Looking for a Teach-in on Painting?

[FrankG]

Hi,

As the title says, I'm looking for a tutorial on Painting.

 

I'm a complete beginner, never built a wooden model before, so have no idea about preparation, paint choice, application, techniques and tips, etc etc.

 

You could say I'm looking for a Painting Primer!

 

Thanks

[captainbob]

Here in the US the local craft shops like Hobby Lobby have classes.  They are not painting boats but the basics are the same.

 

Bob

[JPett]

Ahoy Frank

 

I am not pro painter but will share with you what I, as another newbie have learned. After much experimentation and the advice of many others; I now use Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colors 

 

http://www.winsornewton.com/na/shop/oil-colour/artisan-water-mixable-oil-colour

 

They can be purchased at a very reasonable price at Hobby Lobby or Micheals Crafts with their 40% off coupon

They have colors that are perfect for ship modeling

They clean up with water and you can mix them with many things to achieve different looks. 

They love wood and dry in a fairly short time. Drying times can be slowed with additional products. 

 

 

You can paint them thinned with water (Use distilled water) directly on wood to allow for the subtle tones of the wood to effect the finished appearance or treat the wood and painted as a second coat to get a solid color. 

 

Here is a link to my log. I used Yellow Ochre on the gunwale, and Mars Black on the wales, First I painted the Yellow directly on the wood.  I did multiple thin coats until I got the depth of color I liked. Then I used a soft cotton cloth and rubbed it to get a burnished look.  Then I used a wipe on poly (WOP) also doing the wales. A light sanding followed. Next I taped the line for the wales and using the WOP went over the tape lines to seal them. This prevents the black paint from 'bleeding" or weeping into the yellow. another light sanding of this WOP followed.  Always work from light to dark; the darker color can effect or show through the lighter color if it is under it but will always cover it. Then I painted the wales Black over the WOP to get a solid color. Then I sealed the whole deal with another coat of WOP. After this dried I used a kitchen sponge with a scrubber (Blue) to knock down the shine and get a dull slightly weathered look. 

 

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/45-rattlesnake-by-jpett-model-shipways-ms2028-scale-164th/?p=126457

 

Painting is easy. Get good brushes too and learn to treat them with respect. Sealing tape lines is very important. I always tape with painters tape or Tamiya. Use a very thin piece of tape to get the line and then another thicker one to protect the other color. I always seal it with either future floor wax and more recently the WOP. Always let things dry, never rush and most importantly 

 

NEVER experiment on your ship. Use scrap and test until you can repeat the look you want at least twice. Three times is better. Once is never a guarantee.

 

Good luck, I hope this helps, and have fun

 

PS: Don't rush it either. Let each coat dry before starting the next and give it some extra time before sanding, applying WOP or tape for lines. I usually give it a few days before the WOP to prevent any smearing and start with a super light coat which I do not work back and forth over the two colors. . 

Edited August 25, 2014 by JPett

[FrankG]

Thanks Jpett. I am really surprised that watercolours would be used in model painting. I always thought they would be too weak and washy-washy! Just shows what I know! I read through your log and your ship looks great.

 

Thanks

[newbieonekinobi]

Since you live in the U.K. maybe check out Cornwall Model Boats' 'Admiralty paints'.

 

To me they just seem right for the job.

[hornet]

I sm currently using Admiralty paints, both with brush and airbrush. They are acrylics and give very good coverage and finish. Authentic colours too.

[JPett]

Ahoy Frank 

 

My bad 

 

I have updated my post 

 

They are Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colors 

 

Very sorry about that. 

[FrankG]

Thanks for the Posts.

 

My apologies, but I'm looking for "How to paint" rather than what paints people use or where to buy them from. Sorry for not making that clear.

 

I need instruction on the basics - model preparation, when to use a sealer, when to use a primer, the methodology involved in getting a good finish, how to weather a ship so it looks more natural etc etc

 

I've had a look on Amazon to see if there are any books on the subject, but can't see anything. I'm going to check out YouTube tonight.

 

I've never completed a wooden model before, and therefore have never painted one, so I really need instruction on the basics of Painting.

 

Thanks Guys 

[druxey]

I'm sure that there are tutorials on the 'net, particularly among folk who build dioramas. Try searching under 'diorama painting techniques'.

[JPett]

Ahoy Frank  

 

Plastic modelers are also another great resource and they have a ton of online tutorials. The Warhammer crowd is one of the best for small detail and creating color depth and highlights. 

 

You would need to treat your wood with something like the WOP I mentioned to apply these but truth be told the best way to learn to paint is to "just do it". Get some supplies and some scrap wood and have a party. It is actually more important that you start with the right paints which can actually be one of the hardest parts if your new. Once you start you will be able to ask questions that pertain to the problem that you are seeing and the community will be able to respond. 

[mtaylor]

There is also the Model Railroaders who do extensive painting and weathering.   I've seen some links but never bookmarked them as I don't paint... except maybe the outside of the house... the inside (sometimes) and not much else.

[FrankG]

Thanks JPett and Mark - that was a good tip.

 

I found what I was looking for and have cobbled together an excellent guide to painting, primers and which paints to use. It is aimed primarily at plastic models, but gives a good basic intro.

 

Link:

http://www.scalemodelguide.com/category/painting-weathering/painting-guide/

[James H]

No politics here guys, there is no place for it....

 

We are a hobby site.

[jdbradford]

What about painting the tiny figurines or stern adornment on some of the smaller scale ships.  I am having a terrible time trying to do that.

 

thanks,

 

Jeff

[JPett]

Ahoy Jeff  

 

Go to You-Tube and search for Warhammer. Those guys are the bomb when it comes to painting small scale details and have posted a ton of stuff. 

[ChrisLinden]

I just posted a tutorial on how i paint ornaments. Will post another one soon on how to manage small details with relative ease.

I am a "warhammer" miniature painter that recently picked up wooden ship building