Hi there !

Well i'm sort of beginner in painting figures and I have a few questions. I'm working with 1/35 figures.
So here is it:
1. do you first assemble figure and glue all gear on it and than paint or ...
2. what about primer (yes or no)
3. do you paint webbing (belt) on torso first or whole uniform first and then webbing (this issue makes me cry)
4. do you paint head separated or you first attach it to torso
5. I'm using model master enamels - do you thin them and in what proportions


Thanks !

1. do you first assemble figure and glue all gear on it and than paint

Yes assemble first then paint, I leave off the weapon to paint seperately

2. what about primer (yes or no)

Yes - two reasons first it helps you to see any flaws in the figure and it gives a good base to paint over. I use Games workshop Skull white spray can

3. do you paint webbing (belt) on torso first or whole uniform first and then webbing (this issue makes me cry)

I paint the uniform then webbing if the paint spreads out over the unfiorm just touch it up.

4. do you paint head separated or you first attach it to torso

I mount the head on a piece of wire and paint it seperately

I don't use enamels so I can't answer No. 5

Have a look around the features section here and on Historicus forma there are many artcles dealing with figure painting that should help

Great answer(s) to start.
One point about gear - add gear that can you can paint around when fully assembled. What I mean is test fit before any paint is poured. If you get spaces toucked up under an armpit, or behind a backpack that will be seen and can't be easily touched up - leave that gear off and paint it separately. Then when you glue that on make sure you scape a small spot of paint away where the glue can adhere. Scape both the gear and figure. If you don't scape the paint away the glue will adhere to the paint and it will chip and fall off very easily. This also applies to the head

As far as thinning, you'll want to get paint that is the consistancy of milk, a bit thick, but not to much. If you are brush painting MM paints, you may not need to.

Robert,

Before I give you my answers, i'll just say that figure painting is a very personal thing, you need to experiment and find which technique works for you, I have refined mine over the years as you will, different strokes for different folks as they say!

1. do you first assemble figure and glue all gear on it and than paint or ...

Assemble the figure first (minus head and hands if poss. (see below)) then fill any gaps/cavities. I paint gear seperately and add it to the figure afterwards to avoid creating hard to reach places - this is especially important if painting camo uniforms.

2. what about primer (yes or no)

To be honest I don't often use primer, I should (but i'm lazy) and would suggest you do. Quite often I will spray on the base colour for the uniform and this will act like a primer for other areas.

3. do you paint webbing (belt) on torso first or whole uniform first and then webbing (this issue makes me cry)

Always paint the uniform first, then the webbing. as the webbing is a raised detail it is easier to paint later, as Pat says, any mistakes can easily be touched up.

4. do you paint head separated or you first attach it to torso

I try to paint my heads and hands seperately if possible, this is because they require more detailled work, layering of paints and quite often collars etc. make this difficult when attached. If using aftermarket heads, always ensure a good fit before painting though, otherwise you're in trouble!

5. I'm using model master enamels - do you thin them and in what proportions

I don't use model master enamels, I use Tamiya acrylics for spraying and humbrol enamels for painting. I don't thin my enamels unless the paint is particularly thick or I am using them in a specific capacity where I need a thinner paint.


As I said, we're all different, experiment and practice will soon have your own technique dialled.

Cheers,

James

Ok, I'm gonna disagree a wee bit with the others but what the heck:

1. do you first assemble figure and glue all gear on it and than paint or ...

I only assemble what I absolutely have to, like patch pockets, and boots, and any other accessories that are part of the uniform and need to blend in. Things like canteens and holsters I keep off. Superglue a pin or toothpick end-on to the back of the item (to a surface that won't be seen once assembled) so that you have something to hold onto. Things like rifles or submachine-guns should be assembled and painted before glueing to the fig. This prevents you getting gunmetal on the fig. I even leave the arms off if I'm painting camouflage as it makes it easier to reach all the surfaces.

2. what about primer (yes or no)

I paint with Revell enamels and never use primer.

3. do you paint webbing (belt) on torso first or whole uniform first and then webbing (this issue makes me cry)

A good method to follow is to start with the lower layers and work up. What I mean is, start with the skin, then the undershirt or any other clothing closest to the skin, then the trousers, then the jacket, and finally the buttons, boots and webbing. This gives a subtle increase to the 3D feel.

4. do you paint head separated or you first attach it to torso

It's easier to paint the head seperately as you caan rootate it how you like and paint it without getting skin tone on the jacke collar, etc.

5. I'm using model master enamels - do you thin them and in what proportions

As I said, I use Revell, and yeah I thin it a bit, but I can't give you a proportion. I thin very little when painting faces and webbing, but more when doing uniforms and boots. You have to experiment with this.

Finally, Robert, as already said, there's no hard and fast rules, but many of us agree that certain things work better than others. But maybe you'll find a technique that works bettter than what you've heard here. If so, don't forget to tell us about it!

Thanx to everyone who responded to my questions, it has been very helpfull. A'm still experminenting with diferent types of paint and tehniques but patience is my worst enemy. Once again thanx to everyone !

Robert

No worries mate!

James