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***Reposting since I wasn't paying attention and posted in the wrong section.**
So this is an old metal Chaos Terminator model that my first attempt was definitely less than stellar. See here: https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/580599.page

This go around I finally broke down and tried to use everything I read about how to paint figures and ended up with the example below. Looking forward to giving another try with some of the plastic Space Marines to see how that comes out.

You can definatly see an improvement from your first attempt. You are defining the detailed elements more.
From what I see. The next thing to try is to thin your paint down until it is just thicker than milk. When applying the thinned down paint it will be slightly more translucent so you will want to apply a couple of coats. The result will be far smoother and you will not clog up the detail.
How do you prime the model? Do you prime? If you are using a spray can. Be carful not to apply too much as this will also clog up detail before you even start painting
I look forward to seeing more. It is always really cool to see people progress from their first attempt.

 vim_the_good wrote:
You can definatly see an improvement from your first attempt. You are defining the detailed elements more.
From what I see. The next thing to try is to thin your paint down until it is just thicker than milk. When applying the thinned down paint it will be slightly more translucent so you will want to apply a couple of coats. The result will be far smoother and you will not clog up the detail.
How do you prime the model? Do you prime? If you are using a spray can. Be carful not to apply too much as this will also clog up detail before you even start painting
I look forward to seeing more. It is always really cool to see people progress from their first attempt.

Thank you for the critique. I did prime and paint using Vallejo Primers and paints, both from airbrush and brush painting. Had issues with trying to do the shoulders which did come out rougher then I wanted. This was my first metal figure to work and paint, so I am hoping that the details on my more current Space Marine figured will make it easier to paint. I will definitely work on thinning the paints more.

It takes a lot of confidence to post your early paintjobs online (mine were tossed into the box of never-to-be-seen-again). I congratulate you on that.

You are improving!

As my patron said always says, "Two thin coats."

Its always easier to go back and add paint.

Beyond that, you will get better with practice.

Dang, keep up the good work, love the old metal! You are getting good at getting the spots thin it down a bit that will help. Great thing about metal you can strip the paint pretty easy.

Also what colour priming?

For anything lighter than a predominantly black model, I will use mechanicus standard grey or a grey seer equivalent (for yellow or light red) for my prime and undercoat.

That will allow better coverage of all colours.
As vim_the_good pointed out try and get the paint a little thicker than milk, then layers as you see fit, it will take time but you will find the thickness that suits different colours.

Layering, start dark, wash, rehighlight your first colour then add lighter shades where the light will catch.
I did that on the red and blue on the following model. Turn it upside down and it is the base layer and wash all on the underside, because that would be in shadow.


Same principles as above but the following model was done 13 years ago, the progression comes with time and practice.

Chunky metal models are always a pain to paint nicely.

As has been said, thinning the coats will help. I spread some paint onto a surface, and mix in about half-as-much water. Dip the brush into that, and roll most of the paint off, back onto the surface.
But washes help a lot. Most of my models look blocky and severe, until I wash them. Roughly basecoated edges often disappear with a good wash into the edges.
Then on to highlights and edges.

I spend most of my time cleaning up joins, where a solid coat has spread onto another area.
Paint red areas, paint black areas, fix red bits, fix black bits, repeat until happy, then wash.
Agrax Earthshade and Nuln Oil are my saviours.

Thanks everyone again for the suggestions. The primer color used was black. I was using this as a test to see how Vallejo's transparent red looked when applied over different colors. I currently have some first gen Space Marines primed while I prepare to see how Vallejo's Gunmetal Gray looks.

As others have mentioned, very brave to post up your first steps in to painting. And good on you for taking in feedback and trying to apply it. Great mindset and on the right track for sure.

I'd suggest starting a P&M Blog and posting up your works in progress, step by step. Going to slow down your output but will get you valuable feedback on each step.

I will keep a blog in mind, currently just started work on a Space Marine Razorback.