"Buying Painted Figures vs. Painting Service" Topic

Hi. I've taken on a second project that I'm not really interested in trying to paint. I'm looking for some basic information regarding buying painted figures or using a painting service.

The game will require very few figures, to start. Somewhere around 12 to 20. But they are pretty complex for a beginning painter, and I'd rather spend my time learning rules and painting my other project, in my spare time.

Regarding buying painted figures: I just signed up for a Supporting Membership; can I just post a "Wanted to Buy" thread in the Marketplace? Is TMP or ebay or some other site your favorite for finding painted stuff? What has your experience been, buying painted figures? What would the price difference be, between painted and unpainted figures?

Regarding using a painting service, I really have no idea how this works. Do I drop-ship the models to the painting service? Build and base them and then ship them off for painting? Do I pick the colors? Send reference materials? Call out particular illustrations in an Osprey book? How does this generally work? What is a typical price per figure to pay?

I don't think I have the skills and patience yet for 28mm woodland Indians and colonial militias. So, buy some painted figures, or buy some figures and get them painted? I need more information to make a decision.

Thanks for any advice or experience you can offer.

Convention "flea markets" are probably the best place to pick up painted figures for a reasonable price.

Do you ever make it to any of the Wargaming Conventions?

If you don't bother with the various paint markings, then Indians are easy – just various shades of brown. Colonial militia and rangers are about the same with the rangers having more green or black uniforms.

Here are some figures I've painted:
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Jim

To use a painting service you ship them the minis along with instructions on how to paint and base them. I include bases so they match the rest of my collection. They should start work and then send WIP pictures for you to review/approve. Going overseas for you probably makes no sense given the postage involved.

If you want the names of some very good and reliable painters the boards here will provide you many options.

If you plan to expand in the future it's a good idea to ask your painter to keep a record of colors used so you can add, say, 8 more indian braves and they will match the first wave.

I use many painting services and have a good stable of them. My next project is 15mm Vikings & Saxons, headed to Evil Bob.

Buying painted is a bit of a treasure hunt tho which is why I mostly don't do that. For Lord of the Rings I can rely on finding what I want. But for a project like this I would use a painter so I don't wind up with lots of militia and no indians or lots of women and no riflemen.

Flea Markets are a real crap shoot so can be expensive (you have to travel, pay to get in, and hope you find what you want otherwise you just spent a bunch of money for nothing).

So if you want to wait and piece to together over the next 6 months, buying painted will work. Otherwise ask around for a painting service that has the capacity to do your project in the next few months/weeks.

For a painting service – ask for recommendations (you will get many) and then drop the company a line to sort out details direct. Probably best to choose someone in the same country, especially for so few figures, although Fernando and the like in Sri Lanka do a very nice job at low cost.

I would expect to be able to see examples of their work either on their website or via email.

I wouldn't pay cash up front. Pay when they painting has been completed and they have sent you pictures of the finished items and you are happy with them.

I have used Pictors Studio for a couple of painting jobs and find them to be very reliable and provide nicely painted figures. You can send them any reference material you like. I have sent them color copies out of books, etc., and given them detailed instructions.

I like the fact that they are also gamers here in the U.S. so my money stays domestic and supports the hobby.

Pictors Studio also travels to conventions so you can drop off figures there if you like and talk to them about your painting needs.

Please send your miniatures for us to paint. We have painting guides, Osprey books for Indians.

Few painted samples for Indians link

Hi Grommet,

Buying painted models – you might find this a little tricky to get exact numbers needed, especially if its for a less known/less popular period.

I would probably post a WTB here on TMP as a good place to start.

Painting Service – I have detailed my process for commissioning models on my website. Its fair to say most people operate something like the process I use.

How I do it – link

Hope this helps.
Chris

I use Pictors mostly and have some painted by Evil Bob.He does a very nice job but is usually very busy,which is a good thing.Pictors I use the most,never meant them but seem like real nice people and do a very good job.
Mark

Search for "28mm Indians" and "28mm colonial militia" on ebay.

Warpainting service on ebay doe great work.They ask $120 USD for 10 indians but they will take $100. USD
Mark