http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/8.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net I need everything... primer, paint, brushes etc...

Price is important but if there's a type of paint or brush that will help a shaky handed non painter id be ok paying a little extra.

A friend suggested gw contrast paint.
He said it's super easy to use...

Thoughts? ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766401.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766401.page GMT They follows the same prinsiples as washes and are ment for people who has never painted before, or thouse who dont like to paint, but they are basicly modern ink washing.
But you have to be neat as unlike normal paints, you cant realy correction paint contrast paint that easily.

In terms of actual paint, you need to find out what brand(s) your local store is selling. there is no point for us to reccomend in detail brand a, if the shop sells brand b or c.

As for cheap general use start points, you have for example these 2 products.

https://www.amazon.com/Reaper-Miniatures-08906-Learn-Paint/dp/B00NTMC49G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=Reaper:+Learn+To+Paint+Kit&qid=1567780498&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=tactilehobby-20&linkId=4ebee1da65aa7aaee8f049d7515fccee&language=en_US
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTXRU2L?tag=tactilehobby-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1

However none of them includes hardware tools, but a perfect entrypoint for that would be for example this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Rustark-Gundam-Building-Repairing-Fixing/dp/B071LB1T5D/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=hobby+clippers&qid=1578926486&sr=8-5&linkCode=sl1&tag=trending0a2-20&linkId=529ede228f2714f1ef7d9c837f11f93b&language=en_US

That tool set cover everything you need in your first year as a painter, the paint sets is general set that can be used for any miniature.

However, if you want to start up as cheap as possible and having everything you need from day1, get this one.
https://www.games-workshop.com/en-NO/Warhammer-40000-Essentials-Set-2018-eng



For the shaky hand issue, i would suggest a model holder with a stability bar, sutch as this one
https://gameenvy.net/product/the-hobby-holder-painting-handle/

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766475.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766475.page GMT I'll be buying online so flgs is of no concern


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I should add that i have tools... just nothing to paint with. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766482.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766482.page GMT
All 3 brands delivers good products for both paint, brushes and primers, but the primary difference is that GW uses flip lid pots for this paints, AP and V uses drip bottles. with drip bottles you must have a wet pallet. you should have one for GW too but it is not vital, i have been using GW paints whitout a pallet for 3 years now.

In depths pros/cons between the paints of said brands i leave to others.


(oh, forgot, you need glue ofc. for plastic models you should use spesific plastic cement, idealy the thin stuff. you can use superglue but parts will break off if you drop the model. for resin and white metal models you can only use super glue)]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766485.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766485.page GMT Suggestions

1) Avoid buying GW hobby materials. They're overly expensive and often re-branded normal tools. Do not buy GW brushes, clippers, green-stuff, tools, etc. Go to a competent hobby supply store (Hobby Town, Hobby Lobby, etc. etc.) and start there. You'll save 60%. You ever see car floor mats as an option on a car and they're $160...but the same as the ones from AutoZone which cost $30...but they say "Toyota" on them? Same deal here. Don't buy GW branded tools. They're just tools...find them elsewhere.

2) Unless you are using a specific GW colour, avoid GW paints. They're expensive and their paint pots suck ass (so they tend to dry out over time). $4.55 for 12mL. There are loads of excellent paint companies out there. Vallejo is a superb choice, and you get a paint for $2.80 for 17mL...so half the cost for 150% the paint. Unless you need a specific GW colour for a specific thing...skip them altogether. Contrasts are neat, but $8 for something you'll burn through pretty quick.

3) No solution to shaky hands other than finding a painting method or style where you can brace your arms. Also, if general shakes is a problem, that's something you should actually look into. Could be medical, or you simply need to lay off the caffeine. I tend to paint with both of my forearms resting on the edge of the table that I'm painting on. I don't have shaky hands but it helps a lot.

4) If you're playing an army that is predominantly one colour (i.e. Space Marines, etc.) consider coloured primers. Available from Army Painter, Vallejo and occasionally a few from Games Workshop. A can will run you from $12-18....but you can put a base coat on a large number of miniatures from a single can. This can cut down IMMENSELY the amount of time applying a base colour. Another option is an air brush, but if you're new to painting - skip that for now. Anyone can shake and spray a rattle can.

5) Speaking of rattle cans...you need to prime miniatures, regardless of the material. Have someone show you have to properly prime miniatures (smooth strokes past the miniature about 10-15" inches away, etc.). YouTube may be able to show you as well. If you prime wrong and just hold the can over the miniature as you're spraying you'll turn it into a blob and then you'll have to strip it.

6) Here is a link to "new hobbyists" tools you'll need outside of simply paints:

http://myminiaturemischief.blogspot.com/2016/06/getting-started-tools.html]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766490.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766490.page GMT
The only exception I’d say though is contrast paints.
While they are expensive, they are very decent and convenient for new painters.
You can achieve much better results with very little effort.

I usually avoid GW paints for the most part, but after tinkering with the contrasts I’ve grown to love them quickly.
Speed painting, easy effects etc, they just make life a lot easier. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766500.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766500.page GMT gw online store is closed...
I think id like to try the contrast but can't seem to find a starter.

Army painter has a mega set for like 100 bucks.. that's tempting too. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766508.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766508.page GMT
I'm not sure how they fethed up ...paint...but Army Painter has very few defenders. I have heard that they work better as an airbrush paint. I would buy a bottle or two before throwing any money at a mega-paint set.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766613.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766613.page GMT tbh you can use most well made acrylic paints, and I'm going to risk a measure of derision and contempt to recommend what's called "Apple Barrel colors" available at Walmart at prices so low you won't believe them.

And they work, they're water based acrylic paints that come in a spectrum of colors and can be mixed, diluted, etc.

I use them and they are not kiddie watercolor paints, they're pretty decent quality and last.

I do recommend army painter washes and inks, I've used them since meeting them at a FLGS whose owner recommend them.

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Ive tried painting and don't care for it so the correct gear might help.

Are contrast paints really 6 bucks a pot... crap...]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766625.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766625.page GMT
A good painter will get far more out of contrasts than a poor painter. However, if you watch a bunch of decent how-to videos, they can offer you a shortcut much like washes, etc. can. You still need some precision, brush control, and patience, etc. Also, you need to varnish them well as I've heard a lot of issues with them chipping if not sealed (it is essentially super-thin paint, so easier to rub off/chip).

Watch some of the GW how-to videos and you can probably get away with quite a bit. Sadly, yes, they're rather insanely priced.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766638.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766638.page GMT GW paints are not what a lot of high end painters use (Vallejo seems to be the system of choice for a lot of pros, or possibly a mix of paints from many manufacturers), but it does have the advantage of an easy to understand system with tons and tons of online tutorials for specific models and techniques.

If on the other hand you're just wanting to get good solid paintjobs on the table quickly, cheaper paints and brushes, or the contrast system, might be for you.

Either way, if might be an idea to start small and have a plan, rather than buy a ton of materials and get overwhelmed. Simple minis with a limited range of colours to start with, until you get your eye in and feel confident enough to take on more complex challenges.

If you go with GW (like I did), I can't recommend their youtube tutorials highly enough for getting started. If you get a bit further, Darren Latham's tutorials are proving to be fantastic for advanced techniques, though his videos are supposedly all going to be taken down in May, unfortunately, due to contract issues with GW.

EDIT: You might want to buy contrast paints from somewhere like ebay, as they are generally cheaper than GW's online store. Contrast paints are expensive, but they do at least cut out the shading/inking stage, so you're buying one pot where normally you'd be buying two or more.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766645.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766645.page GMT The reason i keep leaning towards big sets is since i don't have a flgs i have a fear of needing a paint and not having it.
Silly im sure but it bothers me.

I think im going to start with some walking dead or shadows of brimstone monsters.

I figure zombies and monsters may be more forgiving on mistakes... lol]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766654.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766654.page GMT

https://www.flickr.com/photos/187483042@N03/49748935597/in/dateposted-public/

It's mostly apple barrel colors with a an army painter green wash. One bottle of the pain is partially visible on the left.

One issue with army painter washed is you often end up misspelling them as "Army panter". This does not affect their use as washes.
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GW's paints are, for the most part, excellent. They too have quite a decent range of colours that are designed to complement each other when it comes to base/layer/highlight/etc.
The pots are... crappy. But I think people tend to overstate how crap. Yes, there is a bit of paint wastage around the rim of the lid, but if you close it carefully, you can generally avoid this happening. I've also never had, in 15+ years of using them, a pot dry out on me (either hex pots or the current bullet shaped ones). But local climates may also play a factor in that. One of GWs strengths lies in it's range of metallics (And always has I think). I've used a good number of their metallics and so far the only one i've been unimpressed with is Leadbelcher. Not a patch on the old Boltgun Metal in my opinion. GW washes are also top notch.

I've recently picked up a few Scalecolor paints and i'm loving the heck out of them. This range isn't as big as GW or Vallejo, but it has some very nice colours to choose from. Including the best white i've ever used. Their metallics are sensational too. You can thin them to death and still get great coverage out of them. But then what i've experienced with either of the other two brands i've mentioned. These paints are pricey, and not widely available (at least where I live), but i'd recommend at least checking them out.

I've never used Army Painter paints before, but I used to use their rattle cans and while I personally never had a problem with them, lots of people find them very hit and miss.
My personal go-to for rattle cans is Rustoleum sprays. They're superb.


To answer your questions though,
- Good starter sets.
I'm going to come straight out and recommend getting this 40k Essentials pack. It gives you a trashy brush you can learn the basics with and not worry about destroying and a really nice starting range of colours. Every colour you get is useful. Mephiston Red is a beautiful paint. The best red i've ever used hands down. Avarland Sunset and Macragge Blue are also excellent primary colours. Bugmans glow is a really good base for skin and both Rakarth Flesh and Death Guard Green are suprisingly versatile colours. This set saves you a good amount of $ on the paints alone and i'd highly recommend it.

Vallejo do lots of paint sets, most are based around a specific theme, (i.e- woods, leather, metal, etc) but they also have a few generic ones. Buying one or two would net you a solid base of colours.
There is also the option of their complete starter kits. It might seem like overkill for someone who is just starting to paint, but were I to have my time again I would 100% drop the money on one of the complete range starter kits. Something like this. They generally run about $250-300, but you get everything from that specific range (Model, Game, Mecha, etc). Now it is undoubtedly a huge investment but over time chances are you'll surprise yourself at how many of them you use. I just used to buy the ones I needed at the time, which was fine, but now it's meant i've got 30 odd paints when really I'd like to get them all, but don't really want to double up on the ones I don't use very often. But you know... Hindsight and all that.

-Primers
As mentioned before, Rustoleum are my go to primers now. They're cheap, very effective and you get more use out of them then any of the GW/Army Painter rattle cans.

-Brushes
For a good beginner brush, i'd say get you hands on some Winsor & Newton Galleria brushes. They're synthetic brushes, not overly expensive and pretty hard wearing. I used them for probably a decade and would suggest them highly. Get yourself a size 0 and 1 and you can't go wrong.

-Contrast paints
I've only recently started using contrasts myself and mostly on the advice of Darren Lathams painting tutorials. When thinned right down, they do make for outstanding glazes. I don't think i'd use them straight out of the pot like GW suggests, except for maybe on bases.
The 4 I had recommended to me as the must haves of the contrast range were Wyldwood, Flesh Tearers Red, Guilliman Flesh and Black Templar. I picked up the first 3 and so far haven't been disappointed with them.

-Shaky hand.
If it's nervousness that's causing the shake, then doing some deep breathing exercises before/during a session may help.
If it's actual nerve damage/etc, then unfortunately there's been nothing invented to help that. My advice is find a secure position where your hands are comfortably braced. Also blu-tacing you mini to a paint pot is an excellent way to give you a better grip. I also found the GW painting handle to be surprisingly useful in this regard.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766760.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/787194/10766760.page GMT
Primer: I prefer brush on (I don't have a go-to though, Tamiya, GW Base are what I've used lately) over a spray rattlecan, but rustoleum/krylon work. The graffiti sprays (like Montana) aren't really great for it, though I've had good luck with Liquitex spray on top of a primed figure, given perfect environmental conditions. Spray can succes can depend on the weather.

Paint: Perhaps ordering a couple different small starter sets might help you decide what brand you want to explore more of? Mixing all the time to get a certain color is tedious, so having a brand and a defined color helps your schemes and themes. I don't recommend cheap (craft paints from the discount store) paints starting out (or for figures ever, though for basing, they're not bad). Some of the artist supply stuff is worth exploring eventually, depending on your personal art experience/ability (Golden High Flow Acrylics, Acrylic Inks, matte medium, flow extender). Shoot, you can make anything work, enamels and oils are used by some people, but dedicated miniature paints are pretty much the best option in the beginning.

GW Contrast: I've found them to be interesting for specific uses, though they're marketed more for bulk tabletop readiness. I see them as a good ink, I guess. Starting out? It might be a positive experience if you have a miniature with distinct 'zones' and want to see what you can do in a short amount of time. They're very expensive as a beginner/starter option, so they might just be a good supplement (a lot of models with fur?) with a few colors.
I agree on Vallejo as a good choice--they make hundreds of paints across many different lines just for miniatures. I think have 5 different lines in my paint shelf at the moment.
Army Painter is what you'd call the budget choice. They make some other branded stuff too, like the D&D & zombicide paints.
Reaper also makes pretty good paint. The bones series seems to be their budget line, but I find it way better than AP.
Scalecolor/Scale75 is inconvenient to acquire and pretty expensive, though they are flat out awesome.
GW: well, the flip top is convenient and you don't need to add a mixing ball and find a needle to use them every time. The washes are pretty universally accepted as being great.

There are a lot of smaller companies out there, I'm sure pouring through the forums would find some reviews on the other brands. From the GW regular paints, you can get the Space Marine Adventures Starter set or the Blitz Bowl build and paint set for pretty cheap from Barnes and Noble if you join the kids club and apply the discount to it. The Reaper starter sets aren't very expensive either, as someone else mentioned, I think. Of course, there are millions of Vallejo options (model color or game color).

Brushes: Starting out, get a few synthetic and some natural. Sable is going to be the expensive stuff that will make you not want to use the brush to paint with. You can get some regular art supply brushes--I aim for a name brand and the 3-7$ range, whichever is on sale. If you're ordering online, that would mean you're going to see brands like Princeton, Daler & Rowney, and Robert Simmons--any of the game company brushes are usually rebranded and or overpriced. Naturally, the artist brands have a million lines based off quality, material, and handle. Sizes you'd use the most would be 0, 1 , and things that come in funky fractions (3/0, 4/0, 10/0). I like script liners and flat shaders for specific things as well. Bear in mind that you'll want to keep your brushes clean and it's worth checking out care and maintenance unless you want to be using 1 brush per 2 figures.

Also, you'll probably need to get some sort of varnish for your figures to seal/protect them after you're done. I don't think the average starter kit comes with any, but matte varnish is what you'll use. No specific brand is really necessary.

Lastly, shaky hands. Yes, use the elbow or wrist bracing method. You don't need to hold stuff up freely while painting...Use your worktable/station/etc.

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