Bot War - Mercenaries

The first of the ugly stages. With the initial 8 bots built I set about applying my usual primer methodology. I like to use Badger Stynelrez Black for a solid base for a couple of reasons.

Firstly it is self-levelling, meaning it will evenly flow across the model and seep into the recesses, and is it dries it slightly contracts to provide a tight covering which I’ve found rarely obscures details. This is very similar to how Citadel rattle cans work, and is in my opinion a superior way to get that initial coat down.

Secondly I find that it is slightly tackier than say Vallejo surface primers, which when working with metal models gives me a confident solid base that can help with the models resistance to a tumble during the painting process until I can apply that final varnish topcoat.

Next I apply a lateral airbrush layer using Com-Art Opaque white. This is not a zenithal prime as that would only be directly down from the top of the model, a common misconception, instead a lateral is where the angle of the spray moves further down towards a horizontal position to give more coverage of the lighter colour but still retain the black undercoat from the lower angles and in deep recesses.

Com-Art opaque white is an airbrush paint, and requires no thinning or additives to use, just pop it in the brush and spray. I came across this paint after trying many times to get inks working the way I wanted, but they would end up too glossy, or too runny. This paint gives a great coverage that can be controlled easily so you can be as heavy or light as required. It just works.

With the black and white down I can now turn my attention to the first basecoat colour that will set up the whole faction’s overall tone and scheme development.

Now the experiments begin.

The Mercenaries faction is a range focussed force, utilising special rules and abilities that are designed to pound on the enemy from afar. The look of the bots are very militaristic, sporting heavy guns, missiles, blasters, tank treads and heavy armour. With these playing and design features it was clear I needed a force that looked like they were all about combat, so I wanted to l lay down my first colour as a browny green that I can then deepen further through more browns, and then lighten with sandy greens to give off a military feel.

To create the first colour I mixed up 2 Citadel Contrast paints, using 3 parts Creed Camo to 1 part Snakebite Leather. This was then airbrushed over the whole model and left to dry.

I really enjoy airbrushing contrasts paints, when applied over a lateral primer with white as the top layer they give a good saturation layer and instant blend as it meets the black undercoat. Not as strong an effect when compared to applying it with a hairy brush, but by using an airbrush you use a whole lot less paint and get a really clean application, so very minimal blotchiness that you often see from the “one thick coat” method.

This basecoat will be left to fully dry overnight ready to be further progressed tomorrow.