Plan Color Scheme
30 minutesSelect palette and calculate paint quantities per squad.
Beginner3-5 days
Primer and Basecoat Guide
Learn primer and basecoat from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.
miniature paintershobby beginners
Workflow
Spray Primer
45 minutesApply rattle-can or airbrush primer in controlled passes.
Optional Zenithal Undercoat
30 minutesSpray white from above, black from below for value guide.
Block Base Colors
2-4 hoursApply thinned basecoats with stable brush control.
Clean Brushes and Log Recipe
20 minutesDocument ratios and clean tools immediately.
Tools Used
Checklist
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Planning
Preparation
Safety
Execution
Quality
Documentation
Reference Materials
Primer Color SelectionTable
Key benchmarks for primer and basecoat.
| Primer | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Dark schemes, metallics | Hides recesses |
| Grey | General purpose | Balanced contrast |
| White | Bright colors, zenithal | Shows thin spots |
Zenithal ValueFormula
Highlight placement follows light angle — brightest on upward-facing surfaces
Two Thin CoatsStandard
Multiple thin layers prevent obscuring surface detail.
Thin Your Paints
Thin acrylics to milk consistency — two thin coats beat one thick glob.
Primer Essential
Always prime raw plastic or resin — unpainted surfaces repel thinned paint.
Spray Booth
Use respirator and spray booth for rattle-can primer — aerosol is toxic indoors.
Safety Notes
- Spray aerosols away from open flame and heat sources.
- Wear nitrile gloves if skin reacts to primer.