paint process

Wow, that's a new one on me. Would be interested to hear the explanation behind it!

I was told many years ago that it depends on the subject, armor and planes are supposedly painted in reverse order.

Example most armor is shipped painted in a 1 colour (olive drab) and the camo scheme was/is often applied by the crew after receiving the vehicle. Planes are all painted at the factory.

The painting order apparently also affects "perceived" depth of the camo scheme do the viewer.

I think with acrylics you will need to stick with light to dark, but with enamels you could go either way.

MMF, what about with figures, and sci fi stuff. For example one of the build ups I had looked at was Godzilla. The builder had completely painted Godzilla in green, and then painted in the eyes with either a light gray or white.

I'm sure everyone develops their own techniques and preferences, so here's mine. When painting camoflouge on an aircraft model, I always go light color first and then darker colors over the lighter. However if painting a figure, I usually do it the opposite, laying on the darker color first and then working outward with the lighter colors. This provides more depth to the model and assists with any final shading you may want to add with dark washes and dry brushed highlites. I don't build much armor, but when I do I approach it the same as a figure and paint dark to light. This seems to give more depth to all the nooks and crannies and a more realistic scale appearance. Small details, like the eye on Godzilla example, I would leave until last because I wouldn't want to paint around it and the shading effect wouldn't apply. I don't think it matters much what paint you use,acrylic or enamels the process is the same. Painting with oils is another matter altogether, but this post is getting long enough. Hope this helps and don't be afraid to experiment and find what's best for you.

rjkplasticmod: yeah that definately helps....alot. I think you are right, I need to find what works for me and stick with it....the trials and tribulations of being a newbie. Once again thanks to everyone who has replied.

casey

QUOTE: Originally posted by caseyn5 MMF, what about with figures, and sci fi stuff. For example one of the build ups I had looked at was Godzilla. The builder had completely painted Godzilla in green, and then painted in the eyes with either a light gray or white.

That can be done for Kaiju and other Creature kits.

In general the first layer of colour that goes down is the one that is the most on the subject. White for figs, followed by flesh than other colours.

Normally I try to build the colours close to the way the would be on the real subject.
Example:
White --> Flesh --> Pantyhose/sheer blouse, etc.
as often the underlying colour will not 100% covered.

OTOH, if I go for certain effects I might start with a darker colour.
Example:
Blond Hair --> Green --> Yellow --> Highlites and washes.
Metalics:
Black --> metallic colour --> Hilites, washes & dry-brushing

I also generally follow the japanes sequence of painting the eyes last, as it is said that the eyes bring the figure/doll/painting alive.


rjkplasticmod has also given good advise, but it will definately depend on what end-effect you can/want to achieve.
Lucky in modeling as in most aspects of life youc an achieve the same or atleast a very simialr result using different methods.
Some people like dry-brushung others hate it, one of my friends uses mostly clear colours and glazes for his figs.

Play aroud and enjoy the experience of discovering YOUR method.