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This is probably going to seem like an incredibly dumb question to the well informed here... but here goes...

I've been putting together my paints list for my first squad of Dark Angels. From the painting tutorial videos I've seen, many talk about priming models, others start with base paints. The only labelled primer I've seen from Citadel is Chaos black in a can. Do base paints work as primers too? I'm tempted to grab a can of Caliban Green but it's not labelled as a primer. Are they a little looser with wording than house paints tend to be? (i.e. if it doesn't have primer written on it then it's not a primer.)

I've also not been able to make up my mind on the varnishing. I intend to join in the games at some point in the future, so I want to protect my hard work by having a varnish layer to finish. Citadel does a simple can of munitarium varnish to spray at your models, however after research I thought I'd get a simple Vallejo satin varnish because I like the effect and it'll save me a few quid. (Not a bad thing because this initial investment is likely to be fairly expensive.) I'd simply apply this with a brush. Any comments? As a newbie am I overthinking this doing it by brush? Should I be keeping ti simple with a spray or is it difficult to screw up the varnish so just go for what I think will look best?

I've been watching tutorial vids by Miniac, OrcPainterNerd and Sonic Sledgehammer Studio. While I believe that they're good, I'm not familiar enough to know for sure. If there's another person I should definitely be following to get a good job done then please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Base paints aren’t primer. Primer creates an easier surface for the paint to stick to. I use an airbrush to prime so don’t have the most experience with rattle cans but I have also used Halfords and Hicote primer sprays in the past and they work well. They are a lot cheaper than GW brand which tends to be overpriced.

Brushing on varnish is fine but I find it leaves streaks so spraying is superior. Afraid I can’t recomend a spray varnish. I don’t like a high gloss finish though. I use Testors Dullcoat (spray) when I am finished to take the shine off. I believe they do varnishes as well so may be worth a look.

Testors Dullcoat is great, but Wobbly is right about using an airbrush if you can. Some cans just put out too much spray and that can really ruin your mini.

If you are going to use decals or transfers, they will not stick too good to some paints, especially flat paints. I hit the spot with Testors semi-gloss (REALLY lightly with a brush) to give it a nice smooth surface to stick. Then when dry go over with either satin or dull.

Not stupid questions at all.

Primers are intended to adhere well to the surface and to give a good surface for your next paints to adhere to.

The GW Spray Primers really only come in a a couple of colours, Army Painter also do a range of spray primers. Typically I'd recommend a spray primer over any other option for your initial layer of paint to put on the model.

If you're intending to use Caliban Green then I'd still put a light coat of primer on the model first.

Varnish is a really good way to protect your models, and for ease of use I'd again recommend a Spray, the time saving and the even coverage you get are more than worth the money.

Many people will go for a "Satin" Varnish as this gives a level of shine without it being glaringly reflective. A Matt Varnish will often dull the impact of the shading and highlighting you're working hard to do.

Scrimping on your "consumables" in this hobby is often a false economy, your results will be worse and you'll be aware of it, with the amount we all spend on the models, it's worth having the right tools for the job.

Rik

Thanks for the initial replies peeps. I'm not going to be investing in an airbrush at this stage. Are the rattle cans the only way to go? Or would anyone recommend a brush-on primer?

So I've got two votes for varnish in a rattle can and one for using a brush but really really lightly... anyone else care to weigh in?

DarkNightwing47 wrote:
Thanks for the initial replies peeps. I'm not going to be investing in an airbrush at this stage. Are the rattle cans the only way to go? Or would anyone recommend a brush-on primer?

So I've got two votes for varnish in a rattle can and one for using a brush but really really lightly... anyone else care to weigh in?

In my opinion, brush on primers suck. I was stuck in an attic apartment with no normal windows for 3 years. So spray primer was not an option. You can find lots of positve comments on various online boards regarding brush on primers. I tried the top recommendations (Vallejo Brush on Primer and Liquitex Gesso).

They certainly can be an alternative, but they take a lot longer to apply than a few simple sweeps with a spray can and while they both have pretty even surfaces once dried, both have their problems. Gesso can clog up your details if you use too much and leaves holes when you use too little (because it shrinks while drying). The Vallejo primer needs at least two coats, so it's even more time consuming.

Use a spray can if you have the possibility (or an airbrush) and touch up with a brush on primer where the spray didn't reach in.