Here are the unpainted Crusader figures, along with one plastic Wargames Factory Numidian - since I wanted a 21-man unit - three ranks of 7.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Crusader Spanish Scutarii - WIP
Haven't added their shields yet - ordered some LBMS transfers for most of them. I really like Crusader Ancients; they are purposefully posed and perfect for ranking up, yet have some individualism. I've always wanted some Scutarii mainly for their cool shield patterns; However, I wasn't keen on building an army just for them. Luckily, these can be used in a 2nd Punic War in Italy army list from the WAB supplement. I plan to use some of my existing Greek Hoplites as Trained Africans, as well as other units from the Macedonian/Successor armies.
They were given a wash of Miniwax Tudor Satin; a new can I bought after the other can got air in it and the stain got dried out. This time around I transferred some of the stain into a plastic container and sealed the can for later use. Here's how the Scutarii looked in their very basic block paint job. I've found that as long as you paint fairly cleanly, the stain will do a lot of correcting. For instance, you can paint belts and straps without worrying about going over the "lines" too much, as the stain will do a good job black-lining. Also, you can always go back and touch up figures - if you want to.
Speaking of stain - I tried a little bit of Miniwax Bombay Mahogany, since the local Walmart doesn't carry Tudor Satin. As you can see it is too red, and stains light colors heavily. I ended up re-painting this test figure and gave it a a proper Tudor Satin stain. BTW, I managed to return the can for a full refund - as I only used tiny bit and was careful to keep the lid area clean.
Here are the unpainted Crusader figures, along with one plastic Wargames Factory Numidian - since I wanted a 21-man unit - three ranks of 7.
While awaiting the LBMS shield transfer, I plan to start on a few Perry French Dragoons that a gaming buddy asked me to paint for him.
Here are the unpainted Crusader figures, along with one plastic Wargames Factory Numidian - since I wanted a 21-man unit - three ranks of 7.
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Very nice WIP Dean! I like them!
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Peter
http://peterscave.blogspot.com/
Nice looking unit!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Wonderful Dean. I amazed what staining does to the miniature... It's magic!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Helen
Looking really good Dean.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone. Yes - the stain really works wonders on certain projects. It definitely works better than the acrylic washes I've tried in the past. And as mentioned, one could always go back and add touch ups. Warm Regards, Dean
ReplyDeleteGreat job, as usual!
ReplyDeleteThe stain is working out well for you.
I find that the stain, or AP shade, works best on ancients or moderns (WW2 - present), but I'm not too keen on their effect on Napoleonics.
I've just done some plastic Perry Prussians, and found I had to do a fair amount of hilighting in order to produce a satisfactory result.
Of course, it's all up to your preference I suppose.
I look forward to seeing these done with their shields!
Regards,
GregS
Wow. They look great!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL! The Bombay stain does give the figure a look of burnt bacon!! I'm glad you took it back, and what a lucky chap getting your money back too!! The figs do look nice though, nice one!
ReplyDeleteRay: I'd say more like smeared in strawberry jam ;)! Oh, and my frugality demanded that I at least attempt to return the can. I even tried to make them feel guilty for not carrying Tudor Satin in the first place :)! Best, Dean
ReplyDeleteSaid it before, this is really effective stuff for certain projects. Look forward seeing them with LBMS shield.
ReplyDeleteI've been visiting the blog often and enjoy seeing the dipped figures. I have been using the dip for certain types of figures (often ancients and colonials) that I paint with off-whites, tans and hot colours like reds, yellows and orange as these respond well to the dip I use. I have for a long time avoided solvent based paints and I have used a Varathane waterbased stain and polyurethane varnish combo called Golden Oak. It is quite brown and mild but I love it on appropriately base painted figures.
ReplyDeleteHope that that is of interest.
Chris
Thanks again everyone for the continued interest in the blog - as well as this particular project - dipping, that is.
ReplyDeleteChris: I definitely want to hear your comments. The Miniwax stain I use is a polyurethane blend - still need to use thinner to clean the brush. However, I once tried the oil based version and it was a bad experience - never really dried and very messy.
Best, Dean