Ok, so I'm totally new at miniature painting. I've watched several tutorial videos on youtube. One thing they don't really go over is mistakes and correcting them. So, I see in the videos that when they are done priming the minis, they appear rather smooth. I apply the same techniques and mine come out grainy or chalky. I think I may have goofed and applied a second coat because it looks like I've lost some detailing is some areas. I even attempted to put some paint on one but the grainy job shows through. Is this normal? Or do I need to strip them down and start over? If the latter, which product works best?

The grainy look or loss of detail can happen for a number of reasons. 1) make sure the spray can is well shook so you can hear the rattle. One minute or more is normal. When you've finished turn upside down and give a short burst to clear the nozzle. 2) hot weather can create a grainy look with sprays. 3) You could be over-spraying, or have the wrong distance from the mini. This tutorial is helpful. http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/tutorial-kongs-priming-thoughts.html

You will get some grainyness but don't worry. The fact that it is showing through means that your paints are probably the right consistency. Several thin layers are better than one thick layer, even if the latter gives more opaque results quicker. Patience pays off.

If you do wish to strip the models then I'd recommend soaking in Dettol if youre in northern europe. Don't use generic brands. Soak for 24 hours min. Then scrub under a cold tap with an old toothbrush, but have some fresh dettol to one side. Dip in constantly to keep your toothbrush from going like tar. If you live in north America there's a product called Simple Green which is meant to be good.

For some basics here are some other articles. miniature painting is often about pushing and pulling against mistakes to achieve a balance. But the best thing to do is keep looking at tutorials and don't be too hard on yourself. Just try to improve each time.

http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.com/2009/10/tutorial-basic-techniques.html

http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.com/2015/10/new-to-miniature-painting-learn-how-to.html

Thanks, the info you provided covered the gaps very well for me. :)

1 hour ago, Woobyluv said:

Thanks, the info you provided covered the gaps very well for me.

No problem. Happy painting!

I call on the painting gurus once again :) So, I've managed to strip my minis. There are still small bits of primer in the impossible to reach areas, should I let it dry and just reprime it or should I try to get the rest out?

Only if its obscuring a significant detail. Under arms, in fabric creases etc just leave it. If its very stubborn try cleaning the mini again and using a wooden toothpick to clear it out. If you use a needle or knife you can damage the model.

Once again, thanks for the help. :)

No problem. Show us your results when you make some progress

Will do. :)

I’m new as well, and one thing that I did that helped majorly was practice on some minis from other games that I wasn’t worried about messing up on (started with zombies from Descent 2.0).

Once you start getting things painted, you will probably notice some small errors you make. A nice way to fix the errors is by adding little details. I before you start adding things like scuff marks and mud to your minis, look for mistakes you want to cover up. I really like how detailing can act like an eraser

29 minutes ago, smickletz said:

I’m new as well, and one thing that I did that helped majorly was practice on some minis from other games that I wasn’t worried about messing up on (started with zombies from Descent 2.0).

Once you start getting things painted, you will probably notice some small errors you make. A nice way to fix the errors is by adding little details. I before you start adding things like scuff marks and mud to your minis, look for mistakes you want to cover up. I really like how detailing can act like an eraser

Actually, this sounds like a really good idea. I'll paint up some Imperial Assault Stormtroopers to get the hang of it so I don't have to start over again. :)

On 8/17/2018 at 1:39 PM, Woobyluv said:

There are still small bits of primer in the impossible to reach areas, should I let it dry and just reprime it or should I try to get the rest out?

Well, generally if you are priming with Black primer it gets left alone because it creates instant shading. Likewise, with a Stormtrooper that you want to be white it can be left alone. Primer doesn't need to be completely covered by regular paint. Thats why primer comes in various colors.

On 8/17/2018 at 4:39 PM, Woobyluv said:

I call on the painting gurus once again So, I've managed to strip my minis. There are still small bits of primer in the impossible to reach areas, should I let it dry and just reprime it or should I try to get the rest out?

This isn’t a problem. You can let it dry and then prime again over it and it should be fine. If it’s an area of exquisite detail that you think is super important for the mini, then you can try to pick it out with a toothpick. But if it’s just in the joints etc my experience is that it doesn’t get in the way or cause problems when you re-prime and then paint.