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Hello guys (and gals)

Hoping I could pick your brains (not literally, unless you want me to donate them onto Nurgle, in which case hand me that knife) . I've recently got back into the hobby and working on my painting skills. I love painting (and converting) models but feel my techniques and skills could do with some improvement, I'm not looking to start doing commissions (I seriously don't have the time to paint my own models let alone anyone else) but would love to start getting to a standard I could look to enter at Golden Demon (loooonnnnnng way off that level I know but hey, you gotta have a dream right?)

Generally I feel my problem is I'm stuck in a rut of painting miniatures that are quite bright, cartoony and colourful. I really want to get my DA's looking dark, gritty - I love the atmosphere in the Codex and really want to bring that to life in my army. I'm still trying to get to grips with paint consistency - the Terminator took 3 coats to cover the undercoat (Dark grey Gesso) but I've still been told it's too thick and need to thin my paints more, but if I do they generally come out very watery and runs off the brush (had to strip my Librarian and start again twice because of this).

I also feel I may need to use retarders as the paints just seem to dry out way too quick (I mainly use GW paints as these were bought for me originally - are other brands better for consistency, painting, value for money, etc?).

I've also ordered myself an airbrush kit, hopefully forcing myself to try a completely different way of painting may help get me out of this rut and try something different. I've loads of spare models I can test on, just need to find some techniques to try.

Anyway, any advice you fine people can provide will be greatly appreciated.

GW paints are solid but are priced a little higher. They also don't have the dropper bottles. Still, nothing wrong at all with them, and I actually prefer to use some of their paints over competitors on case by case basis. Generally, I use vallejo though. Mostly Game Color, but I am starting to like Model Air as well.

I checked out your pics in the dakka gallery but unfortunately I couldn't zoom in much to see the texture more closely. However, looking at just the da termie, it does look a little rough. Thinning the paint more will definitely help with this. It will just take practice to find the consistency that you are comfortable working with.

With you finding that the paint is drying out too quickly, I'd highly recommend making yourself a wet palette. For starters you can just grab yourself a cheap container (with a lid), right now I am using one of those gale force 9 tubs that hold slate and grass and things. Grab a paper towel, and fold it so it fits nicely inside. Add water until it just starting to creep through the paper. Finally, cut yourself a small piece of baking paper and plop it on top of the towel. If you've finished your session and you still have paint, throw the lid on and the paint will last a long time. Throw it in the fridge and it will last a really long time.

Hi Morty, well firstly I have to say I think your models are really nice, they are neat, clean and tidy looking models. I only fairly recently got into airbrushing myself and I really like the effect. There are loads of great tutorials online so just practice mate. It looks like you have a good eye and a steady hand, just take a look at some youtube clips and see how you go. It would be great to see how you get on with it in the future.

Hi guys

Thanks for the advice. I guess it does come down to the whole practice makes perfect routine.

I've had a look at the Vallejo paints online, certainly get more for your money so might start buying them instead of the GW brand. In the meantime I've managed to order 50 empty dropper bottles for about £4 to mix the GW paints up into. Hopefully this will help with getting the consistency right as well.

I think the drybrushing I did on the termie didn't help with the texture but I'll try thinning my paints more (plus will be trying with airbrush in future).

I've tried a wet palette previously but didn't have great success with it - the water kept thinning the paints too much or the paint would soak into the paper (I was using general paper based on a tutorial I found) I'll give it another go with baking/grease-proof paper and see i that helps.

Once again, thanks guys, really appreciate the help and comments.