Painting your army is more important than you know. Not only does it make the game a more engrossing experience, but the dice gods favor a painted model. Don’t try to argue this, it’s a fact!
Before I give you a solution to this problem, let’s take the pepsi challenge! I have two models below, in the middle of a battlefield surrounded by terrain. Which model do you think looks better? Can you really perceive much difference?
From this distance they both look like decent table-top quality. Although some of you may have a more favorable preference towards certain color choices, the trained eye can most likely tell that the model on the left has a lot more highlights. I may also add that these models are most likely separated by about 12 years of painting give or take a year. But let’s take a closer look:
The one on the left was painstakingly blended to the edge of all the armor plates while the model on the right was simple base coated with a single color on each different area and then dipped in Army Painter Quickshade. I've been painting for years, but recently I've wanted to knock out a large group of models to bolster the Rout. Although I don't paint a lot with this technique, I knocked out a few squads quickly with a lot less effort. Many can argue this is a lazy technique, but for someone starting out it great; quick, simple and gets the job done!
A quick layer of Wolf Grey primer and the QuickShade Dark Tone allowed me to paint this model in a about 15-20 mins of acutely brush time!
Although there can be some issue with this process, notice the small white bubbles from a bad can of matt varnish. This was the worst case scenario with the models I have used this process for. Furthermore, once on the table surrounded by their squadmates they all have a great feel.
The end result does have a quality look with an effect that automatically shades your models and looks great on metallic surfaces.
Arjac’s Shield Brother squad was all done in an afternoon, dipped then based after a good 12 hrs after for them to dry.
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Another example of Krom’s Fierce-Eye’s Finest. |
Here is an easy example of a Blood Claw’s level of detail before I dipped him in the QuickShade.
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A pair of vice grips to hold the model. |
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Dip the model in the QuickShade then shake off the extra. |
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Let the QuickShade dry for at least a day. |
Your models will have a shine after they dry, if you want to dull it down apply some Matt Varnish.
While this model is not the ideal heavily detailed centerpiece to the army, for a basic troop model it was very quick and practical. A little attention to the base with some sand and dry brushing and we will be all done, with less than 30 mins of work total per model.
I purposely painted this model with a very simple technique for this blog, but this technique also allows you to slowly increase the level if you want to get more out of the Quickshade. There is a danger of applying too much or washing out some of the colors and the Army Builder supplies can be pricey, but I feel for Space Wolves, it's hits the mark very well. I hoped you enjoyed this little quick tip and trick, now go paint your models!
For Russ and the Allfather,
- Adam Russman