I just paint the miniatures normally, then before the sealing coat applied I outline the miniature. Almost all my large napoleonic 22k 25/28mm collection has this method of outlining. Great time to rapidograph the miniatures when watching/listing to the game on TV or radio.
1. Glossy / metallic paints are harder to work with. In some cases several pen tip "scratches" are needed to embed the ink on smooth surfaces. Flat paint tend to have no major problems overall.
2. I always use non waterproof ink. Waterproof ink tends to clog up the rapidograph pen I find and harder to clean up.
3. Tend to use size "00" or the yellow tip. Finer rapidograph pen tips clog easy. Larger apply too much ink for my taste.
4. Always keep the pen tip wet…. when finished I tend to place pen into a water jar (not resting on tip) to avoid the ink drying in interior tip flow channel.
5. Clean often as needed. I use a jeweler "cleaning" sonic machine on occasion.
6. Important….Avoid a "heavy hand" when pressing the pen tip on the miniature. Light touch…. draw the ink to the miniature. The tip will waer down in time… just buy a replacement tip when needed. Ebay is my source of pen tips or a good art supply store if handy.
7. Have great light source to save your eyesight. I also have a light magnifier hands free stand to see work under the lens.
8. Seal miniature after ink dries. Using non waterproof ink will "run" with moist hands.
9. If you hate the work… just wash off the miniature with water and dry… Start again.
10. Also use for terrain features, 20mm WWII vehicle details, small scale writing….there is no limit of ideas.
Lot of examples on the blog sight when viewing the napoleonic miniatures.
Wargamerabbit: link
Michael