Calling my fellow geeks!!

[kellinator]

I'm thinking about taking up a new hobby (as if I needed another time and money sink): miniature painting! I was hoping some of you out there might have some tips on getting started. In particular, is there any such thing as a set of paints that won't break the bank?

Comments

On paints...

[apocalypse-0.livejournal.com]

I used to have a big "thing" on painting miniatures. I may choose to re-post it on LJ.

As far as paints go, it depends on the seriousness with which you want to commit funds towards painting resources. Here's what I'd recommend:

Games Workshop paint sets. There are several "starter" paint sets with bunch of tiny little pop-top paint cups. If you just want to try it out, and don't mind possibly throwing away the paint afterwards, this is the best way to get miniatures-grade paint cheaply.

Vallejo paint sets. These come in little dropper bottles and are, without a doubt, the best-recommended paints for miniatures anywhere. If you're going to be painting for the long haul, this is the way to go.

Coat D Arms. Mid-pack answer that comes in pop-top bottles. This is what I use for about 80% of my painting. I have too large an investment to switch over to Vallejo, wholesale.

Floquil/Polly Scale. This is a lower cost answer that is slightly tailored to the model railroad crowd. This is the bulk of the remaining 20%. It's *very* good stuff, and will give you the best blacks and base tones you can find.

Delta/Ceramcoat. This is *very* inexpensive craft paint which may not give you quite what you're looking for. Large pigment covers well, but may obscure fine details.

In all cases, you're looking for acrylics.

Avoid enamels like the plague.