Hello tabletop gaming enthusiasts! It’s John, the owner of Imperial Terrain, and I’d like to talk about a topic that is near and dear to my heart: painting and “weathering” 3D printed terrain. Many of you have shared your struggles with achieving optimal results when applying traditional miniature painting techniques to terrain pieces. After years of honing my skills, I am excited to share some valuable insights and tips with you.
One cardinal rule in miniature painting is to work with thin paint and washes. This technique allows the paint to smoothly flow into the recesses and create those eye-catching shadows and highlights. However, when it comes to 3D printed terrain, we encounter a unique challenge. The layer lines on the surface tend to grab onto thin paint, resulting in capillary action that can ruin the final look.
Over the years, I have learned to adapt my technique for painting 3D printed terrain by using thicker paint for brushwork. This helps to prevent the capillary action and allows for smoother application. In addition, I have found great success in utilizing dry pigments instead of liquid paint. Dry pigments provide a gritty texture that perfectly complements the ruggedness of our terrain pieces. Trust me, you’ll be amazed by the level of detail and depth you can achieve with this approach!
Now, let’s talk about the powerful combination of oil paints and acrylics. Mixing these two mediums can produce stunning results on 3D printed terrain. Oil paints have a longer drying time compared to acrylics, which means you have more time to blend and manipulate the colors. This is particularly advantageous when it comes to creating weathered looks, such as rust, grime, or even mossy effects. By layering oil paints over acrylics, you can achieve realistic and intricate weathering effects that bring your terrain to life.
One of the great advantages of mixing oil paints and acrylics is the ease with which you can “fix” the oil colors without affecting the underlying acrylic paint. You can use a small amount of oil-based paint to create subtle effects and then build up the intensity with additional applications. However, if you don’t like the results, you can remove the oil paint with some odorless spirits without impacting any of the acrylic paint underneath. This means you have the freedom to experiment! Another bonus when combining oil and acrylic paints is the smooth transition between these two mediums which allows for seamless color blending and gives you full control over the outcome.
When it comes to weathering your 3D printed terrain, don’t limit yourself to just paint. Experiment with a variety of materials to add texture and realism. Incorporating natural elements like sand, flocking, or even static grass can make your terrain pop and create a truly immersive gaming experience.
Remember, painting and weathering 3D printed terrain is an art form that requires patience, experimentation, and a touch of passion. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and explore different mediums. The beauty of tabletop gaming lies in the creative expression and the ability to bring our favorite worlds to life. So, grab your brushes, gather your paints, and embark on a journey of enhancing your gaming adventures one terrain piece at a time!
As always, feel free to share your painting successes, challenges, and questions in the comments below.
Stay tuned for more tips, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes insights from Imperial Terrain. Until next time, happy printing and painting and may your battles be fierce!