Thank you! As seen on the C-3PO video, I'm using the smallest micron pen of 0.2 mm after painting the whites and cleaning up the eyelids and cheeks. It took a few attempts to get the knack of it, but you'll catch on eventually.

Loved the new Droids Video Sorastro. There just so wonderful to watch, even though I'm getting steadily further behind as I find so little time to paint with work right now.

I know you've got a Zombiecide or Decent video next, but any ideas on what you'do like to try next for Star Wars?

Thanks IronDan! The patron votes are in and it looks like I'll be returning to the earlier waves to paint the Royal Guard Champion and Rebel Saboteurs, both of which I'm aiming to complete within June

It is unacceptable for this thread to fall to the middle of page 2.

Bump.

Can't it just be stickied?

If RGC and Saboteurs are next, that would leave only Rebel Troopers and General Weiss from waves zero and one without tutorials, and Weiss could just be an addendum to the AT-ST tutorial.

This page has inspired me to actually try and paint my figures.

Edit: Also is there a list of materials for getting started?

Edit 2: found the list at the end of the tutorial.

Edit 3: Found the patreon page, such a good idea and a great way to give back to such amazing production value.

Edit 4: I found some great local info about prices and supplies from a local poster, the adventure begins this weekend

This page has inspired me to actually try and paint my figures. Just curious, starting from scratch, what is the approximate cost I can expect to be able to paint the majority of the core box?

Edit: Also is there a list of materials for getting started?

Decent brush (maybe two different sizes) : $3 a piece - $6

I use vallejo paints, bare minimum probably about 20 colors : $3 a piece - $60 (could order a set from amazon for less)

Palette - a ceramic tile at Lowe's works, $0.99

or

Wet Palette - old tupperware, dish sponge, parchment paper, $5 ish.

Alright first question, I noticed you like to use a dry palette and mix a bit of water in there. Any reason you prefer that over using an actual wet pallete?

Or anyone else have an opinion on wet vs dry pallete?

Also, it appears that many believe it is easier to start with episode 2, the probe droids, over the ST's as your high level of skill makes it appear more effortless than it actually is. Some have described it as a very frustrating point to start at.. I figured it would be a good place to learn some basics.

You deserve it Sorastro you pieces are works of art !

Very happy for you, Sorastro!

Alright first question, I noticed you like to use a dry palette and mix a bit of water in there. Any reason you prefer that over using an actual wet pallete?

Or anyone else have an opinion on wet vs dry pallete?

Also, it appears that many believe it is easier to start with episode 2, the probe droids, over the ST's as your high level of skill makes it appear more effortless than it actually is. Some have described it as a very frustrating point to start at.. I figured it would be a good place to learn some basics.

I tried making a wet palette yesterday, and I used it a bit while I finished up Vader. They seem to work as advertised - paints stay wet and therefore usable for a lot longer. I was only really working on the lightsaber so didn't do a lot, but while I was doing that I'd wished I'd had it when highlighting Vader's helmet, etc.

Probe droids are definitely much easier that stormtroopers. Those are quite challenging to do well. Part of me wants to try to strip mine of paint and start again. A larger part of me can't bear the thought of layering all that white all over again though!

Speaking of Vader, here he is:

Darth Vader by Andrew, on Flickr

A lot of the highlights that I'd built up on the helmet seem to have been obliterated by the gloss varnish, which is a little frustrating. Only the strongest ones have remained visible. Pretty happy with the lightsaber, although it was harder than I expected to simply paint a straight line along its length.

I appear to have dual posted... not sure how I managed that, or how to delete a post

Probe droids are definitely much easier that stormtroopers. Those are quite challenging to do well. Part of me wants to try to strip mine of paint and start again. A larger part of me can't bear the thought of layering all that white all over again though!

Speaking of Vader, here he is:

Darth Vader by Andrew, on Flickr

A lot of the highlights that I'd built up on the helmet seem to have been obliterated by the gloss varnish, which is a little frustrating. Only the strongest ones have remained visible. Pretty happy with the lightsaber, although it was harder than I expected to simply paint a straight line along its length.

I tend to be conservative with my varnish application. I've found with the testor's a little goes a long way. You can also give yourself a little distance when applying. No need to be right up on the miniature. all that will serve is getting more of the solvent in the bottle keeping things aqueous on the mini, which will do a number on highlights and washes.

Try this out and if you're not happy with the results, you can always hit a figure a second time. also be mindful of temp and humidity when applying; weather can also affect the results.

Alright first question, I noticed you like to use a dry palette and mix a bit of water in there. Any reason you prefer that over using an actual wet pallete?

Or anyone else have an opinion on wet vs dry pallete?

Also, it appears that many believe it is easier to start with episode 2, the probe droids, over the ST's as your high level of skill makes it appear more effortless than it actually is. Some have described it as a very frustrating point to start at.. I figured it would be a good place to learn some basics.

Hi FrogTrigger!

Both good questions! Regarding the wet palette question; I tend to use a wet palette when I'm just painting for myself (which is a rare occasion these days!) or when I'm trying out color combinations in preparation for a video. It certainly is handy - especially when I'm pulled away from painting by one of my kids or something - to be able to return hours later and be able to pick up exactly where I left off.

When filming however I still currently prefer a dry palette because it helps me keep the ratios I'm mixing nice and clear and (I hope!) easy to follow. If I was freely mixing small amounts of 3 or 4 colors on a wet palette I think it would be harder for viewers to replicate what I'm doing.

Regarding the probe droids questions - For sure they are easier than the stormtroopers and there would be nothing wrong with starting with them. Having said that, doing them first unfortunately won't make the storm troopers any easier! Whatever order you tackle them in, you will certainly come out the other side of painting those nine stormtroopers a better painter

Awesome advise sorastro, thanks a lot. I find it very admirable how much time you take to interact with the community and that because of this you are allowed to do what you love for a living, starting soon anyway Well deserved.

I'm going to pick up my supplies today and start my first storm trooper tonight, thanks again for the inspiration.

Try this out and if you're not happy with the results, you can always hit a figure a second time. also be mindful of temp and humidity when applying; weather can also affect the results.

It has been pretty cold and damp in the UK recently - is it best to spray in a warm and dry environment? Is that also true for priming? I felt like my figures had an almost gritty texture to them last time I primed some. I'd shaken the can for ages, so I don't think it was poorly mixed paint.

Try this out and if you're not happy with the results, you can always hit a figure a second time. also be mindful of temp and humidity when applying; weather can also affect the results.

It has been pretty cold and damp in the UK recently - is it best to spray in a warm and dry environment? Is that also true for priming? I felt like my figures had an almost gritty texture to them last time I primed some. I'd shaken the can for ages, so I don't think it was poorly mixed paint.

as far as temp, i'd say below 15 degrees you'd get mixed results. Less humidity is also preferred; above 70 percent results will also be mixed. i usually prime/varnish in my garage which has no HVAC so i'm at the mercy of the weather. Prime time for me to do these activities is may/june and september/october and i plan my mini's painting for the year around these months.

That's why i recommended going conservative with the varnish application; if weather/product doesn't cooperate, damage can be mitigated by not overdoing it. I typically prime fairly conservative as well; stormtroopers take many coats with this approach but i've not had any mini's gummed up by over-priming.

Lastly, not sure if you wash/clean your miniatures before priming. I've found it helps a great deal.

Thanks for the advice. It was probably only 10-12 degrees when I was doing it, so that could be it. It's getting warmer now, thankfully

I try to take off any particularly awful mould lines (I'm not good at this step) but I've never washed any of them. Just in soapy water?

Thanks for the advice. It was probably only 10-12 degrees when I was doing it, so that could be it. It's getting warmer now, thankfully

I try to take off any particularly awful mould lines (I'm not good at this step) but I've never washed any of them. Just in soapy water?

yeah, mildly soapy and mildly warm. let them soak for about 20 minutes and then go at them with a rigid nylon brush (toothbrush works pretty well). goal is wash off any release/finishing agent which is what allows the figure to be easily removed from its mould when casting. If that's not washed off, primers can have a hard time adhering to the miniature. Not sure if the FF figures requiring washing; it's just something i do and its worked well.

Well that was actually quite fun, I really enjoyed myself. The videos are truly awesome.

I'm at the Lacquer stage now and the can says to wait 24 hours for the paint to dry before using it, just curious if that is the same for these acrylic paints? Then how long does the Lacquer need to dry before I can put on the ard coat?

Once I've got those last steps done I will post a picture for critique I imagine there is no harm in leaving them sitting on the table over night before the lacquer hits?

using citadel paints ive always varnished them immediately after the paint appears dry, so 5-10 mins, never had any problems (i use army painter matt varnish)

Alright, they are done. I will post them later today have to run to the in laws for brunch now, but I did notice after I got the Ardcoat on and a little while i was applying it, little flecks coming off my brushes. I cleaned them last night with diluted Testors brush cleaner, soaking them in it for a few minutes then patting dry with a paper towel till no more paint came off, then brushing them and re shaping them as best I could. I obviously didn't get all of it out though. Unfortunately some of these flecks are on the armor and now I can't get them off, doesn't ruin the figure but still an avoidable step. What did I do wrong for brush care? What does your routine involve?

I am using the Princeton Kolinsky Sable 7050 series, #0 and 2. That was the closest alternative to what you recommended Sorastro I could find in my city (according to google).

Bottom line is, man did I have fun. I turned up the Star Wars (and also listened a lot to the music in your videos) and just went to town. I can't believe how much fun I had. I've been missing out for so many years!! Thanks again.

...Bottom line is, man did I have fun. I turned up the Star Wars (and also listened a lot to the music in your videos) and just went to town. I can't believe how much fun I had. I've been missing out for so many years!! Thanks again.

Awesome mate! That's what it's all about

Try this out and if you're not happy with the results, you can always hit a figure a second time. also be mindful of temp and humidity when applying; weather can also affect the results.

It has been pretty cold and damp in the UK recently - is it best to spray in a warm and dry environment? Is that also true for priming? I felt like my figures had an almost gritty texture to them last time I primed some. I'd shaken the can for ages, so I don't think it was poorly mixed paint.

I've been priming all year long from weather ranging from -25 C to 30 C. Humidity can be an issue and I avoid priming or varnishing when it's raining or snowing (even if the balcony has some cover). The only problems I've had, have been with Army Painter white primer and I had a can of it which clogged up and left behind a gritty surface. Black and gray Army Painter primers have worked well for me. Their white one seems trickier.