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 starting some DE to practice painting to the best of my ability. I love the DE models and am excited because they have a good mix of metals, fabrics, and flesh to practice many techniques on. This will be my first attempt at an all out paint job and I need some advice before I get started.

I have not decided on which brand of paints I will be purchasing, in all likelihood it will be a mix and match collection because I am looking at colors before brands. That being said I am sparing no expense in the quality of paint I am after. My goal is to learn how to use the best paints and get the best results. I do think I will be using the citadel ink washes though as they seem very good from my limited experience and based on the reviews of others.

My budget for paints and brushes is in the area of 80-100 USD. I already have one 000 kolinsky sable brush 7 series, I am planning on getting one more in a larger size, any recommendations? I was thinking either a 0 or 1. I also purchased some masters brush conditioner.

I do have a certain look in my head that I think is neat in theory, but I have only just started learning color theory and so some input from the experienced among you would be appreciated. Let's assume we are looking at a kabalite warrior for this description:

The armor is a deep and dark purple, appearing nearly black. Void like you might say. The edges of the armor plates are highlighted in a ghostly teal(leaning on the side of green) color, not too vibrant but enough to make the edges really pop.

The cloth waistband is a deep crimson red.

Skin tone will be that of a traditional dark eldar, pale and cold. Grayish/blue.

Hair will be the traditional fiery red.

The weapons will be black, perhaps some details on them done from other colors that fit the theme. I need help deciding what to do the metal bits with, though I think keeping it a darker color would be good.


Some other questions that are on my mind:

How best can I attain the look I am after? For the armor specifically would I be better off starting with a dark purple base and then darkening it down with multiple black ink washes? Or would I get a better look by starting black and washing purple?

Should I get colors in twos and threes? Or rely solely on a colors counterpart on the color wheel for mixing the best shades/highlights?

What are some other colors besides those I mentioned that would compliment my selection? For the more detailed models like incubi for example I was considering attempting an emmisive effect on their blades in a deep/dark green. While I know yellow is supposed to compliment purple, I generally dislike the color of yellow, however some gold bits might be a nice touch on some models, would the effect be the same?

Based on previous experience can anyone suggest specific paints/foundations/washes/inks that could help me attain the look I am after?

Edit: Oh and I forgot to mention, I want to brush on all of the primer, so suggestions on high quality brush on primers would be aces!

I exclusively use spray primer, so I can't really help you in that regard. When I mention paints, I'm also using the old Citadel version - you'll have to glance at the conversion chart online to find the new name.

If you start black and wash purple, you're not going to see your wash over the black. If you thin down purple paint and wash with it, then the paint will sink into the low points and give you the opposite of a highlighted effect. If you use black as a base coat, dry brushing the purple would be better. Personally, I would base in purple and use a black wash.

Purple and green is a fine color scheme. Just think of the Green Goblin from Spider-man, or the Incredible Hulk with his purple pants.

For the weapons, I personally leave some sections black and edge highlight with grey. The metal parts I use a mix of Boltgun Metal and Dwarf Bronze, with a black wash over them. With your color scheme, the Dwarf Bronze would probably look good.

For Dark Eldar skin I usually base coat in Dheneb Stone, then wash with Asurmen Blue. I go over the high points with thinned down Dheneb Stone, then mix in some Skull White with the thinned down Dheneb Stone for the brightest highlights.

My advice is to paint up a test model first and see how the colors look together. You're doing the purple base, the teal highlights and two different shades of red (dark for the cloth, bright for the hair), plus whatever metallics you mix in.

If you want to brush on primer, get yourself to a art supply store and pick up some Gesso. It comes in different colors, including clear. brush it on and let it dry for 24 to 48 hours. Gesso shrinks as it dries, so it won't clog the details as much. You don't want to thin the Gesso, but apply it sparingly using a damp brush. Get a large, stiff-haired brush for applying Gesso.

My paint collection is primarily Vallejo, with some of the Army Painter warpaints in the mix. I use Liquitex matte varnish to thin paints. I use a lot of the Liquitex products, actually. Matte Varnish and Flow Aid for painting, Resin Sand for basing. I did pick up their Glazing medium, but it's not a glaze like we would normally use as far as glazes and inks are concerned. It's very thick and dries glossy. I have used it to great effect with yellows and whites to eliminate the streaks and the need for multiple coats, but it has a mean learning curve to use properly. It is, however, great for water effects straight out of the bottle.

fenshysa wrote:
I exclusively use spray primer, so I can't really help you in that regard. When I mention paints, I'm also using the old Citadel version - you'll have to glance at the conversion chart online to find the new name.

If you start black and wash purple, you're not going to see your wash over the black. If you thin down purple paint and wash with it, then the paint will sink into the low points and give you the opposite of a highlighted effect. If you use black as a base coat, dry brushing the purple would be better. Personally, I would base in purple and use a black wash.

Purple and green is a fine color scheme. Just think of the Green Goblin from Spider-man, or the Incredible Hulk with his purple pants.

For the weapons, I personally leave some sections black and edge highlight with grey. The metal parts I use a mix of Boltgun Metal and Dwarf Bronze, with a black wash over them. With your color scheme, the Dwarf Bronze would probably look good.

For Dark Eldar skin I usually base coat in Dheneb Stone, then wash with Asurmen Blue. I go over the high points with thinned down Dheneb Stone, then mix in some Skull White with the thinned down Dheneb Stone for the brightest highlights.

My advice is to paint up a test model first and see how the colors look together. You're doing the purple base, the teal highlights and two different shades of red (dark for the cloth, bright for the hair), plus whatever metallics you mix in.

Thanks, I'm starting to get an idea how to approach this. I definitely plan on doing a test model.

Peredyne wrote:If you want to brush on primer, get yourself to a art supply store and pick up some Gesso. It comes in different colors, including clear. brush it on and let it dry for 24 to 48 hours. Gesso shrinks as it dries, so it won't clog the details as much. You don't want to thin the Gesso, but apply it sparingly using a damp brush. Get a large, stiff-haired brush for applying Gesso.

My paint collection is primarily Vallejo, with some of the Army Painter warpaints in the mix. I use Liquitex matte varnish to thin paints. I use a lot of the Liquitex products, actually. Matte Varnish and Flow Aid for painting, Resin Sand for basing. I did pick up their Glazing medium, but it's not a glaze like we would normally use as far as glazes and inks are concerned. It's very thick and dries glossy. I have used it to great effect with yellows and whites to eliminate the streaks and the need for multiple coats, but it has a mean learning curve to use properly. It is, however, great for water effects straight out of the bottle.

I found some Gesso on amazon that seems well reviewed and ought to work for my needs. I don't have a local art supply store and I don't have the time to make a 90 minute drive this week.

Where do you buy your paints? Do you use a flgs, or do you know of any reputable online retailers with a tempting discount?

Sighdan wrote:
Where do you buy your paints? Do you use a flgs, or do you know of any reputable online retailers with a tempting discount?

I lucked out and a local GW authorized seller was getting rid of all the old versions of the Citadel paints and sold them for $0.99 each. On my last purchase from Miniature Market I got myself a pot of the new paint - $3.70 retail, they sell it for $2.78. I think they charge a flat $5 shipping, so you'll want to buy as many paints at once to defray the cost (orders over $100 are free shipping, and my last order was a big one).

fenshysa wrote:
I lucked out and a local GW authorized seller was getting rid of all the old versions of the Citadel paints and sold them for $0.99 each. On my last purchase from Miniature Market I got myself a pot of the new paint - $3.70 retail, they sell it for $2.78. I think they charge a flat $5 shipping, so you'll want to buy as many paints at once to defray the cost (orders over $100 are free shipping, and my last order was a big one).

Good info, i'll be sure to have a list with everything I will need if I decide to buy from them.