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.

What's up with the painting tips on the back? Sometimes it refers to paints as layers when they are obviously used as edge highlights, Fenrisian Grey on the power armor in this case, is one of many obvious misprints. Or am I missing something or misreading the thing?

Another thing, why not include what paints are suggested for plasma on a box that are full with plasma troops?

When it says layer it means under GWs paint system that paint is called a layer paint (or base, or shade, or edge) not that it is being used as a layer.

GW organizes paint by their properties moreso than their intended purpose. Although there is definitely a muddying of this. For example, 'Base paints' are called such because they offer more effective coverage due to higher pigment concentrations. Layer paints are less opaque and thus work as a layer over base points. Its part of their paint system. However, this by no means restricts you to only using them as such and GW recommends using layer paints as basecoats/high light colors all the time.

I can see why there is confusion as GW is bad about listing the intended use for this paint on their color recipes both on the boxes and in their app.

 ingtaer wrote:
When it says layer it means under GWs paint system that paint is called a layer paint (or base, or shade, or edge) not that it is being used as a layer.

*facepalm* You're right. That's confusing for me though how I am suppose to use this colours when they don't say how they use the colors, like the casing for the weapon. Thanks man anyways for the simple but not obvious answer for me haha

My advice is always, don't just settle for GWs paint 'system'. It's just colour by numbers for adults. (and also a marketing ploy to have you purchase more GW paints)

Learn how to use the paints yourself. Learn how to mix paints, and work up your layers. Learn about colour theory and light placement. A GW paint being a 'base' doesn't mean it can't be used as a layer, or even a highlight/edge. And an 'edge' paint doesn't mean you can't layer it into your highlight. Painting has so many elements to it, and there's always more to learn. There are also sometimes better alternative brands for certain colours.

bastuhingst wrote:

 ingtaer wrote:
When it says layer it means under GWs paint system that paint is called a layer paint (or base, or shade, or edge) not that it is being used as a layer.

*facepalm* You're right. That's confusing for me though how I am suppose to use this colours when they don't say how they use the colors, like the casing for the weapon. Thanks man anyways for the simple but not obvious answer for me haha

Have a look at GW's Paint app. It's a godsend for a beginner.

While I do agree with queen_annes_revenge in that it's a good thing to step beyond painting 'the GW way', it will at least give you a framework to learn from.

The Fenresian grey is edge highlight on this particularity scheme.

Honestly you better off watching youtube or twitch and looking for color schemes.

For plasma. I base coat VMC magic blue, then electric blue, then add white to that for brightest areas.

Im normaly a big fan of GW paints but if you go by GW boxes they want you to use like 30 paints to paint one infantry dude which is ridiculous...

I agree with QAR regarding mixing paints to achieve shades(layers)..

Their paints do layer up quite logically well but there not reason you cant use paints couple shades apart and mix to get the in-between layer.

If you are just starting out please bear in mind whatever is put on the back of the box has been painted by professional painters working for GW with years and years of experience. So don't feel like your models have to look that good. As others have pointed out there are plenty tutorials about taking first steps into painting miniatures on youtube.

At least they tell you what to do now not like years ago

Try painting with this

Straight out if the pot, bang it on. What else is there to know?

At least now we also have Duncan telling us: "Two thin coats!"

Back in the day, ain't nobody giving us these pearls of wisdom. We just slathered paint on in one thick coat! The horror!

 Rybrook wrote:
At least they tell you what to do now not like years ago

Try painting with this

the good old goblin green bases

I remember when those space marines were the top banana because they actually had a finger in a trigger and the supporting hands didn't look like they were designed to hold tea trays like the older space marines did.

 queen_annes_revenge wrote:
My advice is always, don't just settle for GWs paint 'system'. It's just colour by numbers for adults. (and also a marketing ploy to have you purchase more GW paints)

Learn how to use the paints yourself. Learn how to mix paints, and work up your layers. Learn about colour theory and light placement. A GW paint being a 'base' doesn't mean it can't be used as a layer, or even a highlight/edge. And an 'edge' paint doesn't mean you can't layer it into your highlight. Painting has so many elements to it, and there's always more to learn. There are also sometimes better alternative brands for certain colours.

While I agree with all of this, not everyone is in the hobby to become a master miniature painter. Mixing and layering up colors isn't necessary to create an effective paint job. I think GW understands that the majority of their market isn't top tier painters (and aren't trying to become one) and are trying to make it as accessible as possible - after all, a lot of people start very early (early as 10-12 years old) and aside from a few artistic prodigies, color theory and light placement theory is a bit beyond their grasp just yet.

 queen_annes_revenge wrote:
Straight out if the pot, bang it on. What else is there to know?

Exactly with no undercoat either "shudder"

 Rybrook wrote:

 queen_annes_revenge wrote:
Straight out if the pot, bang it on. What else is there to know?

Exactly with no undercoat either "shudder"

Bah what is undercoat. Who needs undercoat DA green straight outta the pot slopitle slop... Ahh that first mini...

 queen_annes_revenge wrote:
My advice is always, don't just settle for GWs paint 'system'. It's just colour by numbers for adults. (and also a marketing ploy to have you purchase more GW paints)

Learn how to use the paints yourself. Learn how to mix paints, and work up your layers. Learn about colour theory and light placement. A GW paint being a 'base' doesn't mean it can't be used as a layer, or even a highlight/edge. And an 'edge' paint doesn't mean you can't layer it into your highlight. Painting has so many elements to it, and there's always more to learn. There are also sometimes better alternative brands for certain colours.

It might be marketing ploy but it's also actually helpful in that it gives you 100% consistent shade. I can't mix 100% identical shade multiple times in a row. In particular after long pause between paintings.