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I just received my 8th edition 40k box. I don't play marines, but they might be good allies for my IG. As the title says I want them to have shiny armor like a new car. I have some metallic gloss acrylic. I don't have a bunch of experience with painting. Would I highlight or just put a wash in crevasses?


I appreciate any advice.

ryanme12 wrote:
I just received my 8th edition 40k box. I don't play marines, but they might be good allies for my IG. As the title says I want them to have shiny armor like a new car. I have some metallic gloss acrylic. I don't have a bunch of experience with painting. Would I highlight or just put a wash in crevasses?

I can tell you how I do it, but there are many methods to achieve the effect you're looking for.

I start with flat colors, very thin layers as not to fill any tiny details. I base everything in plain, flat colors, even the metal parts, then add matte metallics in the desired spots, washes and etc. If I want to go for the gloss sheen, I add a glossy top coat. This makes the whole miniature (or atleast the areas I desire) glossy.

I stay away from gloss paints in general as I have noticed that each color varies in sheen. Some look glassy, some bubbly, others don't have a gloss finish at all. Some paints are mislabeled gloss when they are more satin. Adding a gloss top coat not only protects the paint underneath, but makes the gloss uniform.

However, if you use gloss paints, do matte primer and a base coat, this way you can hit the dark spots before painting with the gloss paints. But after the initial base coat, you should stick with gloss to keep the look uniform.