How to Paint 1/35 Scale Model Figures | Franz Stigler from "A Higher Call"

In this video, I'm going to demonstrate a really straight-forward painting technique for scale model figures that'll change the way you approach your figure work, save you some time, and give you a great finished product!
For this example, we'll be using this beautiful brand-new 1/35 scale figure of Franz Stigler from D-Day Miniatures Studio. Stigler's incredible story was the focus of Adam Makos' Best-Selling Novel "A Higher Call" amzn.to/3zVG9uf
Products Used
Figure:
www.ddayminiaturestudio.com/sc...
Paints:
Black Primer: amzn.to/3som3p6
Gloss Varnish: amzn.to/3sCLW4H
Matte Varnish: tinyurl.com/5n84ejem
White Aluminum: amzn.to/3yLD6ST
Medium Blue for figures: tinyurl.com/2hdhuh4p
Zinc Chromate Yellow: tinyurl.com/csa6mb3y
Satin White: tinyurl.com/yc7knpuc
German Camo Beige: amzn.to/3paWcyO
German Field Grey: tinyurl.com/2p95a787
Green Grey: tinyurl.com/ycknp2wk
Red Leather: amzn.to/33LLkzc
Khaki: amzn.to/3pdM2gG
Beige Brown: tinyurl.com/5az5dnpe
Skin Tones (set of 8): amzn.to/3pdXcSL
Gear:
Sprue Cutters: amzn.to/302W2zX
Craft Knife: amzn.to/3o9jVxz
Paint Brushes: amzn.to/2Yx1Gti
Respirator: amzn.to/3qhQfRz
Air Compressor / Air Brush Combo: amzn.to/3BQXdiJ
Air Brush: amzn.to/3wpyhO2
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[@UncleSam-bu9gz]

Great help. I retired recently and have 20 years worth of kits and figures to build. Mostly 1/35 armor and scifi. My main project is an Afrika Corps multi vehicle and figure diorama.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Nice! Glad to be helpful! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Bader1940]

"I retired recently and have 20 years worth of kits and figures to build." I am 3-4 years from mine and have the kits stacked up! 😃

[@sickfarce6275]

That's the way to go. Learned this method from night shift a few months back and been using it ever since, giving me way better results.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Yes! His tutorial on this method is great for sure 👍

[@gordon8753]

DUDE!!!! You are the GOAT of KZbin modeling!!! You explain everything in a clear and precise manner that I can actually understand!! I was so scatterbrained with the other channels on how to paint and the different techniques. Now I got a actual understanding of the process!! I think I'm a pretty advanced builder but always struggled with the paint and weathering aspects of the hobby. But no more!! Thanks for your contribution to the hobby!!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's so great to hear - thank you so much, I really appreciate it! Very happy to hear you're finding the videos helpful 👍

[@1rotho]

Thanks Mate...The first Tutorial of my search results. No need to search any further. Awesome!

[@buddyboi8456]

Love the easy hacks to painting. I wouldn’t have even thought of doing a layer of light over the dark to make a simple shadow at the beginning! Love the content ❤️

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm glad! It's a crazy trick, right? Night Shift has a great video on it as well 👍

[@0372mr335]

I have learned so much from your vids. Thank you for putting out such a professional series of videos.

[@jonoskowski5545]

Thank you for making this video and walking me through this process. I’ve been struggling painting scale model figure. Your video really helped me understand the process.

[@edhorst7212]

Excellent tutorial on painting along with paint shade used. Getting back into model builds after a good amount of time with life, now my turn again since retired.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! Enjoy - happy building 👍

[@thegoodearth7]

I have picked up the hobby of my youth. I have scoured KZbin learning from people new techniques. So far you are my favorite channel. You do a superb job of teaching and your video work is so well done and interesting from start to finish. Again, I learn so much from you and am inspired and motivated to do it myself. I cannot commend you enough!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh wow! That's so great to hear - I'm really glad you're enjoying! Thanks so much, I really appreciate it 👍

[@veetz1728]

awesome video hank very well put together and super informative you are one of the few out there that takes the time to list all the proper stuff that you used in this video. other youtubers don't realize how important that information is to a beginner like myself. so happy i found your channel your awesome bud! vito

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad to hear - that's great. Thanks for watching & happy building!

[@MrChleong]

You made it very simple, your method is very encouraging for us. Thank you.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ah thank you! I really appreciate it - glad to hear

[@richardfrances7679]

The best figure painting tutorial I have ever seen bar none... thank you for sharing...can't wait to start working on my RAF figures for my Spitfire...

[@SpruesNBrews]

Wow!! Thank you so much - I'm glad to hear it! Enjoy the RAF fellas - sounds like a great project 👍

[@brianfoley4328]

Just plain outstanding video...very helpful and very well done. Thank You.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@robbie.205]

Dude, so awesome, already got my figure ordered, going to follow along with your paint tutorial. Thank you🙏🏻

[@SpruesNBrews]

Sweet! Enjoy & happy painting - thanks for watching 👍

[@tomatoes3]

Nice style of video , especially appreciate the lists of products used. A lot of thought has gone into producing this , so thank you .

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I'm glad you enjoyed 👍

[@irenecraggs6123]

excellent work you have a great talent keep the videos coming

[@philRminiatures]

Awesome painting, realistic and superb!👍

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you - I really appreciate it! 😁

[@leeedsonetwo]

I just ordered this so I can follow your technique. Thanks for the video.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! Enjoy - it's a great little figure 👍

[@Freecloud9]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this amazing work, nice job indeed. I'm a WW2 aircraft modeller but only started about eighteen months ago & I'm sixty five years old now.... Watching this video, I have learned a few very useful techniques. Thanks for sharing & good luck.

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm really glad to hear that! Thanks for watching & happy building 👍

[@simonburch7643]

What a lovely figure - superb

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks!!

[@GarySiddle]

Brilliant technique, looking forward to giving it a go!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you - good luck & happy painting!

[@sweeneyTodd-de4by]

Absolutely fantastic love your videos, I'm a totally beginner. And will learn a lot from your videos

[@SpruesNBrews]

Wonderful! Thank you very much - I'm really glad to hear it!

[@richelias2973]

Great vid. You made it look easy. Never done figures in all my years of modeling, but may give it a try after seeing you technique. Thanks Hank

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching! And give it a go - they're definitely a nice little challenge, but an enjoyable one 👍

[@ada42klm]

Outstanding video, thank you so much for sharing your techniques. I believe this just might help me out with figures. Thank you my friend.

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's great! I'm so glad to hear it - thanks for watching 👍

[@muchasgracias6976]

Excellent tutorial- thank you!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! 👍🍻

[@DarksouIjah]

Perfect timing! My next step on the kit I am working on is figures.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Great!

[@mets1617]

awesome job

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much!!

[@DreamBigBuildSmall]

Great tutorial. I've always had trouble with figure painting. This looks really good.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I appreciate it!

[@ronyeahwiggie729]

Great how-to! Will give it a try soon!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! Enjoy & happy painting! 👍

[@dimasherlambang6762]

Magnificent skill you got 👍🏽👍🏽😁

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it 👍

[@cosmarendy8417]

Nice video, many thanks. This is becoming a common figure painting method, I saw the same technique on Night Shift.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! Yes, he's got a great video on this technique as well 👍

[@ODGColornChrome]

Awesome work! Great tips!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! 👍

[@the-primered-thumb]

Defo going to have a try at that glazing technique,you showed exactly the consistency of paint to me,and thank you for that 😉👌

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! Give it a go - it's a fun way to paint 👍

[@snowspeederpilot1]

Amazing job!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!!

[@johntreloar8203]

Nice work Hank, it looks great.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! 👍

[@user-dl1bx1tp3i]

I have retired and have about 10 models to build. Thanks for the tips. I need a lot more!

[@georgemorrison8026]

Looks great! you made it look easy.....

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you - just lots of practice 😁

[@paulmorgan6269]

Fantastic video. Love the addition of what Paints and tools used. This is a great all round video for us noobs. Lol. Oh Subbed.

[@rickgregory9616]

Brilliant! I came across your video at the right time as I get ready to build a tank with a figure. I really like how you went step-by-step and listed all the paints in the video and the description with links! (Wish every tutorial did that) - 👍 I also hit the Subscribe button!

[@liamgray9805]

Hey Hank - what a great video, very helpful, cheers

[@SpruesNBrews]

So glad to hear! Thank you!

[@hammyhamster01]

Awesome Hank, I have needed this for a while now!! I am working on a Sherman crew right now that I plan to use this for!! I love the look of German flight suits, once I heard you say glazing I got scared but after watching further it seems a lot easier, great work

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ah that's great! Happy painting 👍

[@scifi_dragon]

Great video, as usual.

[@swooft44]

THANK YOU !!!!

[@lobilly]

No dotting the eyes & the eye white? This is so clear, no nonsense & enjoyable to watch.

[@chewbacca7154]

Franz was an honorable pilot in an dishonorable time. Highly recommend reading a higher call

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fantastic book 👍

[@lawtongore7053]

That's a really nice build and painting example 👍👍👍

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I appreciate it!

[@lawtongore7053]

@@SpruesNBrews I haven't had the chance to buy or paint a good figure yet... Maybe I'll have to find one that matches up with the time's that I was in the Army during the early 1980's???

[@longlance67]

Your figure work is gone from strength to strength Hank! That is a beautiful work of art mate!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Too kind, my friend! Thank you so much - I really appreciate it 👍

[@longlance67]

@@SpruesNBrews tis my pleasure my friend! Keep up the smashing work

[@christopherridle7670]

I'm going to try this in 1/48. Thank you.

[@modelrestorations]

Just found your channel - love it!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fantastic! Welcome aboard 👍

[@para1324]

Very fine work. I have the book. It was a great read. Thank you for sharing. I subscribed. 👍👏

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! Welcome aboard 👍

[@user-og6hj1km3q]

Great video, I am very glad you used the figure I sculpted. All the best!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Wow - I'm honored! Thank you very much (and thank you for such an incredible figure)!

[@user-og6hj1km3q]

@@SpruesNBrews thank you so much for your kind opinion.

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

I’m going to try this this weekend.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome!

[@philipsquires3060]

Awesome video!!!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!!

[@ArmorStudioNYC]

Great video! I have a few 1/35 scale figures ready for paint

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! Happy painting 👍

[@You068]

Thank You！

[@snook279]

Very nice work! I am almost to the point of going in the crawl space and picking out a model that is probably older than you!!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! And go for it! 😁👍

[@marcosaugustosoares]

Great!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!!

[@Clovers_and_Tea]

This video has been great, I have hands that shake quite a bit so I always thought I just couldn't pain but seeing you hold the pieces I see your hands shake like mine Thank you

[@SpruesNBrews]

We've all got a bit of a shake! No worries 👍

[@neildean7587]

Thanks!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching!

[@isisnmagic1812]

Great video, found you by chance few weeks and glad I did, I do both warhammer minis and ww2 figures. Loads of tips that cross both figures, thanks for posting. Yes I have subscribed lol also shared with a mate who does WW2 dioramas and I know this will help him, he's moving on from planes.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh thank you very much! I really appreciate it 👍

[@alricdark]

Great video. I've come from a background of Warhammer 40k miniature painting and it's interesting to see how the approaches to painting compare and contrast. Zenital highlighting is definitely something that has become increasingly popular and it's perfectly possible to use rattle cans to get acceptable results if you don't have access to an airbrush or just want to try it out on a few figures.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ah that's great! I'd be interested to try this out with a rattle can for sure!

[@paulbryson1692]

they aren't as fearful as they seem to look get a book that shows you how to work them and how they work you can even buy a cheap chinenies one to start or i sugest you get a good one if you know how to cleane your needel then is not a mystic artgoodluck

[@MaverickM1]

Awesome

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!

[@bebisa1]

Danke!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support! 🍻

[@kristeroidne5196]

Good work dude, greetings from Sweden

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! Tack så mycket 🍻

[@rpgmusik2172]

Late to the party here, but I highly suggest the "slapchop" technique for beginning miniature painters. It's very simple, very similar to the method shown, requires no airbrush, and loads of great guides are available for it.

[@davebrown6877]

I got Gerhard Barkhorn with my kit, so he's "standing in" as Franz for right now. Been thinking about getting the same figure you have here, guess I will now! And thanks for your figure painting videos they are very helpful!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh awesome! A part of me was hoping for a Barkhorn figure with my boxing - very nice! 👍

[@declan1278]

Great work yet again please explain what's glazing and how you make it and what would you say was the best airbrush gravity brush also what air pressure would you use for tanks / figures for 135 scale could do with your advice thanks Declan london all the best

[@sirgunas]

Great Video Hank, especially for me being new to modeling. Noob quick question, would it hurt to use Vallejo air paints instead of model paints so i can then use them for air brushing also?

[@jamescree6732]

Very cool Thanks

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevejohnson1023]

Hello, great video. I was curious how you knew what colors to use? I have attempted researching it but had a hard time. I am attempting a diorama with his BF-109 and ground crew, 1/35 scale. Thank you.

[@killer1963daddy]

Cool. Subbed.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you - welcome aboard!

[@richardclowes6123]

Utterly amazing painting. I'm modelling OO gauge railways so the people are only 1/76 or 1/87 scale which have very little real detail, or virtually none compared to 1/32 like yours. Now thinking that maybe I should buy a 1/32 scale model plane and ground crew as a special one-off diarama/cameo. Your make it look so simple, albeit time consuming . . . but that's what modelling is about isn't it !!! Cheers.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you so much! Give it a go sometime - definitely a departure from those smaller scales (which have many challenges of their own, I know!), but it can be a fun change of pace! 😁

[@gruppenfuhrer45]

Great job sir. I’m new to painting figures and skin is my weak point and is very intimidating to me. But thanks for the video on it

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I managed to refine the method even more to a slightly simpler version that still delivers great results - it’s called “Faces Made Easy,” if you’d like to check it out 👍

[@user-vi9hu9vd9d]

Would be nice if you could tell us what brush sizes you are using. Thanks

[@joxzaren]

Do you use glaze for the small details as well? Such as buttons, etc.

[@derekalexander4030]

You did a wonderful job on that figure. Thank you for sharing your techniques. I work in 1:87, can you suggest the best magnifying visor that you have found?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I appreciate it! I don't actually use a magnifying visor, but boyyyyy is 1:87 small! I'd imagine you definitely need one for that!

[@neildean7587]

Great vid!! I have a Robin Olds bust that I'm really horrified to paint but your video cleared some things up. What is the paint pad you where using? I didn't see it in your gear description

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! Sounds like a great project - and good point on the wet palette, thank you! It's from Frontier Wargaming, I'll add a link to it now 👍

[@skunkworks2059]

Thanks so much for this video. Up till now my figures looked like a kindergarten kid was doing them, sad to say the least. Been trying to do what you showed. Important for sure but still not quite there yet.

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm glad to hear it was helpful - thanks for watching!

[@earlcousins6635]

What do you use to temp attach/mount the head for painting? Thanks.

[@arsletirott]

Fantastic. Can you recommend a decent compressor for a beginner? I've already found the patriot airbrush which seems ok but not sure about a compressor

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! And yes - take a look at my "Best Gear for Beginners" video - I go into detail about my favorite entry-level compressor... and it's still the one I use to this day! It's a great piece of equipment for a reasonable price.

[@skyfigurefun]

I use mr hobby Paint , do jeed to buy the thinner or just use normal water

[@derf-vr1fc]

Wow, that figure is very nicely painted. Plus you were able to bring out the character in the face.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@thywarhag1131]

😎👌 , cheers 🍺

[@SpruesNBrews]

Cheers! 🍻

[@Flashpg]

Hi this is really helpful to a beginner like me. I'm using fine brushes, but I'd love to try an airbrush but to me it's a minefield with so much choice. Is it possible to reply and give me some idea on which airbrush would be good for model figures please. Thanks

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's great to hear - I'm glad it's been helpful! I have a video on "Best Supplies for Beginners" where I go into a lot of detail about the airbrush & compressor setup that I still use - it's a very user-friendly kit & doesn't cost too much if you'd like to check it out!

[@mehusla]

Very interesting. Apply brown as undercoat before applying yellow coats.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Works alright for me!

[@nheather]

Fantastic - did you use the ‘glaze’ method for everything - there were a couple of places where you didn’t mention it, for example the webbing and the parachute. Also I assume for the fine detail like the parachute cords and the aluminium you didn’t use a glaze consistency.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Good question! You can definitely get away with a thicker paint consistency for smaller details like the cord & metallic components - bigger areas (like the parachute itself) can benefit from a glaze 👍

[@Headshotrobbie]

Do you have to have a airbrush or can you prime with a paintbrush

[@maximilianh282]

Nice tutorial! By the way, for the skin color did you dilute the paint before using?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! And yes, with just a bit of water. A milky consistency is what to shoot for 👍

[@RealBanz]

after you do shadow and preshading with white and black you go to green grey and you said HEAVILY thinned. When I do this, the paint underneath is mixed in with the green since the thinner is eating into that. How do you fix this?

[@stephangagnon4512]

Your video was very useful, i want to paint wwIl north africa german figures . Should i use the same techniques ?

[@SpruesNBrews]

For sure! These techniques will apply to any figure painting 👍

[@memyself3895]

If you are going to thin out the paint to glaze consistency, how about using acrylic ink? Lots of pigment plus still transparent. Or even, Citadel contrast? I can't wait to try this technique, thanks for the tips.

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'll have to try those out, too! Good recommendation - thanks 👍

[@darrinhelfers3349]

Great video Hank. How long do you typically have to wait between coats using this technique, especially on the face and hands? This seems to be the trickiest part for me to get right.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Good question! I don't have a great answer unfortunately - but a good rule of thumb is to wait for it to dry enough that if you run a dry brush over it, it won't affect the paint job. Once it's that dry, you should be good for another layer 👍

[@darrinhelfers3349]

@@SpruesNBrews Thanks Hank that is great advice I am probably too impatient and may try it too quickly. Cheers!

[@philipsteel6559]

Hi what is the tune used in background when face painting thanks

[@memememe2674]

The biggest aid I found was when I started to buy pre painted!!!!!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Pre-painted figures? Interesting

[@jasongood3680]

Great video - thanks for sharing these. What is the wet palette you are using?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! It's a great wet palette from Frontier Wargaming - it came with a case that I got from them, but I believe you can also pick up the palettes separately 🖌️

[@jasongood3680]

@@SpruesNBrews Thanks - I’ll investigate. I’ve been trying to find one but there are so many and such mixed reviews.

[@garymyers9305]

Great video! A question: How close are Vallejo Model Air paints to the ideal consistency required for glazes?

[@SpruesNBrews]

They're pretty close! A couple drops of water will do it 👍

[@garymyers9305]

Thanks!

[@letsbuildasnowman7058]

Thanks for the video. Quick question. I am looking at getting my first airbrush for 1/35 and 1/48 airbrushing and I am wondering what nozzle size you would recommend as a best all around or maybe I need multiple nozzles?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Good question! You can get away with just about everything using a .3mm nozzle - very rarely do I swap it out for a .5, but .3 is a great place to start 👍 Happy painting!

[@letsbuildasnowman7058]

@@SpruesNBrews Awesome thanks man!

[@MD-qm6gy]

Vallejo makes a glazing medium for its range. Have you ever used it with this technique vs water?

[@SpruesNBrews]

No, I'll have to check it out though! Thanks for the recommendation 👍

[@danielbrewer-uw4pp]

What size brush are you using?

[@joshuamurphy4928]

What do you use to attach your figures to those high dollar painting stands? I know these are resin. What about if you were going to use the ones from the kit? Haven't gotten the courage to start painting figures yet, but I need to in order to finish my current project.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Just a dot of super glue works great to attach the resin figure base to a drywall screw (that's what I use for my little homemade jig). It's an easy enough bond to break when you're ready to detach the figure as well 👍

[@tonygary7611]

👍👍