Resources

[the emperor is scottish]

Hi there fellas.

I've been slowly getting back into the hobby after a few disasters. May not be at the best of times as I'm supposed to be saving for a wedding lol.

Anyway I'm hoping to build up my resources over time instead of all at once and wanted to know what brushes you use, modelling tools, dremel multitool, airbrush and green stuff.

 

In the past I've always been 'loyal' to GW but to be fair their prices are sometimes nothing short of a bad joke. So with the goal on keeping my eye on my wallet I want to know where you shop.

I'm even interested in 3rd party paints even though I truly do love GW paints.

[Major_Gilbear]

Subtle Discord posted a great thread here about tools. My feelings and experiences are largely in line with his I think!

 

As for brushes, try looking at Winsor & Newton Series 7 (regular size, not Miniature), Raphael, and Rosemary & Co. These are all high-quality sable brushes with extremely good points - they can be a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. I suggest that sizes 1-3 are the most useful for most trooper-sized models, and I even paint reflections on eyeballs with a W&NS7 Size 1 brush. If you get some nice brushes, get some brush soap to keep them clean and in good condition after your painting sessions.

 

For paints, try Vallejo Game Colour, Vallejo Model Colour, Vallejo Model Air (can be used with a regular brush just fine), Privateer Press Paints (AKA "P3"), Scale 75, Army Painter, Foundry, and Coat D'Arms. All of these are easily available in the UK, and are generally rather cheaper than GW paints. They are all fully inter-mixable with each other too, so don't feel beholden to any one brand - just get the colours that you like/want/need.

 

One general comment I will make is this: buying a few good tools rather than lots of poor tools will save you money in the long-term, even if the up-front cost is a bit higher. Not only in terms of how long the tools last, but also in terms of the quality of job you can achieve, and in accidents that you can (hopefully) avoid.

 

A second general comment is to keep and eye out for things that could work as tools for you even if they are not intended specifically for modelling. Things like ladies' nail files/emery boards for example are very cheap, and are a nice way of getting a very smooth finish on model parts that have been clipped or had detail scraped off.

[the emperor is scottish]

Cheers gilbear. Some really great advice there.

I actually stumbled across a link on fb for green stuff industries. They look like they sell some pretty good sculpting tools and molds.