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So currently I have quite a few projects going on. To the point where my backlog puts me at finishing within possibly a year or so. With that being said, I just have too many hobbies. I have debated dropping one or two, but just enjoy each just too much. With that said, I have to get some models done for each hobby. I currently have a decent group interested in getting into Hail Caesar. I bought the starter set and I was ready to go. The problem is that I have found that I have a greater retention rate of new players when they play with painted and built terrain/models. The starter set of Hail Caesar is a whopping 90+ models!!!

So this brings me to my next question, is commission painting worth it? I would have no problem paying a few dollars a model, but so far most pricing I have gotten has been the $350+ range, and that is more most basic services. If you think it is worth it, (this may be the wrong spot) but what painting services have you found give you the most bang for your buck? I use to do commission painting back in 3rd edition, but I did basics and I don't believe I charged that much, mostly got paid in models.

Thanks in advance gents, if this is the wrong forum, I apologize.

I am crap at painting. I have less than an hour a week to get artistic with my armies.

I wouldn't feel right fielding something that wasn't mine, and I would regret paying for it - no matter how impressive the result was.

I have hardly managed to paint a Kill Team's worth of Orks in a year's time, but they are my babies.

But if the painting isn't part of your "Hobby" mindset or requirement, go nuts.

Just not a thing I would do for my preferences. I still do lust after some of the gorgeous works I've seen. But they aren't mine.

I just looked up the starter... that is impressive!... I'm totally going to have to invest in one of those starters.

that cost is for you to make. IF you are okay with really crummy models, get your friends together, a case of beer, and each friend has one color. Then you start painting. One person applies one color to all the models, and passes them in a chain to the next person, who applies the second color, etc. You do about 3-5 colors. When dry, dip the models. They'll be done in a day, but they won't be fantastic.

You have to also realize that the painting is labour and material, space etc. I've seen BTP grow from a small rented space to buying an entire warehouse and so many bloody staff that I don't even see the old people anymore: evidently there are VERY many people who think it's worth it. If you have a lot of projects, i would definately reccomend either the drunken git'er'done with friends, or waiting a month for it to be sent out and returned to you painted....

I get most of my models painted and I find it to be absolutely worth the price. What I am paying for is time mostly, and secondarily skill. While I can paint pretty good table top quality, I do so slowly and with great aggravation. Since I love the aesthetic of war gaming with painted armies on painted terrain, I choose to spend money on painting services that can make that desire a reality. Often I will get table top quality paint work for my armies, but on occasion I'll spring for higher quality work, especially if I have an idea for an army that requires a technique I am not familiar with, or not skilled in.

OP, if you have a back log of paint work but want to get your models painted and on the game table, a commission service might be the right answer. And while it may be expensive, what is the value of your back logged minis staying on the work bench and not getting used for months or even years at a time?

Something to consider is having a paint service do an extremely basic paint job of a few block colors and then going over those base paint jobs yourself to add details. You'll save money but you will invest time and effort instead. So the real question is what do you have more of? Money or time?

I'd say, get the best you can afford within your timeframe.

Going for bargain basement work if it's something you're not going to eventually replace will feel like wasted money.

Yeah, this is very subjective ...whats it worth to you?

There is some good advice in here one speed painting, and a lot of other threads on keeping up motivation/pace on painting....

but that does not seem to be the issues (not painting) - but that you just have a lot of stuff. I totally get that....in fact there are threads in genearl on "paint more before you buy more". I have really had to push to get the stuff done that I have, but recently just COMPLETELY finished two armies.

Sadly, I have about another YEAR or more of stuff to go.

So, I would say either prioritize these new minis ahead of your other stuff, and crank them out, or decide if spending the money is worth it.

Best of luck in which ever you choose!

If I had the money to I would find talented people to paint miniatures for all of the games I want to play. Since I don't, I supply painted models to those that do.