Hella Minis

 In this post we'll cover the set of tools everyone needs in their model builders toolkit to get started. Core Toolkit  Clippers While you could get by using a X-Acto knife for both cleaning up models and the initial step of cutting them from the sprue, it's safer and easier to buy some clippers. There are expensive clippers out of Japan specifically for models, and while they have their fans, I've yet to find a consistent glowing endorsement. What you need are "flush cut" clippers typically found in the electronics section of hardware stores. You could also buy a pair from a miniatures brand, and I actually rather like the larger handle size of Games Workshop's extremely over priced pair. The key factor is that one side of the clippers is completely flat.   As you can see in my terrible diagram below, flush cut clippers will cut nice and close to the part you want to keep, while regular clippers have a bevel on both sides and will leave a substantial nub beca...

 You’ve assembled your core toolkit , you’ve primed some models, now you’re ready to paint them. As you put brush to paint there are some fundamentals to think about. Making them part of your regular routine will help you become a better painter in a shorter time. The diagram below provides the names of the main parts of the paintbrush. Diagram of the main anatomy of a paint brush Putting paint on the palette Firstly and importantly, give the paint a good shake. Paint separates over time with the pigment falling to the bottom. Whenever you use a paint that’s been sitting more than a few hours, give it a really good shake to mix the pigment and medium together again. Once shaken, if you’re using paint with dropper bottles, you simply squeeze a drop directly onto the palette. If however you’re working with flip top pots, you’ll need to use a brush to transfer paint to the palette. Transferring paint is an easy way to unintentionally damage brushes, so use a rough brush. If you don’t...

While you can get away with nothing more than a spray can for priming, as soon as you want to put more paint on your models you're going to need some additional tools. Let’s look at what your core set of painting tools should include. The Core Toolkit Brushes While natural sable hair brushes are the best of the best, you absolutely should not buy these when you're new to the hobby. They're relatively expensive, and for that money you get longevity when cared for. You will destroy your first brushes, probably your second and third set too. Don't start with sable. If it makes you feel better, many top painters still use synthetic brushes for a wide variety of painting tasks Start with synthetic brushes. Golden taklon is my preferred material as it has a good stiffness and maintains its shape well.  Brushes come in a variety of sizes. Its tempting to start with small brushes, size 0 and smaller, because, well, miniatures are small. This is a mistake that can kill your moti...

You walked into a Games Workshop or friendly local game store (a.k.a FLGS) and came away with a bag full of minis, maybe a few tools, probably some plastic glue. Getting them built was easy, now you want to paint them. This article is the first in a series that will get you started on your minipainting journey and help you avoid common pitfalls. The first thing you need to do is prime you models. While priming is not 100% necessary, your finished paint job is going to be much more durable, not to mention easier to achieve, if you start with a good primer. Primers bond tightly to the plastic and create an extremely fine texture for the further layers of paint to bind to. There are 3 main options when priming a model. 1. Spray paint This is the most common way by far for beginners, and even many experienced painters, to prime their models. It's quick, though can be a little pricey. While many people swear by home improvement store brands like Rustoleum, my own experience has been tha...