Painting gloss figures (1 Viewer)

[canucks]

Nice paint job my friend.......Keep posting your work as we really enjoy the quality of your art....
Regards,
Canucks

 

[PJDeluhery]

In the past, I've painted with matte and used a gloss finish. It works very well, but my only complaint is that over time (10+ years) the gloss finish tends to yellow. I can't remember what I finished them with - which I'm sure is probably your next question.

Since then, I've been using Humbrol and Testors gloss colors and have not had a problem.

 

[beating retreat]

In the past, I've painted with matte and used a gloss finish. It works very well, but my only complaint is that over time (10+ years) the gloss finish tends to yellow. I can't remember what I finished them with - which I'm sure is probably your next question.

Since then, I've been using Humbrol and Testors gloss colors and have not had a problem.

You should try acrylics and acrylic varnish works wonders. I had stuff painted for over 15 years and it has not yellowed a bit

Regards John

 

[theBaron]

In the past, I've painted with matte and used a gloss finish. It works very well, but my only complaint is that over time (10+ years) the gloss finish tends to yellow. I can't remember what I finished them with - which I'm sure is probably your next question.

Since then, I've been using Humbrol and Testors gloss colors and have not had a problem.

I use Future acrylic floor wax on mine ("floor wax" being a generic term for something you put on the floor, and does not indicate wax), when I want a gloss finish. That includes gloss enamel paints, as well as matte paints that I may use. It makes the matte colors gloss, of course, but I have also found that it makes all of the colors look richer.

I also use it in scale modeling, to dip clear parts. It imparts a clarity to the plastic, by filling the tiny imperfections in the surface that make it look dulled or scuffed.

You can brush it on, it's self-leveling; you can dip items in it; you can even airbrush it, either straight, or thinned with a little water or even better, isopropyl alcohol. And one bottle will last a long, long time.

Prost!
Brad

 

[theBaron]

We have finally finished a few more. We are reasonably pleased. Some good lessons were learnt during gloss application by brush. Move quickly. Try to gloss the darker colours seperately from the light ones. Also check your brush that it isn't collecting colour as the gloss tends to pick up a thin film of paint during the application. The grenadier on the left was a real learning ground. I ended up smearing his face and mitre cap. I ended up removing much paint and re-doing it. I was quite annoyed as I had done a really good job of his face but wrecked it all in a few strokes.
My wife painted the grenadier loading second from left. I believe she had fun and is looking forward to the next (Robert Rogers and Indian). Also I am stll working on the flag bearer.

Very nicely done, Davout! Congratulations to you and the missus!

To your comment about checking the brush, I'd advise you to make sure you clean the brush thoroughly between different colors, whether moving from an enamel to an acrylic, acrylic to enamel, or even like to like, not only to avoid contaminating one color with another, but to slow down the buildup of gunk that you noted.

For petroleum-based enamels and oils, I use mineral spirits, and some of the paint manufacturers' thinners, too. I dip the brush in a jar with the fluid, and tap the brush against the glass. You probably noticed the color coming away as you cleaned yours. After a dunk in the thinner/mineral spirits, I drag the brush lightly on a piece of paper towel. I repeat this until the brush no longer leaves a perceptible streak on the towel. I stand the brush, point upwards, in an old cup that I commandeered for the purpose, and let it air-dry.

For water-based enamels and acrylics, I use water to get most of the color off, but then I also dip the brush in isopropyl alcohol as a final cleaning. Same process with the paper towel-I drag the brush gently on the towelling and watch until there's no color coming off the brush.

I'll also shape the brush with my fingertips, to keep the points shaped, when I set them to dry.

Can't wait to see the ensign and the Ranger and Indian next!

Prost!
Brad

 

[PJDeluhery]

I use Future acrylic floor wax on mine ("floor wax" being a generic term for something you put on the floor, and does not indicate wax), when I want a gloss finish. That includes gloss enamel paints, as well as matte paints that I may use. It makes the matte colors gloss, of course, but I have also found that it makes all of the colors look richer.

I also use it in scale modeling, to dip clear parts. It imparts a clarity to the plastic, by filling the tiny imperfections in the surface that make it look dulled or scuffed.

You can brush it on, it's self-leveling; you can dip items in it; you can even airbrush it, either straight, or thinned with a little water or even better, isopropyl alcohol. And one bottle will last a long, long time.

Prost!
Brad

Thanks for the responses, John and Brad. I learned about Future after I did the figures mentined below, and I never thought of using it for conversions or repairs. Great idea! Also prevents "finger wear."

John, what acrylic coat do you use? Is it a hobby paint or something else?