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Hi. I'm currently working on an Eldar Harlequin squad, specifically the checker pattern. I'd like to find a micropen that's ~0.5mm that I can use to help define the edges of the pattern. My problem is that I'd tried "waterproof" pens before that bled like stink when I sprayed them with the protective finishing spray. Does anyone know of a kind of pen I could use that would NOT bleed when sprayed with the acrylic finish? Thanks.

I use Pigma brand Micron pens. They work like a champ, and I've never had them bleed when I spray. I've use Krylon sprays as well as the GW "Purity Seal" matte varnish.

I bought mine at AC Moore in the US. They're also available at Michael's. If you're a danged foreigner, you're on your own! lol

http://www.acmoore.com/p-39309-pigma-micron-pens-6set-black-ink.aspx


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The set I linked has a .2mm as the smallest pen and goes up from there.

Sweet, thanks. I've got a Michael's pretty closeby, AC Moore's a long drive. Hopefully I can find the pens @ Michael's as you suggested!

Heads up... they are super glossy. I matte coat all my models when I'm done, so it's never been an issue.

I used to use micron pens all the time for the little squiggles on purity seals and the names on banners. As my brush control has improved, I've switched to a very fine point brush and very watered down black paint. If you do it right, the paint dries like ink with a variation to the opacity of the black... makes it look more like real writing.

Micron pens would probably be easier for a Harlequin though. God bless you for painting the checker pattern. I totally don't have the patience.

LOL! I held the Harlies until last of all my units to paint, so now I'm stuck (can check pics on my Dakka blog). Silly clowns! I really want to try a pen because the tip of my detail brush gets frayed after 2-3 weeks of constant use. Haven't found anything to help get the brush tips back under control, unfortunately...

This stuff...

http://www.acmoore.com/p-77294-the-masters-brush-cleaner-preserver-1-ounce.aspx

...will help keep your brushes clean and in good shape. Also, if your brushes are getting frayed and splayed apart, you might be getting paint too far into the bristles. The paint should ideally never go more than about 2/3 of the way up the bristles. If it gets into the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles) and dries there, it's a pain to clean. This stuff will clean it though. It's basically a combination of wax and soap, so it cleans the brush and puts a point back on it. There are YouTube vids showing how to use it. Probably available at Michael's also, but I couldn't find it on their website.

Hobby Lobby has it, along with the Micron pens - will head over there this week! Thanks.

I'm not sure if it's available in the US, but you can try using Gundam Markers if you can find them.

http://www.gundammad.co.uk/index.asp?section=products&idd=38

I would personally avoid relying on a pen for this sort of thing. You'll get more control (curving the brush around surfaces) with a good, fine-tipped, fairly long bristle brush. Remember, pull, don't push, use thin paint and little paint.

winterdyne wrote:I would personally avoid relying on a pen for this sort of thing. You'll get more control (curving the brush around surfaces) with a good, fine-tipped, fairly long bristle brush. Remember, pull, don't push, use thin paint and little paint.

This is the FIRST time I've heard about using a long-bristle brush. Do you mean like a liner brush (bristles ~1.5 cm)? If so, I'll pick one up and give it a try.

Not so much that large, but the principle is the same. A longer bristle allows the brush to flex more without splaying. This means you can more easily do thinner, more consistent lines. Secondly, it also allows the brush to hold a bit more paint, which means you can do a longer stroke (or a few more strokes). I use Windsor & Newton series 7's for watercolour rather than for miniatures for this reason. The only difference between the two ranges (for equivalent sizes) is the bristle length.

I see, thank you for explaining. I may not be able to find that brush here in the States, but I'll look for a liner in the watercolor brushes section of the store. Thanks again for the pointers!