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.

How does one go about painting small checks like you would see on a BA Lamenters army?

I know you could free hand it but that really seems impossible to get truly sharp lines with. So, is there a trick or stencil or technique to make this more easy to do?

While it would certainly be possible to mask and spray the pattern, it would be far more tedious than freehanding it. For black checks (or dags, or tiny scribbles that resembled writing), I use a micron pen - Sakura Pigma is the brand of choice. The tip's lack of flex and constant rate of ink flow, compared to a brush, gives me greater control than using paint. The marker's tip is plenty fine for detail work and the ink's minimal flow also makes it handy for blacklining panel lines and the like (enough to sink into the crack after a few passes, but it won't run anywhere). Takes a few seconds to dry, as well, so you can wipe away errors before they set.

Most folks draw on their grid with the micron pen then paint in the pattern, but I just use the marker to fill in (I only do tight patterns - I'd block in larger shapes with paint). The black is rather stark, on its own, but subsequent weathering and/or a coat of matte varnish helps soften it up until it blends seamlessly with the rest of the paintjob.

cutting out a grid with tape wouldn't be that difficult and if you're using an airbrush it'll give you a much smoother finish. I would go that rout personally.

Have a look at Gitsplittas tutorial. He does great checks.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/458844.page

There's always ork transfer sheets. Any ork player should have stacks of these things.

Airbrush and stencil is by far the easiest way to go with the best results. See the video from buypainted and how he does that. It takes a little patience and practice at start but it is no where near the frustration of painting them by hand !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EcbDJpwvMA