Filters and Washes

1 September 2021 No re.

  In this article I would like to discuss in detail filters and washes, two painting techniques that although apparently similar fulfill very different objectives. This topic deserves its own article as many people mix up what is what. Indeed, to make it even more complicated, quite often these two techniques are confused with two different types of paint (acrylics and enamels). However, filters and washes (painting techniques) can be applied using either acrylics or enamels (types of paint). First, it is important to clarify that we can use two different types of paints on our scale models: water based…

How to store our figures with Feldherr

30 August 2021 4 Re.

This post is a little bit different compared with what I normally discuss in the blog, but still it covers a very important part of our hobby: how to transport our painted figures safely and comfortably (for us and for them). Yes, I do not only paint, but I also play! (not as much as I would like, I have to say). I use to keep my miniatures in a showcase with glass doors at home, where they are protected from the dust and I can easily have a look at them if I wish (strangely, I find it very…

Color Modulation in 15mm

16 July 2021 4 Re.

We have recently talked about several lighting systems for 15mm scale models (this post). One of these systems or styles is the so-called color modulation that we will discuss in further detail in this article. When painting 15mm tanks we can simply apply the desired color, for example olive green for a Sherman, and then just paint the details. But the results will be likely very flat. Furthermore, the tank will look very dark because small objects, such as our small 1:100 models, reflect less light than bigger size objects, such as the real vehicle. Therefore, it is very important…

Lighting styles in 15mm tanks

8 July 2021 9 Re.

I originally published this post seven years ago (in 2014). Since then, I have painted dozens (even hundreds) of small tanks and learnt from my mistakes. Therefore, I decided to update this article adding a few more pieces of knowledge based on my experience. In this article I would like to talk about some of the most popular lighting systems applied on scale models (or at least, how I understand them), with a special focus on small tanks in 15mm or scale 1:100. I will briefly review and compare a few of them. If you like this topic, do not…

How to create leaves for your bases

29 June 2021 2 Re.

We have many options and product to decorate our bases or terrain, including the classical electrostatic grass fibers or the popular grass tufts. However, some of these products might be very pricey, specially if we are looking for small leaves fitting the scale of our miniatures. In this tutorial we will see how we can use a natural product as a cheap (free) and very effective alternative to simulate leaves in our bases or terrain. The necromancer illustrating this guide is a lovely model from Citizens of the Old World (Heresylab).  The key ingredient are birch tree seeds. Although you can…

How to apply name tag decals

15 June 2021 No re.

We started a new Mordheim campaign in the local club and I could not resist to paint a bunch of new models for my warbands: some hire swords and more Estalians. But I needed new golden name tags for the new members as I already used all I had. Thus, once more I contacted Scumb4g Kustoms to arrange a new sheet of name tags -gold letters for Marienburgs and Estalians, and silver for Witch Hunters). Furthermore, I painted a beggar with a paper hanging in the front. For this I wanted something special: a text saying Make Mordheim great again.…

How to paint 12mm (1:144) WWII tanks

1 June 2021 5 Re.

During the last weeks I have been painting several dozens of tiny WWII tanks in 12mm (1:144 scale) produced by Victrix Games, a new branch of Victrix Limited. I thought that my preferred scale for tanks was 15mm, but these lovely beauties took my heart. In spite of the small size, the level of details is outstanding and they permit a 1:1 level of game (= bigger battles).   And thanks to Victrix Games, now you can download totally for free a painting tutorial for each tank model. Each guide includes a complete step by step, with plenty of photos…

How to paint armed civilians in WWII

5 December 2020 4 Re.

As I already commented in my previous post, I had the great opportunity to paint the wonderful new 28mm range from JT Infamous featuring the WWII Polish Home Army and perfect for Bolt Action.We already saw how to paint step by step the armoured truck Kubuś, and today we will see how to paint the soldiers (or civilians).  Thanks to JT Infamous  and Wargames: Soldiers and Strategy you can download for free two detailed step by step painting guides showing how to paint a Civilian armed with a Molotov cocktail and SMG (originally published in WSS 101) and another civilian dressed with stolen…

How to paint the WWII Polish Kubuś armoured car

3 November 2020 No re.
Kubus

I recently had the opportunity to paint the wonderful new 28mm range from JT Infamous featuring the WWII Polish Home Army, which includes a very charismatic armored soft-skin, the Kubuś. The range includes a mixture of fighters wearing civilian and military garments that results in a very colorful army. If you are planning to start a new Bolt Action army, have a look at JT Infamous website! Thanks to JT Infamous  you can download for free a detailed step by step painting guide showing how to paint the Kubuś using acrylic and enamel/oil paints from AMMO: And stay tuned: soon…

How to paint German Gebirsjägers

6 July 2020 No re.

A few weeks ago I shared with you a painting guide featuring how to paint 28mm German soldiers in Kharkov parka (1943), which was the result of a collaboration with Heer46 miniatures and the PaintingWar editorial group. Today, I will share another painting guide about how to paint Gebirsjägers. In each guide of these guides (Kharkov and Gebirsjägers) you will find a short step by step tutorial explaining how to paint the different parts of a miniature, followed by painting sheets showing the color chart, painting tips and some historical facts of three different miniatures. These mini guides resemble what you…