Watery paints and the hairy stick

[Raven Morpheus]

Hello

I'm going to be painting some figure models in the next few weeks and for some parts of them I'll be using Vallejo Model Air paints. However one or two of the paints I'll be using are a bit on the watery/thin side and whilst they go down OK using an airbrush (provided I don't spray too much at too high a pressure) when applied with a hairy stick I tend to be able to see the colour underneath visible unless I build up the layers, but if I build up the layers of paint it ends up looking like I've applied the paint too thick.

Has anyone any tips on how to get a nice smooth even finish using a hairy stick with such paint?

TIA

Edited March 31, 2015 by Raven Morpheus

[andyramone]

Vallejo Model Air is specifically designed for use with an airbrush (hence the name 'Air'), so will not brush well.

The normal brand of Vallejo paints however is perfect for brush painting, so would recommend you use those.

[Raven Morpheus]

Thanks but I've just tried a Vallejo game color (bonewhite) paint and it's also very thin. Although I was putting it over a dark brown undercoat.

Seems I just cannot get a nice smooth finish using a hairy stick.

[Mitch K]

I've got one or two Vallejo GameColour pots - I don't like them. They seem very thin and watery compared with the standard model colour which I use for wargame miniatures. I'd say go back to standard model colours, a touch of flow improver and that should be OK.

[Beardie]

I would suggest that you start by spraying, or painting, the figures completely white and then build up the colours over this in thin layers. Depending on the size of the figures this will allow for a lot of variation in the tone as you build up the colours which gives a sense of realism to the piece. When you look at a person they are not made of solid colours to our eyes but a variety of tones depending on light and shade and a variety of other factors. Use the transparency of the layers to your advantage rather than seeing it as a problem.

My personal preference for painting figures (particularly faces) is artists oil paints as they take a long time to dry and can be blended with a very very fine brush over and over again until you get the look you are after. Obviously this isn't ideal if you are painting an army but I would still make some effort to get varying tones into everything rather than solid colours.

Edited April 13, 2015 by Beardie

[Black Knight]

If you really need to thicken acrylic paints add some artists acrylic 'medium'.