Figurines For Painting

Painting figurines can be a fun and relaxing hobby. It is also a great way to teach children about color, shape and size. Figurines can be painted with both acrylic and oil paints. The type of paint used depends on the desired result and surface. Using water-based acrylic paints is recommended for most projects, as they are easy to use and dry quickly. It is possible to create a wide range of effects with this paint, including shading, highlighting and weathering. It is also a good choice for children’s crafts, as it is non-toxic and comes in a variety of bright colors.

Figure painting, or miniature painting, is a form of art that is often done with model figures and scale busts. It may be done as a standalone activity, or as part of other activities that utilize models, such as role-playing games or wargaming. It is common for figure painters to sculpt and add additional details to their figures, and to create display bases and backdrops for them.

Many figure painters participate in competitions that allow them to display and compete their work, either as a stand-alone event or within larger tabletop gaming conventions. These events can be organized to focus on specific genres of figure or bust painting, and may be judging using a traditional or “open” style scoring system.

When painting a figure or a scale model, it is critical that the paint is durable and dries saturated with color. This will ensure that the finished product can withstand heavy handling, and will look as nice on the shelf or in a box as it does on display. It is common for figure painters to spend hours on just one piece, and so the finish must be able to withstand repeated handling.

Most figure painters use acrylic paints, which are available in a large range of color shades. They can be purchased at most craft stores, although some specialize in this area. A wide variety of additives are available, such as glitter and iridescent pigments. It is a good idea to test the paints on the surface of the model before applying, as some types of plastic or resin are more porous and will absorb the color unevenly.

Other types of paints that are commonly used on figurines include enamel and oil. Enamels are relatively hardwearing, and dry quickly, but they can be difficult to apply without leaving brush marks. They require specialist thinners for thinning and cleaning, and are not as compatible with other techniques that can be applied to other paint types. Oils, on the other hand, dry very slowly and are very flexible, making them easier to control and allowing for fine detail.

In addition to standard acrylic and enamel paints, there are specialized figure painting paints that are designed to adhere well to small surfaces. These are available in a range of hues and finishes, and can be brushed on, sprayed on with an airbrush or used to apply washes. The Vallejo line of miniature paints is particularly popular, with a wide range of hues and textures to choose from.