The BIGGEST mistake beginners make with painting Warhammer (& other minis)

[@MickBeard]

Absolute words of wisdom mate. I painted for 'Eavy Metal back in the late 80's/early 90's and also won several Golden Demons but stopped when I broke my neck in an accident. I've recently got the urge to give it a go again and have been watching KZbin a lot to see whats new. My god everyone is telling you the 'correct way' to paint and 'you're doing it wrong'. Sure, some of them might produce reasonable results but it's the same as any skill, nothing beats practice! Subbed for your voice of reason :)

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Ah thank you - I'm honoured to have an 'Eavy Metal painter subscribe to my channel - sorry to hear about yoru accident, but I'm very glad you're getting back into it - I'd love to see how you progress and whether you feel things are vastly different to the way they used to be!

[@dagdamar2000]

You sir have truly found the secret to getting better, practice and only compare yourself to yourself! True genius right there!!!

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Can't tell if this is sarcastic or genuine, but either way I love it haha - thank you :)

[@dagdamar2000]

@@alexpaintstinythings LOL yes to both .. I have been saying EXACTLY the same thing as you for years. So it was nice to see you echo them. I am sarcastic by nature..😁 I just wish more new people to the hobby did this instead of comparing themselves to professional painters with decades of experience.

[@keithburden7191]

I love this message. You're knocking it out of the park Alex 👏👏👏. Brilliant.

[@benisjamin1984]

"As long as you are enjoying yourself you are doing it right" - A great comment at the end to help, and another great video throughout. I am my own worst critic and while i have been really pleased with what i manage to do it was a slog for a long while. Im actually enjoying it now, and funnily enough my painting has improved too

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Ah nice. yeah I think enjoying it has a huge amount to do with how you improve - glad you're enjoying yourself now! :)

[@thewynnest]

I recently noticed that I’m getting better at painting. I’ve been painting on the stream +/-2 times a week for 8 months now and yes, it feels like I leveled up! Just by painting so much. Best advice 🎉

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Absolutely - I know I present it in a facetious way, but it's all truth :D

[@artwhim]

Honestly, this is such a wonderful video. Whether it applies to mini paintings or being an artist or simply a creative. Really needed this reminder! Cheers

[@alexpaintstinythings]

You are very welcome, thank you!

[@HarryVoyager]

Been looking at getting into WH40k, looking at Grey Knight, and digging into all sorts of stuff on how to make, paint and play the minis. The thing I realized is, I was going to be getting my brother to print out some parts for minis, but likely the most important thing I need is to get him to print out a whole pile of power swords, so I can work on how to get them to look cool, then apply that to the army I'd be bringing places.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Sounds like a plan. If you want to game with them and enter official tournaments be sure to check rules on custom minis. Most tournaments will allow it but sometimes people can be funny about non warhammer bits if it’s a warhammer tournament. Swords are unlikely to cause a stir but if you were printing proxies it starts to get a bit questionable I think :)

[@HarryVoyager]

@@alexpaintstinythings Yeah, I can believe that. The main bit Is be printing are an alternative Dread Knight that's not a babycarrier. Ran into a mod kit that turns it into a proper Knight thing. But the same guy also has a full up proxy version as well, that's far more posable, and it's giving me ideas, including at least one that I wouldn't even want to try playing table top with. Definitely going to print out a bunch of test pauldrons and practice a ton on them before painting the army proper, though.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

@@HarryVoyager Ah yeah - printing out test pieces is spot on. I need to get better at that - using non-playable pieces for practicing, before just jumping in on the real one!

[@Sigtyr39]

I’ve been basecoating by drybrushing after I prime and, while it uses a little more paint than usual, it works best for me. Been told it’s not good to do, but then also told whatever works for me, so I’ve stopped taking most advice that isn’t just something I want to experiment with lol.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

You do you - don't let anybody tell you how to paint your own minis. Sure, people can give you advice or tell you how they'd do it - but they're not the one holding the brush :) - if you get enjoyment from your process, stick with it.

[@thomaswoodgate2900]

Truer words never spoken and out takes!!! You're winning at this youtube thing 😂😂, on topic when i started freehand patterns on cloaks for an army first one took me 2 hours, i can do the same style now in about 15 minutes, repitition is your friend!

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Ah brilliant!

[@DjGameKing]

Very good advice! Also a tip I can give to fellow newer painters: for the love of all that is holy, follow the KISS principle of "Keep it simple, stupid". It is really tempting to do all these advanced techniques and have a color scheme of like 7+ colors for every model in your army, but 1) you can achieve good results with just proper base coating and washing and 2) look at most official color schemes and count the colors. It will be like 4 at worst, not counting like small detail colors like belts, pouches and purity seals.

[@JonasPeltomaeki]

I think the best "one" thing you can do, is to create a suitable workspace which lowers or removes the hurdle to go from regular boring life into the world of painting. if it's just as easy as turning your office chair around to stop working and start painting, that is the ONE thing. it makes you practice more.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Oh yeah that's absolutely right - I guess I forget sometimes that people have to combine workspaces - you make a really good point. Remove the barrier to practice, and it becomes almost habit.

[@shadeofheresy]

I did exactly this just over a year ago. I've been regularly painting on and off since then.

[@nathandavies327]

Wise words, thanks

[@sirius_solaris]

Let me just tell you mate, watched all your videos, went from slobbering paint to the thickest degree all over my Rubric Marines in single thick coats and not knowing what highlights are, to, multi Golden Demon winning, local Warhammer display model painter, professional N-MM painter and online egotistical painting critic, getting paid 10s of thousands every month from paid service painting and now recently I've learnt to speed paint 3000 points of Guard infantry in less than an hour and a half with no spray paint. Jokes aside, your vids are genuinely really helpful! Obviously painting improvement mainly comes from experience over time, but, your vids definitely showcase the basics and with those alone, a new painter could probably finish their first model set with solid battle-ready models within a month of dedication!

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Hahaha comment of the year!! Love it :)

[@patsy02]

1:07 feathering, drybrushing, glazing - hold up

[@derangeddan]

Its very hard to get fine details on the miniature when using the felching technique

[@alexpaintstinythings]

It’s notoriously challenging haha

[@angeleduardosalassalinas5435]

Awesome video, Im looking into buying minis to begin painting so been looking at your videos and truly enlightening, so will save some kaching in order to begin, looking to see more of your content :)

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Haha brilliant :)

[@themaskedg33k]

Congrats on the 1K and thanks for the tips and tricks you share 👍

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Thanks dude!! Appreciate the support :)

[@malo4532]

congrats on 1k !! and thanks for the video!

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Thank you!!

[@tyrant4798]

Solid video, grats on 1k

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Thank you!

[@keekbake7756]

I was thinking about cleaning the spacemarine base set til I get it right is er anything to get the paint off

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Absolutely, assuming they're plastic (pretty sure they are) you can soak the mini/s in IPA (Isopropylalcohol) or a small tub of "Biostrip" and then using a toothbrush, scrub most of the paint off after some time soaking - you can try after 30mins or 1 hour but if it's not coming off, try a few hours, or even overnight.

[@keekbake7756]

@@alexpaintstinythings ur the best enjoying it content

[@BKJ2023]

"Watch every single one of my videos start to finish" I did just that last night lmao

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Excellent!! :)

[@southpaw5483]

Thank you Alex.

[@ThrehaneMiniatures]

Amen, brother!

[@gurthyjohnsonTM]

Fletching??! 😂 I’m new to painting and have so much to learn!

[@alexpaintstinythings]

One of the less common techniques for sure hahaha

[@alexpaintstinythings]

One of the less common techniques for sure hahaha

[@mattaria]

1st! Congrats on 1k dude!

[@alexpaintstinythings]

thanks! haha, 1st yaas.

[@T1000-s6l]

I was struggling to find a good starting paint set as there were so many to choose from, and then I stumbled upon the P3 Kickstarter that's about to end, I did some research and I have opted to back that, I have also subbed to that combat patrol magazine as it seems a cheaper way to get a range of minis with some painting guides from GW. I haven't painted a mini since the early 90s and I am happy to get back into the hobby. I was just pissed when most (but not all) my paints from back then had dried up. I am pissed that the Eldar have been so neglected by GW. Thanks for the content.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

You’re welcome! Great first steps into the hobby. P3 are ace paints (at least used to be) and I’ve heard very good things about their new metallic range. The Combat Patrol is a good way to collect for sure (and I guess split the cost) - you’ll have plenty to work with I’d say. Just be sure to pick up a reasonable brush :) - hopefully my next video on starter gear will be of some use to you too!

[@kerensky1245]

According to GW at NOVA Open the Aeldari are going to be getting some type of range refresh in 2025 after the Guard get a kreig refresh.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

@@kerensky1245 Yeah I've heard about the full Kreig range box and it would be good to see some new Aeldari for sure - although I've not had any since I was a wee guy - I'm more of a Tau guy these days (yes, I'm a Tau player and proud haha)

[@sevencoloredmage8726]

Do you always plan the start of a hobby a year in advance? Those paints are at least a year out in the future

[@alexpaintstinythings]

@@sevencoloredmage8726 I tend not to, but I've seen people talking about the paints and the metallics in particular and figured I fancied giving them a go - but generally I don't plan my hobby beyond what I want to do next :)

[@calder2293]

I like your black and grey flower, did you dry brush it ?

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Flower? I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Was it on one of the GD models?

[@frostedbutts4340]

@@alexpaintstinythings Lmao think he means the mic cover

[@merccc1]

The true big thing is not just repeated practice, but more actively/attentively processing what you are doing and trying. If you just brainlessly do it, it will take far more time. That is why those tips and tricks are a bit nice still because they give you ideas to actively/attentively try and learn from. You learn what works and what doesn't and why. You don't brains off do that. It still works, but without this it is practically a luck into it type of thing which unless you are disgustingly lucky is a time consuming process. Do not be afraid of mistakes, save serious no mistake projects for after your more established. Those mistakes and trials are usually what leads you to actually being a professional that knows how to do it properly without fail. Those that jump straight to perfection and avoid this step take ages or stagnate completely.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Agreed. I probably didn’t cover that well enough to be fair - the tips and tricks are useful for learning. I guess they just all feel so hyperbolic in presentation when I think the intention needs to be there to make the practice worthwhile - appreciate the comment! Thank you :)

[@ROMANLAPPATMINIATUREART]

Yes, correct 😊

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Thank you Roman!!

[@AndreSjoberg]

Hehehehe, most people shy away from the simple answer that is always the correct one: «Do More, And Do It Often». Just spending lots of time avoiding doing more and doing it often. People are strange :)

[@shorelessskies]

…did that man say felching…?

[@alexpaintstinythings]

;)

[@craigkelly7288]

1k let's goooo

[@shadeofheresy]

Thing is.....There are definitely things you can do to increase the speed of improvement greatly. Set up a permanent painting area - this is a big one. Sometimes it's hard to make space, but if your taking 20 miutes to set up and put away, then that's 40 mins of painting time wasted. Buy a wet pallette. Get decent brushes. Get decent paints. Get an airbrush. Get a painting light, Watch U-tube (this one is huge in honesty, the amount of info to help with technique compared to when I started 20 years ago is staggering). I actually wonder if I would be getting better without the advent of the U-tube community to be fair.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

100% and it’s all about the intention. I should be clearer with my point I guess. Paint more is a little facetious but I guess my issue is the “one thing will fix it” approach that people peddle. It’s never as simple as that imo. :)

[@shadeofheresy]

@alexpaintstinythings in honesty though, it's a good firm video that's straight to the point. Keep painting, you will get better. 10,000hrs rule.

[@Juggernawt]

Snuck that feltching in there.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Wondering how many people thought "I've not learned that, let me just Google... OH GOD"

[@kristoff7049]

36 seconds on video done! 😂 Felching 😜

[@alexpaintstinythings]

hahaha, well spotted :D

[@MrPigments]

The real question is how many space marines do i need to shove up my nose to avoid practicing and gain skill that way to be a painting god?

[@alexpaintstinythings]

More than 10, less than 50 I reckon :D

[@piotrjeske4599]

Here lays the problem. A lot of people want to oaint obe army, and only because they have to . And for them the idea of "paint more" is not a very fun one.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

True. There’s a group of people who want the army painted to game with - totally get that. It’s a tough problem to solve. Especially when the answer is also not pay someone to paint them for you. Not sure I can solve that one though. I guess I’m relying on my audience to want to paint more :)

[@TheCrunch4000]

Dude talk when you know the secret of the dark angelß?!?!

[@MikeParkinson-ol4fs]

Did you say Felching? 😂

[@obnoxiouspedant]

I like you

[@shauntaylor9251]

The snapping in and out at the start is annoying , great content by the way

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Good to know. I was trying to retain a bit of visual interest but I may keep that to a minimum in future. Appreciate the feedback!! :)

[@lewispedraza996]

Yup, i just keep painting, and it gets better, but it still sucks.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

I get that everyone feels like this. I think it’s difficult and really it’s hard to only measure your improvement against yourself but the hobby is for you and your enjoyment so provided you enjoy the painting then really how quick you’re improving shouldn’t matter so much I guess. There’s probably an essay in this stuff though. Lots of psychology! :)

[@grahamroden8897]

Speedpaint for new painters. Go from there.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Good shout. I might cover a speed paint approach in another vid!

[@kharbury]

Do you think that starting with speedpaint might get someone used to just using speedpaints/contrast paints? Since you don't have to shade or highlight? They might not know how to control Regular paints?

[@alexpaintstinythings]

Hard to say. I think a mix to start with is good. Regular acrylics and washes and speedpaint - it would give someone all the paint types to experiment with I guess.

[@edmclean5915]

I like speed paints for certain things, but I'm not sure if they're great for beginners, if you're not careful they can pool and end up blotchy. Maybe just my experience with them, though.

[@keithburden7191]

I personally think new starters to the hobby will benefit the most from being able to cleanly apply simple base colours, then clean washes and then some simple highlights. Contrast and Speed paints require a different skill set which is slightly different to brush controlled base paint/washed etc. I'm not knocking Speed painting methods as they are perfect for quick/lovely results. But a cleanly painted model with clean base colours+washes is a golden baseline. Brush control = better results and progress.

[@olafolafsson2755]

One other tip. Painting well is kind of overrated. Its very time consuming. Learn to be okay with having a good enough looking army/squad and you will probably enjoy the hobby more.

[@jaypeadieL611]

So git gud?

[@alexpaintstinythings]

I mean not really :D - git gud ignores the intentional practice aspect - but sure, if you like :D

[@jaypeadieL611]

@alexpaintstinythings git gud as in you try and try until you eventually make it.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

@@jaypeadieL611 in that case - yes, I suppose so :D

[@jc7997aj]

The one thing everyone has to do to get better is yes .... practice. ProTip: only compare yourself to yourself. Are you better today than last month, last year ? Thats what matters. These youtubers paint 40 or more hours a week. So dont beat yourself up when yours doesnt look exactly like theirs.

[@alexpaintstinythings]

could not agree more!