Reddit mentions: The best air painting kits

Welcome to the rabbit hole, my friend.

First of all, here's a link to the official Mice and Mystics painting guide which has lots of tips on how to paint the different heroes and enemies as well as various painting techniques.

Second, /r/minipainting is undoubtly the best resource on reddit for aspiring painters. I highly recommend a visit there if you need advice, tips, or just want to be inspired.

Third, if you're a beginner painter, there's basically 5 stages to painting a miniature:

Step 1, Prep and Wash: Using a craft knife or file, remove any mold lines from the miniature. These are long lines that extend over parts of the model where the two parts of the mold came together. You'll want to remove these as they are very noticeable once painted. Next, wash the minis in warm water with some dish soap. If you have an old toothbrush, use that to give them a scrub. This will remove any leftover residue from the molding process that might resist paint.

Step 2, Primer: Despite what the hobby guy said, you really want to prime your models. You can find cans of paint specially designed for miniatures, but a can of Krylon from Walmart works if you're on a budget. For colors, you probably want white or black. Black is easier to work with as you can leave the recesses of the models black without having to worry. White will give an overall brighter model, though. Put the miniatures on a sheet of cardboard (preferably with some white-tack) and take them to a well ventilated area, preferably outside as this can be messy. Give the can a good shake for about 2 minutes, then spray the models in a sweeping motion from about 6-12 inches away. Rotate the models as necessary, but take care not to touch them directly. Leave them to dry for about 24 hours.

Alternatively, there are some brush-on primers available, but I find the spray can is much easier and quicker.

Step 3, Base coat: Now we get to actual painting. If you're new and don't have any paint, I recommend either the Citadel Essentials Starter kit or the Army Painter Zombicide core set. Both sets give you a decent range of paints for not too much money and include a shader (see next step). Now just paint the main features of the models with whatever colors you wish. I used the card art for reference, but feel free to substitute as needed. One thing I cannot stress enough here is to thin your paints. The number one mistake new painters make is using paint straight from the pot and getting a chunky, chalky looking miniature with visible brush lines. To avoid this, scoop out or squeeze out some paint onto a pallet then add a drop or two of water until the paint is roughly the consistency of milk, maybe a bit thicker. Then apply this to the miniature in several coats until the miniature has the coloration you desire. Once done, you could stop here, but there's a very easy next step that will really add a lot of definition to a model.

Step 4, Shading. There are special paints called inks, washes, or shaders (all three basically mean the same thing) that extremely thin. When applied to a model, it will naturally flow into the recess of the model to create some natural highlights. Shaders come in all kinds of colors, but a black or brown applied all over the model is generally fine for a beginner. Apply the shader generously to the model, dry your brush, then wick away any excess with your brush from flat or raised areas. Leave the shader only in recessed areas or areas of high contrast. You'll wonder if you haven't ruined your miniature when doing this step, but the leap of faith will really pay off when the shader brings out all kinds of details in the model.

Step 5, Highlights and finishing touches: This last step is entirely optional, but can add some more detail to the miniature. Highlighting involves re-painting over the raised areas of the miniature with either the base color or a slightly brightened version of it. This adds more depth to the model and there are several different techniques that can accomplish it (see the M&M painting guide for examples). You can also do some special things here like re-basing the model onto a clear base or special base to give it more pop. You could also add some flocking (fake terrain) to the model's base to give it more detail. Whatever you do (or don't do), you'll want to finish the model with a spray of matte varnish, like Testor's Dull coat, to preserve your paint job from any wear and tear.

All of these steps and more are presented in Sorasto's videos, which are a great way to learn more about painting. This video in particular is extremely helpful to familiarize yourself with the basic steps outlined above, even though the miniatures are from another game. I highly recommend giving it a watch before starting your first model.

Hand coloring of photographic prints. Some of those examples are not in the traditional style.

Here is an article, more traditional, especially the last examples, ladies from south Wales.

Here is a get started kit. Also an intro Book. And a better Book.

Marshall's photo oils is the standard. They are translucent. My father was an amateur photographer (actually did many graduation photos), and my mother did the coloring. She was no artist. She did paint by numbers when that was a fad, but the hand coloring predated that. I have, packed away, some fall foliage portraits they did. I will look for them tomorrow. My memory is that each leaf was colored, like a bowl of kix. She was completely self taught. I tried my hand at it, but did not have the patience. My darkroom skills went beyond my father's, but I could not match her coloring skills. For an artist, it should be easy.

It has to be done on matte surface paper, for a tooth to take the color. The classical technique was perfected before color photography was common. It is very "life like". More modern techniques look like Photoshop efforts. A style that came and went was to do one element in the photo.

The whole process hinges on good B&W photographs on matte surface. For a home hobbyist with darkroom, cheap and easy. To have it done commercially, custom B&W is expensive.

Not knowing your skill level, or ambitions, you may want to explore Photo Shop option

I suppose in this I am a purist. Comparing PS examples to the real deal is like comparing Grandma's chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven, to opening a bag of chips-ahoy. Not the same experience at all. Still, interesting, and satisfying on a certain level, but not the same.

I almost forgot about Wallace Nutting. He started a cottage business, sold hand colored prints door to door. He became so successful he had to have a staff do the coloring. The prints are collectable, he had signed his own work, more valuable of course. He is very much in the traditional style. About 25years ago I was frequenting antique shops, would see his prints, generally in the $75-$300 range. A lot of variables, size, framing, quality of work, subject matter. Some 3x5 examples of certain subjects and colors were very expensive. A very interesting art form.

Thank you for the contest and happy thanksgiving!

What is really love to have is this watercolor set: https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Crafts-Watercolors-Painting-Beginners/dp/B01LX7Y575/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1542863011&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=watercolor+paints+professional&dpPl=1&dpID=51t50qTvKJL&ref=plSrch#atwl_secondary_view_1542863082977

I love to do artwork, especially watercolors since it’s therapeutic to me. Recently through, I’ve been running out of certain colors, particularly white, skin, black and certain shades of blue and red. To be able to get the colors I need again would honestly be super helpful!

Ok. Gonna throw out a couple of suggestions to get you started.

First get a starter paint set.

You can get them from the local hobby shops

A few of them come with the basic supplies you need to get started.

The following ones come with a small set of paints, a brush and a miniature to paint. Often they also come with step by step instructions or online videos to watch

Dungeons and Dragons Official Paint Line Adventurer's Paint Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWMTNDJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kTC0Db25P03XH

Dungeons and Dragons Official Paint Line Monsters Paint Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWL5JZZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VVC0Db4FCQTAM

Reaper Miniatures 08906 Learn To Paint Bones Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NTMC49G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vWC0DbVBYBCNP

Reaper Miniatures Master Series Paints #09970 Starter Set for Mini Figures https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07664WJ3H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RXC0DbPXRB07Z

The Army Painter Kings of War Undead Miniatures Paint Set - Highly Pigmented Acrylic Model Paint Set - 10 Miniature Paints in 18ml Dropper Bottles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRYAY5R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FYC0Db3QD8HJT

The above links are only there to show you what to look for.

Citadel also has a great range of paints but they are generally more expensive and don’t come with brushes or models to paint

Please. Buy local and support our FLGS (Friendly Local Game Stores) They are the reason why so many people are into these hobby’s.

Take a little while and find a couple of Nolzurs or Reaper miniatures you like to paint. They are inexpensive and will be great pieces to start with.

However if your gonna look online Miniature Market currently is having their Black Friday sale


https://www.miniaturemarket.com/searchresults?q=black+friday+sale#/?_=1&sort.ga_unique_purchases=desc&page=1&filter.product_tag=Black%20Friday&filter.manufacturer=Army%20Painter

What ever route you’re choose let us know what you did and show us your completed work. There are a lot of super helpful people here

Coasters are definitely a good place to start for a beginner!

You'll want the resin itself - I use ArtResin which is nice because it's 1:1 (one part resin to one part hardener), non-toxic, and has a nice long curing time - you have about 45 minutes to work with it, so you have a bit of time to play with colorants and such. Here's a smaller amount - it should get you a few coasters, depending on how thick of a layer he uses. https://www.amazon.com/ArtResin-Epoxy-Resin-Respirator-Needed/dp/B01BX6893Y/ref=sr_1_3?crid=19EAF82YR2XDD&keywords=artresin+clear+non-toxic+epoxy+resin&qid=1554142344&s=gateway&sprefix=artresin%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-3

You'll need some molds - search on Amazon for 'silicone coaster molds'. Baking molds are fine! Look for ones that have a shiny bottom, as that's how the resin will come out. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=silicone+coaster+mold&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

He'll want a way to measure and mix - here are some plastic cups with measurements on it that I use: https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Graduated-Clear-Plastic-Mixing/dp/B06Y3ZXS7P/ref=sr_1_6?crid=VG6YC7K9WUVL&keywords=mixing+cups+for+epoxy&qid=1554142453&s=gateway&sprefix=mixing+cup%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-6

Some thin wooden sticks for mixing: https://www.amazon.com/Loew-Cornell-Simply-Craft-Picks-1021200/dp/B0041D7O92/ref=sr_1_49?crid=3UC9ISF75I68N&keywords=popsicle+sticks+thin&qid=1554142569&s=gateway&sprefix=popsicle+%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-49

You may want to grab some latex gloves and/or breathing masks (can't be too careful).

Last, whatever he'd want to use to decorate, like colors or objects to cast inside! Alcohol inks are great and can do those cool petri dish effects but can run a bit pricey for a lot of them (but if that's what he wants to do, make sure you get white along with whatever other colors he'd want to use). Powdered pigments are a bit cheaper, but I haven't used them myself before so someone else will need to speak to that.

Edit: for getting bubbles out, he COULD use a straw, but a small kitchen torch will do the job MUCH better so that isn't a bad addition: https://www.amazon.com/Culinary-Tintec-Refillable-Adjustable-Soldering/dp/B07BRT4ZNV/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=kitchen+torch&qid=1554143056&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Here:

Budget: $150 max: US Art Supply 133pc Deluxe Artist Painting Set with Aluminum and Wood Easels, Paint and Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QQUUJCC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cDzODbXMK02N2

Budget: $60ish: https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwihtOm6rpblAhU0GH0KHd7NBAoYABAJGgJwdg&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESQeD2dPuLaB1az5GJBKwFXO0KsC22ME5r8MykqlflQC4KZMFLNLlOCTf30qHtsKrrXBGIcdBmpkp9uKNaAcKRmscj&sig=AOD64_3EknO0Be-X-giWVykSxC-WDKOVVg&ctype=104&q=&ved=2ahUKEwju-dy6rpblAhUHRa0KHb16DXsQwg96BAgMEB8&adurl=

I would shoot for the first. It's a great set and gives her a lot of opportunity to utilize the equipment, plus it will last a while and is meaningful. But the second option is also good! Best of luck!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XWKKNWL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6U3BDbZ9984E8

UK site but I'm sure there will be similar on whatever local amazon site you have. Had this same one at my last place too not as spacious as an entire dedicated standing desk but super versatile to go up and down and move desks too.

a little watercolor set the one the kids have is pretty much done. all the colors have blended together after multiple toddler paint sessions.


I hope you feel better soon. Thanks for hosting a contest. gifting always cheers me up, even if its just a little bit.

Thanks, I surely will update! She used to be into acrylic before we were married, but she hasn't had the time, and most of her supplies have disappeared. I'm going to attempt to get her everything she would need to get her up and running. What would your thoughts be on something like this? Would it be better to get everything separately?

Thanks again!

Sorry for the delay fellas - here’s what I did:

1. Soak in CLR for 30min-1hr intervals, sanding in between. I started with a coarse sandpaper (800), then moved to a finer gradient (220), and finally 0000 steel wool to polish it out. You can get all these products at a hardware store. As someone said before me, sand blasting would have been nice as well.
   
2. Once the rust is removed I filled in the engravings with acrylic paint, doing a few coats and washing with acetone (fingernail polish remover) in between coats.
   
3. After the paint job was finished, I treated the metal with a black oxide gel finish solution. For this process, I would let the putter sit in the solution for 3-5min, rinse with tap water, then buff it out with the steel wool once it dried to even the black oxide coat. I repeated about 4 times before I was satisfied with the color.
   
4. Lastly, I let the putter sit in the sealer that came with the black oxide kit for about 5 minutes. This made the color darker and should protect it from rusting. Also, regularly treat with baby oil for further protection.
   
   You can tweak the process to fit your taste, but that’s the general idea! I didn’t need to replace the shaft, but that is an option as well. I’ve attached the links to the paint and black oxide gel kit as well.
   
   Acrylic Paint Set, Shuttle Art 16... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073BFF65P?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
   
   Black Oxide Gel Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IVY8NQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PLiRDbQ4C5A7W

Thank you! I actually just found the set on amazon! amazon link I'm excited to start using. The markers in the set are still fresh too. Looks like it was barely used.

I opened it up and someone else was eyeing it up and asked if I was going to buy it lol

If you want to learn the basics Reaper has a good basic set that comes with 3 minis, paints, 2 brushes and instructions. They also sell it on their website but they are currently N/A for some reason.

https://www.amazon.com/Reaper-Miniatures-08906-Learn-Paint/dp/B00NTMC49G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17PWIEKV7K90U&keywords=reaper+learn+to+paint+kit&qid=1571500156&sprefix=reaper+le%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1

If you have a basic grasp of everything and need some good paint Vallejo has a nice starter set. Only paints

https://www.amazon.com/Game-Color-Intro-Set-16/dp/B000PHCTRK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2HJ4CKX87RZT1&keywords=vallejo+paint+set&qid=1571500291&sprefix=valle%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-4

Army Painter has some that is bit more costy but gets you some paints, brush and one Owl Bear mini.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Official-Paint-Monsters/dp/B07DWL5JZZ/ref=sr_1_31?crid=2HJ4CKX87RZT1&keywords=vallejo+paint+set&qid=1571500291&sprefix=valle%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-31

I wish I had some games for you but I'm happy to send you a paint/brush kit from Amazon. You could put it on a wishlist and send me a link or PM me your address.

OOOO, /u/Raewynrh totally deserves this set of acrylic paints! There's a great selection of colours and it comes with brushes! She can use it for crafts, on canvases or for nail art! She totally deserves it because she's studying hard right now, and she totally deserves to unwind and let her creative juices flow after her semester is done.

A couple other sets that are nice: Professional grade:
http://www.amazon.com/Kuretake-Japanese-Traditional-Professional-Crafters/dp/B00KERVO72/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1449459549&sr=8-3&keywords=watercolor+professional

http://www.amazon.com/Gogh-Professional-Watercolor-Travel-Strathmore/dp/B00NP250SC/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1449459549&sr=8-17&keywords=watercolor+professional

If you think Student grade is more apt then a good option IMO:
http://www.amazon.com/Sakura-XNCW-24N-24-Piece-Assorted-Colors/dp/B001OVG40E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449459659&sr=8-1&keywords=watercolor+koi

This painting set is on my 'Hobbies' list.

/u/ArielKay enter a creative contest! :)

These triangles? I bought them for myself earlier this year and love them.

Nice score! On amazon they got similar new for $75 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/Mont-Marte-174-Piece-Supplies-Watercolor/dp/B0157UA8ZO/ref=sr_1_22_sspa?keywords=paint+kit&qid=1570362642&sr=8-22-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExS05PSFVHV0QwVFJDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTQ3ODg2MkhSU05HN0g0VDNSRCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODg2MDg0RTBBUDRHTVdLMVRHJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Thanks! Got the painters pyramids on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Painter-ins-Pyramids-Feature-10-Pack/dp/B004AK09WK/ref=pd_sim_60_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004AK09WK&pd_rd_r=F9G6Q9B4QZENZ9DJDV74&pd_rd_w=WwDsr&pd_rd_wg=QebzE&psc=1&refRID=F9G6Q9B4QZENZ9DJDV74

Do you really think The Army Painter Mega Set I or II are necessary if I already have The Army Painter Zombicide BP paint set and the 3 brush set? Wouldn't something like Army Painter Zombicide Survivor Paint Set and/or Army Painter Zombicide Zombie Core Paint Set do for around half the price?

If you're looking to get started in painting for D&D, get the offical D&D paint sets from Army Painter. They come with brushes, and each set also comes with a mini.

Basic colors and a Minsc mini

Second set, more colors and an owlbear mini

​

And the number one piece of advice for new painters is thin your paints. Always thin your paints and keep them thin.

https://www.amazon.com/Staroar-Diamond-Painting-Square-Drill/dp/B07J9Z8W2G/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=diamond+painting+whale&qid=1558490722&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MWDYK41/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_xgsBDb0KDMSGH

A lot of people start learning to paint with the Reaper kit It also includes a few generic minis to learn on.

For me, I started with the three Zombicide paint sets. They've given me a lot of utility and variety of colors and shaders. To this day I still use them (along with other Army Painter and Citidel paints that I've added) even if I'm not painting zombies.

• Zombie Core
  
• Survivor
  
• Toxic/Prison

No I the master paint SET the kit was more pricey. this is it

[SHINIES] (http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Langnickel-Glow-Engraving-Octopus/dp/B000J461F0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=WIZ3ZJHB6OYU&coliid=I10VE5PSDKE7B8)

Music= Life. ALL THE GENRES ALL THE TIME. Spefically on my songlist this morning I have: HURT, VAST, Anthony& The Johnsons, Lamb of God, In Extremo, Marilyn Manson.

Moon Knight.

Favourite Bands me thinks are HIM & Avenged Sevenfold. I shall Riddle me This.

Thankies for the comp <3