Prime Time!
I move on to my next couple models and learn a thing or two about the good and bad of primers.
The miniature on the left was sprayed with a can of Armory Grey Primer.
As you can see there is a big difference in how these paint cover the models.
The Armory Primer has been hit or miss for me. On previous models I have been able to get a smooth full coating, but only after 2-3 coats. I dislike putting more than one coat on models with this much detail. On this most recent model, the coverage became fuzzy after the first coat. This is definitely not the desired output but I carried on with mixed results. Some of the results were good, some remain a challenge, but I'll comment on those below.
As far as I can tell the only downfall for Mechanicus Grey Standard is the price point. Online prices range from $16 - $22 for a single 12 oz can. Compared to Armory's $5.39 to $7.00, MGS is a hit to my hobby cash stash, but the results are vastly superior. Coverage is complete and the finish is smooth. In fact, I used MGS on some models primed previously with Armory. MGS Primer covered and corrected some of the texture problems.
Fat Miniature in a Tiny Base Coat.
First things first;
Pants and straps: Eshin GreyArmor: Averland Sunburst (Yellocadian Fleshtonew) Leadbelcher (metallic)
Skin: Cadian Fleshtone
Basecoats on the Armory Primer helped but the model remained textered. Basecoats on the MGS Primer covered well and remained smooth. It was much easier to cover the areas with precision.
Layers, Washes and Details.
After a liberal coating of Nuln Oil wash I discovered that the texture I had been fighting on the Armory Primer now lent itself to looking a lot like grease and grime. This gives the model (below) on the left a great dingy look that really belongs in Necromunda. Other issues remain, but I love the dirt and grime look on the weapons and certain parts of the armor. I will likely keep using the better primer, but will be looking into some of the Citadel Texture paints.
At this point I moved on with just the Bone Shredder model. Flesh, washes, edge detailing a a little Blood for the Blood God.
This model turned out better than the first model but there are still some things I need to change, and a little more practice will have me where I want to be soon. I am still not happy with the flesh tones and edge highlighting looks so much easier when the guys on Warhammer TV do it.
The Armory Primed model is next and I am looking forward to finishing it.
This is what I use: https://www.krylon.com/products/colormaxx-primer/ Like I said, you shake the SHIT out of it and get it warm in hot water first, it goes on pretty smooth. Have you ever heard that you don't necessarily want to coat your whole model? I swear I saw some post one time where the guy was saying a light dusting of primer was all you needed...that doesn't seem right though.
ReplyDeleteAlso, most of the texture paints will be a little much for that size, but I LOVE Typhus Corrosion...I put that on everything (works great for drybrushing rust too). It's like a super gritty dirty brown wash, I'd definitely pick up a bottle if you get a chance.
ReplyDeleteI have seen videos on the "dusting" technique. What I saw was a lighter coat dusting from above on a a fully primed (darker) model. Zenithal Priming.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fafjRGXAGk
I think this was the video I saw: https://youtu.be/q3PGDOYm5Dc It's not really Zenithal priming just a guy saying barely covering your mini is the way to go...I am not sure how seriously I should take some random guy on youtube's advice though...
ReplyDeleteyeah.. having that half primed texture is not something that will last.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to Vallejo primers so much! Cheaper than GW and color match the rest of their line. For GW, I have had ok luck with everything except white. I avoid their white primer at all costs. So much meh. Ironically the colors other than white and black seem really good. For instance I like Lead Belcher a lot. These days, I tend to just pay a buddy to prime my minis with an airbrush, this late in the year. You are fighting the environment now. Warm it, stay abit closer than normal, to avoid powdering and you "should" be ok, but I am still angry about a Dwarf Army I have that is jacked up. Just not worth the danger. One guy I know only uses brush on. I ain't got that kinda time. Love your color choices. Good stuff man. So glad to see you back in. -Pat
ReplyDeleteYeah, I would like to know if those Vallejo primers are good or not. VAllejo is hit or miss for me as well... when it's good, it's really good.
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