How do I make my minis more readable?

[lyric dock]

I find that it is hard to see my minis at a glance. Also I struggle with smaller details.

@ancient mortar Its okay if your criticism is harsh!

I am open to feedback

[ancient mortar]

Add more color, less grim dark grime. Like the back of that Chaplin/apothecary is all silver on top. Some lining washes or a little bit of color help break shapes into distinct objects

[lyric dock]

Was going for grimy, but it became hard to read.

Any advice on both simultaneously

Or maybe I should start non grimy, cause I am new?

[ancient mortar]

Yea that's a trade off. One of the challenges of good weathering application is making it look dirty without obscuring the underlying work

[lyric dock]

Hmm, should I go paint my minis like the cloak?

where it is very readable

is that a good way to get practice

[ancient mortar]

Weather with colors other than pure black. On nonmetallic surfaces

[lyric dock]

I see

I generally make my model black then cover with colored paint.

Should I do the opposite

[ancient mortar]

I do the same process

[lyric dock]

Ok

what black should I use for my first coat?

Abaddon Black or random acrylic paint

[ancient mortar]

I use badger black primer. And I don't trust the craft paint, so abandon black for a base after you prime it.

[lyric dock]

should I airbrush, spray, or paint my primer on?

Maybe I will get a black primer

[ancient mortar]

If you have a airbrush spray your primer on.

[lyric dock]

I dont have an airbrush

[ancient mortar]

Do you have any of this?

You can air brush or normal brush this on for priming. If you want to spray with a can, just go light and be careful not to over spray

[lyric dock]

nope

zero primer what so ever

Also I read that the sprays can damage your lungs and are cancer causing. Even the non toxic ones.

[ancient mortar]

Risk is proportional to exposure

Spray out doors, stand behind the spray, don't breathe it in.

[lyric dock]

what white and black primers are good?

I want some white for my tyranids, and some black for my space marines

[ancient mortar]

I've only tried badger stynelrez for acrylic primer. Mr hobby Mr surfacer and alklad make good lacquer primer

[lyric dock]

is

https://www.amazon.com/Acylicos-Vallejo-Acrylic-Fantasy-Figures/dp/B000PHCTRK

https://www.amazon.com/Vinci-Watercolor-Maestro-Kolinsky-35-01/dp/B006D9OM1U

good as some starting paints plus a good detail brush?

Running low on non craft paint, and only have synthetic brushes

[worn cave]

These are good options.

I would not consider the 35 #1 a detail brush though, more of a general purpose brush.

That’s not to say you can’t do details with it, but for that specific purpose the #0 is a better option.