<![CDATA[Latest posts for the thread "Table top quality? New photo's!"]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/8.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net Table top quality? New photo's!
Just wondering, when is an army painted good enough? When can it be called table top quality?
In my group we have a guy who likes it to make jokes about how bad I painted my IG army.
So I was thinking, is my army really painted that horrible as he says it is?
I know that not every minature is a work of art, but some are painted good in my opinion.
So what do you think? Can I show this on the gaming table or do I have to repaint my entire army? And if so, how can I do it better?
I have taken several miniatures, ranging from my company commander to a flamer.







]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304726.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304726.page GMT Table top quality? http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304769.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304769.page GMT Table top quality? It aint what you game its how you game, have fun and they aint your mates if they scorn without advice..]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304772.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304772.page GMT Table top quality?
The basics seem to all be there matey so worry not.
As others have said tone down the gloss with some matt varnish.

Keep practising and working on techniques
Keep the paint thin and consider some washes.

Would also put some basing material on the ... erm.. bases and am not a fan of hand painted names on bases either as they can be distracting. But that is purely a personal preference.

Don't let rotters dampen your enthusiasm and fun! ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304798.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304798.page GMT Table top quality?
I'd agree that they look a bit shiny though however that doesn't make them not table top quality.

It sounds like your friend is either ribbing you for fun or being a Pr*ck!

Hopefully it's the former and not the latter. Find something to bust his balls about.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304848.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304848.page GMT Table top quality?
If he said, "Hey man, I think I can help you out with some paint tips..." that's cool, he's a scholar & a gentleman.

If he's like, "HA ha! What a gakky painjob!" I'd flip him the bird and play with someone else.

As others have said, I'm not a fan of the gloss. However, if you are, just keep it. I've never understood why everyone in this hobby feels they have to matte varnish their stuff if they don't want to.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304849.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304849.page GMT Table top quality? Totally avoid anything with gloss in the name from now on. I learned that lesson when I first started painting too.
Also, Learn to use more, thin layers. Your flesh colors don't show very well so I would prime with white as well.
With lots of practice, you will eventually get there. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304859.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304859.page GMT Table top quality?
-Don't use gloss varnish, matte varnish or none, this is the biggest thing I see
-Paint the rims of the bases black, it helps them blend into the table top. Sloppily written (and it's truly hard to do it any way other than this with a paint brush, so don't take it personnally) names detract from the model.

But, no matter what, tell the guy to piss off if he keeps up the criticism, everoyne is at different stages of learning to paint and ability levels. Even mister judgemental at one point was a beginner.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304864.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2304864.page GMT Re:Table top quality? If you are entering a painting competition or a tournament that has scoring based on painting that is different, but for casual play I say so long as you are happy with your army that is what matters. By the way I love that you named your models, I always think that adds a lot to an army.
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305023.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305023.page GMT Re:Table top quality? that guy! Your minis just need some matte varnish, and you will be golden. Your painting skills will improve over time, and as long as they are good to you, they are good to me and anyone else you play against. I use very limited paints when doing an army and I always go for a more "dark/grungy" look so it is very easy to replicate and doesn't take a whole lot of skill.

The only other thing that can make your minis look better would be some Washes! That almost turns any mini into a work of art.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305126.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305126.page GMT Table top quality?
loner wrote:In my group we have a guy who likes it to make jokes about how bad I painted my IG army.


Simply put, your "friend" is an donkey-cave. *edited by the Machine Spirit, hah*
If he were just giving you a hard time that would be one thing, but this is obviously bothering you, which makes him look more like the kind of person who enjoys inflicting pain on others for the sake of his own amusement.

Table top quality is a subjective thing, but bare minimum is three colors and glued to a base. Obviously, you're quite a distance beyond that. The only thing that matters is wether or not you yourself are happy with the way your models look. If you were happy with them, then I would say you were done. You say "good in my opinion," and I say that's all that counts. Of course, you've asked for advice, so . . .

First of all, I would try a matt varnish and see if you like that better.
Second, the eyes on some of them (not all of them, Vordon and Sammy jump out at me) are a little blobby, so I would try to go back and redo the faces. Try to make sure the dark color for the eyes is only on the eyeball itself and not the entire socket. Is hard to do unless you have a ridiculously tiny brush. Sammy could use a little bit of an ink wash on his white pants. Vordon has a bit of overpaint where the white from the cuff wandered onto the sleeve, put a bit of brown over that smudge.

After that, it depends on where you want to go -- black lining for the crevices? highlights for the armor plates? squad badges on the pauldrons? Honestly with a "horde" army, its more the overall mass of like-painted miniatures that gives them the characteristic feel.


]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305197.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305197.page GMT Table top quality? http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305214.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305214.page GMT Re:Table top quality? http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305217.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305217.page GMT Re:Table top quality? IG soldiers. try using browns, tans, and shades of grey instead of the basic colors (like blue, green, etc.). Always water down your paints to the consistency of a little thicker than whole milk. You will notice that it might take a couple more coats to paint a mini, but the end result is so much more realistic. Also after you have painted the mini's, try using different ink washes on them to get a more "blended" look, hard to explain in words but it just looks better after the right ink wash. Now about the gloss clear, try to stay away from the glossy clearcoats, personally I use a flat spray clearcoat from krylon, just remember when it comes to clearcoating, a little goes a LOOONG way. I usually just spray enough to barely cover the surface of the model, too much and it will start to "yellow" your paint job. I agree with the other posters about names on the bases, I'm not a huge fan of that, but that doesn't really matter all that much. For cheap bases, I just paint the rim of the base a dark brown color (think wet mud) after that dries I coat the top of the base(with the model attached) with elmer's glue, then immediately place the base into a small container of regular sand, making sure to coat the entire base. I wait about 2-4 hours for the glue to dry and then hit the whole thing with a quick shot of the flat clearcoat spray. Just my .02 Good luck! ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305293.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305293.page GMT Table top quality?
Hans Chung-Otterson wrote:As others have said, I'm not a fan of the gloss. However, if you are, just keep it. I've never understood why everyone in this hobby feels they have to matte varnish their stuff if they don't want to.

The objection to gloss I think comes mainly from the fact that it just doesn't look right. People aren't usually that shiny


For my money, 'Tabletop Quality' means painted in the right basic colours, preferably reasonably neatly. It's not going to win any awards, but it's not meant to... it's just supposed to make the army look cohesive and stand out on the tabletop.

These guys fit that definition, although if you wanted to make them look better without any real effort, I would recommend hitting them with a coat of matte sealer to kill the gloss, and painting over the names on the base edges... Naming your guys can be a nice touch, but unless you can paint really neat text, it tends to look a little scrappy, and drags the miniature down as a result. It's generally better (IMO) to leave the names on the army list, and make the bases neat and non-distracting.

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305368.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305368.page GMT Table top quality? http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305406.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305406.page GMT Table top quality? http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305458.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305458.page GMT Table top quality? TT standard. I think the bases could definetely use some work, as they act as the 'frame' to the model's 'picture''. A gakky base will drag a decent looking model down, whilst a nice base will make an avergae model look pretty good.

Ways to accomplish this? Prior to spraying the model layer down some watered down PVA and sand onto the base. Then paint the sand Bestial Brown and highlight it with a drybrush of Bubonic Brown, before a final, very light drybrush of Bleached Bone. Finish off with some patches of Scorched Grass, and a Graveyard Earth trim and your models will immediately look 100% better.

I would also avoid writing names on bases. Unless the writing is particularly neat (which, I'm afraid, yours isn't) it will again detract from the overall model (people try and read the base rather than look at the figure itself).

Other than that, follow the advice other people have laid down and you'll see your painting improve in no time.

L. Wrex]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305729.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305729.page GMT Table top quality?
Take away the shiny coat and cover them in half-n-half Devlan Mud and water (yes, even the white).

Do something about the bases. Anything is better than nothing, really.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305869.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305869.page GMT Table top quality?

You *REALLY* need to thin your paints.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305976.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2305976.page GMT Re:Table top quality? I will try a different varnish to make them less shiney. In reality they are less shiney, I think it's because I have got a lamp aimed at them.
How much would you advice thinning the paint? 75 paint, 25 water? 50-50?
What washes would you advice? I was thinking about using ogryn flesh, devian mud and black.

As for the rest, I have no intention of entering a painting competition, I ain't good enough... XD
And to be honest, I don't think I would like it. The guard, with an army of round 100 models, don't have to be all a work of art. (And I don't think anyone expects it?)
I think my opponent expects an decent painted army, where all the models are painted.

About the jokes, there is a difference between them.

The usual guard jokes go like this:
We are playing a game, some random kid watches.
A guard squad gets slaughtered in close combat and the kid goes like this: OMG! I mean Uuuh Miii Goat (Spelling...)! Seriously, like totally, Imperial Guard like, totally, suck, totally.

These jokes go like this:
We are playing a kid and the guy stands next to us. Picks up one of my models, looks at it. Laughs loud. Picks up another model almost rolls over the floor laughing and almost the entire store is watching.
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307048.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307048.page GMT Table top quality? http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307055.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307055.page GMT Table top quality?
The gloss varnish gives them a nice Toy Soldier look, IMO. I have a couple of my armies done in gloss for that reason. Not everyone likes the gloss look.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307067.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307067.page GMT Table top quality?
If you wanted some easy tips, though (and a lot fo these have been mentioned)

- Base your models properly - even a single colour (grey, green, brown) and some texture glued on top will make the model look much better overall. You don't even need to go as far as highlighting the base - just some ballast/flock over a solid colour.

- If you're going to name your models, do it on the back of the base - it's really hard to do with any skill and always looks a bit messy on the front.

- Generally, colour schemes work best with one primary colour, and contrasting, muted colours. Your green and blue combination is quite hard on the eyes. I'd repaint the green weapons to something that complements the blue, like grey.

- MATT VARNISH. Gloss varnish protects your models better, so you could still put that on first if you like, but finish off with a quick spray of Matt.

- Washes. Your models could really do with some washes - they are a great, simple way to do shading.

- Eyes. If you are having trouble with doing eyes, just dont. When you get eyes wrong they looks quite 'comedy' and blobby, whereas a good effect can be had through using a couple of washes on the face. I have a horrible time attempting eyes, so I don't do them now. I use heavy washes, and then highlight the raised areas, which gives a pretty good face without needing to paint pupils or teeth!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307074.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307074.page GMT Re:Table top quality?

These jokes go like this:
We are playing a kid and the guy stands next to us. Picks up one of my models, looks at it. Laughs loud. Picks up another model almost rolls over the floor laughing and almost the entire store is watching.


Well, first I though you meant me by those jokes, but I never did that ;o

But like I told you before, use washes, and paint in groupes, it's much more fun. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307079.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307079.page GMT Table top quality? But, easiest way to make him stop is to paint better than him and laugh at his models.
There is tons of good advice already here too.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307183.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307183.page GMT Table top quality?
You came here asking for honest opinions and I feel I gave you mine.

Just being nice and telling you your models are fine the way they are is a detriment to you. My advice to you would be to take your time with the models, get finer detail brushes, buy more paint, learn to wash/dry brush/detail. And for the love of god, use a pallet and do not direct dip your brushes into the paint pots.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307912.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307912.page GMT Table top quality?
While you shouldnt take any s*** you should always be open to Constructive Criticism:
My only major problem is that they have names on the bases, i dislike that (even if it is a pro painted mini!). I'm not gonna lie and tell you they are magnificent but they are neat enough and all you need is to practise a bit of highlighting or just use some washes. The operative word is practise, you dont have to be artisitic or talented to paint great miniatures you just need to put in the time.
PS. The paint isn't too thick but the varnish IS, the varnish works as a lense and makes the paints look distorted and blobby.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307952.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2307952.page GMT Table top quality?
Taoofss wrote:I do not believe those models are table top quality. Your lines are messy, they are extremely shinny, in parts, you use way too much paint and the details are blurred. There are stray marks everywhere, and you've not done besides color the bases in. Even there, the colors are not smooth.

You came here asking for honest opinions and I feel I gave you mine.

Just being nice and telling you your models are fine the way they are is a detriment to you. My advice to you would be to take your time with the models, get finer detail brushes, buy more paint, learn to wash/dry brush/detail. And for the love of god, use a pallet and do not direct dip your brushes into the paint pots.


Ill agree With Taoofss. At first I thought my brother had painted them (He is about 6).

1. Too much gloss. Way too much gloss.
2. It really looks like a 5 year old painted the,. Sorry to say. The solid blue just looks childish to me, The white and blue pants looks like you dry brushed the white over blue
3. The green on the weapons seems out of place.
4. The name on the bases seem really really childish.
5. Keep on working it at it. Youll get it eventually. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308095.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308095.page GMT Table top quality?
If your happy with them then dont pay any attention to him, they are your after all.

They are not bad to me, there not the best but i would happily play against them on the table top.

If you decide that you want to strip them and have another crack at painting them up then please read through this painting guide FULL PAINTING GUIDE its a wonderful guide with every technique from drybrushing to NMM (non metalic metals) written by a good online buddy of mine and it helped me alot, just check out my SM wip...lol.

Happy Gaming buddy..

Jim]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308134.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308134.page GMT Table top quality? http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308139.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308139.page GMT Table top quality? http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308248.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308248.page GMT Table top quality?
Taoofss wrote:I do not believe those models are table top quality. Your lines are messy, they are extremely shinny, in parts, you use way too much paint and the details are blurred. There are stray marks everywhere, and you've not done besides color the bases in. Even there, the colors are not smooth.

You came here asking for honest opinions and I feel I gave you mine.

Just being nice and telling you your models are fine the way they are is a detriment to you. My advice to you would be to take your time with the models, get finer detail brushes, buy more paint, learn to wash/dry brush/detail. And for the love of god, use a pallet and do not direct dip your brushes into the paint pots.


I asked for your opinion and you gave it, if we all had the same opinion the world would be a boring place...
I'll get a pallet and finer brushes, would you recommend any? I currently use only GW brushes.

Perkustin wrote:
While you shouldnt take any s*** you should always be open to Constructive Criticism:
My only major problem is that they have names on the bases, i dislike that (even if it is a pro painted mini!). I'm not gonna lie and tell you they are magnificent but they are neat enough and all you need is to practise a bit of highlighting or just use some washes. The operative word is practise, you dont have to be artisitic or talented to paint great miniatures you just need to put in the time.
PS. The paint isn't too thick but the varnish IS, the varnish works as a lense and makes the paints look distorted and blobby.


I'll stay away form the varnish from now on. I did it because some redshirt at an event recommended it, the paint started to chip off my models so that is why I used the varnish.
Especially the metal models had to be repainted after every game. So when the redshirt said: "It protects your miniatures, your paint won't fall off and it gives them a good look."
I decided to use it. I should have asked around in my usual store instead of listening to a redshirt.

Tazay wrote:
Ill agree With Taoofss. At first I thought my brother had painted them (He is about 6).

1. Too much gloss. Way too much gloss.
2. It really looks like a 5 year old painted them. Sorry to say. The solid blue just looks childish to me, The white and blue pants looks like you dry brushed the white over blue
3. The green on the weapons seems out of place.
4. The name on the bases seem really really childish.
5. Keep on working it at it. Youll get it eventually.


Hehe, I paint like a five year old... I always had the feeling my painting skills decreased.
Perhaps grey/ dark blue would be more suited for the weapons?

jimmy72nd wrote:
They are not bad to me, there not the best but i would happily play against them on the table top.

If you decide that you want to strip them and have another crack at painting them up then please read through this painting guide FULL PAINTING GUIDE its a wonderful guide with every technique from drybrushing to NMM (non metalic metals) written by a good online buddy of mine and it helped me alot, just check out my SM wip...lol.


Now that was a good guide!
I will definatly use that one!

Mad4Minis wrote:Ill agree with others...just fine but lose the gloss unless you really like it...then keep it. Also, dont feel bad about some of the faces being funny...faces can be hard. I still cant do them worth a fark.


Hehe, the faces suck, I'll admit it. Then again, it could be a lot worse. Hell, I cannot even draw a normal face.

Perhaps I should post my first two guardsmen I painted? I still keep them around in my army. I know they are horrible and out of place, but then again it's my army and I field what I want to field.

Also the names are part of the fluff, I write a lot of regimental fluff. So I keep the names. Sorry if it disturbs you, but then again, it's my army, I have to play with it and I have to spend a lot of time painting/ playing/ coverting it.
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308354.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2308354.page GMT Table top quality?
He likely didn't point you toward that because (for some crazy reason) GW doesn't make one...]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309346.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309346.page GMT Table top quality?
Henners91 wrote:About what the red shirt said: Varnish is great for protecting minis, yes... but use MATTE varnish.

He likely didn't point you toward that because (for some crazy reason) GW doesn't make one...

Yes they do, Purity Seal. I'm pretty sure purity seal is a matte varnish.
http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=&prodId=prod1200065
But don;t waste your time with GW.
Krylon spray paint makes a varnish called"Krystal Clear" or something. It should say what ever gloss you want. I HIGHLY suggest you get matte.
Some tips on using it, spray lightly and in thin layers or else discoloration of your models will be very present and obvious. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309357.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309357.page GMT Table top quality?

Automatically Appended Next Post:
But now that I read the description "removes shininess" it can't possibly be a gloss ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309369.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309369.page GMT Table top quality?
Taoofss wrote:Just being nice and telling you your models are fine the way they are is a detriment to you.

For what it's worth, nobody here was saying they couldn't be improved. But 'tabletop quality' doesn't have to mean spectacularly painted... it's just a guideline for basic painting, used because coloured models look better than grey ones.

So long as the models have their base colours on in more or less in the right place, that should be more than enough to play with them... which makes them tabletop quality.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309374.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309374.page GMT Table top quality? TBH, your models aren't great. The paint looks really thickly applied and people have already comments on the shininess. What paints are you using? Are you using testors enamels? If so, find some good acyllics. A couple more suggestions:

1. I'd remove the names and rim the bases black
2. Some simple basing would help out a lot. Put down a layer of glue, dunk in some flock, and you're done.
3. Hit the figures with some matte sealer and you'll take care of the shininess.

That being said:

1. They are painted. Kudos. Many people can't even be bothered to do that.
2. The paint jobs aren't bad, I think you've just got the wrong paints
3. The other guy is being a jerk for giving you a hard time.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309381.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309381.page GMT Table top quality?
Ive never had to paint faces but lens can be quite tricky as can the all the nifty little marking on my tau. I feel your pain. For really fine work I use toothpicks since they are sharp but still hold enugh paint to be effective. (I have no idea how weird this is)

I have never watered my paints and somehow my work is fine. Practice makes pritty. (Is there really a way to be perfect?)]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309807.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309807.page GMT Table top quality?
jimmy72nd wrote:Look man, at the end of the day no-one has the right to laugh at anyone else's army, its not a competition its a game of toy soldiers.

If your happy with them then dont pay any attention to him, they are your after all.

They are not bad to me, there not the best but i would happily play against them on the table top.

If you decide that you want to strip them and have another crack at painting them up then please read through this painting guide FULL PAINTING GUIDE its a wonderful guide with every technique from drybrushing to NMM (non metalic metals) written by a good online buddy of mine and it helped me alot, just check out my SM wip...lol.

Happy Gaming buddy..

Jim

+1 to this fine gentleman,
he is right at the end of the day its what you care about, tell the guy heckling you to quit being a dick
if you do want to improve your skills all you need to do is just need to keep practicing.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309964.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2309964.page GMT Re:Table top quality?
Commissar Hanno Von Heiter from the 197th Bataviran

Commissar Hanno Von Heiter from the 197th Bataviran

Hey,

New paintjobs. This one is a commissar.
I thinned my paint, multiple layers and did a black wash.
What do you guys think of it?
Decent? Horrible or disgusting?

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2335244.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2335244.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's!
A noticeable improvement. It looks really good.

Now you just need to add some sand or ballast to the bases and you are cooking.

Be mindful of how the wash gathers and how it effects different colours.
Notice on the shoulder pad how the wash have gathered and shaded a place that wouldn't normally be in the shade? When using the washes you just dab the brush on a piece of tissue paper and then soak up (and redistribute) the excess wash.
Also keep in mind how Badab Black certainly shades the red but also makes it look slightly dirty.
Using Devlan Mud or maybe Ogryn Flesh instead will still shade, but in addition it will enrich and accent the red rather than making it look dirty.

Also a flesh colour like Tallarn Flesh (which I guess you have used) works alot better with Devlan Mud than with Badab Black.


Now you can experiment with how little you can thin your paints and still get an even coat. Remember the ratio isn't the same for all of GWs paints.

Good work and keep it up.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2335366.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2335366.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's! http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2335382.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2335382.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's!
If you like your models gloss, do them gloss. if you want them matt, it's easy enough to hit them with spray right at the end.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2335403.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2335403.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's! ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2345217.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2345217.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's! I will deffinatly use an Ogryn wash for the flesh.
Right now I just use dwarf flesh and a black wash.

The idea behind these guys is to paint them quicker then the ''special'' guys.
(Ofcourse every guardsmen is ''special'' in the universe of 40k )
But the company commanders, platoon commander etc. will be painted better.
So if I paint the majority of my army like this, it's ok?




]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2349703.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2349703.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's! http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2349741.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2349741.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's! Also, just noticed I have to remove the name... ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2349759.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2349759.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's! 40k models for about 7 months. But what I will say is that everyone on dakka deserves a big pat on the back for making this site one of the most helpful and friendly places for table top wargaming on the web. I was so overwhelmed when I realized how much painting I had ahead of me when I started playing, and I didn't know ANYTHING about painting at all. I wanted my models to be of reasonable quality, but I didn't know where to turn to help provide me with some of the foundations. Dakka turned out to be the discovery of a lifetime! Lets face it, the internet is not the most civil forum for discussion most of the time. People use the internet as a barrier to be d**khead's and never feel the repercussions. This is not the case here at all! There are always people willing to give honest constructive opinions and tips to people of all skill levels and that provides a secure and comfortable area for people like myself to learn a lot in almost no time at all. Kudos for providing probably thousands of people like me a serious place to learn how to get the most out of the hobby!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2350831.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2350831.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's! Where did that uber cool gun come from. Any possibility you could add them to all your infantry?]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2354257.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2354257.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's!
Tmonster wrote:taking a better look at your model i noticed 1 thing!!
Where did that uber cool gun come from. Any possibility you could add them to all your infantry?


Depends on, can I free the guns from my AT-43 Red blok army.
I also got a shotgun from them, I will make the model very soon.
It compliments the idea behind my regiment I think.
"Well... We got 500 troops. However their lasguns never arrived. We got 100 laspistols to spare and 100 lasguns to spare. Just hand them out and send your idiots over the top. Those that come back will have a weapon." An anoymous administratum member to my company commander.
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2354530.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2354530.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's!
Flat clear coat will take the shine off or some of it even if you are using shiny paint. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2354701.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2354701.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's!
Genius!

yeh man get orgyn flesh or however its spelled, great stuff for skin.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2354769.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2354769.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's!
I find the colour more natural and muted, and not so "red".]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2355071.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2355071.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's! GW Purity Seal is, at best, semi-gloss. Krylon Matte varnish or Testor's Matte Lacquer is true matte. And cheaper.

2) You are on the right track with that Commisar. It looks much better than your other minis that you posted...

3) Which, as has been said, were not all that bad to begin with. You just need to keep practicing and work on refining basic painting techniques at this point. Advanced stuff can wait until you've gotten the basics down pat.


Welcome to the hobby. You will find there are people who will bash anything short of an award-winning paint job (and no few who will still complain). Most of us are just delighted to see someone make the effort to paint their minis, having faced unpainted grey hordes on the battlefield.

Don't let the trash-talkers get you down. Their first army likely didn't even look as good as yours.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2356059.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2356059.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's! http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2356194.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2356194.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's!
Goddard wrote:My Suggestion to you, Lord Loner, is next time he graces the floor in a fit of laughter at your models, raise your foot and shout, "For the Emperor!" and smash his testicles into dust. On a related note, that last picture of your Guardsmen was pleasing to the eye, and you should be proud to field an army of that quality.


Mind if I use that one as a signature?

nevertellmetheodds wrote:"Well... We got 500 troops. However their lasguns never arrived. We got 100 laspistols to spare and 100 lasguns to spare. Just hand them out and send your idiots over the top. Those that come back will have a weapon." An anoymous administratum member to my company commander.

Genius!


I'm glad you liked it.

Vulcan wrote:1) GW Purity Seal is, at best, semi-gloss. Krylon Matte varnish or Testor's Matte Lacquer is true matte. And cheaper.

2) You are on the right track with that Commisar. It looks much better than your other minis that you posted...

3) Which, as has been said, were not all that bad to begin with. You just need to keep practicing and work on refining basic painting techniques at this point. Advanced stuff can wait until you've gotten the basics down pat.


Added to the shopping list and thank you.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2356522.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2356522.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's!
Mind if I use that one as a signature?


Not at all, my fellow soldier. Just make sure everyone sees him being obnoxious before you...perform said action.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2358436.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2358436.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's!
Do not get too picky about your minis. i currently play with a group that for the most part have half painted models, horrid paint jobs, and some not even primed.

Your first models were not all that bad. Shinny would be the word I would use.

For the most part that dude was a douchbag for not accepting your paint job. They guy just could be one of them hard core players. They are not worth the time to play with.

I have not played a single game as of yet due to my OCD on my models. I am working on the Grey knights full army and I will tell you it is not easy with my OCD dose not help I just started to paint (I R paint newbie) and still learning tricks.

Some here may come off as pricks but they can tell ya a lot.

Just remember they are your minis paint them as you want. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2359491.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2359491.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's! http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2360853.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2360853.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's! ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2361009.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2361009.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's!
And I would not call that converting. Adding things is moding them. Converting is taking one type of model and changing so much that it is no longer the original. The best example i can think of is a normal Space marine Terminator and changing it to be a Grey knight terminator.

I guess what I am saying is that When people convert they take a plain jane type of model and change it around to to be apart of a diffrent faction or race for that matter.

I have seen people convert normal SM troops and convert them in to Space wolfs or nergel warrior. These conversion are not a tree leftover type of thing.

I am not putting ya down just trying to clear it up for ya.


]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2362733.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2362733.page GMT Re:Table top quality? New photo's! http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2363109.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2363109.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's!
Regarding other issues - everyone has covered it.
1) Matt varnish (yes, this is a personal choice, but most people prefer matt. If you have a preference for gloss, go for that, but if you don't mind, go for matt)
2) Bases - just some thin PVA and some sand before undercoating black and it will be better. Leave it black, then highlight grey and you'll have a decent looking finish, though not amazing.
3) The names. You seem to really want to keep them, so some suggestions. This may be extremely time consuming, but will look potentially a lot better, if you really love your names.

It is very difficult to write with a paint brush, so don't go for a conventional writing style. Paint the rim of your base black. Then, work out how much space you need for the rim. Coat that much with a thinned down layer of gore red. Figure out where each letter will be, roughly. Put a thin layer of blood red there, as a blob. Next, paint a thin layer of blazing orange in the approximate shape of the letter. Next, paint each letter in thin golden yellow as well as you can. Next, touch up each letter with thin sunburst yellow. (I think I have my yellows the right way round. The lightest and brightest one last). It'll take ages, but will look good, and should help overcome the issue of writing with a brush looking scruffy.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2363200.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2363200.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's! http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2363365.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2363365.page GMT Table top quality? New photo's! To be fair, no, he can't paint well, but no-one just picks up a paintbrush and is 'Eavy metal quality straight away, my old models look far worse than yours, but now I can paint to a decent standard.
It all comes down to one thing: Practice!
Good luck, may the dark gods smile on you!]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2365037.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/338339/2365037.page GMT