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2013/09/21 07:35:32
Subject: Re:Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar + Other Projects (Matte Varnish Makes a Huge Difference)
You guys are probably right about the temperature and humidity. I just checked the weather here and it's unusually dry (55% humidity), which is probably why Tierdeleira came out relatively well. The problem is, this unusual weather the result of a Super Typhoon (media are saying it's the world's strongest storm of 2013) that's due for a direct hit on Hong Kong tomorrow or Monday. I don't think I'm going to start wishing for Typhoons just so I can varnish my models !
As a side note, the Typhoon's been named Usagi which means "rabbit" in Japanese. I've always thought they should pick more intimidating names for storms so people take them more seriously. 40k lore would be a particularly good reference. You could have "Hurricane Bloodthirster," "Cyclone Warboss," "Typhoon Razorwing," etc.
@jah-joshua: That sounds like it might be exactly what I need, I'll grab a bottle next time I'm down at my FLGS.
@Arakasi: Thanks for the tip , but I already use a hairdryer because I found that if I don't there's almost guaranteed to be frosting!
2013/09/21 09:54:42
Subject: Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar + Other Projects (Matte Varnish Makes a Huge Difference)
I did the same to some tanks a few weeks back.
What worked for them is to wait until the humidity is lower, spray lightly with a satin or gloss varnish then when that has dried re-apply the matt.
The effect is caused from moisture in the air condensing on the colder sprayed varnish (notice how a can gets cold as you spray with it, first law of thermodynamics in action!), the varnish then sets with the condensation in contact creating a rough un-even surface that whitens as the water evaporates.
2013/09/21 11:02:19
Subject: Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar + Other Projects (Matte Varnish Makes a Huge Difference)
@Jon: just imagine that the Typhoon is actually named Usagi Yojimbo...
now it's a badass samurai rabbit!!!
it has always made me laugh, the names of hurricanes are so boring...
as i'm out surfing 20 foot waves that could be the death of me, i think, "wow, hurricane Jane is really kicking some ass today"...
meh...
cheers
jah
Paint like ya got a pair!
Available for commissions.
2013/09/21 17:16:49
Subject: Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar + Other Projects (Matte Varnish Makes a Huge Difference)
I decided to keep going with Reaper's Dark Elves so here are two more. I've noticed that some of the Bones mini's are posed slightly differently from their metal counterparts. Probably due to casting constraints. In some cases, such as the assassin on the left, this results in a flatter and less interesting pose. So I decided to do a very minor conversion and pivot the right arm back around to the pose of the original metal mini.
I've also done a little painting on a second Dark Elf. Nothing too fancy, mainly sticking with what works .
@jah-joshua: I'm going to go see if I can dig up Usagi Yojimbo to read right now since you reminded me about it!
2013/10/02 07:47:47
Subject: Re:Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar + Other Projects (Reaper Bones Dark Elf Warrior Completed!)
Here's my second painted Bones mini, a Dark Elf Warrior. I think the cloak came out particularly well since I've been trying to make my highlights slightly more dramatic. I've always had trouble with smooth highlights because of the blending involved. He pairs up nicely with Tierdeleira on the tabletop.
The reason for my relative lack of progress is Card Hunter. It's Final Fantasy Tactics meets Magic the Gathering meets Bloodbowl. It's the best turn based "tactics" type game I've played in years and that list includes games like the new X-COM and the various Disgaea games.
As to what's next, my friend is renovating his house decided to give me a bunch of Eldar models because he said he realized he was never going to paint them. We'll see that catches my fancy. I'm thinking a Vyper Jetbike would be fun since I've always liked the model.
2013/10/04 22:15:53
Subject: Re:Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar + Other Projects (Reaper Bones Dark Elf Warrior Completed!)
Hey mate, did you paint a whole Tau army in your Drowned Gardens colours, perchance? Because such an army appeared in the Michigan Grand Tournament 2013, it seems. Check it out here
It seems far too similar to be a coincidence, so I thought you'd appreciate the info
KrautScientist wrote: Hey mate, did you paint a whole Tau army in your Drowned Gardens colours, perchance? Because such an army appeared in the Michigan Grand Tournament 2013, it seems. Check it out here
It seems far too similar to be a coincidence, so I thought you'd appreciate the info
Well they do say imitation is the highest form of flattery!
WAAAGH! Gutsnagga Mo-ork- 5000pts Kult of speed + goffs
red space marines, (almost angry enough!) 2000 points
Here's my P&M blog - http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/551978.page And here's a thread of my completed miniatures -
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/551971.page 'You have that the wrong way around. Space Hulk teaches the inmates how large numbers of fast moving vicious hand to hand combatants can over come a small number of gun armed adversaries, in a sequence of narrow corridors.' -Orlanth
2013/10/07 13:48:34
Subject: Re:Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar (Attempting a Dark Eldar "Looted" Vyper Conversion)
I've got some fluff in mind for this so hold back the nerd-rage for a bit . But here's a progress photo first while I work it out. I'm really happy with how the gunner conversion turned out. Although it looks simple, it took me a lot of trial and error to find two arms the fit correctly! This photo also shows how I magnetized the "turret" by fitting a magnetic plate into the original recess and gluing a magnet into the turret.
As for the Tau army, I'd agree with Gutsnagga. I've actually always wondered how a Tau army would look in the Drowned Gardens colors and now I don't have to try it out ! Although I think it might look better with some white accents, like some stripes.
2013/10/07 17:31:14
Subject: Re:Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar (Attempting a Dark Eldar "Looted" Vyper Conversion)
Mechanicum Jon wrote: I've got some fluff in mind for this so hold back the nerd-rage for a bit . But here's a progress photo first while I work it out. I'm really happy with how the gunner conversion turned out. Although it looks simple, it took me a lot of trial and error to find two arms the fit correctly! This photo also shows how I magnetized the "turret" by fitting a magnetic plate into the original recess and gluing a magnet into the turret.
I love converting Vypers. Dont have a photo of my viper with a dark lance but I do remember the trouble getting arms that would fit. More trouble fitting any of the old style DE heads into the cockpit, they were all too tall.
right before the Venom came out I made a bunch of viper venom conversions, This one is my favorite. Sadly I cannot paint.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/10/07 17:31:54
2013/11/27 14:37:27
Subject: Re:Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar (Cardhunter Caused Hiatus Ends! Vyper Progress!)
Whew! I've definitely had a Cardhunter addiction which has led to a bit of a lull over here ! But progress has finally been made!
The pilot's got a great expression. He looks really intense!
The Eldar pilot arms with the Dark Eldar torso also give a neat retro feel to this guy. Right now the Vyper has been chipped and highlighted but not rusted yet.
@Exergy: That's an amazing Venom conversion! Really like how you used the hanger's on.
2014/07/02 00:17:56
Subject: Mechanicum Jon's Dark Eldar (Cardhunter Caused Hiatus Ends! Vyper Progress!)
It is perfectly fine to post into older painting and modeling threads, as good work always deserves to get more kudos.
In other words, thread necromancy is only an issue in threads with topical content (like news or tactics discussions, etc).
I know it can be a little disconcerting/annoying, but when its your blog thread, its always nice to get some more praise regardless of when your last update was.
2. If you’re painting glyphs on the model do that now since all the weathering will go on top.
3. Spray with flat matt varnish (Tamiya, Mr. Color or Mr. Hobby).
This step is important because it lets me wipe off the weathering easily with a bit of rubbing alcohol if I make a mistake. Typically the mistake is to overdo the weathering.
4. Mix up a dark gray color (I use Adeptus Battlegray + Chaos Black).
5. Use a piece of foam or sponge with “fine grain” to sponge on splotches of the dark gray to simulate paint chips. A detail brush is also useful for touching up and adding smaller chipped areas.
I use the foam from Sabol pluck and pick trays since I’ve got lots of it. It looks best if you can make it look semi-random. I concentrate a bit more on edges and places where I think more wear and tear will occur (like the handrails of the Ravager).
It’s surprisingly hard to get the semi-random look right. On my first Ravager I found I had lapsed into a regular pattern of “blotches” about 2 cm apart. That was when the coat of varnish helped since I could actually just wipe off the mistakes or even just scrape parts off with my fingernail.
6. Once all the chipping is done, paint all the other parts of the model as usual.
I do the chipping first since it’s a waste to get everything nicely painted and then find out you’ve put a gray blotch over your nicely painted white hair.
7. Highlight the edges of the model with skull white mixed with a tiny bit of blue.
8. Spray the model with flat matt varnish again.
I usually don’t do this for infantry since I don’t usually mess up the next step on them.
9. Mix up some weathering powders (I use MIG Old Rust and Rust) with odorless mineral spirits (found in most art stores).
I’ve tried all kinds of weathering powders but have found that the MIG ones work the best. Their depth of color just seems to be better than anything else I’ve tried. If anyone knows of a good online store that carries the MIG powders and ships worldwide please let me know. No one sells them here in Hong Kong.
I bought mine in the Yellow Submarine hobby shop at the top of the Radio Kaikan building in Akihabara, Tokyo. Those powders are probably the most useful souvenirs I’ve ever bought. This is in contrast to the box of Chessex dice I bought in Paris which seem to have an aversion to rolling hits for Dark Lances…
10. Dip a brush in the mixture and touch it to a join between armor plates. It’s like using a wash. The capillary action will naturally draw it along cracks. Also paint on some streaks parallel to the direction the vehicle travels in. Again, the varnish lets you wipe off any mistakes.
11. Apply a final coat(s) of varnish to seal everything in.
12. Enjoy one turn (or deployment phase at least) of glory on the tabletop before a stiff breeze (or two twin-linked psybolt autocannons) explode your open-topped paper airplane!
I once had two Raiders, a Ravager and a Venom exploded in Turn One even though they all had Flickerfields and/or cover in a 1250pt game. It was those French dice again…
Such an amazing army, hope he comes back to Dakka when he's ready.
!
, but I already use a hairdryer because I found that if I don't there's almost guaranteed to be frosting!
My 
My 
My 
WAAAGH! Gutsnagga Mo-ork- 5000pts Kult of speed + goffs
red space marines, (almost angry enough!) 2000 points
. But here's a progress photo first while I work it out. I'm really happy with how the gunner conversion turned out. Although it looks simple, it took me a lot of trial and error to find two arms the fit correctly! This photo also shows how I magnetized the "turret" by fitting a magnetic plate into the original recess and gluing a magnet into the turret.
