Saturday 20 February 2016

Ooh shiny!

I finally got over to Frome Model Shop last weekend and got hold of a bottle of Humbrol Clear gloss varnish. I decided to opt for this one in the end because it was advertised for use with both acrylic and enamel paints. It’s very thin and requires 2-3 coats to build up a decent gloss finish. It has the added advantage that it can apparently make Perspex look like glass which would be handy if I was building model aeroplanes, which I’m not.

I’ve also been developing my new technique for painting buttons and have progressed from using a pin to using wooden cocktail sticks. By just nicking off the end with a craft knife, you can create a nice little button shaped stamp which when correctly loaded with paint turns painting buttons from a chore to a pleasure. By cutting the other end slightly shorter I was able to add the white buttons on the coat of my Prussian Cuirassier by putting a white dot over a larger black dot – an effect I could never have managed with a paint brush.

Painting progress has been slow for the last couple of weeks but I have managed to spend a little time on the bugler – more of that in the next post.

12 comments:

warpaintjj said...

Cocktail sticks? Now that's a good idea! Excellent results. I also never knew two or three coats would enhance glossiness, this explains some mixed results I have had, numpty.
Frome Model shop is an Aladdin's cave and very difficult to leave empty handed from, where are you based? I work over in BOA.
Best wishes for an amazing weekend,
Jeremy

Anonymous said...

The Prussian looks excellent, I like the uniform and you have done a great job on the buttons, I am going to get a unit of these for my own collection. The varnish also look good.

The Austrians in the background also look like progress is being made. Look forward to seeing the completed units.

Paul

KEV. Robertson. said...

Very keen paint work IAN - your Buttons are super! Well done indeed.

Stryker said...

Jeremy - I agree that it's difficult to leave Frome model shop without purchasing something. I have several tank kits and boxes of plastic soldiers in the cupboard (for which I have no use) as testament to that! I'm based in Bath so trips to Frome are quite frequent - it has the added bonus of a knitting shop just a few doors down from the model shop to keep Mrs S busy while I browse. Just had a quick look at your blog - nice eye candy!

Paul - you must send me some pics of your own Cuirassiers when they're done (make sure you have my correct email address on my profile). I think I may have a bit too much stuff on the painting desk right now with three different units on the go - it would be good to complete one.

Stryker said...

Cheers Kev!

Paulalba said...

Lovely Prussian kurassier Ian, cool idea with the cocktail stick!

Stryker said...

Thanks Paul - the sticks can also be used for cocktails!

lewisgunner said...

I have three units of Austrians on the table at the monent, all heading for Leipzig, so I don't see why you should get off too easly Ian.
1 unit of Austrian light dragoons in Green completed, three infantry back from painting by Peter W abd three on the table . Schwarzenberg would be proud of us.
R

Stryker said...

Roy - I knew you would be unable to resist so it's game on for Vintage Leipzig!!!

Wargamer Stu said...

Well if its vintage Leipzig then I bags the Army of the North. Ok to be honest its the Rocket Battery that attracts me ;-)

Wellington Man said...

Another sparkling triumph, Ian.

Stryker said...

Stuart - Ha ha!

Matt - thanks for that, it's all your fault of course...