Back in the day, I had a Plog. But it was in the days of the old forum. No point restarting it. However, here's a very different project I have started a few weeks ago: a Steel Phalanx for a local player (yes, it is a comission job). Late edit: here is a link to the gallery folder, given there are resurging problems with pics not showing up in the thread. So far, there are six models finished, and I'm content with the result (as is the models' owner!). Contrary to my usual take on models, I decided for a very bold scheme here, but I believe it does work for the Greeks: Spoiler: More of Myrmidons & Acmon Spoiler: More of Patroclous & friends
Atalanta and two more Myrmidons: Spoiler: more of the trio And that's likely the point where I have to take a few weeks worth of a break - not going to get next Aleph models to paint before that, and besides, my last fine brush has degraded to the point of no longer fulfilling its purpose (and due to lockdown the local arts store is closed, too :/). But after that, well.. I expect to be back :P
No. Valejjo Satin Varnish, which comes out glossy. I could add a layer of matt varnish, but I got used to my minis being glossy, and the local player I'm painitng these Aleph minis for, doesn't mind either. So they turn out as you can see them...
Satin should look satin, not glossy. It's in the name. However if you manage to make glossy be light emiting, then you should patent what you do. *wink*
Maybe it's the photos make it look extra glossy. On the other hand, I use vallejo matt varnish and even that will dry shiny if I don't thin it down.
The most matt finish I ever had was with Army Painter matt varnish. At some point my local hobby store was unable ot get it for me for quite a while, and proposed Valejjo Satin as an alternative. ...it took me a while ot get used to how glossy the minis turned with it. But, oh well, here I am. One thing I wasn't a fan of, though, with Army Painter Matt, was how fragile the varnish coat was. It meant minis needing repair way more often than with Valejjo. I had a few cases of it "frosting" on a mini, in one case warranting a complete redo of a paintjob. Though I assume it was me not handling the varnishing conditions right.
Ever tried GW's matt varnish? I don't recall having problem with it, granted I used it only on plastic minis..
Yea, I used it back in the day. Wasn't half bad, wasn't great either, when it went to fragility. But at some point I decided to have as little to do with GW as I reasonably could. Guys, honestly: gloss or matt is an aesthetic choice. I got used to the glossy effect, and at some moment bought an extra can of the Valejjo Satin Varnish to get over my older models (which were originally coated with Army Painter or Citadel matt varnishes), simply to be consistent. I don't mind having glossy models. The guy I'm painting this Aleph set doesn't mind having glossy models. Another guy - who was talking to me about having his models painted - decided he'd prefer matt varnish, and should he come to me for a paintjob (he didn't: real life got into his way. But he's thinking about getting back into Infinity), I'd get a can of matt for him. Maybe one day I'll change my mind (as we say in Poland, only a cow doesn't change its opinon), and re-coat my minis in matt. Who knows. But until then, that's how things are.
I'm not against glossy models. I've come across glossy armies that look really nice! I was merely curious how you achieved the glossy look.
I got a new batch of the Steel Phalanx to work on, and here's the start of it. Agema ML, Achilles Mk.2 Hoplite Armor and one more Myrmidon Hacker: Note: different hair color (and, sometimes, different skin color) is my go-to variation when I have to deal with duplicate models. I find it easier to differentiate between them (as you can see, the previous Myrmidon Hacker was pink-haired), while still not affecting the suspension of disbelief :P Spoiler: More of Achilles & friends
And now Hector, along with his TinBot and yet one more Myrmidon: Spoiler: More of Hector & friends: For now, there's only Penthesilea left to work on. Damn, I hate owrking on such complex models already assembled...!
Okay, once more into the breach (I hate painintg bikers for Inifnity. doubly so, if they show up on my workbench already assembled!) - Penthesilea is done: Spoiler: More of Pennthesilea And - at least for a time - this marks the end of the project, as I have painted the player's entire Steel Phalanx collection :)
I like this motive, it is easy to do - just irregular brown stripes against a yellow background. Plus, I think it befits a Kum's bike - she rides it like she stole it... because she did :P
Continuing: the Doctors & Engineer. Note: they don't shine only because the temperature outside persuades me to lay off varinshing till weather improves. Spoiler: More of Machaon and the Dactyls: In December, I'll be going after Scylla, Drakios, and Yudbots (to fit the support medical / engineering team). Devabots will have to wait...
Since I've promised you Scylla, Drakios, their Devabots, and Yudbots for the Dactyl team: Spoiler: More of the Drakios & Scylla & Spoiler: More 'bots Again, varnishing postponed due to weather. Next: Teucer, and seems it will be a break for a while.
