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++ AUGUSTUS b'RAASS ++ pre-heresy BRASS SCORPION p.247

Augustus b'Raass

By Augustus b'Raass
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Dragonlover Venerable Brother

Dragonlover

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Posted

I'd love tips on being quicker. I'm not exactly​ the slowest painter (mainly due to not putting 100% in to every paint job) but I watch you knock out a couple of thousand points in a week every ETL with mild envy.

 

Dragonlover

Augustus b'Raass Venerable Brother

Augustus b'Raass

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Posted (edited)

Alright, I’ve been asked by many of you over the course of this blog, but especially recently, how I paint so fast, and if I can share any tips. I find this a very difficult question – I know I'm relatively fast in my work, but I’ve never really thought about why. I’ve also gradually gotten better and better at qualitatively decent fast painting over the last couple of years. There’s no denying that I have a talent for speed painting - it's not just technique, tricks etc. I don’t know why, but I’ve always been a fast painter. I used to work for an independent retailer back in mid-to late the 90’s, and I cannot count the number of times I’ve been mock-fired by my faux-disgruntled employer, for having completed yet another squad of (Chaos) Space Marines, Necromunda Gang, or Blood Bowl Team. :biggrin.:

 

But I do want to help you guys finish your miniatures, so I have thought about it, and I quickly realized that I’ve unknowingly implemented all kinds of practices that all save time. Bear in mind that this is just what I do – I’m not saying this is the only or the best way. This is just a list of things that I do that I now realize increase the speed at which I paint. Take a look:

 

:HQ: GET A ROOM

I have a man cave. There, I said it. But yeah, half of a (small) room in my house is dedicated to the hobby – I have a permanent table on which all my stuff sits – ready to go for a painting session. I can start painting whenever I want to when I’m home, so that I don’t waste time setting stuff up. I used to have to set stuff up, which always took ten minutes or so. Same with packing it up. That’s twenty minutes wasted every time I wanted to paint. Time I can now dedicate to the actual hobby. I showed my setup earlier in this post.

 

:HQ: AIRBRUSH

I’m sorry to have to start with this, but I cannot deny it: an airbrush saves a LOT of time – and money (yes, it is a pricy investment, but ultimately it will pay itself back in both time saved and money spent). here's why:

  • Basing miniatures is super-fast – and cheaper. You guys have seen my Imperial Fists force - it's almost 5000 points strong now. I think I’ve used only eight pots of Averland Sunset on the entire force.
  • Shading miniatures is super-fast. Basing and shading a squad of five marines takes me literally no more than five minutes. From there, all I have to do is details. This gives me more time to focus on thse details – and it saves time painting base paints, which is boring – and thus prevents me from not painting out of boredom.
  • Primering my miniatures is easier and faster. Missed a spot with your aerosol spray can primer? No problem – just spray on some Vallejo airbrush basecoat. No more going back outside to get spot you missed in the dark.
  • Spraying Gloss Varnish over the base paints increases the surface tension of the miniature, which in turn improves the capillary action of washes.
  • Spraying my finished miniatures with a Varnish (I use a 1:1 mix of Satin and Gloss Varnish) gives them a very nice sheen (not too matt, not too glossy) which looks great and neatly finishes the miniature. It also removes all the ugly sheen from GW Gloss Washes.
  • For me, painting faces is impossible without an airbrush.
  • Some say airbrushing wastes paint, but in my experience the contrary is true. All the paints I regularly spray, I’ve transfered into 50mm dropper bottles and thinned with a Vallejo Flow Improver and Vallejo Airbrush Medium. One pot of GW Base paint lasts me a looong time.
  • I clean my airbrush quickly too, thanks to a life hack. What I do is I have a bucket of water next to my paint station. Each time I’m done with a colour, I just dip my airbrush into the water and rise the paint out with an old brush. I then only have to spray a bit of airbrush cleaner though the nozzle, and done! This saves time and, again, money, as I use far less airbush cleaner. Here's my airbrush cleaning setup (note the hairdryer and dremmel tool close by and plugged in as well - always be saving time):

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Hobby/temporary_zpstqpdmvcc.jpg

 

:HQ: SUB ASSEMBLIES & PREPARING YOUR MINIATURES FOR PAINT

I build all my space marine miniatures in the same four sub-assemblies 1x legs, body and backpack, 2x weapon, arm, and shoulder pad, 1x head. I then drill 1mm holes in all of them (in the feet for the legs, in the neck upward for the head, and in the shoulder joints fort he arms). I then mount those sub-assemblies on 1mm paperclips, and mount those on champagne corks I collected over an X amount of time (where X is long enough for you to not think me an snobby alcoholic). I also drill holes in the shoulder joints of the space marines. This takes a bit of time and effort. But that effort is paid back threefold:

  1. Because they are all mounted on corks, it is super easy to get primer in everywhere, without dirtying my fingers.
  2. Similarly, because they are all mounted and assembled in separate parts, I can reach all areas of the miniature, which saves time and effort in itself.
  3. When I’m done painting, I can use those same paper clip mountings as pins. That’s right, I pin all my arms to the bodies, and the legs to the bases. None of my miniatures are actually glued to their bases, and they can all be removed from them easily. Here's what I mean:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Hobby/temporary_zpss45ezldt.jpg

 

 

:HQ: BASE PAINTING, VARNISH, and WASHES

I use washes not only to create colour gradients, but also as a quick-and-easy way to define recesses and blackline the surfaces to define borders between miniatures. This works better on newer GW miniatures, though, as the detail is sharper.  

  1. First, I paint all base paints on first. So GW Averland Sunset (including the shade, which I efficiently achieve by mixing the extant GW Averland Sunet in my airbrush a couple droplets of VMA Hull Red) with the airbrush, and Retributor Gold, Green, and Leadbelcher with a #3 brush – nice and quick!
  2. Second, I spray the whole miniature with Gloss Varnish.
  3. I then apply all washes. I use the GW Gloss variants – this is important, because these gloss washes in combination with the high surface tension of the gloss varnish creates a very strong capillary effect. The wash gets sucked from your brush, right into all recesses! It’s super easy and doesn’t spill, mostly. And even if it does spill, it is very easy to clean up without a trace thanks to the gloss varnish. Washing a miniature like this is very easy, takes very little effort, has a great effect, and is fast!
  4. I then move on to all the base paints that need edge highlighting, like black, white and blue. Because all edges and recesses are now shaded due to the washes, they have in fact already been blacklined. This means that I can be a little sloppy here – the washes cover up those mistakes.
  5. I use a hairdryer to dry those washes. This also keeps me from applying too thick - because thick washes will splotch if you blow too hard on it (for example with a hairdryer), but thin coats dry super fast with a hairdryer, meaning I can apply multiple coats if I have to, without waiting for the paint to dry. This saves (a lot) of time.

 

:HQ: VALLEJO FLOW IMPROVER

This stuff changed my life. It is intended to improve the flow of paint in your airbrush – which it does wonderfully. But it is also an awesome drying retarder. Whenever I need to paint thin lines (edge highlighting, eye lenses, lightning on my Night Lords, etc), I mix a little bit of this stuff into the paint. This ensures that it flows off my brush wonderfully, and also keeps the paint on my pallet from drying out quickly. I can’t imagine not using this stuff anymore – it makes painting details and edge highlights so easy!

 

 

:HQ: TRANSFERS

Transfers take some practice to get right, but once you’re comfortable with them, they add a lot to your miniatures. I highly recommend getting Micro Sol and Micro Set bottles, as well as, again, Gloss Varnish. I made an extensive tutorial how I use transfers here.

 

 

:HQ: TOOLS & PRODUCTS

Investing in the right tools and products, and taking care of them, has been invaluable to me. I don’t have the most expensive stuff by far, by the way. For example, I use GW brushes and those of Model Engineering – not the best by far, but not bad either! I clean after every paint session using water and a block of shaving cream. Most brushes last me up to a year. Also, the 1mm drill I use are cobalt coated - which is rock hard. This makes it very easy to drill out gun barrels. Check out aliesxpress or your local DIY-store to find cobalt coated drill bits.

 

I also have dedicated clippers, tweezers, and the like. These are all one-time investments, so there’s no reason not to buy them. Of course they cost money, but they will all contribute to an efficient – and thus cost effective – way of turning your -expensive in their own right- plastic and resin into awesome painted miniaturesHere’s a picture of my tools:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Hobby/temporary_zps519xll7d.jpg

 

Here’s a picture of all the products I use besides paint. These will all last a long time and are actually cheaper by volume than smaller pots. As I paint fast, I need a lot. It also saves time because I only have to go to a store once in a while, intead of every week. (not that that stops me :wink:) 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Hobby/temporary_zpssdnclsnq.jpg

 

I hope this helps anyone with speeding up their painting.

 

I'll add to this post when I think of other things, and link to this post in the OP of this thread. BTW: the OP of this thread has a lot of additional how-to's. 

 

Replies:

@ Dragonlover: LoL. A couple thousand points a week is a bit of an exaggeration, no? Perhaps that one week when I painted that Daemon Lord of Tzeentch, which costs 999 points. :wink: I hope the above helps!

 

@ guardian31: Cheers, buddy - I hope the above helps!

 

@ kizzdougs: I know right? Not the nicest-looking of models, but SO good in the game. :facepalm:  I'll do my best to make something cool of them. Like changing those fugly helmets with those of the Venerable Dreadnought.

 

@ Viarocanum: Cheers, buddy! I can tell you that creating the stories is a uge inspiration, and in large part inspired itself by the names everyone gives these models. If you like to join in (again), here's a list of (un)named miniatures! 

 

@ malcharion: Thanks for the vote of confidence! :thumbsup:

Edited by Augustus b'Raass
Augustus b'Raass Venerable Brother

Augustus b'Raass

Posted
  • Author
Posted

NIce . Since I'am 57 and old fashion I still like my brush :happy.: . I tried a gun but it was to fiddley for me:teehee: .

Dude, my fingers are sausages. Besides, I guarantee a triple zero brush is more fiddly than an airbrush. Have you ever tried one? :)

deathspectersgt7 Venerable Brother

deathspectersgt7

Posted
Posted

No but have used a 2/0 for painting 15mm Napoleonics . I have piano fingers but pay with chainsaws and the like . and even with glasses I had issues so it is a learning curve  and I don't have alot of time on the clock:laugh.: Time and age are playing dirty tricks on me :tongue.: .

Dragonlover Venerable Brother

Dragonlover

Posted
Posted (edited)

It may be an exaggeration, but it's what it feels like when I'm on my seventh marine of the week and you're on your third squad! Good set of tips though, I basically employ all of them except the airbrush stuff. I've never had the ability to keep one permanently set up, so it's always felt like too much faff to start using one.

 

Dragonlover

Edited by Dragonlover
Sagentus Veteran

Sagentus

Posted
Posted (edited)
Great tips here. Really wish I had 'a room' and the money for an airbrush. But a man can dream and maybe one day I will :-) there are plenty of other tips I'll be using, need to get me more tools for converting and moulding green stuff:-D Edited by Sagentus
Mechanist Veteran

Mechanist

Posted
Posted

 

 

@ Mechanist: Cheers, buddy! As with my reply to Hrolf the Cunning's question, if you want me to make a list of tips that will increase productivity, let me know. If enough people want it, I'll give it some thought ad post an article or something.

Thanks for doing that it was an interesting read and very handy, I can see how and airbrush helps but I think the one that would help me the most is the dedicated space or setup. If I had that I would happily just do 5 minutes here and there instead of looking at the clock and not bothering to set up come 9pm when the little one hasn't got off to sleep till late. 

Augustus b'Raass Venerable Brother

Augustus b'Raass

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Sorry for the late reply, everyone. Life was busy and to be honest, painting Centurions isn't the most inspiring thing in the world. Also, drilling out the barrels of no less than three Hurricane Bolters was [censored]. But they're finished now.

 

I present to you:

 

IV Centurion Devastator Squad 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Imperial%20Fists/WP_20170413_001%202_zpsihqac1dv.jpg

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Imperial%20Fists/WP_20170413_002%202_zpspdpwohl6.jpg

 

Veteran Sergeant - Brenurd Barg-Gumarik -  Mechanist

Born to the Terran Esenlik Tribe, together with his kinsman-turned-battle-brother Morsenk, Veteran Sergeant Burg-Gumarik was selected by the chaplaincy during a long and bitter war with a rival tribe, the Vor'Cha of Clan Bortas - of whom several members where simultaneously selected for initiation. Beranhurd is a proven tactical leader and is being watched for further promotion in the Battle Company. 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Imperial%20Fists/WP_20170413_006%202_zpso42chxmk.jpg

 

Weapon Specialist - Laslou Morsenk - Mechanist

In IV Centurion squad, it is a source of amusement and jokes that Brother Morsenk would make a fine Crimson Fist due to his stoic refusal to give ground when under siege. Morsenk never responds to these rumours, but quietly enjoys them as a compliment to his staunch aggression in the face of overwhelming odds. Unlike his brothers, brother Morsenk regularly engages his squad's designated Epistolary in conversation. http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Imperial%20Fists/WP_20170413_009%202_zpsvkxjnbax.jpg

 

Weapon Specialist - Erkane Romalik - Mechanist 

Selected alongside the two Esanlish tribesman for initation, brother Romalik hails from their rival tribe. He was found by the Chaplains to be an honourable soul amongst the barbaric savages and killers that made up the Vor'Cha, and was inducted into the chapter as an initiate. Possibly even Beranhurd’s superior when it comes to tactical acumen, their rivalry drives both to greater heights and has garnered a mutual respect between the two former enemies.

 

As you might have noticed, I used two Venerable Dreadnought heads for the battle brothers instead of the normal centurion heads. The reason for this is that I don't really like the Centurion heads in the centurion suits for some reason. I actually like the helmets themselves, but less so in the suits. No idea why! 

 

Anyway, I hope you like them, despite them being centurions.

Have a great day, everyone. :smile.:

 

Replies:

 

@ The Traitor: Glad you found them useful, buddy. Get that airbrush!

 

@ Dragonlover: Ha! Well, seven marines in a week is a great production rate, no? :tongue.: Good to hear you employ all those things already. I admit they were mostly open doors, though. Setting up an airbrush can be done in a minute, if you store it smartly. Don't let that be an impediment to your acquiring one!

 

@ Sagentus: If you can afford this hobby, yu can afford an airbrush. Still, you could also spend that money on models :biggrin.:

 

@ hushrong: Cheers! That's good to hear!

 

@ fire golem: Thanks, buddy! I do try to get the most out of those relatively static miniatures. :smile.:

 

@ Nemac Vradon: The ease with which you can add stuff like parchment and purity seals is part of the charm of Astartes, no?

 

@ Mechanist: Yeah, I can understand that. How do you find the above miniatures? I incorporated all the fluff you wrote!

 

@ guardian31: You should, most definitely! And you're most welcome :thumbsup:

 

@ sockwithaticket: Haha! I wish I was a baller and a little bit taller! :wink:

As you might have noticed, I used two Venerable Dreadnought heads for the battle brothers instead of the normal centurion heads. The reason for this is that I don't really like the Centurion heads in the centurion suits for some reason. I actually like the helmets themselves, but less so in the suits. No idea why! 

 

Anyway, I hope you like them, despite them being centurions.

Edited by Augustus b'Raass
Augustus b'Raass Venerable Brother

Augustus b'Raass

Posted
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Posted

Cheers, guys. I started work on the Librarian that will inevitable accompany them in their drop pod. Because, you know, that's how they roll best :D

 

This is, obviously, an OP metal librarian, stripped of paint, and given a new left arm and backpack. I considered giving him a banner - because banners are awesome - but decided against it because it'd crowd with the thing on his psychic hood. I love think his pose is wicked - to me he looks like he's spreading his arms, balling his fists to concentrate his mental mind to give UNLIMITED POWER!!!

 

Hidden Content

http://i.imgur.com/cJlBUVL.gif

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/mkruijff/Imperial%20Fists/temporary_zps6ao3aokv.jpg

 

What do you think? 

 

Thanks for looking and your feedback. :)

 

Replies:

 

@ kizzdougs: Thanks, buddy! Now that I see them as a squad, I'm warming to them. Painting them was a labour of love/hate, though....

 

 

@ Race Bannon: Good! It's great to be secure in the knowledge that you use your eyes and fantastic powers of reading to insert the information I post here into your brain. ;) The pointing arm is stock in the kit! 

 

@ Mechanist: Cheers! Do you like the way I incorporated the fluff you wrote for them?

The Traitor Venerable Brother

The Traitor

Posted
Posted

The Centurions look great, while they may be a bit overpowered I still think they're kind of cool models (not as cool as siege centurions but still cool).

About the librarian he might be an old model, but with your skill he will undoubtedly look awesome when painted ;)!

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