"Advice Needed For Newbie" Topic

I've acquired some 28mm British and Americans for AWI skirmishing. This is my first time painting anything as intricate as the AWI Redcoat. Can anyone recommend any steps, paints, etc.? Thanks!

You want white under red to make it bright. I used to prime white. Now I prime black or dark grey and then dry brush white. Makes it look like a negative. Paint several thin coats of the desired color. For red, I'd use a heavy dry brush of white.

First, I'd advise you start by painting up just one figure, and keeping notes on colors used. This will help you figure out what all the straps are, where they go, and what is what. This gives you a "master" to work from and gives you a way to test come colors.

Second, just take your time. There's no real secret to intricate uniforms, they just have a lot more to do.

YouTube link

Vtsogsmes,

Do you recommend drybrushing the whole model white or just the areas that will end up red and white?

The whole model. Raised areas should be white, recesses dark. I'd use a heavier hand on jackets that will be red. Red over dark primer looks muddy. Like Extra Crispy said, start with one and see if you like it.

I'll second Extra Crispy's advice to paint a test figure, whatever the technique you opt for. Some brands of red paint may tend towards pink when applied to a crisp white undercoat or drybrush. If so, try painting red on sand or yellow.

Dallimore method 3 color highlight using Vallejo reds:
Base 814 Burnt Cadmium red
1st Highlight 908 Carmine red
2nd Highlight 909 Vermillion Red

Works well for me.

This is great info, everyone! I have a few more questions:

After drybrushing, is it recommended or not to use a dark wash over the model?

What are the recommended Vallejo reds for only a 2-color build up?

Thanks again!

Two color Vallejo:
Base 908 Carmine red
1nd Highlight 909 Vermillion Red.

You can do a wash after dry brush, but I use a medium dark rather that very dark.