I'm a newcomer to Descent and am looking forward to painting up my army of minis in about a month's time. But I need to get some info squared away before I begin, specifically regarding metallic paints:

1) I've read mixed results about thinning metallic paints with water. Some are saying that the metal flakes in the paint will rust when you add the water to it, and while I can see some logic in that, has anyone here experienced this? Or ever heard of this actually happening? Does a clear coat prevent the oxidation? Which leads me to the next question...

2) I plan to use Testors dullcote to finish/seal off the minis after the paint job is done. I've heard using a matte finish can reduce the shine, causing the metallic appearance to become flat. What tricks do you guys use to get around this? Or do you find the metal is still able to shine through enough to your liking?

Thanks!

Hey Zotiskarr,

Metallic paints are the only paints I don't thin with water, but not for the reason you discribe. I have never heard or seen metallic paint rust by mixing water to it. My reason is that it will mess up the pigment of the metallic, it doesn't flow evenly . But why do you want to thin your metallic paints?

If you really want to thin it, I would suggest thinner for airbrush (vallejo).

use the testors dullcote (one of the best on the market). If you want to bring back the shiny in the armor, you can use ardcoat from games workshop. Mind that this will make your armour very shiny! If its to much for you, mix it with some lahmian medium (Games Workshop).

Goodluck with the painting, try to enjoy it. Time related (paint) jobs for a starter can be very frustating.

greets Miel

Thanks for the response TryFal, it's been very helpful.

I'm very new to mini painting (haven't even attempted it yet), but I've gathered up a lot of the materials I need for it. The biggest thing I'm lacking right now is time, which I will have in a few weeks. College and work are currently double-teaming me at the moment.

I wasn't even going to paint them originally, but then I happen to stumble upon some videos on YouTube of people that have and well...What has been seen cannot be unseen. Now I have to! It brings so much more life to the game somehow. I watch these guys paint these minis, then I look at the actual mini in person and wow...The way they are able to fill in the details and make it all come together is just insane on something so tiny.

Although I have no personal reason for wanting to thin the metallic paints, I saw at least 1 review warning against it from another customer while I was browsing paints online, so I figured I would be encountering that at some point. I tend to dig into every detail and like to factor in all types of scenarios when I'm learning something new. So that's really why I asked.

Thanks again!