So I'm thinking of getting into painting minis

[Razgovory]

I need a hobby, and I've always wanted to paint miniatures.  I think it would be good to keep my mind occupied and keep me quit.  Any idea where I could start?  Like paints and stuff?  Not sure what models I want.  I was thinking of some of these http://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/range.php?range=BOB

[katmai]

I need a hobby, and I've always wanted to paint miniatures.  I think it would be good to keep my mind occupied and keep me quit.  Any idea where I could start?  Like paints and stuff?  Not sure what models I want.  I was thinking of some of these http://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/range.php?range=BOB

Grumbler is the man to talk about minis, though jacob has been doing or was doing a lot of research into different versions recently.

[Tamas]

At one time I also wanted to start painting minis, but then I realized the last thing I need is yet another highly antisocial hobby.

[The Brain]

I need a hobby, and I've always wanted to paint miniatures.  I think it would be good to keep my mind occupied and keep me quit.  Any idea where I could start?  Like paints and stuff?  Not sure what models I want.  I was thinking of some of these http://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/range.php?range=BOB

Grumbler is the man to talk about minis, though jacob has been doing or was doing a lot of research into different versions recently.

Raz, I have some experience as well. Unlike the Alaskan goldfish some posters may remember my painting hundreds of minis and posting pics on Languish. I use mostly Games Workshop paints which may not be the absolute best but they are OK I think. I have looked at that mini range you linked before and it seems to be pretty cool.

[Syt]

You know you want to.




When going historical I'd go with 1/32 first. Painting a hundred 1/72 Napoleonic British Line Infantry can be, uhm, tiresome, especially when you pay attention to buttons, linings, straps ....

[Iormlund]

Are those Undead yours Brain? They look great, except ... they are way too clean.

[The Brain]

Are those Undead yours Brain? They look great, except ... they are way too clean.

[Jacob]

Copplestone makes nice minis.  Since you're going for Back of Beyond type minis, I recommend you check out the forum at http://www.lead-adventure.de/ - a friendly bunch with a pretty strong Back of Beyond section.

As for paints Games Workshop is fine.  I have some Vallejo paints as well that are fine and I'm sure other manufacturers are decent.  As for technique, you can check out the forum above, they might give you some pointer, or browse the Games Workshop site - they have a bunch of painting tutorials there as well.  Lead Adventure also has a "how to" section in the workbench forum.

Have fun

[Ape]

Not sure what models I want. 

May I sugest http://www.flamesofwar.com/ ? Awesome WW2 15mm models.

If you are interested I can borrow my parents digital camera over the crhistmas-new year holiday and take a few pics of my German Grossdeutschland Panzergrenadier company

[grumbler]

I think The Braim is the one that you should be talking to, Raz.  I do Napoleonic, and that is not where you want to start unless you are part of a gaming group.  Something like the Back of Beyond range, or Space 1889 (which RAFM is bringing back) might be great for just the few figures you are likely to want to start with.

I'd start with water-based enamel paints, and then move over (as possible - can't do this with metallic colors) to craft acrylics.  The latter need a lot of practice to use, though, so don't start with them or you will quit in disgust.

[Slargos]

I am wavering between feeling respect and horror at the thought of you guys actually sitting down to pain an entire army of little tin men.

[Jacob]

I'd start with water-based enamel paints, and then move over (as possible - can't do this with metallic colors) to craft acrylics.  The latter need a lot of practice to use, though, so don't start with them or you will quit in disgust.

Water based enamels?  What are their advantage compared to craft acrylics?  And by craft acrylics do you mean the "standard" miniature acrylics available from Games Workshop, Vallejo, Foundry, Reaper and so on?

[PRC]

If you don't want to build an army and get into that whole aspect of it but just want to paint don't go for the miniatures at all but go straight to the statuette style figures.

[Razgovory]

I chose the copplestone because the minis are a decent size (20mm), varied, attractive, and in small sets.  Also alot of the subjects are cool.  I may never end up using them but if I do it'll likely be for RPGs rather then wargames.


Thanks for the good advice here.  A quite constructive hobby might do me some good.

[katmai]

what can i say brainiac, you are forgettable.