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Hello guys,

I am very new to warhammer, so I apologize if I sound like a complete nub with this idea.

I've been looking at the Tau figures, easy to paint, I can go nuts with camo on my airbrush if I want to..
(which by the way, I was eying this set from ABdepot so I can do case modding as well so give me your opinions on this)

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/suggesteditem.aspx?parentitemno=ABD+KIT-G65-700


So! On to the real question. What I want, is a Tau army, in kind of a snow camo scheme going on (lot white, greys, and blues). Of course, I want to do some scorch marks on the armor, as well as some basic weathering, but that goes without saying. The real question, is I want to put a texture kind of like what "Frosted Dice" have on them. Not over the whole thing, just really the fronts. That way, they look to have been marching into a blizzard to reach an objective. How would I do this? Any suggestions, comments, links?

Certain matte varnishes can add texture and dull colors. Usually this sort of thing is avoided but in your case it might be just the right touch!

Edit: If you maybe painted the snow/frost coloring on and glossed the armor first, then then dulled frosted area with the matte that would enhance the effect and make it stand out. Totally depends on the armor style you have in mind though.

you could also try gluing on some sugar or salt

I put drops of Citadel Super glue on plastic areas an it usually turns out a nice frosty effect. It ends up looking like your windshield when it's 2 degrees outside. I hate Wisconsin...

Apply the stippling technique to the affected areas with a round, not necessarily pointed, brush.

You might want to look into paint mediums as well... Liquitex manufactures a bunch of these and their opaque flakes might do what you want it to. The question would be whether the flakes are too large for use on a miniature. If so, you still might be able to use them on your vehicles.

Places that sell these items will usually have swatches to see the "on canvas" effect of using mediums in both color and texture.

Check this out.

It's a very interesting idea!

Acrylic gel media can be used to add 3D effects. There are various types available.

If you don't get the look exactly right, it will look like a varnishing error rather than a deliberate effect.

I suggest (a) do some effects tests on plain card first, to get the technique.

(b) Use single test figures to try out the look on a real figure. You don't have to paint them up fully, just give them a white undercoat and put on the icing.

(c) The icing might look better coming down from the top rather than from in front.

You can use epsom salts (you should be able to get them in amongst the laundry / soap powder section of supermarkets, or a hardware shop) to get a frosty effect, like ice crystals on the ground.