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Gearing Up for Some Serious Painting

Just a quick note before I head to school to attend a workshop on anti-discrimination and harassment. Yes, this is what we have come to in the United States. The fact that people are required to attend these kinds of sessions at so many organizations simply defies meaningful comment.

At any rate, I spent a few minutes getting the ol’ painting desk straightened up and organized yesterday evening for the coming painting tasks. As someone mentioned recently on one of the many 18th century blogs I view, one thing blogs do is to keep you honest. So, with that in mind, here are a couple of photos of my upcoming projects.

At the top, you see the 80 man Zichenau Garde Grenadiere, all lined up and ready to go. I’ll base- and under coat them “en masse” and then follow with painting in roughly 20 figure batches, much like I did with Stollen’s Leib Grenadiere last May.

Next, you’ll observe three RSM95 generals, who will become General Philip de Latté and staff. Since they are already based coated, and de Latté is even undercoated, I’ll do these figures one weekend when I need a break. Sort of a nice little “breather” from the larger task at hand.
Finally, here’s a photo of Stollen’s Leib (Grand Duchess Sonja’s Own) Grenadiers, now removed from their temporary painting bases and all lined up waiting for a coat of two of shiny, clear varnish. Still have not done this step because, well, painting on clear varnish is about as exciting as watching paint dry! Joking aside, I’m toying with the idea of trying some kind of urethane spray varnish. Maybe by Krylon? What do you think? Any of you regular Grand Duchy Stollen visitors have any suggestions?

Comments

Bluebear Jeff said…
Oh, my . . . don't they look grand!


-- Jeff
2:43 PM
Fitz-Badger said…
I admire you guys who can manage to paint these large units!

The Leib Grenadiers do look grand.

As for varnishing, I prefer a matte finish myself so I use Testor's Dullcote for the final finish (but I do a coat of Testor's Gloss for protection first). Haven't tried much of anything else in a long time because I'm happy with the results I get with this.
9:12 PM
marinergrim said…
The RSM grenadiers look fantastic.
1:44 AM
guy said…
The Austrian grenadiers look great en masse. They are a very useful figure and I converted a few regiments to fusiliers by adding tricornes, etc.

I finished my 54 figure Prussian 16th regiment plus 18 grenadiers last night and 18 grenadiers for the 4th regiment. I am waiting for this evening when I should have in my hands the Art miniaturen figures. Subject to suitability, they will be incorporated into my guard regiments.

Liked the look of the generals behind. Wish you joy on your course. I have heard of courses being provided on 'happiness' and 'honesty'. You couldn't make it up.

Regards,
Guy
5:40 AM
Giles said…
That looks like a lot of work to do Stokes - 80 figures, wow! Best of luck with it, and don't forget to pass on anything useful that you learn on your course.
7:24 AM
Frank said…
Stokes they all look fantastic and I admire your "stickability" to keep going.

Having that many figures in front of me to paint would completely kill my pig, which is why I paint in 6's (a company).

For varnishing, because I like the matt finish, I apply by brush, a good stong gloss polyurethane varnish for protection and when dry I spray on Coat d' Arms matt varnish, which gives a nice flat finish.

Keep up the good work and good luck :-)

Frank
11:36 AM
MurdocK said…
I was using Krylon triple thick in one coat in the past, getting rave reviews about the look and 'feel' of the smooth finish to the minis.

Now I am using Minwax Polyshades Pecan, which gives a 'slightly dirty' feel to the minis (like they have been on campaign a while) and since it is a satin finish is neither gloss nor matte.

Whatever you decide to use, may I suggest a 'dog' to try it out on? Take a piece of sprue and paint it with your same techniques that you do the minis then spray it or coat it...see if the paint reacts! Having to re-do all those very spiffy looking minis would be a total drag!
12:45 AM
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