Painting Pirates - The Contrast method

[SimonC]

Here is a brief tutorial on how I'm painting my Pirates. I made the decision to remove them from their bases just so I can mount them on clear, so I can use them for either land or 'deck' based games. I may regret this lunacy ! 

Step 1 - The Prep



Looking at the figures I don't think they need much of a clean up so I've forgone the washing stage. Despite my previous claims, now I'm using Contrast paints I want to make sure I get the best detail I can from the casting. However , these figures look pretty clean !

Using the snippers I've just removed the base, and twist drilled a hole in the foot. A small length of florist wire is them glued into the hole, and also the craft stick, giving us a sturdy base on which to paint.

Next stage the primer ...

[Colonel Kilgore]

I would think that Pirates are a prime candidate for slightly-over-the-top contrasts, so am really looking forward to seeing how these turn out.

Have you given up on the ACW ships for a while?

Simon

[SimonC]

no - they are still going - just a bit of a change up !

[SimonC]

Step 2 - The Prime

This stage is pretty easy. Just two light coats of undercoat. I used Corax White and then Wraithbone (the specific GW Contrast paint primer). In my experience I do find the GW primers work best with the Contrast paints. Its more to do with the finish that the colour. You don't want a gritty paint, it needs to be reasonably 'satin' to break up the surface tension on the paint



I would say its really important to get a flat white base, while not obscuring details. So definitely not one think spray.

[SimonC]

Step 3 - The Paint

There are no great secrets to painting in this method.You will need to be neat and tidy. Use a well pointed brush with a fat belly. Load up the paint and be generous. You want the paint to pool - not overly so - but more than you think.  If you go over the lines wait for the paint to dry and then touch up the edges with your primer. GW make Wraithbone in both spray primer and pot, so that is useful



The flow properties of the paint are such that it is drawn in the corners quite easily (capillary effect, or wicking), so the method I use is to start centrally on the area I wish to paint, see how the paint reacts (often making its own way to the edges), and fixing what is missed.

Its worth waiting for each coat to dry. You don't want to keep re-working the same area - paint once, then leave it.As the paint drys it you keep going over the same areas you will loose all the effects.

I also find that once its one put the miniatures down to dry and let gravity do its job. If you keep handing and rotating the figure as the paint dries then the paint does move around and you will loose some of the effect



Now - You could say that these are just done ...and there is an argument for that. Its been quick and easy and absolutely tabletop ready

But I always like to revisit with detailing , which will be next ... (as an optional stage)

[Anatoli]

Really interesting tuto... Thank you for sharing.
I never tried this contrast paintings on 15mm figures... And from what I see with your pics, it seems to work well...

[Radar]

They look good. Don't think that method would suit me, looks like you have to be careful at all times. I slosh paint on, then worry about tidying up at the end.

[John Watson]

They look very good Simon. In the past I have block painted figures and then used inks and shades over the top. It is hard to tell from pictures but I get the impression that the results are similar, but perhaps not quite as bright as contrast paints, so I am wondering if it is worth the expense of buying a whole new set of paints. As you have used the contrast paints you have the advantage over me. Perhaps you could convince me or otherwise, Simon.
Cheers
John

[Colonel Kilgore]

They look good. Very tempting...

[Administrator]

Perhaps you could convince me or otherwise, Simon.

12 minutes to paint these. Block colour and washes can't do that. The idea behind the CP isn't better, its just efficiency.

[Radar]

Perhaps you could convince me or otherwise, Simon.

12 minutes to paint these. Block colour and washes can't do that. The idea behind the CP isn't better, its just efficiency.

Is that per man or for all of them Simon? I'm guessing per man. I timed painting a 34 man Regiment of Foot  from bag to based (block colours and washes) and they came in at just under 11 minutes per man.

https://www.keepyourpowderdry.co.uk/2019/06/a-new-regiment-how-long-does-it-take.html

[Administrator]

Is that per man or for all of them Simon?

all of them

[Administrator]

8 figures - 5 colours. No mixing ... just painting it on

[Radar]

For all 8, hard to beat.

[Colonel Kilgore]

8 figures - 5 colours. No mixing ... just painting it on

That is pretty convincing!