Figure Painting, the Work Bench, and the Gaming Bunker

( for Justo & Coaby ) This is nothing more than how I prep and paint my guys.

First I clean off excess flash and perform any necessary trimming.

A little laundry detergent in some warm water and an old toothbrush to gently scrub off the surface of the figure.

If you are going to convert the figure do it now - those stupidly posed figures are great for harvesting good parts!

The is the best stuff I have found to glue the new position, body parts, or equipment onto your desired figure. Let dry.

I use fender washers - you might want to wipe any oil off, and scratch the surface with an abrasive - I used to but don't!

Some white glue (Tacky Glue in the USA); Make sure the glue wraps up around the edges and place on paper surface.

Once the guy has dried peel him off of the paper backing (not by the figure). Notice how the white glue holds the base
sufficiently for now. This is sufficient to allow a good hold on the base so I can maneuver the figure while painting.

I place my figures on an old metal window screen for black basing and take them outside on a sunny day with no wind.

And this is what I black base with - I use it on all my models whether it is a vehicle, figure, or terrain.

Then I start with the flesh. Keep in mind that you are using a brighter value of color than intended because later on
an ink wash of dark brown will tone it down significantly. Another general rule is paint the deeper parts of the figure
first as they will be harder to get at without ruining the paint job you just did. I'm speed painting so I just do it like so.

For this figure I decided on a camo pattern - you'd start with your next "deepest" color and then allow it to dry. I use
acrylic hobby paint as it works fine, dries fast, and is inexpensive.

Next I go over my guy with a green and then I use a needle to do the spotting. I know it's not *quite* right - but sufficient!

Then I go back and needle in some brown spots on the black and green surfaces.

Lastly I go over the figure with black spotting and touch up anything to be black like the SMG, boots, grenade.

Next I slap on some dark brown leather on the water bottle and other web gear - I don't do shoulder straps - ever.
Notice also that I dry brushed a highlight of dark blue/gray on the metal pieces to give them some lighting effect.

Next let the figure dry over night. Then I take my dark brown ink (what ever brand) and a junky water painting brush.
I take the ink straight from the bottle and make sure it is a nice drop. The idea is to cover the figure without touching it
with the bristles - this eliminates smudging, etc. You may have to blow excess ink out of crevices or use paper towels.

Here is the figure freshly ink washed - compare to the before shot - quite a difference eh?

Once the figure is dry I place a shot of white glue and spread with a brush onto the base.

I then side twist the figure into a nice knee deep pile of flock keeping it off the body. I then gently tamp to set the flock.

Once the figure dries over night I tap the bottom with a brush handle and gently sweep the flock off the legs and feet.

Then I use a Krylon Acrylic Matte Clear Spray - try to do it on a non-humid day to prevent whiting. Not bad I think!
Note that the shine on the figure will dull more over time. Now I only have the rest of the rifle company to paint!

Down into the basement, back behind the triple converted furnace that all the repair guys take a picture of when they
come for what ever task, behind the chimney and under the side sun porch is my fighting position. Left wall holds all
the models and large scrap materials, to the right are more tool type stuff and other raw materials. In the winter it's
nice and toasty with the brick chimney to your back and a little sun light pouring through the window.

Diagonal from the work bench is the game room come in the door at right, figures & vehicles in the drawers.

Terrain on the shelves and over sized vehicles too.

And the gaming table with backdrop. The table is on rollers so I can slide it around - comes in pretty handy!

Regards & Thanks