Poll - Surface Finish

[Einion]

Given the number of all-matt paintjobs these days I was wondering what the breakdown might be on this question amongst the members.

Do you like different materials on your models to have an appropriate finish, or do you prefer to paint the illusion as is traditionally done on flats - so all surfaces equally matt, no metallics (NMM), painted catchlights in eyes, etc?

Looking forward to the responses, thanks in advance.

Einion

 

[captnenglish]

If I am understanding your question correctly, I prefer an appropriate finish (i.e. TMM for metallics, gloss for certain leathers, etc), for one thing I don't think that NMM works for round figures and I have seen few (even in the gaming community) that can pull it off effectively. Now with regard to glass or gems, etc. that is a different issue altogether.

 

[megroot]

Leather, metal have allways a gloss, as are the eyes and the lips.
Can't understand why that should be matt.
Leather has always a satin shine.

Marc

 

[Carlos69]

Interesting question, but for me any exess gloss or sheen is unrealistic on mini's. I take inspiration from oil paintings and art work etc where any sheen is painted in to replicate surface quality/texture. Rgds gloss I think pure gloss over eyes looks wrong and prefer to paint in a catch light and add a slight sheen from thinned linseed or thinned semi gloss varnish.I also add a very slight sheen to leather which stands out quite well against a true matt finnish, but it is very slight ... id never use pure gloss on minis.

Allthough im not a massive fan of NMM on historic pieces I do use this method now and then.

I guess I use a combination but only slightly


Carlos

 

[Joe55]

I tend to agree with Marc. For the most part, finished leather items will have a bit of a sheen even if only slightly. For example a saddle, the seat will have a sheen from being 'polished' by your behind. Some time ago I painted a Guard Grenadier by D.F. Grieve, and since this was a "parade ground" Soldier I used gold printers ink for the buttons and glossed his boots. Marc mentioned lips as well. Here I will say well, it depends on the setting. Lips won't have any gloss if the subject is on a dusty trail in the desert.

Joe

 

[bagelman1952]

I think the various textures should be replicated in some form or another. Sometimes stippling the colour can create the desired effect and sometimes only some form of added shine will work. This also depends on the scale of the figure being worked as well so I dont believe there is a definitive answer.

 

[FigureLover]

I usually add the sheen of different materials at the end of a modelleing project. Various sheens are added by mix and matching Model Master matt to gloss varnish to get what I am after. For example, full gloss for eyes, semi-gloss for lips, sweaty flesh and horses and matt for uniforms. These can be mixed and matched to depict the terrain that the figure is in obviously
Ben

 

[Johan Kees]

I too like the different materials painted in an appropiate way. In that respect I think that all who paint with oils have an advantage as these can dry glossy, semi-glossy or completely matt without adding any painting medium, all just depending on the colours used or the dilution rate.
Only on metal armour I tend to 'seal' everything with a heavily thinned coat of satin varnish as this adds depth to the surface. For the rest no matt or gloss varnish is ever used.

Jhan

 

[tonydawe]

My answer is "sometimes".

I agree with Marc that leather and other surfaces do have a sheen. however this needs to reflect the scale. The level of sheen needs to be reduced as the scale decreases otherwise it looks too glossy. Typically I try to make everything matt and then add a bit of sheen or gloss to sleected specific areas.

 

[Andrew Craft]

Yes for me, leather, eyes and even skin on busts get some gloss. I add different ratios of gloss to water to suit the material I'm painting. I can understand painting the effects if your painting on a flat surface like canvas or paper but to me painting catch lights in eyes looks okay from one angle on a figure but if you move the figure or the light source near the figure the catchlight should move too. That's why gloss wins for me.

 

[Alex Long]

I like the odd change of texture or finish on certain areas and will sometimes use acrylics, oils or enamels to acheive it. I've been using Jo Sonja's recently which are super matt and I find that appling Vallejo matt varnish actually adds enough sheen to leather for my taste. Catch lights work for me in certain situations, particularly if you intend the piece to be viewed from a certain angle. I think NMM looks great on Sci-Fi and Fantasy in particular, but there are exceptions in the historical arena, mostly with ancients, but personally I do prefer to go for the more realistic interpretation of the particular material represented, so metal cote and printers inks are a favourite of mine for metals.

I guess my answer has to be sometimes, as I would never rule out trying new techniques or mediums.

Alex.

 

[RKapuaala]

I preferr completely flat painted figures. I like to paint my metal and highlights. I feel that this gives you complete control on the illusion and there is no risk of a surface reflecting light in a manner that is not consistent with the rest of the piece. Just my opinion.

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Leather, metal have allways a gloss, as are the eyes and the lips.
Can't understand why that should be matt.
Leather has always a satin shine.

Marc

Maybe your lips are glossy Marc but mine ain't
Leather can get totally scuffed and dull looking or just look like hide.

Ron

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Catchlight on a three dimensional figure can sometimes look like a cataract especially if I try it.
So its satin cote in the eyes for me.
Being an oil man I still like the vibrance you get from this medium although it is probably a bit dated,
but there are guys out there who can totally pull it of with oils

Ron

 

[kagemusha]

For me it is the challenge of representing the surface texture/finish. If it looks right then I am happy. You know if you have got it right when someone asks how you achieved a certain finish. I will use whatever it takes to reach that end.

Ron