Speed Painting Miniatures Made SPEEDIER

There are simple tricks that can make your miniature speed painting be even speedier - I'll show you with goblin mode!
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[@Bluecho4]

Part of developing as a mini painter has been learning when to say, "I'm done here". Being able to declare a model painted enough, so I can pop them in the display case and work on other things.

[@sasserine]

Rather than going over 'just this bit', and bodging the area already done.

[@derekgarcia3069]

This is still something I'm learning, as well as knowing what parts just don't need much for the tabletop. Sure I can see under the arm when it's up to my face, but 2-3 feet away on the table? Not so much, lol.

[@Afterglow.Studios]

I find that returning to view those “done here” models and noticing something I missed or could be better, it helps tell a story of that model that helps me in memory of painting that model: “oh yea, I remember I was gonna paint that one thing and forgot…”

[@hyosworld109]

I didn't say it, I declared it

[@GrugTheJust]

I have to perform that check wherein I ask myself. "If I add anything, will it detract from the item." That's generally when I'm done, where adding more will be bad.

[@MedicaeSteve]

You should absolutely make a video detailing your wash recipes and methods. That would be incredibly appreciated.

[@TheDarktater]

This

[@dfw_sleepypillz1007]

I will absolutely second this.

[@3851035]

Yes, please!

[@edwardclay7551]

I second this also.

[@nerdfatha]

yes please!

[@Roberto6991]

Planning is super important man. I hit time roadblocks just staring at my minis sometimes trying to figure out the nexr step. Don't underestimate that newbies.

[@arielsanchez465]

Black primer, grey drybrush, light white drybrush and then contrast/speedpaint/dipping ink. This is my jam now and I'm painting more minis than ever before. I even gave up on true metallics in favor of basilicanum grey (steel), nardzeg yellow (gold), agaros dunes (brass) and snakebite leather (copper).

[@tbrizius]

Always a great start to the day when a new Uncle Atom video drops

[@YuanMekong]

Being a goblin fashion designer could be challenging, I would imagine.

[@middleageddad]

But rewarding.

[@MrDrumStikz]

Now I have a mental image of a fantasy runway show with a bunch of heckling goblins in the audience, with applause and anger alternating randomly as the goblin models strut.

[@middleageddad]

@@MrDrumStikz I'd watch that.

[@SuperKingslaw]

Definitely interested in your painting recipes. I find these kinds of videos very helpful. Ii especially enjoy yours.

[@adamgill4623]

On the planning front, the UKs Special armed services has a phrase which I somewhat enjoy, nicknamed the 7 Ps. 'Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance.'

[@clipperrn]

Great video. I know this is off-topic for this video, but I wanted to thank you for talking about Roadside Picnic in a previous video. I got to read it this week, and I enjoyed it so much that I'm trying to make my way through Stalker the movie based on it.

[@tabletopminions]

I’ll be honest - I enjoy the book far more than the Stalker movie. The movie is a bit of a slog, and I guess a bunch of people died from the filming - long term poisoning or cancers or something from the environment? Makes it harder. Glad you liked the book, tho. Thanks for watching!

[@kallisto9166]

My process looks pretty much like this at the minute; 1) Prime with airbrush. 2) Zenithal. 3) Base coat with airbrush, pretty much just a coloured zenithal. 4) Oil wash for the shadows. 5) Paint in the details and highlights by hand. It's crude, but it's quick and the oil washes do an amazing job of creating deep shadows and smooth transitions. Obviously this works better for models that are mostly single colour, so it's great for monsters, less useful for characters with lots of clothing and gear. It is fast though and well suited to batch painting.

[@lanctcossin8601]

Painting to a tabletop quality is key to fielding a good looking army quickly. Everyone knows that painted models fight better! Hand tremors killed any hopes of being a great model painter for me. But, I can pump out a good looking tabletop quality army fairly quickly. And as you said Adam, planning is key. Nice video, thank you.

[@Mini_Mord]

Funny coincidence, I just printed out 15 Goblins & was thinking "dam it's going to take a while to paint all these". That Militarum Green looks like a godsend.

[@Gauldame]

Two sayings I *keep* having to tell people at work and tell myself at painting that apply to your statements. "Don't let Perfect be the enemy of Good Enough"

[@YanniCooper]

On the topic of saving the highlighting as a treat for later: varnish your minis before you play with them and then give them a light soapy wash the day before you come back to them. Finger oils can make later painting hard.

[@RavenMorpheus]

In this video, Atom tells you about Goblin fashion. I'll echo what Atom is stating in this video - batch painting and Contrast paint helps immensely when painting a number of models. I recently painted 8 Chainwrasps in an evening (2 or 3 hours at the most), for use as Ghosts in Warhammer Quest 1995. Fastest paint job on a "unit" I've achieved in a long while and they look pretty good.

[@liquefiedpork]

I, for one, would definitely be interested in "Uncle Atom's Mixology Class"

[@chuck-n-debtaylor7553]

Hadn’t thought of heading out to the lawn and touching grass between coats, but you just planted the thought, and I know at least I’ll laugh and think about it 😂

[@liberalhyena9760]

The problem arises when you notice the green of the grass fading and you continually have to retouch it. Believe me, it’s never done.

[@frydiddy3431]

"...go touch grass." just about made me lose it 🤣. Great video as always. Painting always feels a bit less intimidating after watching a video like this.

[@timr8679]

“You could touch grass” Uncle Atom is so damn quotable!

[@fransaacs]

Gobliin Mode has been taken to mean living a lifestyle outside of societal norms while usually presenting a wild and unkempt outward appearance. Not to be confused with Hobo Chic. Very informative and entertaining clip, thank you.

[@TheLemonFox]

Oddly enough goblin fashion designer is an accurate description of my wardrobe.

[@jeremiahalonzo]

Great timing on the video and merch! We're starting a Reign in Hell 4-Player campaign this Saturday and we're all excited!

[@tabletopminions]

That’s great! I hope you all enjoy it. Thanks for watching!

[@coburkh]

In my experience, something that's really enhanced my painting experience of late is using, mostly, just one wash/shade for my models. It really helps bring your model and its basing together by sort of setting a... setting... for the model. Agrax earth shade has been a real workhorse for me lately lol.

[@garyjenson8262]

I'd love to see that snarling badger logo on a hockey jersey in UW colors. Maybe a 0 on the back with your name or vince's randomly selected too. Thanks for the video sir, it's well recieved and useful, as always.

[@Mrnightroad12]

Thanks for explaining about assembly line painting. That method will speed up my Dominion box up a lot.

[@chrissteadman4614]

Recipe videos? Yes please.

[@oskar6661]

Been doing this for a while (not the contrast part). When I do stuff like zombie hordes, or hordes of cultists, or similar 'rough' groups I always pick out 10-11 colours that work well together, and do them one colour at a time - as you do. A pouch for one guy, pants fort he next, scarf for the third guy, etc. Gives you that rag-tag look while keeping the entire group "linked" through a common palette. Really effective and really easy to do.

[@disproportioned-affinity1474]

The more I know about paint mixing, the better!! Recipe video please!

[@JustiniusBuilds]

I love that you mention that you don't have to FINISH the model right away. you can always come back. not enough people mention that. get it colored enough to make you happy, then game it up, you can add those details later.

[@BeyondtheRecord]

lets be honest here, nobody ever comes back to add details 🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈

[@Glasmn45]

Would love to see you do a video on your various mixes. Great video on quick painting!

[@raspijedi]

New recipes are always welcome 😁

[@oozlboozl4754]

I don't think I'd be so bought in to miniatures if it wasn't for stuff like contrast paints and these techniques to keep me going at a good pace. Thanks for the video!

[@davidm.corbin4643]

Uncle Atom Paint Store when?!? I think we would all love a special mixes guide.

[@kartchner7]

Very similar to my processes especially with my changes to zenithal and speedpaints. I found having two units or sets of minis ready to put paint on and painting a color AS FAR as I feel like, really helps with production and managing my interest level. Switching colors when I feel it dragging, or when I want to advance a set along, takes the pressure off. It means color sequences sometimes change from group of models to group. Sooner on the table is better!

[@steveh4800]

Yes Chef Adam, recipes please! Also those models look pretty damn good for only 1:15:00. Hello from Canada

[@timr8679]

Yeah, I had to chuckle when he said they didn’t look great. To me they looked like what I’m striving for and failing to get so far.

[@plaingeometry]

I've pretty much given up edge highlighting except in very rare cases. Just Zenithal + Contrast, call it a day. Sure, I won't win any Golden Demons, but every time I've sat down with others and showed them a board full of painted minis I get so many "ooohs" and "ahhhs" that it feels like a major accomplishment.

[@spacedock873]

As an experienced model maker but noob to minis one of the (many!) lessons I have learned from watching Vincie V's videos is that I have to make a conscious decision as to where I am happy to sit on the time vs. quality scale. As I only paint minis as a palate cleanser after all the greys of spaceships I honestly don't want to be investing tens (let alone hundreds!) of hours on a single miniature. Vince has forced me to confront the fact that in this case I won't be turning out Golden Demon winners! Generally as a perfectionist this has been a difficult lesson to learn but rather liberating. Getting comfortable with the quality I am able to achieve in the time I am willing to spend has been an interesting shift. It has been exemplified by one of my new favourite sayings, also given to me by Vince - "It's okay!" 😁

[@tabletopminions]

Vince is very smart. Thanks for watching!

[@spacedock873]

@@tabletopminions Sorry to mention Vince so much in a reply to your video! 😮 This video was very useful for me to see that even experienced painters can be willing to dial back the quality significantly to save time, always with the option to return to the minis if they feel that they are willing to invest extra time to improve them. As a noob it would still take me 4 times as long to reach this standard as you took but hopefully with practice and experience that will improve 👍😁

[@Eric-jt8yx]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your color choices and explaining why you like them for particular parts of the mini. This helps me to think about which colors I like to use and how I can expand my range! Much appreciated

[@GermanNightmare1976]

Yes, please, on the recipe video. I'm sure you can pa-chow it again later for reference.

[@daniellof453]

I now have a new goal in life as a minipainter. Become the best Goblin fashion designer! All goblins shall become ✨️fabulous✨️

[@markgnepper5636]

Great stuff friend 👏 👍 Will have to get some merch

[@VicodinElmo]

Touching grass between coats. Sounds great.

[@swarliusgamerus640]

Didn't know it was an option, but goblin fashion design school here I come!

[@EdgarVerona]

I like that tip about doing drybrushing even after the contrast paint to further bring out textures. I feel like my speed painted units have been missing some pop and I think this may help. Thanks!

[@joshyaks]

Your new torso coverers look sharp!

[@VoltanIgnatio]

Before and after of your washes videos sounds great!

[@kevinfisher4768]

Great stuff! A wash recipe video would be amazing! I have often done a “paint color” list when doing minis. That way I know what goes where and “stay on target”!! Btw my breakfast tea tastes better in my new snarling badger mug!

[@miked5394]

Any miniature painting recommendation that follows Bruce Lee's philosophy for "economy of motion" is a solid bet. Excellent video - thanks!

[@thomrade]

An important thing to remember with mini painting for tabletop as opposed to display is you're probably going to spend 90% of your time looking at the model from 2± ft away. At that distance you don't need masterclass level shades and Hilights.

[@aslskfan1]

Yes, please do videos on your recipes!

[@colonel149th-dkok4]

Hey Adam, great video thank you!! Yes please on you making a video of your wash recipes. Keep up the great work and stay safe!

[@papitobrostoievski6377]

"These models don't look great". Uncle Atom those look almost as good as the one i took 3 days to make with love and passion :')

[@wittlegoblin]

Heck yeah, goblin mode!

[@waynehaywood4904]

Yes please for the wash recipes 👍

[@kewanzahedinour7304]

they look good! for playing good is the goal, even on bigger models. Got 50 chaos warriors with 6-8 colors on them done in 5h and now i do not play with gray plastik ever again!

[@rbrentw]

My t-shirt with the Snarling Badger logo in Oxblood Black color is already on the way.

[@novicejohnd5803]

Fabulous post, really helpful ideas thank you so much

[@willwelty7344]

New life goal: become a goblin fashion designer.

[@willwelty7344]

Well, that's not suspicious at all....

[@TheTazman49684]

Yes, Uncle Atom! I'm hungry for your wash recipes!

[@vidi5086]

Good old humble gobbos 💚

[@johnbruce4004]

I think this video prompts us to question what we really need to 'finish' figures. We're not all Darren Latham and made us feel ok about that. Thanks.

[@Calvinscott]

Goblin fashion designer needs to be a T-shirt 😆

[@adventuresinwax2277]

Awesome content as always and I would be very interested to see a video about your wash recipes please.

[@lachoz5864]

thats exactly what i have done last time with my necromunda hive scum 8 models in no time :) planing is a thing :)

[@JoeakaRamJam]

Definitely would like to see an Uncle Atom Recipe book.

[@timothyyoung2962]

Space Station Zero and Reign In Hell shirts... and my birthday is just around the corner : )

[@germanvisitor2]

In my teens (about the time my profile picture is from) I put all the paints I was planning to use in a line and go through them one by one. Once I was done with a paint I put it away, to (hopefully) never use it on the model I was currently working on again. Didn't work. Hated that method. Sucked the motivation out of me. I'd always forget some part and had to go back or it was impossible to do one colour in one go and planning took ages.

[@liveandgaming]

Even after all these years i still struggle with washes, I'm most likely just an idiot but I'd like to see your recipes sure.

[@travman228]

.."Go touch grass" that needs to be this gens phrase! Lol im stealing that

[@StackingLimit]

Great video please make a Video about your washes and mixes!

[@stephenansell7920]

You are right about getting the models to be just good enough for tabletops as they can always be enhanced later, and please do the washes video, I find a little bit of wash on the model here and there can make all the difference.

[@idontwanttopickone]

4:57 - and yellow, orange or brown under gold/bronze/copper.

[@tabletopminions]

I usually prefer brown under gold and bronze. Thanks for watching!

[@websterlf]

Edmund Blackadder (II) was looking at the Goblin's feet...

[@nossarian]

I feel like a lot of these speed painting techniques are only ever demonstrated with GW Contrasts. What non contrast paints work for this?

[@dmeep]

garments that cover the torso you say?

[@EdgarVerona]

Do you have any advice about painting large areas that are relatively flat? I have been finding that things like robes - even if they have some texture - end up looking less "contrasty" and more "splotchy" when I paint them with contrast paint, even when I try hard to just use a single brush stroke and not go back with my brush. Or perhaps these are areas on the mini that I shouldn't even be trying to use contrast paint, and instead fall back to normal paint?

[@hobominded]

I'm pretty new to playing with painted models, so I wanted to ask... If you're going back and adding a bit more paint later, is that over a varnish? Do you not varnish the ones you plan to work on again later? Do they get any damage to the paint?

[@abellyofanarmy]

Im up for recepies! I saw one pinwash with oils and inks...

[@looselycollected7505]

"Go touch grass" I feel that should be on a shirt.

[@1971mav]

Unless it's a tournament it doesn't matter if everything is painted.

[@maphi8914]

Thanks for the tips! Are you only using the GW Contrast range for speed painting, or did you also try out the other brands of „one-coat“ paints?

[@tabletopminions]

I have the Army Painter Speedpaints, and I generally use them through my airbrush (since they’re already in dropper bottles) but I don’t have any of the other kinds. Scale75, Green Stuff World, Vallejo - I haven’t come across any of them in stores anywhere near me. Thanks for watching!

[@demonprinceofkhorne]

Question (with a bit of context): I’m nearly at the point where my miniatures collection is complete. I have 10 armies across 3 game systems, and soon I’ll be just keeping on top of new releases for 3 of those. Once I’ve painted around 49 more models I’ll be basically done. I’ve been getting models most months for several years now, I kinda fell into the category of whale. Other armies and game systems just aren’t appealing to me (can you blame me after 10 armies over 3 game systems). But it’s left me feeling weirdly empty. Question: how do you deal with that significant aspect of your hobby coming to an end?

[@andrewpepper-parsons9630]

Yes to wash recipes.

[@antoniogarcia6737]

Zorn pallet has made my life easier

[@grendelb3298]

Have you had good luck doing other types of skin with zenithal? I previously primed some Daughters of Khaine in Wraithbone. However, I'm thinking of coming in with an airbrush white for "Zenithal". Then, using Crusader Skin or Gulliman Flesh. I'm wondering if I'll need to thin it with medium. Great video!!

[@davidgeister]

NIcely done!

[@syd4890]

Pachowchop xD

[@Madoc439]

Great work man. Love to hear about the merch store! Adam, have you considered joining and posting on Mastodon (like Twitter but not). It is similar to Twitter 5+ years ago. No ads, etc. I am asking all the painter hobbyists I follow the same question in hopes to get them to join. :)

[@RottenJeeves]

How do you guys feel about varnish? More and more I am finding this step not necessary. I have never had paint come off of my models varnished or not.

[@garethm9523]

"comparison is the thief of joy" is paraphrased term you used. Unsure if that's any help. I am sure all your stoic bro fans will be happy for that

[@tabletopminions]

That’s a totally different meaning, tho. It’s also kinda true - I always tell folks if they’re ever going to compare their paint jobs to something, they should only compare to their own previous work. Thanks for watching!

[@garethm9523]

@@tabletopminions I do think it is the phrase that twinged your brain. Phrases are there to be adjusted

[@NexAura1]

Hate to say it, but since you painted goblins, you were in fact a goblin fasion designer.

[@skullcleaver033]

For a long time I followed your advice regarding Zenithal highlights. More recently I've started experimenting with colored Zenithal highlights, and I've noticed the darker areas on a model remain distinguished without going off-color. Think of your yellows, oranges etc, which won't pop out when painted on a black surface. Have you played around with colored Zenithals?

[@tabletopminions]

I do it quite frequently, especially when I already know what the dominant color of the model will be - like with space marine armor, for example. Thanks for watching!

[@bubbadoom1837]

Should you make a video of your paint recipes? Uh... yes.

[@tabletopminions]

Wash recipes, technically. All-over washes have been what I mainly focus on. Thanks for watching!

[@bubbadoom1837]

@@tabletopminions in my best uncle Palpy voice, "Do it!"

[@ir1shcross]

Hi Uncle Atom. What did you use for basing materials for your goblins?

[@tabletopminions]

It’s called “Fine Basing Texture” and it’s from Monument Hobbies. It’s great stuff, I use it frequently. Thanks for watching!

[@dagdamar2000]

best new diss" go touch grass" 🤣

[@SuperDuperHappyTime]

Not the best build up story, since you made a lot of mistakes. But you delivered the point in the end.

[@darthcthulhu762]

Bring forth the recipes!

[@STC1188]

I like Uncle Atom as much as the next person, but it's kinda sus that a video about 'Speed Painting' comes out just after the SpeedPainr 2.0 launch video. Not only that, but he makes sure to show the contrast paints (which look like new pots) when using them. He also uses the new shade, which he first questioned. I'm not saying this was a GW-backed move, but the timing and content are poorly positioned if not.

[@tabletopminions]

I generally use Contrasts at my hobby table (because I can dip my brushes into the pots) and Speed Paints in my airbrush room (because they’re in dropper bottles). I used the new Citadel Shade because with my testing, it’s better for this weird mix I’ve been trying - but I still won’t use them straight out of the pot. I look forward to the new Army Painter speed paints, especially the new colors and metallics! Thanks for watching.

[@houseofburn]

What's a fella gotta do to see some goblin green bases around here? No one likes the old-timey bases anymore... flock, yellow highlights?

[@tabletopminions]

I’m a flock-hater from way back, and I’ve always preferred my rims being black. Thanks for watching!

[@houseofburn]

@@tabletopminions the reason I love that style is it seemed so absurd the old 'eavy Metals would finish those beautiful figures with such plain, ugly bases. Even though lots of people were painting intricate bases in all sorts of other ways at the time. I wonder why.

[@syd4890]

That's my issue with contrast paints: the models are done yes but look like poo (mine not yours). I prefer painting over a dark brown, mid grey, off white zenithal and use that as a guide to apply thin coats of normal paints. Might use the contrasts as small filters or to correct some recesses but over all it's fast enough for me and the results look better xp