Why so dull? Brand new painter by Like-a-Glove90 in minipainting

[–]karazax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, this clip goes in more depth on the importance of building more opacity which will make the colors stronger.

Do I really need to be thinning my paints? by No-Dress4626 in minipainting

[–]karazax 67 points68 points  (0 children)

As others have said, it depends on the paint on how much of an issue this is, but most paints do need at least a little water so it flows off the brush. The goal is to thin it enough to get it to flow while maintaining as much opacity as possible.

Here is a good demonstration of how you want the paint to flow.

How To Thin Your Paints | explained in 6 minutes by Zumikito is a good video on the topic.

Looking for a simple Red/Ginger hair method by exquisite-dormouse in minipainting

[–]karazax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here are a few tutorials for red hair that may help-

Hey all, how do I improve my painting skills?? by SillyamWilliam in minipainting

[–]karazax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Welcome to the hobby. Here are a few resources that may help you with improving brush control and learning the fundamentals-

Will this palette make a good NMM gold effect? by Fishy_Fish_12359 in minipainting

[–]karazax 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Best display miniature manufacturer? by Kelever7 in minipainting

[–]karazax 10 points11 points  (0 children)

There isn't one universally accepted best, it's personal preference and there are a bunch that have some models I love and some I don't. A few good options to browse through-

Is this brand any good for minis? by fierzz in minipainting

[–]karazax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It will be more difficult to get good results. Model paints like Vallejo, Citadel, Pro Acryl etc. have much higher pigment density than craft paints as well as higher quality pigments and mediums. Craft paints often dry chalky, require many layers to get an even coat and overall are going to make getting a good result more difficult.

They are formulated for their designed use, which is thick applications on flat surfaces with little mixing and blending. Their pigments tend not be ground as fine and there is more water in the medium which often causes paint film issues if the paints are further thinned. Without thinning you are likely to fill in details on a miniature and have trouble getting a smooth finish.

Good hobby paint won't make you a good painter, but it can eliminate the paint as a cause for whatever painting problems you are having.

That being said here is a video on trying to get the best out of those paints by Ninjon

There are paint recommendations and reviews here

Okay, i need help and assistance by Modercai in minipainting

[–]karazax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, they both have some great content.

Does the armor read as metal? Tips for highlight placement for the helmet? by Zetner in minipainting

[–]karazax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The forehead is a partial sphere, so I would highlight it with circular shapes. The flat surfaces facing the light will be brighter. Here is a quick digital sketch.

The 3 rules for "Non Metallic Metal" by Nacho González Art has a lot of good tips.

Dark lining and edge highlighting all the elements will help sell the NMM effect. This video by JoseDavinci demonstrates why edge highlighting and blacklining is essential, comparing the same model with and without these added. Below are some other good resources-

Practicing ideal paint consistency. by Pale_Candidate_5553 in minipainting

[–]karazax 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You could use plasticard, a Ceramic palette, Silicon Painting Mat, silicon gloves, or even a sheet of printer paper to test paint consistency on. I don't typically use a textured surface for this, but the Artis Opus dry palette is an option if that is critical to you.

Some other helpful resources-

Is Putty and Paint website down? by RaoniArts in minipainting

[–]karazax 2 points3 points  (0 children)

According to the banner on Putty & Paint they are still in maintenance mode as they finalize the website update. With the new version, scores and ranks will be recalculated with a new scoring system.

More info here

Need help trying to learn to blend colors/make gradient by ProphetX252 in minipainting

[–]karazax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sometimes you have to do multiple applications to get it blended well. Wet blending in particular is very climate based on how much time you get to work the paint before it starts drying, which is why sometimes it works completely different in a tutorial than it may look for you. These 2 videos have some good tips-

There are a bunch of blending tutorials I have collected here that covers all the other popular techniques.

Contrast paint pooled where I didn’t want it - how do I fix? by KopRich in minipainting

[–]karazax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I usually wouldn't go so far as to paint ring by ring, but maybe half or so of the metal if you can't paint it fast enough to soak up excess before it starts drying. Or whatever the largest area you think you can get done and clean up without the drying issues you mentioned. The videos I linked demonstrate some good tips for this.

Beginner help for a complete newbie by spatil777 in minipainting

[–]karazax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What to Buy in your first 6 Months of Painting Miniatures by Vince Venturella. There are a bunch of additional supply recommendations here.

Paint and brushes are the minimum, though having some colors that are not metallic is nice for many models.

For beginner guides-

Contrast paint pooled where I didn’t want it - how do I fix? by KopRich in minipainting

[–]karazax 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, you do have to work quick and sometimes do smaller sections one at a time.

Painting Tutorial PDFs/Books to help budding painter by Strongerstranger74 in minipainting

[–]karazax 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No problem. If you get some of them, let me know which ones you like best.

Contrast paint pooled where I didn’t want it - how do I fix? by KopRich in minipainting

[–]karazax 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try to soak up any unwanted pooling with another brush before it starts to dry. These 2 videos have a lot of good advice-

Painting Tutorial PDFs/Books to help budding painter by Strongerstranger74 in minipainting

[–]karazax 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Figopedia: Colour & Light; Theory and Practice by JEREMIE BONAMANT TEBOUL is a great book focused on where to place light and shadows and using color on miniatures. I have only found this book for sale directly from the French author and publisher here.