WIP Experimenting with Oil Paints and Metallic Battle Damage Pt. II

With my first tactical squad almost done (happy happy pictures in the coming weeks), I've started thinking about how to paint armor. I'm told oil paints are a must for good armor and given that I have little experience with painting vehicles or with oil paints, I thought I'd give some more experimentation a go. Here, I was using Imperial Armor Masterclass as a guide. This is basecoat, oil, and chipping only -- no highlights.

This little experiment has convinced me that oil is the way to go. However, it's a finicky medium and its properties change pretty significantly as it slowly dries. That said, a little bit more practice and we'll be good to go.

WIP Posing Marines

The limited poses of space marines drives me crazy. Mixing in running legs from the assault box can help, but only so much. Having one or two marines posed differently using GW parts also helps (e.g., the kneeling and auspex marines, previously pictured).

But wanting some more variability, I've started messing around with converting marines into different poses. the MK4 marine previously pictured (in an aiming position) was a minor reposing conversion, but it really just moved the bolter up closer to the guy's face -- barely noticeable, really. So decided to go for another converted pose in this squad, something a little more distinct.

Hence, we have 'Mr. walking-with-weapon-in-stand-by-position." First time I've ever tried a serious reposing. My Green Stuff skills need some work, but with a few adjustments, this guy should be good to go.

Bases, Custom Decals WIP

Recently, I've added new custom decals and settled on a basing method. I haven't had time for any good photographing, so these two quick, fairly crappy shots will have to do.

(Click for larger pictures).

• Bases: Last post, I had some quick WIP shots of bases with plasticard pipes, scrap and Secret Weapon Miniatures razor wire along with some green stuff. After painting those bits with metallics, washes, oil washes and some weathering powders, I applied two layers of mud using the kit also from by Secret Weapon Miniatures, including some water effects to simulate puddles. I'm really pleased with the results: the muddy terrain with debris gives the sense of assaulting (or defending) entrenched positions and implies some really intense combat -- both of which articulate the Imperial Fists' specialty in siege warfare and stubborn nature. The dark, wet mud also ties together the mud streaks and battle damage on the armor, I think, creating an overall coherent atmosphere. I still have to paint some black around the edges to cover up the sloppy mud applications, but oh well.

• Decals: I replaced the squad number on the knees with the 5th Company insignia. Now, there is no official background on Companies having their own insignia, but its an effective way to add to the feel of the force, creating a sense of culture and history. The insignia itself is a crenelated tower, similar to the silhouette of a rook chess piece. This seems appropriate for the the Chapter, especially given the Imperial Fists' prominent role in defending the Emperor's Palace during the Horus Heresy. Also, the symbol may have a legitimate claim at canonicity, as it is depicted on an Imperial Fists Terminator in Index Astartes (below). While I may be reaching a bit, notice that the Terminator features black reliefs, perhaps implying that he is attached to 5th Company and that, therefore, the crenelated insignia may be that of 5th Company as well. Also, like, you know, it looks cool.

update: In the movie Ultramarines, V Company is referred to as the "Palace Guard," so if that horribly film is taken as cannon, then the crenelated tower would be an even more appropriate choice for the Company's insignia.  

Bases WIP

I've finally gotten painting back into the routine and made some respectable progress. But for now, all that I've gotten pictures of is a few bases. The overall idea is to simulate muddy entrenchments. Here, I've completed the first step: using green stuff and glue to fix bits of plasticard and barbed wire to the base. Later, after some painting, I'll apply the mud.

(Click for larger images)

Lack of Progress' Progress

Haven't had any time to work on the plastic boys from Terra lately, but when working on a commission I decided to experiment with oils for weathering. Metallics were also tested to simulate battle damage. The entire process was very quick, really no more than a few minutes total.

While the effects are interesting, I like the current weathering and battle damage effects more. However, I'm considering using oils to weather specific, more mechanical and greasy parts on power armor and vehicles in addition to the current method. I'm also considering adding a very small amount of metalic chipping to the power armor, but I want to mull that over for a bit.