I'd like to add some detail to all my ships. Nothing super detailed but basic single color markings. Stripes, chevrons, circles, etc. Just to differentiate between ships easier. It's been a loooong while since i've done any model work. What's a safe paint to use on these miniatures? How do I want to thin out the color so it's not just a thick band of solid color? I'd like to keep the existing detail of the miniature and just add a bit of color. Any advice is appreciated.

I'm using Valejo Model and game colours. They have plenty of pigments to be adopted right over the models as they are (i.e. without the need for a basecoat).

I hear lots of good things about valejo paints. Unfortunately i have such a plethra of Games Workshop paints which work just fine that i haven't had a chance to try em out yet. Doesn't seem worth it to invest in more paints when i have so much still.

I've painted engine glows on about 1/3 of my ships with no problems with the GW and they look good with the colors. If you are planning to do the engines grab 2-3 shades of a color for best results.

If you ever do plan on redoing a whole ship grab a "nuln oil" wash from GW, works magic on preserving detail. Should run you 2-3 dollars. not sure if valejo has washes available, I'd be suprised if they didn't have something very similar though.

If you ever do plan on redoing a whole ship grab a "nuln oil" wash from GW, works magic on preserving detail. Should run you 2-3 dollars. not sure if valejo has washes available, I'd be suprised if they didn't have something very similar though.

I have all the Vallejo washes, but really don't get on with them. So washes and metalics are the only things I still use from GW. Though I also use the P3 Inks which are almost stains, and act very similar to the old GW Inks before they went to the round pots.

I find the Vallejo paints far better, but I'm in a similar situation to you so have been replacing as I run out.

One thing I will say to help out is make sure you varnish whatever you add to your models, I find due to the slightly rubbery nature of the models that if you don't the paint will rub off due to handling.

One thing I will say to help out is make sure you varnish whatever you add to your models, I find due to the slightly rubbery nature of the models that if you don't the paint will rub off due to handling.

Make sure you know the difference between matte and gloss finish / varnish. Makes a huge difference especially if you don't like shiny looking models. Rodent is right though, really save you a lot of touching up later down the road.

I use both.. Spray Gloss Varnish gives you the best protection for a model so I put two coats of that on when I finish a model. Wait for them to dry then use a paint on Vallejo Matt Varnish to knock back the shine.

the lack of engine glow is something that really peeves me on these. all that detail and they skipped the engine glow.

so even though i want the faded look on the markings i want to add i should still varnish on top of them?

yeah.. If you want them faded, mix a bit of a pale sandy colour into the highlight, add chips of the base color along the edges of panels, and/or put a Nuln Oil wash over the top (or possibly camoshade)... If you don't varnish it will weather in a weird way or even rub off entirely.

The varnish is a clear coat.. shouldnt effect the color of anything, though as we stated gloss finish will make it a bit shiny. so i use two coats of matte, also please follow the recomended temp and conditions outside when using finish. you can end up with some wierd and or different results if its to cold or muggy out. luckily i found that out while varnishing some snow based troopers for my zombie war game.. they ended up looking frosty which looked great, not something i would want on my starships though.

If you ever do plan on redoing a whole ship grab a "nuln oil" wash from GW, works magic on preserving detail. Should run you 2-3 dollars. not sure if valejo has washes available, I'd be suprised if they didn't have something very similar though.

I have all the Vallejo washes, but really don't get on with them. So washes and metalics are the only things I still use from GW. Though I also use the P3 Inks which are almost stains, and act very similar to the old GW Inks before they went to the round pots.

I find the Vallejo paints far better, but I'm in a similar situation to you so have been replacing as I run out.

One thing I will say to help out is make sure you varnish whatever you add to your models, I find due to the slightly rubbery nature of the models that if you don't the paint will rub off due to handling.

Valejo also has a series of thinners and mediums which help with the use of the washes.

If you ever do plan on redoing a whole ship grab a "nuln oil" wash from GW, works magic on preserving detail. Should run you 2-3 dollars. not sure if valejo has washes available, I'd be suprised if they didn't have something very similar though.

I have all the Vallejo washes, but really don't get on with them. So washes and metalics are the only things I still use from GW. Though I also use the P3 Inks which are almost stains, and act very similar to the old GW Inks before they went to the round pots.

I find the Vallejo paints far better, but I'm in a similar situation to you so have been replacing as I run out.

One thing I will say to help out is make sure you varnish whatever you add to your models, I find due to the slightly rubbery nature of the models that if you don't the paint will rub off due to handling.

Valejo also has a series of thinners and mediums which help with the use of the washes.

The issue I have is they a very low on pigment, and the colour are not very useful (how do you even use gray wash). Neither of these are really helped by thinners or mediums. Vallejo do some wonderful paint, varnishes, mediums, but their washes are only so-so. I also have issues with the nossel being constantly blocked with the metallics, If they came in a standard pot they would be great however.

My favorite paints are Model Masters, mostly because of the sheer variety and the permanency of enamel paint. But you have to be careful with them, because enamels are notoriously toxic paints. You can get them on your skin just fine, but their fumes are something that can drive me out of my own apartment if I forget to open the window and put a fan in it.