Looking to get back into the minis wargaming hobby. The Cygnar Battlebox (Warmachine) will be my re-introduction. It's been years since I've even touched anything to do with this hobby. Can someone point out which colours and brushes I'll need for this box, and to generally start out?
1: Tip: Buy/borrow/steal some old/cheap/simple one piece minis first and paint those to get the feel back. Warmachine figures are complex (I have in fact done the Cygnar box set amongst others, and the jacks can be a pain to put together and paint just coming fresh out of "retirement." THAT SAID, if it is the new plastic models, they will probably be a little easier to assemble, but still.
2. You probably know this, but you will want files, clippers, and an exacto knife to remove pieces from sprues and clean them up, etc. If they are the old metal minis, definitely plan to pin them--you will want a pin vise and paper clips (or brass rod). There are many tutorials online about how to pin. If they are the plastic figures, they may not need pinning; I'd check the Privateer Press discussion forums for advice on that. You also want primer (I'd suggest black).
3. Brushes: I learned this tip reading from one of Privateer Press painters: the only brush you really, really need is a very good quality kolinsky sable size 2 round brush. These brushes are expensive but are ultimately more cost-effective than a cheap brush because they stay in good shape and keep their tip for a long top. Just take good care of it--after using, immediately gently rinse with lukewarm water, then use brush soap and gently wash the bristles starting with the part where the bristles go into the brush and stroking out to the tip, leaving the tip formed nice and pointy. What you are doing is making sure there is no paint in the core of the brush, because that will cause the brush to split and lose its point. You may also want a size 4 or larger brush for large pieces (basecoating heavy jacks) and a size 1 brush for detail (but note brushes tinier than size 2 tend to dry up easily).
4. Paint: Assuming you want more or less to paint your models in the "standard" Cygnar colors, you basically want a dark blue for a base coat and a medium, rich warm blue for the main tone, which you will paint over the dark blue. Privateer Press has a color called "cygnar blue" for that shade. Highlight, if desired, with light blue. You will want a metallic gold and a darker metallic silver.
The figures I painted (in the link above) are nothing special but for the record IIRC what I used was Citadel Ultramarine Blue for the basecoat on the blue parts, and Citadel Enchanted Blue for the main tone, with Citadel Ice Blue for the highlights. I accentuated shadows with blue ink. For the silver metallic parts I drybrushed Citadel Boltgun Metal over the black primer. For the gold metallic parts I painted them gold (either Citadel Shining Gold or Reaper Master Series Antique Gold, which are about the same color), coated the whole thing in chestnut ink, then redrybrushed with gold and highlighted with a brighter gold color. Arc nodes were painted white and then edged in sky blue ink. I should note that when I painted these, it was before Privateer Press had their own paint line. And of course you don't have to use these particular paints--do whatever you like.
While it's more for "pro" style painting, I'd suggest at taking a look at the site Brushthralls for lots of tips specifically for Privateer Press figs.
Good luck!
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1) Good point! I'll start with a reaper mini I plan on using for my Saturday Pathfinder game.
2) I can't believe I forgot this!!!
3) Good info, I've ordered a couple P3 brushes, I hope these work well. But, I will look out for the brushes you specify anyway.
4) P3 also has sets of paints, boxes of 6 different paints, themed for a specific faction. I chose Cygnar (obviously) and Iron Kingdom colours (currently backstock).
Thank you for the info! I'm no longer interested in supporting Games-Workshop, for reasons I'll not go into. But, P3 and Reaper paints look like they'll work just as well. My brother is much more familiar with painting minis, he swears by Reaper Paints. For now, I'll try the P3 and see how I like them.
I"m definitely bookmarking this. Thanks again! =)
Cool, hope it works out for you. Post pics if you can!
Tell me what you think of the P3 paints, I've never used them (they came out long after I assembled my own collection of paints). I've been switching over from Citadel (which simply was what was available at the time) to Reaper Master Series, which I adore. I totally understand not wanting to support GW... I'm rather bitter about much of their business decisions myself (though some of the hobby supplies are still nice... the ones that aren't ridiculously overpriced anyway).
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Got my package yesterday! I absolutely love the models, though one was missing a piece. The Privateer Press people were great in getting me a replacement (currently on its way).
After I put the last model together, I'll start painting them. Then, I'll be looking to "upgrade". I plan on getting the Mk II book, as well as the Cygnar faction book. I'd also like to get another warcaster and another unit or two.
Did I mention that I loved the models? =)