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Speedpaint techniques for model figures (gaming tutorial video).

The Goobermeister is back once more to bring us his best speedpainting techniques for model figures. Sit back and absorb, tabletop gamer chums. The techniques, not the fumes, of course.

Speedpainting is a technique used to quickly paint tabletop gaming figures, often with the goal of achieving a tabletop-quality finish in a short amount of time. This can be useful for players who need to paint large numbers of figures for their armies, or for those who want to get their figures on the tabletop as quickly as possible. In this article, we’ll go over some techniques and tips for speedpainting tabletop gaming figures, such as those used in Warhammer and other tabletop games.

One of the keys to speedpainting is using paints that are easy to work with and dry quickly. Acrylic paints are a good choice for this because they dry quickly and can be thinned with water, making them easy to apply. Some popular brands of acrylic paints for tabletop gaming figures include Vallejo, Army Painter, and Citadel.

An airbrush is a tool that uses compressed air to atomize and spray paint onto a surface. It can be very useful for speedpainting because it allows you to apply thin, even coats of paint quickly and easily. Airbrushing can also help you achieve smooth transitions between colors and shades, which can be difficult to do with a brush.

A wet palette is a palette with a layer of sponge or cloth on top that keeps your paints moist and workable for longer periods of time. This can be especially useful when speedpainting because it allows you to work with your paints for longer without them drying out. Wet palettes are also helpful for achieving smooth blends and transitions between colors.

A base coat is a thin layer of paint applied to the entire figure before any other colors are added. A base coat can help you achieve a more even and consistent finish, and it can also make it easier to apply subsequent layers of paint. For speedpainting, it’s a good idea to use a light-colored base coat, such as white or light grey, as this will allow you to see the details of the figure more clearly and make it easier to apply the next layers of paint.

An all-in-one paint is a paint that contains the base coat, shading, and highlights all in one color. This can be a useful option for speedpainting because it allows you to paint an entire figure with just one color, rather than having to apply multiple layers of paint. All-in-one paints are also useful for achieving a more consistent finish, as the different shades and highlights are already blended together in the paint.

Use dry brushing. Dry brushing is a technique where you apply a dry brush of paint over the top of the figure, using a brush that has been wiped almost dry. This can help you add highlights and texture to the figure without having to apply multiple layers of paint. To use dry brushing, load your brush with paint and then wipe most of it off on a paper towel or palette. Then, lightly brush the paint over the surface of the figure, using just the tip of the brush.

Use washes. A wash is a thin, transparent layer of paint that is applied over the surface of the figure to add depth and shading. Washes can be a useful tool for speedpainting because they allow you to add shading to the figure without having to paint multiple layers of color. To use a wash, dilute the paint with water and apply it to the figure with a brush, working it into the crevices and details of the figure.

Use decals. Decals are pre-printed stickers that can be applied to the figure to add details and markings. Using decals can be a quick and easy way to add details to your figures without having to paint them by hand.

Use a sealant. A sealant is a clear coating that is applied over the surface of the figure to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. Applying a sealant can help you achieve a more professional-looking finish and can also help protect the paint from chipping and wear.

By following these tips and techniques, you can quickly and easily paint your tabletop gaming figures to a tabletop-quality finish. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to speedpaint your figures with confidence and get them on the tabletop in no time.

Speedpaint techniques for model figures (gaming tutorial video).
Let’s paint really, really fast for those massive armies!

ColonelFrog

Colonel Frog is a long time science fiction and fantasy fan. He loves reading novels in the field, and he also enjoys watching movies (as well as reading lots of other genre books).

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