of paints is great if you haven't invested already in paints. Those complete starter sets from companies like Vallejo Citadel and Army Painter can get quite expensive. I would, personal preference here, stay away from pot paints. The dropper paints like Vallejo and Army Painter really shine when you start mixing paints. Two drops of this color and one drop of this color is a lot easier to remember than how big of a glop did I pull out of this pot and mix with a glop of this other pot.

I stopped gaming/painting during my 20s and started back up again a few years ago. I bought into the Army Painter set and am still using it. I've maybe replaced black white and a couple of the washes once. To get back into the hobby of painting I scoured youtube.com for tutorial videos on painting. There is a ton of them and because of that I would suggest watching a few from different artists and deciding which one you prefer listening to. Just search youtube with "miniature tutorial painting" you'll get a lot to choose from.

And the forums for the paint companies, various games, and any other source of media (beastsofwar.com) are a great source to ask questions at. For the most part the communities that I've run into over the past 5 years of starting back up in the hobby have been great.

Good Luck, post photos, and welcome to the hobby!

Regarding Citadel Inks, is the reference to Citadel paints in general or their specific Inks line? From what I can tell, that's been discontinued?

I guess they have retitled them as "Shade" and not ink.

Regarding Citadel Inks, is the reference to Citadel paints in general or their specific Inks line? From what I can tell, that's been discontinued?

I guess they have retitled them as "Shade" and not ink.

Ah yes, I will definitely be going with the Citadel shades but use the Vallejo paints,

That set of paints is great if you haven't invested already in paints. Those complete starter sets from companies like Vallejo Citadel and Army Painter can get quite expensive. I would, personal preference here, stay away from pot paints. The dropper paints like Vallejo and Army Painter really shine when you start mixing paints. Two drops of this color and one drop of this color is a lot easier to remember than how big of a glop did I pull out of this pot and mix with a glop of this other pot.

I stopped gaming/painting during my 20s and started back up again a few years ago. I bought into the Army Painter set and am still using it. I've maybe replaced black white and a couple of the washes once. To get back into the hobby of painting I scoured youtube.com for tutorial videos on painting. There is a ton of them and because of that I would suggest watching a few from different artists and deciding which one you prefer listening to. Just search youtube with "miniature tutorial painting" you'll get a lot to choose from.

And the forums for the paint companies, various games, and any other source of media (beastsofwar.com) are a great source to ask questions at. For the most part the communities that I've run into over the past 5 years of starting back up in the hobby have been great.

Good Luck, post photos, and welcome to the hobby!

Thanks, will hopefully have some decent enough finished works to put up!

I think I'm going to go for a starter set, as that will give me enough range and options to paint my figures the way I want, whilst allowing me freedom to use some of the other paints to practice mixing. Still debating in the back of my mind whether to buy the specific colours I need individually or not. Reason being, if I do get the starter, it's still missing some of the other stuff I need.

I'm quite anal about these things

Unless you are getting a fantastic deal on buying a whole paint set, I have found that when I have bought a whole set that there are colors that I just don't use either from not liking the color or that the particular pot of that paint is a bit to thick or thin for my liking. It is a great way to get started up though.

Honestly I think the single most important thing when starting to paint is to find good brushes. It gets very discouraging when you have crappy brushes that make you think that it is your fault when something looks bad. I've used every brush imaginable and I would recommend http://www.miniaturemarket.com/catalog/product/view/id/22443/s/amyt5108/ for a new painter. These brushes are what I tend to use more often than anything else lately, even more so than some of my very expensive brushes. They are amazingly cost effective and perform admirably

That's funny. I just picked up the Insane Detail brush tonight. Planning to try it on my Stormtroopers.

That's funny. I just picked up the Insane Detail brush tonight. Planning to try it on my Stormtroopers.

Do yourself a favour and pick up a couple of Windsor and Newton Miniature Series 7 brushes, sizes 00, 0, and 1.

They're made from kalinsky sable, and are amazing brushes. They keep their tip if treated well, so no need for gimmicky brushes like the insane detail, which just don't hold enough paint.

@ FinalFantasyFlightVII - Another helpful hint I had just now as I'm painting the officers. Every now and then remember to hold the model out at arms length to see how the paint job looks. Don't over due the insanely close detail to much. You spend the majority of your time painting with the model 6-12 inches from your face painting but the model is viewed the vast majority of its life at 2 feet away on a table. So unless you plan on using the pieces as show pieces remember that they only need to look as good as you want them to from 2 feet away.

As a beginner you may want to check out the Quickshades range by Army Painter. Basecoat your model, dip, shake, and its job done. However, you need to thin the stuff down with white spirit and keep mopping any pooling. Can take a bit of getting used to but the effect is quite good. Check their webpage, and if you can test on an old model. While they recommend dipping in the can, i find painting it on thinly with an old brush is better.

Games Workshop washes tend to dry cloudy so you need to go back over them, just leaving shadow in the recesses. Thinned down Vallejo ink does a better job (since GW changed their wash recepie!).

For my stormtroopers, I painted white and washed with Vallejo Grey Wash, gave a much softer contrast on the armour plates compared to black wash. Still had to neaten up with white, but the effect is nice.

Hope you enjoy yourself!

forgot to add, in regard to spray varnish, it can in cold weather ruin your figure by turning "frosty". Additionally, if you do use army painter quickshade, you need quite a few coats to get the gloss effect off your miniatures (unless you want them all glossy!). If you do not spray thin enough, you can start to really clog your model, and make your paint job incredibly dull. I find windsor and newton paint on matt varnish, slightly watered, a better alternative.

if you make any really big mistakes, you can strip the paint off the miniature by soaking in brown dettol (so called in the UK, i dont know about anywhere else). Its a pine disinfectant. I have used it to strip the atst (after a catastrophe!) and it worked fine. Dont use the cheaper "shops own" it wont work, has to be the real thing.

Leave the model soak for half hour or so, then lightly scrub with an old toothbrush - dont run it under water as it turns black and sticky sludge! keep it in the dettol while you scrub - AND WEAR GLOVES! this stuff will dry your skin badly for a week if it gets on there!

(I left my ATST in soaking for over 2 hours with no ill effects, but other models can suffer. Citadel plastic is ok for a good few days, citadel finecast will turn soft after about an hour and be ruined. Metal miniatures are also fine, but Google a tutorial on this stripping method for your own sanity!) AND DONT FORGET THE GOVES!

Happy painting!