Brush sizes and Magnification.

OK,
I discovered a complete surprise after I started to assemble my first box of Saurus Warriors. Seems I have become blind :/. I haven't painted miniatures for at least 25 years and some where in those years I forgot how to focus on small things...LOL.

Seriously. How many of you paint under magnification?

I also notice that a great deal of detail goes into the models (shield inside on saurus) that eventually gets covered and goes un seen.

Does anyone paint prior to final assembly?

What brushes do you use in what instances?

Thanks,
Kaax Taat

 

I also used nagnification, other wise I can´t see all the small details.

I always paint the shields alone and put on went I´m finish with the hole figur.

 

Depending on what I'm painting, I sometime use magnification. I use a magnifiying lamp I bought at Canadian Tire for 39$ which has a white cold bulb. I tend to use it in later stages if possible, otherwise it makes me spend WAY too much time on rank and file models that are already at tabletop quality. For my skinks, I used it before the final washes and highlights to make sure everything was properly painted and then used it for some hard to see highlights. I plan to do the same on my saurus.

About brush sizes, I use the GW ones and find myself using the standard brush and the fine detail brush the most, but it really depends on the surface you are trying to cover. For instance, I could see myself using the basecoat brush for some details on a figurine like the Stegadon.

I really hope I was somewhat helpful!

 

Shields are often painted before gluing, but glue tends to mess with paint, so you have to be very carefuly and use very small amounts so you don't ruin your painting. How much more you paint first is up to you, I know people who paint models while they are still on the sprues then assemble. I prefer to get most assembled first, just leaving off shields and keeping riders seperate from mounts.

I also have a magnifying lamp, but very rarely use it while painting. Its something you would need to work at and get used to obviously, since everything moves differently under magnification. Have you tried the simple 2x or 3x reading glasses?

 

I sometimes paint under magnification. There are a few things you need to mind, then. First, things tend to move awkwardly under a magnifier because of the lens' curve. Only practice will get you used to it. Also, if you see the saurus' eye 5 times bigger, so will you see the tip of your brush. Now, here's the real painter's secret: it's not the brush, it's the tip!

I didn't believe this until I actually used one, but I strongly recommend buying a good "0" brush for your detail painting. I currently use a Windsor and Newton series 7 Kolinsky brush for fine work. At 18$, it might seem expensive for a brush, but when you consider the whole pile of cash you'll put into this hobby, it's not that bad!

Now, with good care, that brush will keep a needle-sharp point even under magnification. By good care, this is what I mean: the brush must never touch undiluted paint, you should never rub the brush against the bottom or sides of your water pot, clean your brush with running water after every painting session and once a month with mild shampoo (same as what most people use). Finally, store it with the little plastic tub on it. By doing this, you'll have a brush that can go and do a hair-rine line every time you need!

Phil