Battlelore the board game uses miniatures to help recreate magical medieval battles of varying sizes between multiple factions. The miniatures are of a high quality and molded with a high degree of detail to provide individuality. This quality takes paint well, transforming the plain plastic into a colorful array of soldiers ready to take the field. Painting each miniature is a small art project. While the ultimate results depend largely on your skill with paint and brush, there are a few basic painting techniques that would make even a beginner field colorful, well-painted armies.
Instructions
1. Wash each miniature beneath running warm water using a mild liquid soap to remove any mold release residue left on the miniatures from the molding process. Rinse the miniatures using cool water, then pat them dry with a piece of lint-free cloth.
2. Examine the miniatures for any plastic flashing left on the miniature body. Flashing are lines created by the molds running along the length of the body that stand outward from the miniature's surface. Cut away these mold lines using a hobby knife, until they lie even with the miniature surface. Use a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper on the lines after cutting to smooth them away. Wipe the miniatures with a piece of cloth to remove sanding residue.
3. Mount the miniature on a temporary base using modeling clay so that you can rotate the miniature as needed without touching the piece. Use an old paint can as a base, placing the putty on the top of the can, and then placing the miniature onto the putty.
4. Apply a light layer of primer paint to the miniatures using a paintbrush, enough to cover the color of the plastic. The primer provides an even base color for your topcoat of paint, as well as a good texture for the top coat to adhere to. Use dark paint such as black or brown if you want deep shadows on your figure, or a light gray or white primer for a miniature consisting of lighter or vibrant colors. Allow the primer coat to dry for 2 hours.
5. Maintain the general appearance of the miniatures throughout your entire Battlelore units while altering small details to promote a sense of individuality among the miniatures. For example, keep uniforms consistent while altering the colors used for uniform accessories such as belts, scabbards or weaponry.
6. Paint the top coat to your miniatures working from the flesh layer outward. Like you're dressing a person, paint the shirt and pants, followed by coats or armor, then ending with clothing accessories such as pouches and cloaks. Use a variety of paintbrush sizes to paint your miniatures, going from wider brushes for large areas of color to smaller, detailed brushes to cover details or highlight areas. Apply the paint in light layers, building up a coat with two layers rather than applying a heavier detail-obscuring single layer. Allow each layer to dry 2 hours before adding another layer on top of it. Allow the painted miniatures to dry overnight.
7. Add shadows to your miniatures by dry-brushing them. Dip the paintbrush into a dark paint, then wipe the majority of the paint off the brush onto a paper towel until the brush barely contains any paint at all. Lightly brush the miniature with the brush to leave a slight layer of pigment on the miniature. The pigment will enhance the lines and details of the miniature, bringing out the shadows. Wait an hour for the dry-brushed layer to dry.
8. Protect the paint coat by brushing a thin layer of clear coat over the miniature. Wait 2 days for the paint to cure, then remove the miniature from the putty base for play.
Related posts
Paint detailed custom models using specific painting techniques.Assembly is the technical part of model building. The cutting, sanding and gluing of the pieces gives you a base from which to work...
Proper surface preparation will create a durable paint finish on siding.Exterior cladding--also known as siding--covers homes of all ages. A Victorian home wrapped in wooden clapboard will require...
Painting miniatures is part of role playing hobbies. These pastimes are fun, easy and for some an obsession. While you can paint plastic figurines, they do not have the same vibrancy as pewter min...
Use a stiff bristle broom to apply liquid sander.Oiled wood siding can present an outdated appearance. One way to freshen up the look of your house is by painting your old siding. Getting paint to...
Don't worry, your creation won't look like this!Add that special punch of color and design to just about any room in your home by painting canvas flooring. Though painting canvas flooring may appe...
