The Most Important Purchase In Miniature Painting

[@TheGodOfWarhammer]

hey Ninjon, i went to my hobby store since im just getting into pro acryl, and discovered you have a paint set. i bought yours and that other guy Vince’s sets and i gotta say…i like em. your flesh tone has been something i have mixed in a bottle i made like 17 years ago and treated like a holy grail of a rare commodity since i forgot the formula to it. thanks for making it for me

[@dderajj2166]

He has a video showcasing them, check it out

[@maryl3301]

Because of this video, I found the greatest light ever (at least for me). It's not one in this video, but you took me into research mode. The RedGrass Games light looked great, but I wasn't paying that much for a light. Period. I needed something for not only painting minis, but also for my diamond paintings and for building miniature rooms/houses. I found the Game Envy Lucent Art Light, and I was able to purchase 2 for less than one of the RedGrass Games lights. And they are absolutely fantastic! You can change the brightness, the "temperature", the positioning at all different angles (the arm that holds the light, the main "head" light, and the two "arm" lights are all adjustable in multiple ways). It also folds very compactly so I could take this on the go, if I wanted. Thank you, Ninjon... if it wasn't for your video, I would still be half blind with 5 different lights around me.

[@KrazzeeKane]

The Lucent is absolutely killer indeed! Only 85 bucks for one, which imo is more than enough for an average painter as it has two arms as well, but you can also get two of these for four arms for far cheaper than the RGG light. People just go ape for a big fancy brand name, I guess lol. Honestly, your normal hobby painters can just get 1 or 2 cheap ikea desk lamps and shove in a pair $12 CCT changeable LED bulb with 90+ CRI from home depot and be just as happy. If a brand is wanted, the gsme envy lucent is the best choice imo

[@walterward3811]

I grow plants and have several lights not in use. I use one that is equal to the sun in tone and dimmable. A white pillow case diffuses the light just fine

[@AndrewKarstaedt]

That redgrass light looks very nice, specifically because of the split between. I have a round LED light with a magnifying lens in the middle I've been using for a long time, and I've lost count of the number of times I've clacked my brush-handle against it while trying to get more light on a mini. I really appreciate your reviews, even for "boring" stuff like lights, so thank you!

[@cinnamonsparrowdesigns]

Haha same. Mine has paint on it b/c of that too. I couldn't see to paint without mine tho!

[@kamrenjones1641]

I use the same thing and omg the rage I feel hitting my brush or getting it caught on the neck

[@TheIronbark]

ditto

[@ldeming]

I think having a lot of ambient light is important for mini painting as well. A small bright light source in an otherwise dark room is of limited utility, and low light levels can cause your pupils to dilate such that it's hard to focus (literally) on details or make it feel like the mini is 'blown out'. A desklamp of some sort is obviously a must, but it doesn't need to be the only light source, and brightening up the whole space pays big dividends.

[@arthropoda2225]

News flash! Ninjon has a bright idea and his channel gets LIT! Seriously though, thanks for all the hard work you put into these videos. Very informative.

[@Jamespaintsplastic]

I have a nearfi painting lamp. It's huge and spreads the light really well. It's 2200lm of daylight and I love it. Best buy every

[@redgrass]

Hey Ninjon, Thank your for the opportunity.We are thrilled to be featured in your video comparison 🤩

[@silver9809]

Thanks so much for doing this review Sometimes I really want quick video help on things like this but right off the bat clicking on most "reviews" its just a slide show project with no actual "hands on" footage or explaination So this is really appreciated thank you

[@MrPafleouf]

i recovered a Steelcase Dash light, and man i'm happy with it ! it's powerful, easily adjustable, and also dimmable. I found out that those cost a hefty price, so that was a really good salvaged item !

[@luckysevenow1872]

I'd also recommend getting a cheapo battery-powered headlamp like you might use for plumbing or working on a car. There are sometimes spots on models that my lamps don't illuminate well, or areas that are hard to work on with the angle you have to hold them to also keep light directly on them, but a headlamp means you can just directly illuminate any spot you can look at without worrying about positioning a lamp.

[@Thornspyre81]

I thought I was the only one that did that! I use my rechargeable Bushnell headlamp that I use when I power wash. Because it's rechargeable I just plug it in after I paint

[@McVilla1N]

I'm a tattoo artist who also plays Warhammer and I'm just sitting here blown away nobody uses a headlamp lol.... I use a nice Milwaukee head lamp for Tattooing and for painting but was looking @ some lighting options as I am now wearing magnifying glasses and it gets a little uncomfortable wearing both. But the thing has so many different light settings it's super nice.

[@blissfulbadger]

I have three CFL daylight bulbs dropped down over my painting desk, with two standing lamps with 3-led bulbs meant for garages aimed upwards. It gives me decent light anywhere on the desk with minimal shadows. Going with that setup until I outgrow the desk, then I'll consider alternatives. I've been painting under the same CFLs since I started painting models.

[@BigStrath]

Both me and my wife us this light. It’s cheap, it’s got cool/neutral/warm settings as well as selectable brightness. It comes with a sturdy sand and a clamp if you really want it to not move. Also they have different options for a magnifying glass if you want that. It’s been great. 5X Magnifying Glass with Light and Stand, KIRKAS

[@heatxsoul841]

for me the best tool till now was the little thing i have that shakes the colors before i use them it makes the hobby so much more enjoyable

[@jasonterry9343]

Thanks!

[@Marcusstratus]

16:10 I'm telling ya man, if you want light coming from your point of perspective, get a headlamp. I've been painting with one for years and I haven't had any desire to get a table lamp. Nitecore makes a great, high CRI lamp

[@jesevans5258]

man I am all over this subject! I spent all last weekend going to lighting stores talking to people, now I have even more to think about! thank you so much!

[@clamus68]

Great timing. I was looking into new lighting solutions for my hobby area. Thank you for this one!

[@questgivercyradis8462]

Don't forget that Ottlite has a LOT of different models too. I have one that is usually used for embroidery, I believe. It is a circular set of LEDs on a neck, pretty bright, daylight equivalent, and it has a magnifier in the middle if I want. It has holes in the base to put things in, like paintbrushes or in-progress models on holders. I have a different Ottlite which is like a fatter one of what you showed. Also used floor lamp Ottlites. So.... there are also many options on that front. They often have sales on them at Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics.

[@gealgain2420]

i got a damn good hobby light (gamenvy lucent) for Christmas, and it's exposed how bad my paintjobs have been as well as just how nasty my desk was.

[@mevensen]

I have two LED desk lamps at my painting desk, but one of the most important lights I use is the one integrated into my magnifying lenses. The ability to have light sourced from an area near my eyes helps with removing shadows which may be created by my hands or miniature details. The addition of the light does not significantly impact the weight of the lenses, either.

[@jamesshearer3936]

I position my neatfi right in front of my forehead, aimed at my work. I still have room for a stand-mounted magnifier when I need it. Different set-up, similar usage.

[@KareemFloat]

go to local hardware store, buy a strip of sheet aluminum long enough like 75% longer than the length of your table. put 3 Led strips side by side, but with the middle strip being offset so the led modules lines up with the empty space of the 2 edge strips. the 2 outer strips being cool white, and the middle one being a warm white. now arch that over your desk.. you can screw it directly to the side of the table or from underneath if you bend tabs that far. this will give you full light coverage from all sides, MUCH more even lighting, and with the mix of both at a 2:1 ratio it will give your the brightness but also some warmth to counteract the washing out from the lights. AND it's way more out of the way than any of these options. have the warm and cold leds on separate controllers so you can have further control of the lights you use.

[@KevinVilbig]

I have an Asoko USB powered LED lightbar that magnets to little stick on brackets under my computer monitor. I can't find it for sale anymore, but it is a really compact solution for my situation, since I have my monitor on a swingarm clamped to my desk. I doubt it has great CRI, but it works well enough for me for now. However, that Redgrass light may be what I do when I finish getting my dedicated studio together. That looks great.

[@cyberpunkdreams]

I've got the Lightcraft LED lamp that Squidmar recommends. Pretty similar to the Neatfi I guess. I've always been happy with it. And yes, it was one of those things where you try to get by with what you've got until finally shelling out the cash and then wishing you had done ages ago.

[@OrdoGriseo]

the best way I've found for my set up (fairly constrained for space despite having two desks) is two amazon clip on desk lights, got them cheap and have a few different temperature options and aren't so bright they hurt your eyes even when painting for 6-7 hours a day

[@Grithertime]

I use two PHIVE LK-1 Metal Architect Swing Arm LED Desk Lamp, they have variable temp and brightness. They adjust a fair amount and are quite well constructed, $90 a pop but they are great.

[@GardensAndGames]

This is the best lighting video I've ever seen. Talking about the color temp and CRI seriously taught me some things. Thank you!

[@slaaneshgod]

I use this old light on an articulated arm that has this circular light in it and feels bright and accurate to me. it has a magnifier in the middle of it. There isnt even any branding on it to know what it might have been. LOL. I have wanted a bigger light to cover more of my desk but as you know those arent cheap and the one I have works great. So either that or my spray booth which has its own lights (one of those portable master airbrush ones.) are what I use to paint with. I love the look of that redgrass one but man is that expensive.

[@TheFirstRoyale]

One of the best 20 bucks I ever spent on this hobby was a head mounted magnifying glass and light. Sure lamps are nice but that was way cheaper and gives me better angles of viewing.

[@sebastiankass2881]

I own the Neatfi aswell. After 15 years of desk lamp light I switched last year. The money is absolutely worth the money. Ninjon is not wrong that this is an overlooked quality of life when it comes to painting minis well :)

[@rhammitt88]

I recently bought a Neatfi and it has been a game changer. I used a budget version of the otlight lamp as well and it worked great for years, but the Neatfi is awesome! I used it in the middle of a larger table so it would light my space and my buddies space that I was teaching how to paint and it covered both areas with enough light for both of us to paint comfortably. It's totally worth the price you pay for it.

[@dirigoallagash3464]

Couldn't paint without my $36 Brightech magnifying desk lamp. Clamp or stand, flexible neck, 2.25x magnification. Love it.

[@easy.pickens]

Hi Ninjon, very interesting video. Lighting is always tricky, it not just about the brightness it is also about what works best in your painting area. Just recently I switched to using my old college desk task light that claps on the side of my painting area (yes I bought it back in 1983). I bought a new task that is almost an exact match on my right side. The big change was to switch the bulbs from incandescent to really nice LED bulbs. The original 75 watt bulb still worked but it got really hot. Now I get great light and it is stays cool.

[@Kennyban-nr7wc]

honestly a lamp and hobby glasses are the two things that have improved my painting significantly . good paint and brushes help too

[@Whatevs13]

Bought a Neatfi XL a few weeks ago, and there is nothing that has helped my painting more since I started. Yes, they are expensive, but they truly are "buy once, cry once".

[@KuroSukotto]

Ive got 3 100 watt lightbulbs in my ceiling fan but when painting I have worklight clap with another 100 watt light bulb right next to my workstation and parchment paper over it to diffuse it. Theyre led so no fire hazzard. Also my exhaust system for airbrush has lights as well.

[@Atma012150]

Get a tradie head lamp. They are cheap and readily available from supermarkets or hardware stores. Usually have multiple light settings. And they will always be pointing where your head is looking, and cannot blind you since you cannot accidently look into them. All this and they don't take up any desk/area space. Only drawback is the batteries but you can get rechargeable.

[@OldGoat-cw8he]

I bought a double led architect station light. Cri 85, 2 light strips at 700 lumens a piece. $27 delivered to my house from Amazon. 3 settings, dimmable. It is vastly better than everything but the Redgrass.

[@ellenripley4837]

The best light setup for painting whether it is hobby or just art in general is a 3 light setup. One from each side and one above or on top of your mini in case of model painting. I use two lights right now and it does make a difference.

[@JenniferKitzman]

I used to do some mini painting at work (a comics and games store) and then finished at home, and the difference in light quality available in both places really knackered a couple of my paint jobs! Turns out starting a blend in a cool light environment and finishing it in a warm light environment really screws it up! So I've been big on getting the right light ever since.

[@andreikoenig5718]

I tried many lamps and for me Neatfi Ultra 3,500 Lumen was the one I kept. I love this lamp

[@ricardorios492]

I don’t know about all kind the light for the hobby, but I wonder if there any updates about you sending the massive miniature for Joe Manganiello

[@Leviathan1312]

I used to get migraines every single time I painted a mini from straining to make sure I wasn't messing with the shadows when I didn't want to, but a year ago I got an Ottlite, and even though it's one of the "cheaper" options here, I can confirm that it's been game changing for both my models and my eyeballs.

[@99Plastics]

Some lights have a flicker, it can cause migraines.

[@Stevoo4552]

I KNEW IT TIGHT AT THE BEGINNING THAT HE WILL TALK ABOUT THE NEW RGG LAMP! IIII KNEW IT!!! Which is Awesome cause im already Waiting for the Kickstarter!!

[@redgrass]

Thank you!

[@B4MBI72]

Love my cheap IKEA lights with 'daylight' LED bulbs, two of them are way better than 1. The hardest thing I have found is getting a way to mount them on your desk without them getting in the way.

[@humantwist-offcap9514]

I have a Neatfi too. I think it’s maybe a slightly cheaper one but it’s a phenomenal light, would highly recommend.

[@tecguy1229]

Thanks a lot, I needed more light, paint only at night when I have spare time, and sometimes I feel I'm missing a lot of Light in my painting.

[@Andulvar]

I'm sold on the last one. Can't to pick one up. $200 isn't bad for all the features I need in a light and the added feature of being able to look throw to see how the light catches what you're painting.

[@br7693t]

$260*. They bullshit'd Ninjon

[@NickMK]

I use a ring light on a flexible arm from amazon that clamps on the desk. I would recommend that route too

[@NickPestcov]

What a coincidence :) I was researching which lights I want to buy to upgrade my setup. And got notification about new video. Thank you for the reviews and sharing your thoughts about each one of them.

[@krzysztofmathews738]

This is literally the fist time I have heard of the CRI (Color rendering Index) Thank you!

[@TheDigitalThreat]

I just grabbed 2 20$ no-name swing arm basic LED lamps, one for each side of the desk, and that combined with the rooms regular ceiling bulb works for me. Not overly bright and doesn't erase all shadows making it unnatural, but bright enough for full coverage where you need it, and wasy to adjust for awkward models/sizes. The LED control panels also allows for different contrast/color/intensity values, so you can quickly cycle though the options to see how it looks in the different conditions.

[@Tizzandor]

I got myself a ceiling lamp with app control and converted it to plug socket, so I can control the warmth of the light and the intensity. For really small details a ringlight is my go-to so you can see everything from where you're painting

[@gwyn5144]

This is somthing I did not understand for the longest time. I would paint up a model, be so proud of it. Then get to the game store and pull it out to be embaressed how bad it looked and I had no idea why. Iv found simply having a multi color light works best for me now. Somthing white/blue and somthing more campfire like white/yellow both mixed give a accurate and helpful light source to work from.

[@Barry-Sweaty]

I use a ring shaped light that was designed for taking shadowless selfies 😂 it has a usb plug and is a dimmable three spectrum LED. It was at Walmart for $30. I used to have a fancy heavy light and one day the bulb burnt out so I used my ring light and realized it’s the best. Never going back. Look into the led ring light for filming or selfie-ing. Cheap and rad and lightweight af.

[@dominicnzl]

sounds like a great idea!

[@rustyshackelford7084]

I ended up hanging a 24” led shop light with parchment paper taped over it to help diffuse the light above my painting table, it’s great but I still end up using a small led headlamp just to help illuminate the shadows exactly where I’m looking. The headlamp was a game changer for me.

[@Randomactivities2.0]

Best place to look for good cheap portable painting lights is the mobil automotive painting genre. They have the good stuff.

[@PainterIdeas]

Bought a cheap articulated lamp, IKEA style, with a big globe bulb more recently changed to a smaller from the hardware store, 6500K 1055lm CRI90, spot on, all in all about 20Eur, . Will revamp my hobby space in the next couple of months and was thinking on the RGG Lamp, but I guess I'll probably just by a second cheap lamp and better lamps if I could find. At least with a standard lamp I can always check the marker for new/better lamps if needed with a lighter (pun intended) price tag.

[@CrazyTom34]

Liked for the doggo singing the song of his people at 9:05

[@vernongardner1958]

Very informative video and a few things to consider that I hadn't thought of - thank you. a couple of other options I'm also thinking about are a.) a magnifier with backlight around the rim and b.) an adjustable brightness head torch (not the powerful outdoor cycling type, but the 600 lumen or below).

[@BrewsGamesRides]

I have the ikea task light with Kasa smart bulbs, I like the ability to control the color temp and they are on sale regularly.

[@RogueWraith909]

I just changed the 5 foot flourecent strip light in the kitchen to an LED cool white strip light and it's crazy bright and really good for painting while also saving me a small fortune on electricity use.

[@HuntersOA]

I use optonica bulbs sold for photography purposes. They are pretty cheap and work really well. I use the 1320 lumen versions. They light up my room as if it was daylight XD

[@markopolo12008]

Wow great timing with this video .. I've been saying I need a good light for painting with my ever failing eyes..🤓👍

[@LangJones]

I like the Big Bulb idea. I have a neatfi for close work but could use something to illuminate my workspace.

[@maxpash1]

I just wanted to thank you for your great clips, I have painted anything for a while,but due to been diagnosed with a terminal illness. My wife and friends have encouraged me to get back into the hobby, and you have helped me find the passion to restart. So thank you, keep up the great work. And congratulations on the golden deamon

[@deusvult333]

sper ca esti ok bro

[@johnbaran577]

Damn, I’m sorry brother, make peace with your self, don’t fear death as it is just the beginning

[@maxpash1]

@johnbaran577 thanks for the support sir means a lot!

[@johnbaran577]

@@maxpash1 I’ll put you in my prayers brother

[@Fissi0nChips]

I thought exactly the same thing you did with the redgrass light. You could look through the "tuning forks". I like this light a lot.

[@redgrass]

Thank you! 😊

[@MiniPainterGamerDadD20]

I got the big arch light from Green Stuff World.... it fits on my table, and covers the entire miniature with bright light. The only issue is it's basically a LED strip inside a plastic arch.... the strip does get fairly warm on the highest intensity and leaning in close you can kinda get a whiff of warm plastic/wiring. Either way it's bright as hell and covers all the angles.

[@dennisfoulds3941]

Thanks again Jon, I am in joying your paints. Need more.

[@MrBrad9]

yeah I love my neatfi. I would check out the red grass when/if my neatfi burns out. being in Canada that would be around $270

[@SatyricSaint1999]

Years ago I splurged and bought an Ottlite from the craft store, it is the florescent ring light with a magnifying glass on an articulated arm and honestly it has been so damn useful I would have problems replacing it with anything else.

[@shanethorson4731]

If you put the golden lure on a rocket stop, you could battle the tr to reset the pokestop, and get an extra spin

[@misterwashburn]

I use an ELGATO Key Light Air and ELGATO Multi-Mount arm. All in it’ll run you a little less than the Redgrass light and provides a sliders for both light power and temperature. I am though planning to get the Redgrass light when the Kickstarter launches as I’m building a new painting desk and I need the longer arm.

[@travelminipainter]

Totally happy with my Neatfi. It is indeed a bit on the cold side, but otherwise the best bang for the buck imho for any kind of serious painting setup.

[@alancook1053]

Great info and presentation! Darryl commentary out take was epic!! I use studio lighting cuz…..I have it! Lol

[@fluxxNZ]

I seriously thought the gap was for that exact reason, getting in close with great light, mini painting, super detailing scale models, so many uses, and if they added a clip-on magnifier then even better

[@hairysticks74]

Dude, I was just showing my wife the Redgrass Kickstarter earlier today. This is perfect timing, thank you!

[@BrennanLetkeman]

I bought an ikea skurup lamp and the dimming + warm->cool LED bulb with the wireless remote thing and it's been great for an incredibly cheap version with relatively nice light optionality

[@RichardThompsonCA]

If you need cheap overhead lighting Philips TL90 bulbs are 4 foot long flourescent tubes that fit in a cheap standard fixture. They have a CRI of 98 and are 5000k in temp. I use them in my art studio, they've outperformed much more expensive lights. People who work in digital art will calibrate their monitors to 5000k and say it looks too yellow, or too blue. The problem is your ambient lighting has to match that setting, what you are seeing is the color contrast between your monitor and the overhead lights. Only when both match will it all look correct to your eyes.

[@samlivera4915]

I can see how this video might not do well (as lamps are super exciting), but it was a really informative and helpful one. 👍

[@DaPreach90]

I recently bought an Ottlite and it makes a huge difference. Was definitely worth every penny.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

I have an Brightech LightView Pro XL magnifier and lamp and it's great also $80! Although I'm thinking about getting 4 clamp on desk lamps and put the normal bulbs in them for my card table where I play my TT games and take photos for my Universal TT wargame/RPG. So I can have that stadium lighting look.

[@Argonaut80]

I use a Lume Cube 2.0, and love it!

[@MestreGuilderiusLCB]

Now now, a new video from Jon... What better way to finish a harsh week of work ?! Thanks Jon !

[@007Kiristo]

I made a light arch with a strip of aluminum, some quickcrete to made feet/bases for each end and a strip or two of LEDs on the aluminum strip. Works really well. Obviously not portable, but I barely ever paint at home, let alone while traveling/away.

[@kensai87]

I've been using the EcoSmart bulbs from home depot. I have a couple of 100w equivalents that work really well. 5000k and 1700 lumen, with a cri of 80. Not as bright as the lohas, but a pack of 4 is less that $20, so well worth the cost.

[@kevinswan8311]

I’ve been using this Neewer photography light and at about $100 U.S. it’s been great. Also being able to have RGB color choices, white color temp and 0-100 brightness are nice to have in the room when just chilling. I cut and pasted some info below. The CRI is at 97+. I have mine on a floor stand that came included and the light is also controllable from their app. 660 PRO RGB LED Video Light Upgraded 50W high power and ultra-high CRI 97+, it helps to restore and enrich the color of the light objects, providing you with a natural and vivid shooting effect. Consist of 660pcs SMD LED beads (170pcscool/170pcs warm/320pcs RGB beads), Bi-color can adjust the color temperature from 3200K to 5600K, RGB can adjust the hue output from 0°to 360° and color saturation from 0% to 100%

[@Ghostly_Shadows]

I just bought one of the neatfi lamps. I liked my ikea desk lamps but they are just always in the way.

[@Markynaz]

I bought a $50 CAD hobby ring lamp on Amazon that has a magnifying glass in it. It's working quite well for me thus far.

[@blacknovella]

that neatfi one is my favorite. i was skeptical with that price tag but when i got it i was in love.

[@Jeff-ne1lh]

I use two Daylight Company LLC UN1520 Daylight Duo LED Art & Craft Table Lamp-White...you can get them off Amazon for about 60 bucks (Please add that one on your list so you can get the affiliate bucks) but they are the single best light source I have used yet and I have spent a stupid amount to get my lighting right. But honestly it depends on so much not everyone see's the same and what isgood for you may not be good for me.

[@WarforgedCanuck]

I got a ring light with a magnifying glass in the center into canadian tire for like 60 bucks. Worth every penny

[@lawhammer40k98]

Lovin the Cones shirt. “It’s about the cones.” Btw If you bought it after LVO, I take full credit for consciously or subconsciously inspiring that purchase. If not, you just have excellent taste.

[@rikowal]

I got a Neatfi Ultra, and while expensive($220), was a game changer for me.

[@cjanquart]

I'm running another Ottlite and an old swing arm my brother salvaged; not ideal because the colors are WAY off. I'm on the list for that Redgrass Games lamp that will replace my current janky setup...using the gap in between is a genius move!

[@foulplay99]

Ive been using the Neatfi light for a few years now at home, and it's been great. I think I need to diffuse it a bit because it can be a bit harsh in the evenings and for lengthy paint sessions, especially when the main lighting in the room is weak ass yellow bulbs.

[@MrDLYouTube]

I have one of them classic lamps with a magifying glass in the middle. It's awesome, but with LED instead of tube like the old ones had.

[@Sup3rH4ns]

I have a nice light, I have no intention of changing that light, I still watched the whole video... Touché sir!

[@bluenine85]

A little while ago my desklight burned out the switch, and I had an LED grow light (for tomatoes?) that's full spectrum light similar to daylight. Been using that on lower settings and with some white reflectors around my workspace it's given some amazing flat light. Now I just need to figure out the best way to suspend it over my desk.

[@Antelano]

Been using Benq's monitor light since I paint on my computer desk. Might be a but pricey for what you get. But it's been great to me.