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Ok so i;m relatively new to the warhammer hobby and am loving it so far. i am currently in the process of outfitting my hobby area with tools including an airbrush and Dremel, and various other tools. i am wanting to have the most complete set of tools brushes and paints.
my questions come at tools and paints i was wondering being that the warhammer paints are so expensive i was wondering what other paints you are able to use in this hobby on plastics. also id like a complete list of tools and other things that make the hobby easier. also list any other things and pointers you have as i will be a frequent name in the forum. also any basing materials and table building accessories. i look forward to hearing back from you all and look forward to hearing and conversing about tis awesome hobby.



thanks

I have only bought GW paints once, and they actually dried up before I had used them all up. That was years ago though, so I can't really comment on the current quality of their paint, but I have always just used Wal-mart or JoAnn's Fabric paints, they work great as long as they are acrylic. They also have a huge range of colors available, and you can obviously mix to get any other color you need. The one draw back is that if you use painting guides, they generally refer to GW colors, so you'd have to do your best to match them up. But yeah, you can get a good sized bottle (2oz) of FolkArt paint for like 2 bucks. The same goes for GW paintbrushes, they are mad expensive and often you can find other brands at any craft store that are sufficiently small and will do a great job as well. Again, I don't have a lot of experience with GW brushes, it could be that they really are far superior. As for table building, I'll assume that includes terrain, ceiling tiles make a perfect material for making ruined buildings, you can just break them off and then glue them in a square and BAM instant ruined building, some are even textured already. Popsicle sticks and hot glue can make some really awesome palisade/wooden tower-esque terrain too. And that is as cheap as it gets. I hope some of this helps you out, welcome to the hobby!

This picture shows one of my ruined ceiling tile buildings in the background to give you an idea:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RpRbIVAEi3g/S3XzUiR2HgI/AAAAAAAAAC4/-o-Y0WO4iG8/s912/imperialguard3.jpg

also i was wondering on painting models choosing a color scheme i can choose and colors and customize to my liking correct?

Yeah, color schemes are totally up to you. GW has plenty of armies for each faction with set color schemes, the Ultramarines, for example, are blue and white; one of the most iconic armies of 40k. (fun fact: ultramarine was the color of one of the early blue pigments used by painters during the renaissance, it was named "ultra marine" because it was from "beyond the sea"). I would recommend coming up with your own color scheme because it makes your army more personalized to you and distinct from others'. If you have any art background you'll be good at picking out color schemes, if not check out this design website for some ideas:
http://colorschemedesigner.com/

U can use 'Folkart' (Think that is the american brand) paints and still get good results if you want to go really cheap. If you dont mind spending a bit more 'Vallejo' are the most well respected brand and they also do a line specifically designed for airbrushes.

As for brushes just go to a hobby store and use your judgement, there is no 'best' brushes out there, you just gotta experiment. That being said the GW brushes are pretty good and not Horrendously expensive. I dont know about airbrushes though. I think Paasch and badger are the best.

I would try and get good with traditional painting before attempting pure airbrush, that doesn't mean it wouldnt be handy to have one for tanks though

And a final word of warning, buying all the accesories can get addictive. You can find yourself stuck buying things you 'Need' for months without starting any Hobby, so i would just focus on the Basics, brush, 5-8 paints, and a can of primer (I recommend Grey!). Making do with kitchen tiles for palletes, yoghurt pots for water and Newspaper for hobby station.

EDIT: For colour scheme it is only really important if you want to buy into the cool background that goes with them. If you like the idea of thinking up your own stories, choose your own scheme.

Welcome to the forums. This link will help you.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/The%20Toolbox!

I prefer Vallejo paints--better bottle design (far, far better) and more selection. Read some threads already on here about paint brand selection.

First off, welcome to Dakka Dakka and the hobby!

Each hobbyist bulids his or her collection of minis, paints, and tools over time. Please do not feel the need to purchase all of this stuff at once, but instead buy it over the course of your time in the hobby. You mentioned the fact that you want an airbrush, a compressor and a Dremmel which are some of the most expensive items a hobbyist will buy, but are not willing to spend the money on a few GW paints, this confuses me.


I recomend you hit up a hardware store for some files, and possibly somethingb to use a pair of clippers for removing items off of sprues and a good x acto knife. Buy some brushes from a local craft store and purchase a handful of GW paints that you would like to use. Also, be sure you have bought a can of matte sealer to protect your painted miniatures, as they will last longer.

I'm told that Coat D'arms used to manufacture paints for Games Workshop many years ago; they still produce the exact same range under their own name.

I have some bottles left over from the 90's that still haven't dried out and have witnessed others on YouTube using them as well. They're probably better value than the current GW range too; I don't know how they compare to other brands but perhaps some other posters can give you an idea.

ALSO i was wondering what are good airbrush and compressor systems and what are some good websites to order tools and paints and things from including models?

Basics are excellent, and you'll always go back to them:
brushes (1 standard, 1 fine detail, 1 drybrush)
paints
nail file
nail clippers
super glue/CA


Definitely check out that Toolbox link, it's a godsend.

Well, I would definitely avoid doing anything at this point with an airbrush if you've only just started the hobby (manual painting and all). gotta crawl before you walk, and you're trying to run already

But, if you're adamant about it, do a little research on Badger and Pasche (spelling?) airbrushes. Check Amazon/Ebay. The compressor is all up to its uses. I personally use a 1 gallon pancake compressor, but I also have a use for power tools. There are specifically designed airbrush compressors that are good for under a workbench or desk, and are way quieter.

Ordering models? I like my local store, so I can't help ya much. Amazon?
Bits? thewarstore.com
paints? local shop. but I have a preference for Reaper paints (lots of variation, but needs thinning)

If/when you do get an airbrush, research "paint retarder" (research "tip dry" at the same time), and a good paint thinner. something designed specifically for the purpose, b/c unless you buy airbrush paint, most paints won't flow through an airbrush unless you're cranking some serious psi.

brother_zach wrote:First off, welcome to Dakka Dakka and the hobby!

Each hobbyist bulids his or her collection of minis, paints, and tools over time. Please do not feel the need to purchase all of this stuff at once, but instead buy it over the course of your time in the hobby. You mentioned the fact that you want an airbrush, a compressor and a Dremmel which are some of the most expensive items a hobbyist will buy, but are not willing to spend the money on a few GW paints, this confuses me.


I recomend you hit up a hardware store for some files, and possibly somethingb to use a pair of clippers for removing items off of sprues and a good x acto knife. Buy some brushes from a local craft store and purchase a handful of GW paints that you would like to use. Also, be sure you have bought a can of matte sealer to protect your painted miniatures, as they will last longer.

yeah i agree, I myself have just bought extra tools etc. as and when i feel it would become of use to me. I would recommend citadel paints I bought a load off of ebay to give me a start in getting a collection of paints together then just either topped up on paints i use or add to my collection of colours. I have tried Vallejo paints and just didn't like them cant really put a finger on why the citadel paints just seem to flow better imo. Also as for drying up i have the majority of my paints for over a year and none have completely dried up (I have had 1 or 2 pots where the paint has thickened but i just add a little water and shake it up then they are fine again)

If you've got the money then an airbrush is a really nice thing to have. It does such a beautiful smooth job on base coats, that you'll never want to go back to brushes or spray. It makes such a difference in quality that I will probably end up stripping down and repainting most of my miniatures that aren't airbrushed. Just because I know I can do them again much better.

Vallejo is probably the paint of choice. It's similar to GW paint but comes in much better bottles.

Can't really say I recommend the Dremel much for miniatures. A Dremel might look small, but compared to miniatures it's still pretty clumsy. You would probably be just as well to clamp an ordinary power drill to your desk and use it like a lathe. But in all honesty, a good sharp knife and some nail files will serve you better. If you really want to get into power tools than I would suggest proper modelling drills or dentists drills.

Don't worry about the cost of paint. Ever. It's about the one thing you should never cheap out on. A pot (providing you remember to close it) should last you for a long while. This said, for scenery or things where you don't need a perfect application, don't be scared of going to the local DIY store.

Get what paints you need, when you need them. Don't favour one brand over another without good reason. Some colours in one brand behave differently - eg Vallejo Flat Red is great for brush work, but I've found it doesn't airbrush as nicely as GW Blood Red. Similarly, GW greys seem to go on a lot smoother than the Vallejo and blend nicely without too much effort. Use what works for you in a particular situation.

GW / Citadel paints are pretty good. You'll want a set of the foundations and washes. Their blues and browns are also nice.

Vallejo Model Colour are also pretty good as mentioned. The metallics I like in particular, and there's very few models I do that don't end up with burnt cadmium red on them somewhere.

Tamiya paints for airbrushing. Bar none. Use Tamiya thinner too.

i recently have discovered that i live less than a mile from a reaper factory. they make the minis and even paints there. its awesome they have a shelf where the paints have screwy labels or other cosmetic faults and the full bottles are 1 dollar needless to say i cleaned them out. what are some opinions on reaper paints? i like it

I like Reaper paints. Have quite a few of them in my collection. You just scored a treasure trove.

jhodge09 wrote:i recently have discovered that i live less than a mile from a reaper factory. they make the minis and even paints there. its awesome they have a shelf where the paints have screwy labels or other cosmetic faults and the full bottles are 1 dollar needless to say i cleaned them out. what are some opinions on reaper paints? i like it

(*Jealous face here*)

Winterdynes gotta good point though, cheaping on the paint cheaps on the model. Use what works for what you need. I said I use reaper paints before, but now that I think about it, I only use the reaper paints for my airbrush b/c I can't easily access anything else for it. But I use GW for the brushing (also an "Easy access" thing).

Jewelers Saw
Set of Cutting Knifes
Metal Ruler
Wet Pallet
Diamond Files
Airbrush: http://models-workshop.com/buying-a-new-airbrush/
Sandpaper
Miniput
New Brushes: http://models-workshop.com/new-paint-brush/
Master Brush Cleaner http://models-workshop.com/brush-cleaning/

Personally what I have kicking around my desk is.
A small fan (from walmart it helps dry washes without blowing the wash away basically causes a little air flow).
Several brushes.
Brush holder/ brush cleaning tub thing.
GREEN STUFF!!!!!!
Super glue
Plastic glue (tamiya woooot)
Pin vice (from gw and hard ware store personally the gw one is the best for pinning).
Clippers
Hobby knife
exacto knife.
Sculpting tool set
Bits tons of them bits box over flowing.
Basing stuff.
several plastic pallets.

djinn thanks for the vid Reminded me to pick up a filter/moisture air trap.

I can't believe I forgot the Pin Vice :/