Painting figures

[RogerB]

Yes, I remember you saying that when I first started to have difficulties. When I get round to doing some more I will prime in white first. Also. I remember you saying, it saves painting shirts. R-

[Nine Elms]

What paint do you guys use? Never painted figures before and thought I would ask.

John

[Walkingthedog]

Humbrol does for me. I also use Railmatch and Phoenix.

Have you ever built and painted Airfix type kits. Same paint as that.

[Steve M]

Vallejo and RailMatch for me. Humbrol is now available in dropper bottles which are much more economical in use as there is very little wastage.

[IanAlan]

I used to use enamel paints, which I didn't prime, but ran out during the first lockdown. I experimented with exterior grey primer that I found in the shed and used 'artists' acrylic paint on top of that. It has stayed on for about 10 months so far, no problem. The thickness of the primer, which I applied with a brush, is not ideal, but the result is okay on plastic figures and scenic features. However, I would not recommend it on anything that needs to be smooth such as locomotives or rolling stock. My son has a set of about 20 artists acrylic colours, which I've borrowed , and these give a lot of scope for mixing colours.

[Steve M]

Ian, by ‘exterior grey primer’ I assume that to be house paint like Dulux?
If so it’s definitely too thick as it will be ‘heavy’ with pigment.
Automotive primer eg from Halfords is pretty good - all my loco repaints started with that.

[Bandit Mick]

It was my first go at painting figures and used them on M & J Brewery Sidings. After reading advice on the forum I sprayed mine with Halfords grey plastic primer then used cheap artists acrylics for the colours. They seem to have come out quite well. Small brushes and a magnifying glass on a stand helped too.

[IanAlan]

Thanks Steve for the tip about Halfords primer. I'll get some for my next lot of painting. The exterior primer (water-based) was not idea although it did the job. As you said, this kind of exterior house paint (Dulux etc) is too thick to create a smooth surface.

Perhaps I'll finally join the 20th century and treat myself to an airbrush as well .

[Steve M]

Perhaps I'll finally join the 20th century and treat myself to an airbrush as well .

There will be no holding you back then!

[bulleidboy]

When spraying with Halfords Primer the figures really only need a light coat and given from a distance.