Big paint project: what base cost to use for power armour?

[IronDreddKnight]

I’ve got a massive back log of deathwatch to paint, so I’m looking for a quick and easy method to get it all done ASAP.

 

I’m planning on using the new contrast paint, I quite like how it’s not a jet black and more of a deep grey, shows up the lines on the armour better.

 

My question for the forum is what colour base coat do I prime the models with?

 

I was hoping to use a spray paint, would lead belch, wraithbone, corax white or grey seer be best to apply black contrast?

Edited December 24, 2019 by IronDreddKnight

[Black Knight]

If you are using the contrast Black Templar then the two new primers they released are specifically designed for contrast. They aren't required but apparently they let the paint flow better. The Prime's colour needs to be light as contrast doesn't really work on a dark undercoat.

 

Wraithbone and Grey Seer are the standard to use(For contrast) and if you need to buy new I would buy a spray can of that. If you have some old Corax then that will also work too.

 

I wish you luck with the weather and the spray at this horrible time of year!

 

On another note I did see someone use Leadbelcher as a primer and it gave the finish a very metallic sheen like Alpha Legion.

Edited December 24, 2019 by Black_Knight

[Gederas]

Leadbelcher with Black Templar is good for Metallic Black, yes. However, it doesn't result in a major "pop" on the models.

 

I did a little experiment, and figured out that this method works well:

1. Primer: I used Black
2. Basecoat: Iron Warriors
3. Shade: Nuln Oil Gloss
4. Drybrush (Heavy): Leadbelcher
5. Drybrush (Lighter): Ironbreaker
6. Edge Highlight: Stormhost Silver
7. Contrast: Black Templar

It takes a bit longer, but results in a VERY nice Metallic Black colouration, with well-defined highlights and shadows

[HorrOwl]

2 Black Knight:

Will contrast paints be ok with non gw primers such as vallejo mecha white, for example?
 

[Black Knight]

I have seen quite a few videos using vallejo primers and have heard no complaints about it, especially when you are airbrushing the base coat. I haven't started anything new since contrast came out so I have stuck to normal paints to keep to the themes.

 

The only problem that I know of is that to clean up contrast you do not go over with another coat but you have to go over the area with the base coat again then re-aply contrast ontop. So you may need to do a base coat of a light colour that you have a brush version of also so that you can tidy up with a brush and not have to airbrush the whole area again. It is why GW sell the primers in paint pot form.

 

Apart from that all I have heard is use light base coats so that contrast can do its magic.

 

Hope all that makes sense?

Edited December 24, 2019 by Black_Knight

[Chris521]

For my black armor, I primed with grey seer, dry brushed on some necron compound then went over with the black templar contrast.  It may take a bit of practice to get the contrast paint working on smooth power armor.  You will need to have a good feel for how it will flow (or not flow) on the model.  Contrast can leave really bad brush strokes on smooth surfaces, so I would apply a generous amount and get rid of the excess by absorbing it into a brush

[IronDreddKnight]

Merry Christmas!

 

Thank you everyone for the advice, I didn’t realise there was still so much work to go into contrast. I was hoping it’d be a case of slap it on and call it a day lol.

 

I’ve got around around 50+ models to get through, including 3 dreads and a leviathan. Would contrast work on the larger surfaces of the dreads?

[Black Knight]

Contrast is fast and easy until you mess up :D Complications arise if you have to use over primers but if you use the GW Wraithbone/Grey Seer rattle cans its pretty fast.

 

It isn't designed for large panels but you can still use it, just make sure it doesn't pool or it will look weird. Contrast can look "interesting" if it pools on, shoulder pads for example, but all you have to do is run the brush over the centre of the pad to remove the excess or move it to the edge.

 

This is one of the videos I saw here. The panels are not great but things like the tracks would be perfect for it, on a dreadnought it would work on smaller areas.

[Irbis]

It might if you apply it with a sponge. He actually made a followup to this video, and it looks better than brush:

 

https://youtu.be/ttd7FS5DHvI

[Black Knight]

Yeah that sponge works well, would really stand out if you used a brownish contrast as a mud alternative.

[IronDreddKnight]

Very impressed with how fast the feedback for this thread has been. Especially considering the date! Thank you all for the advice, I’ve got a lot to be working from :)

[Black Knight]

I am away from family so I am Skyping, so got plenty of time in-between being ignored by my daughters(My little pony>Dad) and watching my wife play on the switch

Edited December 25, 2019 by Black_Knight

[IronDreddKnight]

I am away from family so I am Skyping, so got plenty of time in-between being ignored by my daughters(My little pony>Dad) and watching my wife play on the switch

Almost jealous, our Christmas was loud with screaming kids (big family) I would of appreciated a couple of hours away

[Fajita Fan]

I’ve got a massive back log of deathwatch to paint, so I’m looking for a quick and easy method to get it all done ASAP.

 

I’m planning on using the new contrast paint, I quite like how it’s not a jet black and more of a deep grey, shows up the lines on the armour better.

 

My question for the forum is what colour base coat do I prime the models with?

 

I was hoping to use a spray paint, would lead belch, wraithbone, corax white or grey seer be best to apply black contrast?

Contrast paints absolutely work over other primers, I get Rustoleum primers for $4 a can at Walmart and their aluminum is a bright color like Runefang steel.  Covers great too, I love contrast gray as an armor wash too.

 

Do you want a metallic black?  If you do then apply it over metallic primer and have fun.  For my DW I plan to use Rustoleum flat black, drybrush heavily with Stegadon Scale Green (a super dark blue), highlight with something like Thunderhawk blue, then use black contrast to tone it all down.  

Edited December 31, 2019 by Fajita Fan

[Irbis]

I am away from family so I am Skyping, so got plenty of time in-between being ignored by my daughters(My little pony>Dad) and watching my wife play on the switch

Quick, gift her DW mini of her favourite pony (they even come with chapter logos on the sides) to draw her into the hobby

[Black Knight]

I know where you are coming from IronDreddKnight but after a while its too long away, they should be back tonight and I am really looking forward to it.

 

Don't worry Irbis I am playing the long game here, got a ton of board games this Christmas to play with them(Its the right age to get them into them now) and then I will do bait and switch and replace cluedo/Icecool with a few Landraiders.

 

Going back to the topic above I am not sure if you are ready to move onto Zenithal Highlighting but I would think that Contrast should really shine with it.