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"Do You Use a Magnifier to Paint?" Topic


22 Posts

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733 hits since 19 Apr 2021
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robert piepenbrink Supporting Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 3:14 a.m. PST

My working assumption is that if I need a magnifier to paint it, it won't be visible on the table. That said, I do sometimes use a magnifier before I paint--to confirm troop type and nationality in 5mm, or to identify some of the odder bits of equipment in larger scales.

ScottWashburn Sponsoring Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 4:45 a.m. PST

I've been using one for 25+ years. Couldn't paint without it now.

ZULUPAUL Supporting Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 7:06 a.m. PST

I tried a long time ago, didn't care for it. I'm with Robert on this.

Personal logo Parzival Supporting Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 8:21 a.m. PST

Occasionally, if I need to see what the detail is (some turn out not to be "details" that need a different paint color). It can be a challenge for hand-eye coordination, though.

Personal logo Lluis of Minairons Sponsoring Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 10:22 a.m. PST

I do have one such on my working desk, with a built-in lamp, for a since now (a present from my wife).

However, I'm not using it yet – just my usual progressive glasses with a regular lamp's light.

But it's there still, sitting next to the regular lamp. I'm using it just as a fetish, a good luck bringer – with a small statue of Athena on its base, staring at me while I paint.

And, in any case, provided it eventually ceases to serve as a 'rabbit paw' because of my sight weakening anyway, I can always turn it on and keep on painting!

Micman Supporting Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 10:31 a.m. PST

I didn't used to need magnifier but after cataract surgery back in January, I can't focus on anything in painting range. So it is either readers or a magnifier.

Facebook in its advertising ways decided to show me magnifiers. Over to Amazon and I found these. I do like them a lot.

link

robert piepenbrink Supporting Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 11:02 a.m. PST

Micman, you might want to look at 6.0 reading glasses. I've been using them since my own cataracts surgery. (Actually, in the prep for the surgery, I showed the ophthalmologist a stand of 5mm hoplites, and that was what she recommended.)

79thPA Supporting Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 11:32 a.m. PST

I use them all of the time.

14Bore19 Apr 2021 12:36 p.m. PST

Didn't start that way but 40 years later it's necessary

Dagwood19 Apr 2021 12:59 p.m. PST

Fortunately I am short sighted, so can see better, close up, with my unaided eyes than most people.

(Not that that helps much …)

Micman Supporting Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 3:01 p.m. PST

Robert Piepenbrink, I have been using 2.75 for the readers and they do work. Of course I have to get a better pair then the dollar store version I picked up.

The magnifier has up to 5.0 and those make things pretty big.

Personal logo etotheipi Sponsoring Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 3:45 p.m. PST

Sometimes for some details. Not most of the time.

robert piepenbrink Supporting Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 4:21 p.m. PST

For reading, a 2 or 2.5 does me. But that doesn't put the shield on the 5mm hoplite.

Personal logo 20thmaine Supporting Member of TMP19 Apr 2021 4:35 p.m. PST

Other – rarely but not never.

von Schwartz ver 219 Apr 2021 5:42 p.m. PST

Ocassionally, for frogging and lace trim on pelisse's and jackets, 15mm. Normally though I just kick up my readers magnification from my usual of 2.5 to 3.0 or 3.5, I have multiples of various mags laying in various strategic locations throughout the house.

Wargamer Blue20 Apr 2021 3:08 a.m. PST

I remember the good old days when I could paint 15mm with no glasses. Now I have have a magnifier stuck on my head.

Personal logo Stosstruppen Supporting Member of TMP20 Apr 2021 6:37 a.m. PST

I use a magnifying light at home and I have a visor for lunchtime at work. Takes a little getting used to, but, once you do they work great.

tigrifsgt20 Apr 2021 4:00 p.m. PST

I've been using a 3x lighted magnifier for almost a year. My painting hasn't gotten any better, but now at least I can see how poorly I paint.

farnox21 Apr 2021 8:45 a.m. PST

I couldn't paint without one now.

Patrick Sexton Supporting Member of TMP21 Apr 2021 9:03 a.m. PST

I cannot paint without them. Time is definitely the Hunter.

Huscarle21 Apr 2021 10:26 a.m. PST

As one gets older…it is now pretty essential.

Saxondog21 Apr 2021 10:52 a.m. PST

Tried it a couple of times…. kept hitting the lens with the brush. A moustache could go from nose to knees.

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