Base coating problem!!

[blackline]

Hi everyone,

I normally use a black undercoat and I’m trying to paint a large amount of skin (using dwarf flesh) but lately I have to put on between 7-8 layers of paint! And it’s still not covering the area in a solid base coat! But by this time all the detail is lost in the recesses I’ve tried using thicker paint put to no avail! I have even resorted to using a white under coat but still not getting the solid base coat  I have not experienced this using darker colours it seems only on the lighter colours I’m facing this issue. I first thought to ignore it and once I have my Low lights painted on and blended in.... well I just wouldn’t notice it! How wrong could I have been!
I have recently started painting again after a 4 year break so apologies if this is a daft question, but hopefully someone of you will have some suggestion or pointers!

 

[PegaZus]

How old is your paint? I'm not sure if there actually is a shelf life, but if you've had a 4 year hiatus, and the paint is just as old, maybe that's the issue? Strange that it would be more of an issue with the lighter paints, or maybe it is just more noticeable.

 

[blackline]

I bought a brand new set of Vallejo game colours when I decided to start painting again

 

[stinlin]

Well, I'm no pro, but I can only think of one thing if you're using Vallejo. The paints need to be shaken vigorously for about 30 seconds or so to mix them if they've been sitting for a while. I take the paint between my hands and roll the tube back and forth to get it mixing. Then I go ahead and shake them for a few seconds.

Also, don't water them down TOO much - I do about a 1:1 or 2:1 (wateraint) mix. This gives the paint a good coating consistency. You will have to do 2-3 coats to get the color you want, especially if you're painting over a dark color, but 7 coats is a bit extreme.

Really, I would first check that you've shaken your paints enough and that you aren't watering them down too much. The only other thing I can think of is if you're painting surface is oily or has some other film that's not allowing the paint to adhere to the mini.

 

[freakinacage]

Well, I'm no pro, but I can only think of one thing if you're using Vallejo. The paints need to be shaken vigorously for about 30 seconds or so to mix them if they've been sitting for a while. I take the paint between my hands and roll the tube back and forth to get it mixing. Then I go ahead and shake them for a few seconds.

could be it

also you should be applying small amounts of paint, it shouldnt be pooling and clogging up the details

 

[Ritual]

Some Vallejo Game Colors have crap coverage. Also, I would never ever use black primer for something with large amounts of skin. That just gives you a lot of extra work.

 

[fiesta0618]

The cheating approach: Citadel Foundations. Helps me a ton with bright reds, yellows, and white.

 

[blackline]

Many thanks for all your suggestions, I will give them little rascals a good shake!!

 

[blackline]

Hello everyone,

I done a little bit more searching into my problem.

The cause of the problem was in fact the undercoat!! a to thicker undercoat can cause a wax effect and the paint doesnt adhere to it as well.

I just thought I would let you all know incase anyone comes across the same problem

Regards

Blackline

 

[yazza]

actually had that effect ones in the begining of my painting carriere

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Rust-Oleum is a good primer. Shake like crazy, and one coat is plenty. Depending on the weather, warming both the paint and the fig to be painted can help. Warm, not hot. I've also played around with soaking the mini in vinegar to micro etch the surface to give the paint somewhere to hold on to.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Shawn; You are obviously not aware of it but the larger fonts you are using make your posts look like you are shouting.
Very distracting in threads.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

@Dragonreach. Sorry. At first I hated the new interface and now am so enjoying the fonts, colors, sizes I went a little nutz. Didn't mean to holler.