How do you paint belts and straps on 1/35 figures?

Sure thing.

I'm going to try airbrushing a figure over the Christmas/New Year's holiday. I'm sure that will be a dandy mess.

Thanks, gentlemen. So the trick is to secure the figure to a temporary stable base. I held a figure with my shaky left hand and painted with my shaky right hand. No wonder I couldn't paint well!

I like using a fine brush for that sort of thing. #1 at largest, or a 0 or smaller. The paint should be properly thinned so it flows off the brush well. And I occasionally have shaky hands myself (especially after lots of morning coffee) so I will brace both of my hands against the edge of my work table while doing precision paint work. One holding the brush and one holding the painted item.

Hi Chrisk-k,

Regarding a shaky hand: First, make sure that you're using a brush that's the right size for the details you're painting. I would surmise that a 1 with a nice fine point would be good.

Second, make sure to load the brush well with the paint. That way you can make a single stroke and have good coverage.

Third, mount your figure to a temporary base so you don't have to hold it with your free hand; use your free hand to support and steady your brush hand.

Fourth, if you get some paint where it doesn't belong, don't worry. You can go back and touch up those spots.

Hope that helps.

A enamel dark brown followed with a acrylic wash of red-brown. Some highlight the edges with black, instead use a vary dark brown for the shadow edge and a lighter shade for the upper leather. Dry brush final highlights on the upper surfaces that catch light. After the figure is complete with dull coat then add some shine to the leather if desired with a dab of 'skin grease' ie: from your forehead.

Of course you can remove the molded straps and add scratch built ones, works well for additional gear slings & rife slings that the manufacture often omits. Study pictures and get color references. Adjust paint accordingly.