Straight Lines on a Smooth Surface

[Phaen]

Hi all you esteemed and accomplished painters out there. I\'ve recently begun painting my small but growing company of Dark Angels, and i\'ve decided that i like the iron-warriory chevrons on the chainsword idea. My problem is simply finding a way to do it neatly and straight and even. I havent given it a go yet, but i probably will tomorrow. Any feedback or input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Thecadian]

well i find that the best way tho do lines is to do them quick. When you go slow there is more oppertunity for the lines to get wiggly, therefor id do two lines (quickly) and then fill in the gap inbetween.

james

 

[Jericho]

Agreed You definitely want to go relatively quick with the two lines, and fill them in afterwards.

Also, keep an eye on the outside edge of the stripe you\'re currently painting. The middle can be filled in later, and overlapping is cool if it happens, you just don\'t want the edges to be too far apart or you have extensive touchups to do.

Generally I\'d paint the whole thing in the dark color, edge hilight/feather/whatever, then do the brighter stripes after the dark color is finished.

Touching up the dark spots isn\'t hard, but if you do the dark lines after the bright color is all finished, then touchups suddenly require multiple coats to get coverage before you can start to blend it back up.

As you may have noticed, touchups are the big concern with chevrons/checks/whatever. Strategy can minimize touchup time, and thereby reduce your urge to chuck the mini out the window lol

 

[Phaen]

thanks for the input guys. One thing i was thinking about was using something in the manner of taping off the lines/blocking the finished dark color off so i dont get any of the yellow on the finished black. anybody have any experience with anything like this?

 

[electrolito 77]

Get a brush with longer bristles... this help you correct the lines a lot easier since the longer the hairs the less curvature on your stroke... This works for me very well...

 

[vincegamer]

Originally posted by Phaen
thanks for the input guys. One thing i was thinking about was using something in the manner of taping off the lines/blocking the finished dark color off so i don\'t get any of the yellow on the finished black. anybody have any experience with anything like this?

don\'t do it. You will drive yourself mad trying to get tiny pieces of tape in place, then when you paint, some will inevitably bleed under the tape, botching the line.

 

[philologus]

Originally posted by vincegamer

Originally posted by Phaen
thanks for the input guys. One thing i was thinking about was using something in the manner of taping off the lines/blocking the finished dark color off so i don\'t get any of the yellow on the finished black. anybody have any experience with anything like this?

don\'t do it. You will drive yourself mad trying to get tiny pieces of tape in place, then when you paint, some will inevitably bleed under the tape, botching the line.

Vince is right (listen to the lawyer). I use Jericho\'s method and I get pretty good results. Also highlight the edges of the colors to make the lines \"pop\".