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Hey guys,

Here is my Imperial Fist test model. Along with my Ultramarines, I'm including some marines from other chapters in my list (despite the numerous meltdowns people are having re: Chapter tactics and Special Characters)

The theme of my UM army is a bunch of marines from different chapters banding together while on some campaign but under the general command of the Ultramarines. Chapters I intend on including are Imperial Fists, Blood Ravens or Blood Angels, Aurora Chapter, White Scars and maybe Black Templar or Deathwatch.

The biggest reason I chose to include different paint schemes is because I get tired of painting the same colors over and over and schemes like the IF are very unique and fun from a hobby perspective, as is painting red, green, etc.

PS- I know the base is not complete yet, that will happen after the squad is done in a batch-style project. So, just ignore criticsm of that for now. Promise I'll get it done!

So, let me know what you think of him!

Pretty clean yellow. hand painted?

well done though the mold lines :/

True, the mold lines :/ Despite my efforts I can't get rid of them 100%. This batch of marines were particularly bad for some reason.

And yes, handpainted I don't own an airbrush (probably should)

The yellow was a result of 4 or 5 layers of thinned down Golden Yellow (previous GW paint line) until I was satisfied with the opacity.

Below the yellow is Golden Yellow washed with Nuln Oil.

Urg I don't think i could ever paint my fisty by hand again. i love my airbrush too much.

You should try shading with sepia or brown instead after a gloss coat. it shades relatively nicely and is much easier to fix than a black wash.

I imagine an airbrush would take my painting to the next level. My wallet doesn't want to make the investment Not to mention that IF the airbrush method looks better, I'm obsessive to the point where I'll strip all my other models and repaint them just to maintain consistency in look

Care to elobarate on the sepia/gloss method? I tried using Reikland fleshade on another model but thought it came out looking too bright for my taste.

Basically pin washing recesses to darken them on light models.

Brown and sepia works to darken it without making it overly too dark.

a gloss coat (testors spray gloss is nice) reduces surface tension letting it flow easier and also makes clean up a bit easier too if you over wash.

So, basecoat (yellow) > gloss > wash of choice (brown + sepia is this case) > layering?

Or does the layer come before the wash and after the gloss?

Well my personal method which involves an airbrush is

Prime grey > zenithal white from 45 degree top > airbrush vallejo golden yellow > matt coat to protect the first finish > hand brush secondary and metalics > gloss coat > pin wash recesses with earth shade (darker areas) or sepia upper areas (like shoulder pads) > highlights then seal with matt.

For hand brushing probably best to Prime white > base coat yellow > secondary colors > gloss > wash > clean up > highlight > then seal matt. something like that but you can make it as easy as you want too.
(i really should take pictures)

Great info, thanks! I might give that method a try on another model.

I need to experiement more with gloss and matte varnish in layers. I currently seal my minis with matte for protection and taking down any left over shine from the paints. Also works great on decals to give the painted on look.

Mold lines schmold lines, I say it looks good and if you like it that's all that matters. Now, if you are trying for more than tabletop quality you are gonna have to buckle down and get in there.