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Grainy look after base coating, wash and layering. (with pictures)  [RSS] Share on facebook Share on Twitter Submit to Reddit
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Made in dk
Fresh-Faced New User





Hey guys...

I just started painting minis and have a question.

I seem to get a kinda (its not much, but noticeable when up close) grainy effect. It looks like small grains throughout the model.

The primer I did was perfect, so it's something I have done after that..? Can anybody help me? : )



This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2015/08/11 09:03:48


 
   
Made in ca
Fixture of Dakka






I can't see it on the photo, sorry :(

Also, while trying to zoom in from my tablet while in bed, I accidentally clicked 'report photo for inappropriate content'... double sorry!!!

Are you using a wet palette that was wiped down with a tissue? is your palette dirty? Are you thinning with dirty water?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/08/11 11:01:55


 
   
Made in ie
Longtime Dakkanaut







It doesn't look too bad at all, but grainy finishes are a nightmare and something everyone runs into now and then.

The main usual causes are :

- Thick paint that would have been better thinned a little

- Paint taken straight from pot and not agitated fully first

- Layering while the underlaying layer is not fully dry (it pulls up little bits of the layer making it all look grainy)

- Grains in water / brush as Talys mentioned.

You should be able to fix this up if you add some more highlight layers with very thinned paint from clean water, or with paint that has glazing agent added to it It can really help rescue a grainy finish by smoothing it out.

   
Made in de
Joined the Military for Authentic Experience






Nuremberg

Another thought - are you varnishing the minis? Sometimes that can cause a grainyness with spray varnish if done at the wrong humidity etc.

   
Made in dk
Fresh-Faced New User





 Ifalna wrote:
It doesn't look too bad at all, but grainy finishes are a nightmare and something everyone runs into now and then.

The main usual causes are :

- Thick paint that would have been better thinned a little

- Paint taken straight from pot and not agitated fully first

- Layering while the underlaying layer is not fully dry (it pulls up little bits of the layer making it all look grainy)

- Grains in water / brush as Talys mentioned.

You should be able to fix this up if you add some more highlight layers with very thinned paint from clean water, or with paint that has glazing agent added to it It can really help rescue a grainy finish by smoothing it out.


I will try this... BUT i'm scared to apply too many layers, as i'm afraid that it will destroy the details of the model? How many layers is too many? (I know its totally up to how thick they were applied, but can you give me a pointer or two?)

and... What do you mean by, the paint wasn't agitated?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/08/11 13:05:56


 
   
Made in ie
Longtime Dakkanaut







bard2000 wrote:


I will try this... BUT i'm scared to apply too many layers, as i'm afraid that it will destroy the details of the model? How many layers is too many? (I know its totally up to how thick they were applied, but can you give me a pointer or two?)

and... What do you mean by, the paint wasn't agitated?


Don't be scared!

Very thin coats of watered paint have very gentle coverage, you can get a huge amount of thin layers without obscuring detail, especially as it will be on highlight areas so you don't need to worry about gunking up any recesses.

Depending on how detailed you want, it can range from 3 - 10+ layers, so just thin each and don't be worried ^^

Oh and agitating is fancy werds for mixing the paint really well! Putting a little ceramic bead into each paint pot really helps mix the paint well when you shake the pots, and doesn't cause any discoloration to the paint.

   
Made in gb
Thane of Dol Guldur





Bodt

yeah, need to get rid of that fear because layers are what make your paint jobs look better..usually, the more layers, the better it will look. multiple thinner layers will give your finish a smoothness, and the more layers you add to your highlights the better they will look.you can even layer washes and glazes too. dont be afraid of layers, as long as you arent caking paint on you'll be fine.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
to give you a clue, for highlights on clothes i usually layer up through at least 10 transitions. some pros go even higher..sometimes 50 or more! for flesh tones its pushing towards 10 also, when you include washes etc.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/08/11 14:28:22


Heresy World Eaters/Emperors Children

Instagram: nagrakali_love_songs 
   
Made in dk
Fresh-Faced New User





Ok THANKS so much for the advice guys!

I have another question...

I have tried now a couple of times to have my wash ending up weird... It becomes spotty/blotchy and not as smooth as I would like... What causes this?

- thank you so much for you help! !
   
Made in gb
Thane of Dol Guldur





Bodt

you may be applying too much wash. try thinning your washes down a little. washes are like everything else, it depends on the effect you want. i lean towards a heavy wash because i like the dirty, more battle worn grimy look, but sometimes that isnt really effective. also, be aware that washes arent the finish. sometimes you will need to relayer over areas that the wash has maybe pooled on and left a mark (which is what i think you may be asking about) to tidy it up and prepare for highlights etc.

Heresy World Eaters/Emperors Children

Instagram: nagrakali_love_songs 
   
Made in ca
Fixture of Dakka






@bard2000 - worth asking: what brand of paint do you use?

some washes are really much superior than others. some paints need to be agitated more than others, too.

@queen anne - I think if you're hitting 10-50 layers to do clothing... you should seriously consider a bit of wet blending or glazing to achieve a nice-looking effect without killing yourself

Painting cloth is definitely an acquired skill, but very satisfying and repeatable once you practice and master it. The color of the cloth matters a lot. The darker colors are very easy to paint, compared to lighter colors. So, as you start to paint cloth, I would recommend picking easier-to-blend colors.

For example, tabard on the top model is far more difficult to paint properly than the pants on the second model -

Spoiler:




   
Made in dk
Fresh-Faced New User





 Talys wrote:
@bard2000 - worth asking: what brand of paint do you use?

some washes are really much superior than others. some paints need to be agitated more than others, too.

@queen anne - I think if you're hitting 10-50 layers to do clothing... you should seriously consider a bit of wet blending or glazing to achieve a nice-looking effect without killing yourself

Painting cloth is definitely an acquired skill, but very satisfying and repeatable once you practice and master it. The color of the cloth matters a lot. The darker colors are very easy to paint, compared to lighter colors. So, as you start to paint cloth, I would recommend picking easier-to-blend colors.

For example, tabard on the top model is far more difficult to paint properly than the pants on the second model -

Spoiler:







I use Citadel... More precise Drakenhof nightshade?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/08/12 17:57:47


 
   
Made in ca
Painting Within the Lines




Delta, BC, Canada

bard2000 wrote:
Ok THANKS so much for the advice guys!

I have another question...

I have tried now a couple of times to have my wash ending up weird... It becomes spotty/blotchy and not as smooth as I would like... What causes this?

- thank you so much for you help! !
Another possibility is that the wash needs more agitation. Whenever you grab a paint, whether it's fresh off the rack or just out of storage, shake it well. Shake it really well. Shake it like it owes you money.
   
Made in us
Trustworthy Shas'vre




DFW area Texas - Rarely

A wash can also look splotchy if it is thinned too much with water - as it basically separates more.

If you need to thin a wash too much, use a medium, or flow aid.


DavePak
"Remember, in life, the only thing you absolutely control is your own attitude - do not squander that power."
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