"Against the Grain" Topic

I have been painting war gaming figures for over thirty years. I find painting Zombies hard because they look sloppy. Well after all they are outside all the time, moving randomly catching their clothes, subject to dust and grime etc etc. But my inclination is to paint the figure right and then painfully weather it. Is there an easier way? I guess I am looking for a good tutorial on this style of painting.
Thanks.

BTW is this just me or do others get that feeling too?

Paint sloppy, apply dark brown wash. Done. It may feel wrong at first to 'paint sloppy', but the effect is totally acceptable for a large mob o' zombies, and you will get used to it… Stick to your real painting for characters and troops that will be on the table for more than one turn…?

Agreed. The "right" technique may be the block color and wash or dip.

The look seems to work far more than it does not.

+2 on Magic Wash/The Dip. Simple block painting, seal with Pledge with Future Shine floor polish to smooth out the paint, then Magic Wash/The Dip. The sloppy/dirty look will fit nicely. They're Zombies, after all, so they should look crappy. >;-)

En masse, The Dip is perfect; Zombies are made-to-order for The Dip; Royal Walnut MinWax Polyshades will yield a dark brown, rather than black (Tudor), and it would likely be a better shade for Zombies. You will discover that by using simple block painting, with The Dip, you will churn out decent looking Zombies in very little time.

If you are hesitant to use The Dip, do a test figure, put it on the table next to the old style painted figure, and see what you think. It is your table, and your figures. You only need please yourself. Cheers!

I also try to limit the amount of colors I use. I try to stick with the grey, green and browns. I then add splats of red give a fast wash then some matte varnish…

Thanks guys that helps – both the technique and the encouragement!
sky