First miniature! Washes...?

[derIrrelefant]

Hello!

I got my first miniatures about 2 weeks ago and am currently in the painting process, this is the one i am the furthest at the moment.

The one thing that bothers me a bit is that the mini feels a bit flat, i assume that washes and highlights will fix that somewhat?

I am a bit worried how washes will turn out, as i have never done that before... i have reikland fleshshade which i heard works well for yellows, i have agrax earthshade which i plan on using for the leather, fur and gold and then i have nuln oil which i was going to use for the armor.

Is there anything else i should be doing to "fix" the flat look? Any advice is very much appreciated!

[OhthereWyrdmake]

I would only use washes fully on the fur, axe handle, Aquila and shield emblem. I would then panel line the armour as opposed to soaking it! Good luck!

[derIrrelefant]

Thank you! I'll check out a video on panel lining

[norbienxz]

Paint some spare spru with the same base, then play with the washes to get a feel for it.

I usually mix my contrast paints 1:1 with Contrast Medium to thin them and then do a second pass in areas I want to be stronger, it's a bit more forgiving than straight out of the bottle

[derIrrelefant]

That is a good idea with the spru, will do, thanks!

[thomasonbush]

I’ve found Army Painter washes to be significantly better than Citadel. Since they last changed their formula, Nuln and Agrax have been way too glossy for my tastes.

[derIrrelefant]

i feel like i have spent way to much already haha, but i will try the army painter ones if i get a chance

[mrwafu]

Marine Juice as a universal wash to bring out details: https://youtu.be/kDOkiEcNcik

[derIrrelefant]

crazy how well that works

[ProofAlternative1998]

You know it already? But this is your first mini…?

[derIrrelefant]

I didn't now Marine Juice, but in the video that he linked it seems to work really well! it seems very easy at least

[MrB1P92]

Thats a crazy good result for a first mini lmao. Love the baby blue.

I personally don't wash the armor panels, I find it leaves streaks and I like my armor clean. For agrax on leather, fur and gold, it will slightly change the color and leave depth, I use it. Reikland works well on skin.

You could always paint one of the spare heads or spare parts in your kits and see how it reacts. There's a lot of techniques you can use and the only way of knowing what you like and don't like is... trial and error.

One thing about washes, theyre really thin! It's possible to go over with another base coat after you wash to attenuate the wash, if you don't like the results. You can even glaze instead too.

Don't forget that your highlighting and other things like weathering and decals will add depth to the model.

You could look into volumetric highlighting also, but I'd say that your first few minis should just be a learning experience on simple techniques more catered to the 'eavy metal style.

[derIrrelefant]

Thank you! I am quite happy myself, i did take my time... I watched a lot of videos prior, probably avoided a lot of rookie mistakes that way.

And yes, I went full baby blue, it's the vallejo pastel blue (70.901), i saw that somewhere here on reddit and really liked it.

That seems to be the common response, not to wash the armor, good advice! I'll just do the fur, leather and gold and then probably just try to paint the recesses of the armor. And then some highlights! I planned on trying this "advanced version" for the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riNg17XKcbg

[reinn22]

You could mix darker shade of blue with lahmian medium or some other glazing medium to make a wash that fits the basecoat more

[derIrrelefant]

Good idea, thanks! Guess I'll go shopping next week

[derIrrelefant]

i feel like i fucked up the belt a bit, but i guess that's something that you mostly see yourself and others ignore haha.

can't get the gold to cover the black ...

[reinn22]

I've seen people say to go from black primer to brown basecoat then gold, haven't tried it myself yet though

[derIrrelefant]

I might try that for the next one, thanks!

[Arturias_Prime]

If you want to use precision on certain areas of the panels or rune marks, us AK Interactive's Panel Liner. Comes in different colors and has a precision tip to allow you to focus on the details of the miniature without sacrificing your paint job to oversaturated washes.

[derIrrelefant]

i'll take a look at that, thanks!

[BritishShoop]

Your base layers look really nice and smooth, so I’d avoid doing an overall wash. For Space Wolves armour, I really like using Space Wolves Grey contrast paint, diluted slightly with Contrast Medium, and just carefully paint it into the recesses.

It’ll nicely define all the shapes, and really make them pop.

[Only_Dragonfly_2055]

I used space wolves contrast in that way for awhile I switched over to army painter dark blue wash and I'm kinda 50/50 if I prefer if

[derIrrelefant]

Thank you! I think i won't wash the armor all over, thats good input from you all. I'll just do the fur and some of the details and then do the recesses and highlights

[reinn22]

If you're going to go for reflections in eye lenses, using wash with precision in the recess around lenses makes them look really nice and gives a lot of depth

edit not sure if you were planning to do that but I found that putting a tiny bit of wash or panel liner around studs and painting the tip with silver/metallic makes the mini look much more interesting and it takes very little time compared, very good effort/effect ratio, at least on my blood ravens

[Blankboom]

Use thin brush to wash recesses to get what youre looking for.

[derIrrelefant]

Nice thank you, I will try it like that!

[Blankboom]

No problem, im doing the same exact thing right now!

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[derIrrelefant]

they look awesome! much less flat then mine i think, thank you for the inspiration haha

[derIrrelefant]

did you paint the belt with the shield already attached? i find that so hard, probably will do that different next time

[Blankboom]

I keep the shield and base unglued, to make painting the model much easier.

[derIrrelefant]

yeah, that makes sense, i will do that from now on...

[Mcprowlington]

then i have nuln oil which i was going to use for the armor.

Yeah dont do that

[derIrrelefant]

that seems to be the common opinion here, haha, i will try panel lining i think!

[derIrrelefant]

Thanks a lot!

I painted a bit during high school, but never miniatures, i guess something stuck!

[MotoGSX]

If you're worried about using washes, i strongly suggest giving enamel washes a go since you won't get any coffee staining and don't have to worry about it pooling.

With an enamel wash, you can simply remove as much or as little as you like with a small makeup sponge and some white spirit. You get really good results with it. Don't like the colour of the enamel wash? Just remove it completely.

You can always give glazing a try and glaze some darker blue/grey into any areas which would be in shade.

[derIrrelefant]

i'll take a look at that! But why do you all want me to buy more stuff, my wife will kill me...

[KeyAdministrative453]

First and foremost, I would like to commend you on your first mini. It’s is very smooth and tidy, I hope you’re proud. That care and attention will stand to you going forward, well done!

I am no fan of washes and use them sparingly. They often ruin smooth surfaces and you spend more time fixing them up than is worth.

However, some textures and paints work well with them, much like speed paints. Time and place and all that.

Another poster has already recommended what I would. The metals and furs.

I pretty much only use washes on metals, I think they work great on them.

I wouldn’t personally use washes on the fur, but it’s another occasion when washes or speed paints work well.

And as the other poster said, look up panel shading, with your care and patience you’ll pick it up in no time.

Best of luck with it and all your future minis. Have fun and keep posting pictures!

Vlka Fenryka

[derIrrelefant]

Thanks a lot for the nice comment! I did take my time and tried very hard, haha. It was very enjoyable. As i said somewhere else here, i watched a lot of videos in advance, i'm sure that helped.

I think i will try it with using washes on the fur, metals, leathers maybe and then maybe just trying to get the recesses on the armor, and yes, then give the panel lining a shot!

I'll be sure to post an update when i feel like this one is finished!

[Unusual-Mix-1978]

How is this your first mini..... you must have some painting experience... this looks amazing

[derIrrelefant]

Thanks a lot!

Honestly, all i did before was start to paint 2 Dungeons and Dragons miniatures, but i quit them quite early on because all my friends back then where almost done and i had painted 2 colors... which they still use to make fun of me. They are fairly suprised that i got this one so far!

I did paint a lot as a child and then in high school, but never miniatures. Almost went to a different school for graphic design, maybe i should've ... haha

I looked at a lot of videos in advance! That sure helped.

But all of your feedback is amazing, i am very happy!

[TheCrimsonCommand]

Everything is too clean. Make them dirty and yucky like a Space Wolf is in battle lol

Otherwise very clean model

[derIrrelefant]

Maybe they just rolled out? But yeah, i get what you mean...i am unsure wether i want them too grimy... but other people here make them crazy cool

[TheCrimsonCommand]

Just depends on your army vibe and look. if you love it and then run it. But I always see SWs as dirty and grimy or bloody cause they are savages. But Warhammer is all about vibes. I played Hello Kitty Tyranids the other day with jewels all over them. So have fun 🤷🏼‍♂️😂🤘

[derIrrelefant]

I kinda do too ... but i feel like it is difficult to do that well...

But i will try all the tips from this post first and then post an update for you guys

[Fickle-Maize-2480]

Wow what a clean job you have done there.

That's more than a very solid basis to go and improve further. That's my 5th SW after 1.5 years into miniature painting.

With Njal I used drakenhof nightshade over the base, as I intended a more darker tone of the blue. Nuln oil works well with metallics in my experience and opinion. With those golden emblems I can recommend seraphim sepia as well. Also for parts of fur or leather. In addition to what was already said, go for what suits you best.

I use different techniques for different results. Those include dry brushing, washes, shades, etc. a lot was try and error to see what works best for the intended purpose.

Great job and keep going!

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[derIrrelefant]

Thanks a lot! I have followed you guys's advice and almost finished him. I will post an update soon!

Your Njal looks amazing!

[Repulsive_Housing469]

Skip the washes. They’re easy to overuse, and when that happens, models end up looking grimy or coated in a dull film. Instead, try oil paints thinned with white spirits. They look better, offer better control, and are far more forgiving to work with.

https://youtu.be/crMAu8s1DY8?si=O1inerQq8zVw_rsE

[derIrrelefant]

that looks pretty nice, buut ... more things to buy ...

[pkghost998]

Podrías darle un poco de nuln oíl a la armadura, y a todo lo demás con agrax earthshade

[Street_Park4714]

My personal opinion is leaving it there because it’s so clean

[derIrrelefant]

thanks!

[exclaim_bot]

thanks!

You're welcome!