When I started my VSF project at the beginning of the year, I was a bit daunted about doing it in 28mm, I tend to be a slow painter. But, I stumbled across the infamous Dip method on The Miniatures Page and decide to give it a try. It does give the figures someting of a "toy" look, but I like that for VSF and it does cover a multitude of painting sins. I have been happy with the results, here how I do it.
Step 1: Paint Figures
Currently I am working on finishing up my Russian force. The infantry consists of figures from Old Glory’s Boxer Rebellion range and I picked up the Romanov Holiday set from West Wind’s Gothic horror range to use as a force commander and the Tsarina and kids as objectives.
As you can see, I have done a very basic paint job, nothing fancy, no dry brushing or shading, just the basic colors.
Step 2: Prepare the materials
To do the dip, you’ll need a one step wood stain / sealer, such as Olympic One Step. Chose a dark color, I use a dark walnut. You will also need some rubber gloves and sponge brushes. I got all of these at my local Lowe’s home store.
Most importantly you will need a work area that can get messy, do NOT do this on your wife’s antique dining room table.
Step 3: Do the Dip
Stir the stain, put your gloves on, and grab a figure. Grit your teeth, and dip the figure into the stain. This is really difficult the first time you do it, but it gets easier.
Pull the figure out and let the excess drain off.
Use the foam brush to dab (not brush) the excess off. If you do not, then it can pool. The objective is to let it settle into the cracks and bring out the relief in the figure.
Here are the results…
Stoic Russian riflemen ready to serve the Tsar on Earth, Mars, or Venus.
The Tsar and family prepare for a trip to the red planet.
Here are some dipped figures next to more traditionally dry brushed figures for comparison.
