My plan was to refrain from any weathering on the test mini for my Raptors project until I had the chapter markings in place. As it turns out I could not resist and went ahead with the first of my dirtying experiments. While that may complicate things when it's time to apply the transfers, I was too impatient to wait and by now have lost confidence in Forge World coming through for me in a timely manner with my order.
I've never tried to use weathering powders before so this was all new for me. Derina, author of both the Irons Hands and more things and Brigannion 4 blogs, suggested I go with rust powder to achieve the dusty appearance seen in some Raptors artwork. That's the look I want for this army so I took her advice and have made my first attempt at brushing on some dry pigment, using Orange Rust from Forge World. It wasn't quite what I expected but I feel like I started to get the hang of it towards the end. There were a few areas where the powder clumped a bit or went on streaky, but otherwise it was easier than I thought it would be.
(No worries, I've gone back and painted that little boot cable.)
Overall I think I'm satisfied with how the weathering powder worked and I'm happy with the choice of color. It surprises me how much it changes the tone or feeling of the miniature even though the effect itself is rather subtle. I applied the powder in two passes and was fairly cautious as I did not want to overdo anything and I now wonder if I should perhaps add even more Orange Rust. I may also try adding some darker earth-colored powder to his boots and legs but for now I'm going to leave him alone. I've started in on the first batch of Raptors and will be working on them this weekend. Yesterday I primed them and even had time to apply both coats of Devlan Mud. With those steps out of the way I'm ready to begin painting and am eager to find out how quickly I can get them finished.
Okay, that's it for now. I hope you're all having a great weekend so far... happy gaming and painting, everyone!
It is subtle, but you're right about it changing the feeling - it makes the model a part of the landscape and suggests the wider surroundings. Very attractive.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't put my finger on it but yes, that's a great way of describing the effect it has on the miniature. It does feel to me much more a part of the [imagined] environment than the miniatures I've painted previously. Thank you for helping to clarify this for me, Porky, I appreciate very much your feedback!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. You've really set me thinking these past couple of days, b.smoove too. I feel a post or two coming on..!
ReplyDelete"Great Maker!" you got me blushing ....he's looking good...
ReplyDeleteI agree with Porky - subtle, but adds that touch of realism - looks really good. Looking forward to a completed group shot with decals, basing, and wathering all done - I reckon that will look awesome.
ReplyDeleteHave you used anything to 'fix' the pigment, or is it likely to rub off it you handle them too much?
Pom
@ Porky - Good to hear, I look forward to finding out what you have in mind. Thanks, Porky!
ReplyDelete@ Derina - Thank you again for the suggestion about using rust powder, I think it worked out perfectly. I appreciate having good people like yourself willing to pitch in and help me out. Thank you very much, Derina!
@ Loquacious - Yeah, I'm starting to really like them a lot as I do more painting. I may end up expanding this army more than I had originally planned. I'm glad you like them too, thank you!
@ Rogue Pom - I'm looking forward to that as well, it's good motivation to keep painting. So far all I've done with the pigments is brush it directly onto the miniature. I remember hearing about using something to fix weathering pigments but I can't recall what that is. I'll need to have that figured out before I get the first squad finished. Thanks, RP!
I am glad Rogue Pom asked because that was my question. The model looks great but I have heard that the pigments will rub off and that spray varnish can ruin the effect. I want my models to look great like yours does, but I need to be able to use them in games as well :( so I would love to hear what you find out :)
ReplyDeleteYou can possably touch up the the rust after the transfers are on. But I have never used them b4.
ReplyDelete@ BJ - Wonderful, I'll be sure to report anything I learn while working on this. I've heard the same caveats about working with these powders, though so far I'm surprised how well the stuff adheres to the miniature. It's good to hear from you, BJ, thank you!
ReplyDelete@ Derina - Cool, I'll try that out. I'm hopeful that this process proves to be more forgiving than I had originally thought. This is definitely a learning experience for me. It would be great if I can also end up helping anyone out by sharing what I learn, but if nothing else, maybe I can at least demonstrate what NOT to do. : )
I'm starting to think I need to use more Rust to make it show better but I'll wait until after the chapter markings are done. I'm optimistic that it will work okay... thanks, Derina!
You going to do a blog on Rapters or fold them into one?
ReplyDeleteI'll most likely keep all my Raptors material on this blog for the time being. I've tried to have blogs specific to single armies in the past but my motivation for maintaining them quickly fizzles out. I have however started thinking about reorganizing diceRolla to help me keep better track of all my projects, so in that case the Raptors stuff would get separated out somehow. Just some initial thoughts, though, and any suggestions are always welcome on how I can do things better. Thanks, Derina!
ReplyDeleteHAIR SPRAY.
ReplyDeleteRaptors are the greatest! I like them but I think you will find that you want to add some sort of contrasting colour or the whole army blends together. This is great to an extent but I had a bunch of raptors and I started plain and then had to go back to add something to give them a bit more zing at the end.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought.
@ Loquacious - Awesome, thank you for helping me out! When I first read that I didn't realize you were referring back to the weathering powders. Lol, I was confused a bit. : ) Thanks for the info, Loquacious, and the laughs!
ReplyDelete@ GDMNW - Thank you very much for the painting suggestion, that does make a lot of sense to me. I haven't thought too far ahead on this project but now can see how this color scheme might become rather boring to look at en masse. I'd love to hear any ideas about what would look good as a way of breaking up the monotony. I'd also like to see what's in the Imperial Armour book about these guys as I'm curious if it has any info about squad, company, or campaign markings. Perhaps something like that might break up their appearance somewhat. Thank you for the great feedback and advice, GDMNW!
Vets get a black stripe down the center of the helm, sergeants white helm?
ReplyDeletefor termies in the imortal words of scoooby dooo "I dunno!"
Hmm, I guess that means I'll have to learn how to paint with white after all. :( But a black stripe for the veterans sounds like it could be really cool. Thanks for the info, Derina!
ReplyDeleteI have my 2 test minis without the heads and I primed them white. And gonna put them on when mini is done.
ReplyDeleteYou could try P3's Menoth white base and white highlight for a cream colour (Yes this is the queens English, unlike colonial massacre of the queens English ribbing asside)
Can't wait to see your miniatures painted up. I'm a massive fan of natural, earth colours. Just to mention, the dramatic close up, with the board background, reminds me of Tron! :)
ReplyDeleteLooking great! The dust effect looks very natural on this guy. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of them. Your submission essay on house of paincakes had me laughing as well. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDelete@ Derina - Leaving the heads separate does seem like a good way to go. I'll probably do that for any new sergeants I put together, though for the ones already built I guess I'm out of luck. Thank you for the colour (with all due respect for the Queen's spelling!) recommendations, I really like the P3 paints and will be sure I try out the ones you suggest. Thanks, Derina!
ReplyDelete@ Bartender - LOL, when I looked at those pictures I thought of Tron as well! :) I wasn't able to get very much painting done on Sunday but I'm still plugging away at this first batch of marine and hope to be finished with them (except for their insignia and markings) in a few days. I too like the earth tones and find them considerably easier for me to paint. Thank you very much, Bartender!
@ Daemonetteboobs - Right on, thank you! So far I'm happy with this weathering powder, I'm just going to be careful I don't go overboard while I'm still learning how the stuff works. I'll be sure to get some pictures posted as soon as I can after I finish painting the first group of Raptors. I'm glad you enjoyed the essay, too. :) Thanks, Daemonetteboobs!
Just spotted in the book vets have black helm with a yellow stripe down the front.
ReplyDeletethats vet sergants black with yellow stripe.
ReplyDeleteLooking great man!! Top stuff there with the weathering as well, I want to get my hands on some of that magic FW dust.
ReplyDelete@ Derina - Oh wow, I wasn't expecting there to be so much variety for these guys. I think black helmets with a yellow stripe seems really cool, I may have to designate all my sergeants as veterans. : ) I'm very grateful for all the information about the Raptors marines, you've helped me out a lot with my new army. Thank you, Derina!
ReplyDelete@ Red - This stuff is great, I wish I had started using it before now. I'm looking forward to trying it out on my first vehicles for this army once I get around to them. That seems like it will be a whole new level of fun. Best of luck to with your own dusty experiments, I think it should go very well for you. Thanks, Red!
@ Pappa JJ, Happy to help my friend, just keep us updated ... and to blow my own trumpet look @ my new post on my IH blog.
ReplyDeleteI think there is more Rapter stuff in the 3rd IA book.
ReplyDeleteOh cool, I'd totally forgotten about that one, thank you! I've built up some personal animosity for the Tau so it looks like I've ended up with a good chapter to collect. (Maybe I can even get revenge for that video game Fire Warrior... it drove me nuts!) Thanks for all the help you've provided, considering how much research you've been doing for me I think I'll have to name a Raptors Librarian after you. Take care, Derina!
ReplyDeleteSister Libby Derina...... Humm a transgendered Libby ... (evil Grin)
ReplyDeleteLol, that would certainly make for an interesting backstory. Cheers!
ReplyDelete