Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I'm painting my Tau army a dark grey/Orange theme. I've been using troll crusher orange which is a layer. I didn't realize it wasn't a base until recently. I haven't painted much with it yet, nor do I have much painting experience. I did the inside of a devilish for practice.

1. Should I get an orange base?

2. Do you thin base paints?

3. Is a 1:1 water paint ratio really what most people use? I don't paint out of the pots. I use a small tray and add water there so I don't wreck the pot. I only add a drop or two of water to about 2 teaspoons to thin the paint. A guy at my aforesaid you don't need to thin citadel paints. But if I don't its really streaky. Less if I thin but still not completely smooth.

Base paints are thicker than other paints so you don't have to apply as many layers (but it's still good to have two) and are used as bas colours, while layer paints are thinner and used as highlights. However, it's totally your choice if you want to use a layer as a base, you'll just have to add more coats since it is a thinner paint. Also, all paints should be thinned anyway, so experiment. I use a wet palette and that usually thins my paints nicely, so I don't use ratios or really know them. I just tend to remember combinations or jot them down in my sketchbook.