| Desert Fox | 18 Dec 2019 7:53 a.m. PST |
I have seen a lot of information on the inter-web regarding contest paints. All the information I have found to date shows how to use contrast paints on large, usually one color, fantasy figures. On larger figures I have read how painters will apply one color of contrast paint to one area of the figure and apply a different color contrast paint to a different area of the figure. But what about smaller scale figures with multi-colored uniforms? Has any one used contrast paints on say Napoleonic or other multi-color figures? What is your technique and what is the result? Say I am painting a figure with trousers in one color, coat in another color, and the rest of the uniform in yet another color. Would you apply one contrast paint to the entire figure and go back and paint the other parts of the uniform in the appropriate color? What does the end result look like with one part of the figure painted in contrast paint and other parts not painted with a contrast paint? Do you contrast paint each uniform color separately, hoping to control the flow of the contrast paint so you only paint the areas you want in the appropriate contrast paint? Inquiring minds want to know! Thank you to everyone who responds. |
| Knob | 18 Dec 2019 8:37 a.m. PST |
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| Martian Root Canal | 18 Dec 2019 8:44 a.m. PST |
I am using Contrast paints on my 10mm ESR Prussians. Leviadon Blue for jackets, Cygor Brown on backpacks and Guilliman Flesh on skin.
link |
| Mike Petro | 18 Dec 2019 9:11 a.m. PST |
Still kinda confused on what these contrast paints do for you. |
| Knob | 18 Dec 2019 9:46 a.m. PST |
@Mike P One application base, shade and highlight. |
| Mike Petro | 18 Dec 2019 10:13 a.m. PST |
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 Extra Crispy  | 18 Dec 2019 10:14 a.m. PST |
@Mike Petro: This is a way of getting highlighting in one coat. Prime white, apply these paints, let dry. You can get the same effect with a wash: prime white, apply wash, let dry. Or you can go the "dip" route: block colors, apply dip to entire figure. Just different ways to skin a cat. For me, contrast paints at almost $8 USD/bottle are not worth it as I can make my own for a LOT less. |
| Knob | 18 Dec 2019 10:56 a.m. PST |
Worth every penny. Great way to get rank and file figs painted quickly at an above standard level. |
| KevinV | 18 Dec 2019 6:12 p.m. PST |
I was going to say "Just like mine". But no way. Nice painting Noss Calavera.
I use for 25 and 15mm. Vehicles look great. Horses best. I am inspired to branch out using more. |
| Syrinx0 | 18 Dec 2019 8:22 p.m. PST |
I don't think the figures I have dip'ed look highlighted unless I go back and highlight afterwards. Not sure that is the same as contrast. Making your own can be more cost effective, but like the excellent goobertown video on the subject points out, not all colors are easy to reproduce on the cheap. Depends on how much you value your time as well. |
| tomrommel1 | 19 Dec 2019 4:00 a.m. PST |
It will be interesting to see if the other big players in paint production like Vallejo or andrea will bring out comparable colors in the future for less money?! |
YogiBearMinis  | 19 Dec 2019 6:17 a.m. PST |
Debates on Contrast are akin to those about terrain versus scratch-built: someone praises a piece of terrain they purchased, and several people come in to say that it is cheaper to build your own and at least one person says you don't really need terrain because books and pillows serve just as well. |
| von Winterfeldt | 19 Dec 2019 6:52 a.m. PST |
take artist water colours add flow improver – like Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver and some water and you have an even better product, there you can take off paint with a damp brush at the areas where you like highlights. see photo – miniatures painted by base coat with acrylic colour, like light blue for blue and on top the above mentioned mix. 28 mm Black Hussar Miniatures theminiaturespage.com
"TMP link |
| Tin hat | 19 Dec 2019 7:11 a.m. PST |
The effect reminds me of a phase I went through using watercolour paints on a plain white undercoat. |
| Dagwood | 19 Dec 2019 11:57 a.m. PST |
Used to get a similar effect with Plaka paint back in the late 1970's …. |
| Steamingdave2 | 24 Dec 2019 11:35 a.m. PST |
@Dagwood – yes, just been rebasing some of my 70s Napoleonics for a new rule set and was impressed by how I painted them then with Plaka. Mind you, the eyes were 40 years younger then! |
| Asteroid X | 24 Dec 2019 6:35 p.m. PST |
I have to ask, how did you exactly use the Plaka paints? (I had never heard of them before and on the Dick Blick site it states Plaka paints are "extremely opaque".) |
| Stoppage | 25 Dec 2019 3:05 a.m. PST |
Would plaka-style work for tiny figures (5mm)? |
paints brigs for the British fleet.
