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Also, as mentioned in that other thread, you always want to put a gloss coat down on the area you want to apply the decal in addition to using the Micro-Set & Micro-Sol stuff (and probably one afterwards as a sealant). Decals aren't hard to apply at all, so long as you follow the proper procedures, something doubly necessary given GW's over-thick, poorly printed decals.

True I have never come across such crap decals ever. When I was younger and did model planes I remeber the decals being much thinner and easier to aplly. then I saw the GW ones and thought maybe I imagined the whole thing. Now I am building planes again and relise that its true, GW decals suck

One thing I've found that makes putting the decals on a lot easier is taking a craft knife to em and cutting along the edges at least somewhat. I've cut the Ultramarines U down pretty substantially and it's worked wonders for going on smooth and looking good.

If you were so inclined, you could learn how he did it, and copy the technique. Practice on some old plastic second edition basic marines, and continue on after a few tries on the new ones.

I don't see anything wrong with your minis, and they are a damn fine job. Its ok to have a bit of professional envy, it will motivate you to do a better job. I always try to learn how other people paint, and never lack for interest in painted mini styles.
I've noticed alot of metal and plastic piles on the table and always find that the lack of commitment as well shows in the offenders gaming as well. I don't mind the beginner, where you can see a progress in the making, but the people who put together a flavor of the month army, play it like crap, and then try to blame it on the army always seem to have the minis with the excessive glue, the broken bits cluttering the table, and trails of bodies who have been hit so hard that they loose thier limbs and bases, are just as effective in thier own special way. I blame it on the staff types that  "sell" the game, and some of the less fortunate buyers that get hooked by the paint job on the box. Its not a big effort to learn to paint, but it is looking more and more every couple of months that time and patience are more of the skill then the actual painting.

My opinion, but with the way the suck price is with even the basic of plastics, the game isn't like the old days when one could pick and choose. It should take a little more planning and effort for the results that you want.
I don't hate better painted armys or painters, but I'm not going to lie around and take it when they try to be smug about it. I see how they did it, learn a few pointers that I can use, and make an effort to do the job better.

Grot, well written and very interesting. I agree with you 110%.

There is however a bit of natural talent associated with painting. While this is somthing time and patience can negate, talent always has a bit of an effect.

What people should do is realise this, and be content with their paint jobs (which are usually pretty good!).

Chuck

No such thing as natural talent. Just kidding, chuckhol is absolutly correct. some people are just great painters whereas other no matter how hard they try eventualy reach a ceiling affect, Just be happy with what you have.

either that or spend Bucks on painted mini by profesional. cheaper to play with your own

Cant you buy the shoulder pads any more?? I know I use to ordere EC and Night lordpads all the time??

I think you still can