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This is my first vehicle painting attempt. I've only painted about 15 or so marines yet and prior to those marines I've never painted anything more detailed than a fence. I say this only because any techniques that some may find easy I probably haven't even heard of. I've looked at a lot of guides and videos but I am still having issues figuring out things so I decided to post here!

I haven't done any highlights or shading (except an attempt at the pintle with wash) as I'm unsure exactly where and with what colors to do so. My secondary color on the rhino is going to be either brown or chainmail (my marines have brown shoulders and chainmail weapons and bits as seen on the pintle stormbolter and heavy bolter). I'm not really sure which would look better as all that color wheel stuff is lost on me. I also think I should have primed black instead of grey as my paint didn't cover well in low areas. This makes the low areas look brighter which seems to be the exact opposite of what it should be. Am I correct in that assumption?

So basically I would love some advice/tips on where and with what color to highlight and shade, what color would make a better secondary, what primer would work better for this model and color scheme and any detail tips or hints that don't quite look right or need changing. Feel free to pick apart everything as its probably the best way for me to learn. =)

I of course have pictures but I don't know how many I can post or if a certain number is considered picture spamming so I'll add them in an edit later if someone could kindly let me know how many I can/should post. thanks!

EDIT: heres the pictures

You dont' have to worry about picture spamming, the uploader automatically limits it for you. So post up some pictures!

updated with pictures.

I wouldn't wash the entire model for one. I don't know if you were planning on it, but washes (even the new ones) tend to dry unevenly on flat surfaces, which can lead to unsightly pooling. Instead, focus on washing the recesses and details. Here's an example on one of my old-school Rhinos:

I used a black wash on all the rivets and between obvious armor plate joins, then highlighted like usual. For you, you could do the same thing but wash with Agrax Earthshade, which will look less harsh on the red than a black wash. Your color coverage problem might just be that you need another coat of paint in certain areas. Even with the base paints like Mephiston Red, it might take a coat or two to get the desired effect on a model. As for highlights, what red did you use? Generally it's good just to use the color one or two shades higher.

I picked up a can of spray from a hobby shop near me. Unfortunately they don"t sell GW stuff but they do sell a lot of WWII tanks and aircraft etc. so the paint quality is pretty good. It's just listed as dull red so as far as citadel paints go I don't know what to compare to. I did this because I didn't want brush lines on a large flat surface like a vehicle and I sadly don't have a spray gun to use citadel paints in. This is also why it didn't seem to fill in the low areas very well. Spray cans put out to much paint and I only lightly misted it to avoid pooling or runs trying to get coverage in cracks and groves. Now I know heh. XD

The spray can I used is apparently a decent brand. Tamiya is the name.

This is how I do it.

1. Paint 2 thinned layers of base color. (until it's an even coat of course)
2. Wash the entire model in Babab black (or the new one)
3. Drybrush the vehicle with a big flat brush with the original colour (not thinned)
4. very light drybrush with a lighter colour for the edge highlight

Came out like this: