Using Hairspray? Also, why won't html work in my posts :(

[Countersnipe]

Hi everyone! I have a question. I want to paint some sci-fi themed miniatures using 5 layers of paint that will later be scratched away to indicate battle damage. My idea is as follows.
Layer 1: metal texture
Layer 2: Light blue+White
Layer 3: Light blue
Layer 4: Blue.
Layer 5: highlights.
Then... Scratch away layers depending on how deep the scratch is intended to be.

Now I have a question... I have never done the hairspray method before. I'm wondering if using several layers of hairspray will obscure the detail of the miniature?

Off topic:
Also... I tried to make a post using images and links before, but the " < > " button on the toolbar just wrapped around my code... It didn't activate it or anything. ie: let's say I want to put "coolminiornot" logo in my post, it does this...

<img src="http://www.coolminiornot.com/logofactory_4_purple_yellow.png">

I also can't use <a href="#"> links</a> in my posts. Am I just doing something wrong or does coolmini not support html for forum posts?

 

[Zab]

It can get kind of clumpy if you do too much so i would just modulate the hell out of the color under the spray and salt and see how that turns out before doing multiple layers. Be careful when scrubbing too because it can use a bit more elbow grease than you might think and fragile pieces and break off

 

[Countersnipe]

Yeah, I was thinking that. Especially considering the scale of the miniatures it's not really necessary to have a million layers.

 

[Dragonsreach]

The forums use BB code replace the < &> with [ & ], should work.

Hairspray technique involves Basecoat colour, fine ground Salt, hairspray to hold it in place, allow to dry, next colour of paint, seriously allow to dry, then wash off salt. Never tried it myself but read up enough about it to give you the basics.

 

[Demihuman]

DR, I think OP wants to skip the salt, cover the mini in a complete layer of hairspray then scrub with water. Because the hairspray is water soluble your paint lifts off.

I havent tried the hairspray technique but I have had a bunch of fun doing the scratch away battle damage. I have used liquid frisket to mask the big spots and then my thumbnail and tweezers to scrape more scratches. Then I go back in with my metal color on a bit of sponge and get all the edges. If you look in my gallery all my ork killa kahns were done with frisket and my terminators were done with just a sponge.

AK makes a product that does the same thing as hairspray that might be worth checking out.

Whatever you do make sure to prime in a dark color because you might scratch through all of your paint.