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So as a disclaimer I am I don't have a lot of experience painting and painting is hard for me because my hands shake a little with fine motor movements and I don't have a lot of time to dedicate to painting. I am trying to do my first full army that was painted exclusively be me. These are the first models I have finished. A friend of mine suggested I do some dry brushing to bring out the detail. I did it on some test models but I did not like the results. I felts like the color contrast was too great because I like that the models have a dark shadowy look, or to0 subtle to be worth it. So I am not sure if dry brush is the way to go.

So I have 3 questions:

1: I plan to put a doing a gloss finish to give them a shell/slimy look good. Is this a good idea or bad idea?

2: I know these are not the best painted models in the world but I think they are about as good as I can expect from my skill/knowlege level and ability at this time. But do you have any recommendations of something that could be done fairly simply (that can be done without a real steady hand) and quickly that would bump the models up a notch? (Other than basing, I will do that at the end).

3: Do you think these models are table worthy as is (assuming sealed and based and understanding I wont win any prizes). I have about 90 more models to go and I am worried that if I do too much I will never get it done or if I try to paint too far above my skill level I will just ruin them.

Thanks!

I would not put the gloss on them if it was me it might look like you covered it in clear glue but i dont use washes very often so another persons opinion would be better than mine also I would put a light wash of agrax earth shade to get in the crevices and it will bring out the lighter tones they are definitely table top worthy as long as you base them you could slip by without the basing but it would gain you more respect as a painter to have based models

I think selective pieces made glossy would look really cool on them. I would recommend using the brush on gloss coat from Vallejo. That way you can control what and how glossy the parts are.

Those are pretty good for starting off (more than adequate for playing with), and I agree with darefsky that selective gloss could look good. Maybe the carapaces and claws, as well as the Zoanthrope's brain.

Drybrushing could help bring out texture, yes, and if you're worried about overdoing it then that may mean there is still too much paint on the brush. If you try it with less paint, but more repeated strokes, you will see a nice effect gradually build up. But you shouldn't consider this 'necessary' so if you don't want to do it, don't feel it's a technique you need to use.

The main thing I would look out for on future models is mould lines. These can be filed down or shaved off with a craft knife, and doing that would make the models look a fair bit better in my view. Also, it's hard to tell from the pictures what you have done, but having eyes painted in a contrasting colour can help draw attention to the face.

With these guys, I'd recommend painting the bases, to tie them together and give them a 'finished' look. Glue and sand, followed by painting and drybrushing, will really help. If you'd like, static grass or flock afterwards are good additions. I like to paint the rims of bases black but that's personal preference.

I'm thinking the armor, teeth and claws should be hit with 'Ard Coat or whatever gloss you have.