Hey all!

Was just thinking... for those people who are a little intimidated by painting their miniatures, especially those new to painting, it might be worth checking out the "dip" technique.

Basically you paint one level of paint on the figures, just the basic colors, and then dip the figure into a shade... there are companies that sell dip (for example, Army Painter) but you can just use a floor polish; its the same thing.

The dip settles in the folds and such of the figure, and end up giving you a shaded look without much work! It is particularly useful with lighter colors, like white.

As an example, here are some figures where I painted in the basic colors, pre-dip:

And here those same figures are, post-dip (I picked a photo from the back, because those big roman shields block a lot...)

And here are some others who were dipped...

Anyway, if anyone wants more info, just ask... it might be really useful for new painters (and a decent way to make all-white Stormtroopers look okay!)

Dipping works... as a fast alternative to get models on the table

Yes, please! Tell me more!

39 minutes ago, ZoBOOMafu said:

Dipping works... as a fast alternative to get models on the table

Yep! That's the idea:) Also, for people who aren't looking to learn to highlight and shade (or who are working on a more limited budget) it can be a bunch easier. Slap a matte varnish on there, and they look just fine.

19 minutes ago, E Minor said:

Yes, please! Tell me more!

Here is a link to Army Painter, which sells three shades of dip.

https://shop.thearmypainter.com/products.php?ProductGroupId=1

In terms of use, it is super easy.

First, as a I said, just block paint the base colors. Here is a sample handgunner I did.

The first version is the one with the basic colors painted on.

Then you literally grab a pair of crappy old pliers, grab the figure by the base, and literally dip it in a can of varnish! Then what I do is I just hold the figure firmly by the base with the pliers, stick it all in a big cardboard box, and shake it vigorously. After some shakes get rid of the excess, I take it out, and use a paper towel to wick away wherever the dip might be pooling where it shouldn't... you want it to pool in cracks, folds, and crevices, but it naturally wants to follow gravity, so you'll find some spots where there is too much, like at the lower bottom ends of a large piece of cloth. Dab away the excess, let sit for 24 hours, and voila! You will want to do a varnish over top, though.

You CAN still do a quick highlight, but I find that it isn't necessary for most people.

The figures I posted above are all dipped; the only one that had any extra highlights are the Space Wolf termies, who I did some edge highlighting on, and the Gaul chieftain. Otherwise thats all basic colors and dip.

It can work WONDERS with white... I used dip for my Austrians, and it works out well, and I expect it will look great with Stormtroopers!

There are couple of methods for applying quick shade or wood stain..... As its a stain it is messy... Adults only... My wife supervises me when I dip..

You can brush it on.. but I prefer to put my can of shade in a box.. put my miniature on the end of my drill; Dip and spin, never taking the miniature out of the box until I have removed a good bit of the shade. Its not efficient but it is the cleanest method. I have found..Nothing outside of the box.

I find that the shade protects miniatures I play with... but it comes out shiney... With a shine... not as in excellent!! I usually hit it with some testors dull coat. If the colors come out dimmer than I like. I repaint with a little of my original color after dull coating.

For me speed is the main goal.. I try not to spend more than 45 minutes painting a miniature before dipping. That doesn't mean I am sloppy. That means my goal is to get a clean base coat on in 45 minutes or less. Other advice.. if you dip use brighter colors.. Dip really cuts that down..

.I won't win any prizes.. for my paint jobs.. but I always have good looking table top quality miniatures.. and thats all that matters...

Which tone would you recommend for Stormtroopers? I have some small dropper bottles of these shades.

I would think a light tone... with white, you don't need much, and the strong or dark (by Army Painter terms) might be too much for them:(

Got it! Any advice on the home-made dips? I'm looking for videos/recipes now. Any thoughts?

8 minutes ago, E Minor said:

Which tone would you recommend for Stormtroopers? I have some small dropper bottles of these shades.

I probably wouldn't dip storm troopers..If I did I would probably go Dark tone or Min Wax Tudor or Espresso.

Painting storm troopers I am probably going to use a method called "pin washing"

Essentially, Pin Washing is this.. Lay down your base coat.. then apply or spray gloss coat over your miniature. Let dry..

Miniature will be hard and glossy.. i will take my darkest wash and apply to all the recesses and let dry. then apply my white to the big flat panels of the armor.. and paint the eyes..

The reason I wouldn't dip.. is they are white.. and as stated above dipping shades everything. Not that you cannot come back from the shading after a layer of dull coat. its just difficult.. Whites are tough...

7 minutes ago, E Minor said:

Got it! Any advice on the home-made dips? I'm looking for videos/recipes now. Any thoughts?

Minwax polyshades and mineral spirits.. Paint a paint mixing stick the main color you are painting as a base coat and then dip the stick and see how it dries over the top..

I believe I guy named plumperJones did some youtube vids about mixing minwax and how much mineral spirits was required ... on some zombiecide minis

Fantastic. Thank you so much!

I wouldn't hesitate buying one, btw... it isn't that much more expensive than a floor polish, and might be worth it. If you are going to invest in hundreds of dollars in the game, then make sure you have the support stuff, like paints and brushes.

For miniatures with *white armor*, you want to use the dark tone. UNLESS You are doing the armor is meant to look weathered from a desert planet or you simply want a dusty, camel hue. In that case go for the medium tone.