PD78 Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Hey all, I've got some pretty severe nerve damage in my spine that gives me an absolutely horrible nervous tremor in my hands. In the past, I've paid other people to paint my models to "tabletop quality", but I really would like to get into this aspect of the hobby. Does anyone else ever find themselves with shaky hands for whatever reason while painting? And how did you/would you overcome it? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomsev Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 hi i have really shaky hands too, try and paint with the palms of your hands pressed against eachother if that make sense... hope that helps Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3726491 Share on other sites More sharing options...
PD78 Posted June 23, 2014 Author Share Posted June 23, 2014 How would you hold the brush? I had somewhat reasonable results with wrist braces designed for bowlers, but it's still not what I would consider "up to par". That could just be because I don't have any real experience with painting. I'd love to try airbrushing, but that's a pretty hefty cost investment for a good sprayer - especially if I'm not sure whether or not it'll work to begin with. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3726502 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucien Eilam Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 I have fairly steady hands, so I'm not sure how helpful this is. But personally I brace my arms against each other: wrists together, elbows either together and in to my chest, or on the desk in an A-frame sort of position. Brush and miniature only need one or two fingers and thumb, and that grip is naturally braced against itself. You might also try adopting a style that doesn't require pinpoint accuracy. The super-clean 'Eavy Metal look is much less forgiving than an impressionistic John Blanche-esque style, for example. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3726527 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW1 Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 A table at the right height for you is important. A lot of tables are way too low. You need to be able to brace your elbows on a stable surface. When your elbows are on the table your hands need to be naturally at head height. Then brace your wrists together. This should help keep your hands from moving about too much. Hope it helps. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3726667 Share on other sites More sharing options...
reckoning Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 I have really shaky hands but this has worked for me in the past: - Brace your arms on the workstation at the elbow with soft padding (think a towel or gel-pad). - Lock your wrists together right below the hand. - Trembling fingers for me is the hardest part. All I can suggest is to take short, as precise strokes as you can to minimize the effect. Cant comment on the airbrush. Hope that helps. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3726673 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gurth Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 I don’t have this problem, but you could build (or have built for you) a horizontal bar, preferably adjustable in height, that you can rest your forearms or wrists against while painting. It would need to be sturdy enough to not flex (much) and be anchored to your table somehow so it doesn’t slide away. You can improvise something like this using a box or crate placed on top of your work surface, with which you could test if it actually helps or not. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3726743 Share on other sites More sharing options...
markham82 Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 Respect for perseverance. I sometimes brace my elbows on my knees, but that's no good for the back and neck. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3726769 Share on other sites More sharing options...
PD78 Posted June 23, 2014 Author Share Posted June 23, 2014 Thanks for the tips, when I get access to my marines I've got a set of the starter box grays I can experiment on. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3726902 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaeron Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 Respect for perseverance. I sometimes brace my elbows on my knees, but that's no good for the back and neck. Completely agree - massive respect and I'm sorry to hear that, because it must be immensely frustrating! Although this isn't something I've experienced, I just try to 'brace' my arms where possible. The other suggestions in this thread are excellent - and may well be worth investigation. Wish you the best! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3726927 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forté Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Only picture I could find but this is how a lot if painters have their hands while painting. I also use an office chair with arms so my elbows are on the arms, hands like the picture and sometimes my forearms are resting on the table edge. http://us.123rf.com/450wm/unnibente/unnibente1209/unnibente120900007/15493767-a-hand-holding-an-easter-egg-while--the-other-painting-the-egg.jpg Another thing that helps is having brushes that are comfortable to hold and the model attached to something like a cork or paint pot so you can get a better grip and not touch the mini during painting. Good luck and keep persevering. And post progress too as a lot of people will give advice and encouragement no matter what level of painting. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/292838-tips-for-painting-and-assembly-with-nerve-damage/#findComment-3727717 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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