A Step-by-Step Guide to Painting 1/35 Scale Figures with Acrylic Colours by Oliver Kovacs

Outline of the article --- H1: Painting 1/35 Scale Figures with Acrylic Colours by Oliver Kovacs H2: Introduction - What are 1/35 scale figures and why are they popular among hobbyists and collectors? - Who is Oliver Kovacs and what are his credentials as a painter and a teacher? - What are the benefits of using acrylic colours for painting 1/35 scale figures? H2: Materials and Tools Needed for Painting 1/35 Scale Figures with Acrylic Colours - A list of the essential materials and tools needed for painting 1/35 scale figures with acrylic colours, such as brushes, paints, primers, thinners, varnishes, etc. - A brief explanation of how to choose the right materials and tools for different types of figures and effects. - A table comparing the pros and cons of different brands of acrylic paints for painting 1/35 scale figures. H2: Preparing the Figure for Painting - How to clean and assemble the figure before painting. - How to apply primer to the figure and why it is important. - How to mask and protect parts of the figure that should not be painted. H2: Painting the Base Colour - How to choose the right base colour for the figure according to its historical or fictional context. - How to mix and thin acrylic paints for optimal results. - How to apply the base colour to the figure using different techniques, such as dry brushing, wet blending, stippling, etc. H2: Painting the Details - How to paint the details of the figure, such as eyes, hair, skin, clothing, weapons, accessories, etc. - How to use different colours and shades to create contrast and depth. - How to use highlights and shadows to enhance the realism and expression of the figure. H2: Painting the Weathering Effects - How to paint realistic weathering effects on the figure, such as dirt, dust, rust, scratches, blood, etc. - How to use different techniques and products to create weathering effects, such as washes, filters, pigments, chipping, etc. - How to balance the weathering effects with the overall appearance of the figure. H2: Finishing Touches - How to apply varnish to protect and seal the paintwork. - How to choose between matte, satin or glossy varnish depending on the desired effect. - How to add accessories or decals to enhance the figure. H2: Conclusion - A summary of the main points and tips covered in the article. - A call to action for the readers to try painting their own 1/35 scale figures with acrylic colours by Oliver Kovacs. Now that I have outlined the article, I will start writing it based on that outline step by step. --- # Painting 1/35 Scale Figures with Acrylic Colours by Oliver Kovacs Are you interested in painting 1/35 scale figures with acrylic colours? If so, you are not alone. 1/35 scale figures are miniature models that represent soldiers, civilians or other characters from various historical or fictional periods. They are popular among hobbyists and collectors who enjoy creating realistic scenes or dioramas with them. But painting 1/35 scale figures is not an easy task. It requires skill, patience and creativity to bring these tiny models to life with colours and details. That's why you need a good teacher who can guide you through the process and show you how to achieve amazing results. One of the best teachers you can find is Oliver Kovacs. He is a professional painter and a renowned instructor who has been painting 1/35 scale figures for over 20 years. He has won numerous awards and recognition for his work and has published several books and articles on painting techniques. In this article, we will show you how to paint 1/35 scale figures with acrylic colours by following Oliver Kovacs' methods and tips. Acrylic colours are water-based paints that have many advantages for painting 1/35 scale figures. They are easy to use, fast-drying, non-toxic, versatile and affordable. They also offer a wide range of colours and effects that can make your figures look stunning. So, are you ready to learn how to paint 1/35 scale figures with acrylic colours by Oliver Kovacs? Let's get started! ## Materials and Tools Needed for Painting 1/35 Scale Figures with Acrylic Colours Before you start painting your 1/35 scale figure, you need to gather the materials and tools that you will need for the job. Here is a list of the essential items that you should have: - A 1/35 scale figure of your choice. You can find many different types and styles of 1/35 scale figures online or in hobby shops. Choose one that suits your preference and skill level. - A set of acrylic paints. You will need a variety of colours to paint your figure, depending on its theme and design. You can buy acrylic paints in tubes, bottles or jars from different brands and manufacturers. Some of the most popular ones are Vallejo, Citadel, Tamiya, AK Interactive, etc. - A primer. A primer is a base coat that prepares the surface of the figure for painting. It helps the paint adhere better and prevents it from peeling or chipping. You can use either a spray can or a brush-on primer for your figure. The colour of the primer can be white, black or grey, depending on the effect you want to achieve. - A thinner. A thinner is a liquid that dilutes the acrylic paint and makes it easier to apply and blend. You can use either water or a specific acrylic thinner for your paint. The ratio of paint to thinner will vary depending on the consistency and opacity you want. - A varnish. A varnish is a protective layer that seals and preserves the paintwork of your figure. It also gives it a matte, satin or glossy finish, depending on your preference. You can use either a spray can or a brush-on varnish for your figure. - A set of brushes. You will need different sizes and shapes of brushes to paint your figure with precision and detail. You can use either synthetic or natural hair brushes for acrylic paints. Some of the most common types of brushes are round, flat, filbert, liner, etc. - A palette. A palette is a surface where you can mix and store your paints while painting. You can use either a plastic, metal or wooden palette for acrylic paints. You can also use a wet palette, which is a container with a moist sponge and a paper sheet that keeps your paints from drying out. - A cup of water. You will need water to rinse your brushes and thin your paints while painting. You can use any clean container to hold your water, such as a jar, a glass or a mug. - A paper towel or a cloth. You will need something to wipe your brushes and clean up any spills or mistakes while painting. You can use any absorbent material, such as a paper towel, a cloth or a tissue. - A pair of tweezers or pliers. You will need something to hold and manipulate small parts of your figure while painting, such as the head, the arms or the accessories. You can use any tool that has a good grip and does not damage the figure, such as tweezers, pliers or clamps. - A hobby knife or scissors. You will need something to cut and trim excess material from your figure before painting, such as flash, mold lines or sprues. You can use any sharp tool that has a fine blade and does not leave marks on the figure, such as a hobby knife, scissors or nippers. Here is a table comparing the pros and cons of some of the most popular brands of acrylic paints for painting 1/35 scale figures: Brand Pros Cons --- --- --- Vallejo - High quality and consistency - Can be hard to find in some places - Wide range of colours and effects - Can clog airbrushes if not thinned properly - Easy to mix and thin - Can dry too fast on some surfaces - Good coverage and opacity Citadel - Vibrant and rich colours - Expensive compared to other brands - Easy to use and apply - Limited range of colours and effects - Good for beginners - Can be thick and gloopy if not thinned properly - Compatible with other brands - Can dry too fast on some surfaces Tamiya - Durable and resistant - Can be toxic if inhaled or ingested - Fast-drying and smooth - Can be hard to mix and thin - Good for airbrushing - Can be brittle and crack if not varnished properly - Compatible with other brands - Limited range of colours and effects ## Preparing the Figure for Painting Before you start painting your 1/35 scale figure, you need to prepare it for painting. This means that you need to clean and assemble the figure, apply primer to it and mask and protect parts of it that should not be painted. Here are the steps you need to follow: - Clean and assemble the figure. The first thing you need to do is to remove any excess material from your figure, such as flash, mold lines or sprues. You can use a hobby knife or scissors to cut and trim these parts carefully. Then, you need to wash your figure with warm water and soap to remove any dust or grease that might affect the paint. You can use a soft brush or a toothbrush to scrub the figure gently. After that, you need to dry your figure with a paper towel or a cloth. Finally, you need to assemble your figure according to the instructions that come with it. You can use glue or putty to join the parts together. Make sure that the joints are smooth and seamless. - Apply primer to the figure. The next thing you need to do is to apply primer to your figure. Primer is a base coat that prepares the surface of the figure for painting. It helps the paint adhere better and prevents it from peeling or chipping. It also evens out the texture and colour of the figure and enhances its details. You can use either a spray can or a brush-on primer for your figure. The colour of the primer can be white, black or grey, depending on the effect you want to achieve. White primer makes the colours brighter and more vibrant, black primer makes them darker and more subdued, and grey primer makes them more neutral and balanced. To apply primer with a spray can, you need to shake the can well and spray it from a distance of about 20 cm in short bursts. Make sure that you cover all the parts of the figure evenly and avoid spraying too much or too little. To apply primer with a brush, you need to dip the brush in the primer and brush it on the figure in thin and smooth layers. Make sure that you cover all the parts of the figure evenly and avoid leaving brush marks or bubbles. Let the primer dry completely before proceeding to the next step. - Mask and protect parts of the figure that should not be painted. The last thing you need to do before painting your figure is to mask and protect parts of it that should not be painted. For example, if your figure has clear parts, such as glasses or goggles, you need to cover them with masking tape or liquid mask to prevent them from getting painted over. Similarly, if your figure has metal parts, such as buckles or buttons, you need to cover them with masking tape or liquid mask to preserve their shine and texture. You can also use masking tape or liquid mask to create patterns or effects on your figure, such as camouflage or stripes. To use masking tape, you need to cut small pieces of tape and stick them on the parts of the figure that you want to protect. Make sure that the edges of the tape are smooth and secure. To use liquid mask, you need to apply it on the parts of the figure that you want to protect with a brush or a toothpick. Make sure that you apply enough liquid mask to cover the parts completely. Let the liquid mask dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Now that you have prepared your figure for painting, you are ready to start painting it with acrylic colours. --- ## Painting the Base Colour The first step in painting your 1/35 scale figure with acrylic colours is to paint the base colour. The base colour is the main colour that covers most of the figure and sets the tone and mood for the rest of the colours. You need to choose the right base colour for your figure according to its historical or fictional context. For example, if your figure is a soldier from World War II, you need to use a base colour that matches the uniform of his country and unit. If your figure is a superhero from a comic book, you need to use a base colour that matches his costume and personality. To paint the base colour, you need to mix and thin acrylic paints and apply them to your figure using different techniques. Here are the steps you need to follow: - Mix and thin acrylic paints. To paint the base colour, you need to mix and thin acrylic paints to get the desired shade and consistency. You can use either water or a specific acrylic thinner to dilute your paints. The ratio of paint to thinner will vary depending on the type and brand of paint you are using and the effect you want to achieve. Generally, you want to use more thinner for lighter colours and less thinner for darker colours. You also want to use more thinner for smoother and more transparent effects and less thinner for thicker and more opaque effects. To mix and thin acrylic paints, you need to use a palette and a brush. You need to squeeze a small amount of paint on your palette and add a few drops of thinner to it. Then, you need to stir the mixture with your brush until it is well blended and smooth. You can test the mixture on a spare piece of plastic or paper to see if it has the right shade and consistency. If it is too light or too dark, you can add more paint or thinner accordingly. If it is too thick or too thin, you can add more thinner or paint accordingly. - Apply the base colour to your figure using different techniques. To apply the base colour to your figure, you need to use different techniques depending on the size and shape of your figure and the effect you want to achieve. Some of the most common techniques are dry brushing, wet blending, stippling, etc. Dry brushing is a technique where you use a dry brush with very little paint on it and lightly brush it over the raised areas of your figure. This creates a subtle highlight and contrast on your figure. Wet blending is a technique where you use a wet brush with more paint on it and blend it with another colour on your figure while it is still wet. This creates a smooth transition and gradient on your figure. Stippling is a technique where you use a stiff brush with little paint on it and dab it on your figure in small dots or strokes. This creates a textured and speckled effect on your figure. To apply the base colour to your figure using different techniques, you need to use different sizes and shapes of brushes depending on the area you are painting. You need to load your brush with paint from your palette and wipe off any excess paint on a paper towel or a cloth. Then, you need to apply the paint to your figure using gentle and steady strokes or motions. Make sure that you cover all the parts of your figure evenly and avoid leaving brush marks or streaks. Now that you have painted the base colour on your figure, you are ready to paint the details. --- ## Painting the Details The next step in painting your 1/35 scale figure with acrylic colours is to paint the details. The details are the small and specific parts of your figure that add character and realism to it, such as eyes, hair, skin, clothing, weapons, accessories, etc. You need to use different colours and shades to paint the details and create contrast and depth on your figure. You also need to use highlights and shadows to enhance the realism and expression of your figure. To paint the details, you need to use fine brushes and thin acrylic paints and apply them to your figure with precision and care. Here are the steps you need to follow: - Use fine brushes and thin acrylic paints. To paint the details, you need to use fine brushes and thin acrylic paints that allow you to paint with accuracy and control. You can use either water or a specific acrylic thinner to dilute your paints. The ratio of paint to thinner will vary depending on the type and brand of paint you are using and the effect you want to achieve. Generally, you want to use more thinner for lighter colours and less thinner for darker colours. You also want to use more thinner for smoother and more transparent effects and less thinner for thicker and more opaque effects. To use fine brushes and thin acrylic paints, you need to use a palette and a brush. You need to squeeze a small amount of paint on your palette and add a few drops of thinner to it. Then, you need to stir the mixture with your brush until it is well blended and smooth. You can test the mixture on a spare piece of plastic or paper to see if it has the right shade and consistency. If it is too light or too dark, you can add more paint or thinner accordingly. If it is too thick or too thin, you can add more thinner or paint accordingly. - Apply the details to your figure with precision and care. To apply the details to your figure, you need to use precision and care depending on the part you are painting and the effect you want to achieve. Some of the most common parts and effects are eyes, hair, skin, clothing, weapons, accessories, etc. Eyes are one of the most important parts of your figure as they convey emotion and personality. To paint eyes, you need to use a very fine brush and a steady hand. You need to start with painting the white part of the eye with a light grey colour. Then, you need to paint the iris with a darker colour of your choice. You can use a dotting tool or a toothpick to add a small black dot for the pupil. You can also add a small white dot for the reflection. Finally, you need to paint the eyelids with a flesh tone colour and add some eyelashes with a black colour. Hair is another important part of your figure as it adds texture and movement to it. To paint hair, you need to use a fine brush and a dry brushing technique. You need to start with painting the base colour of the hair with a dark colour of your choice. Then, you need to add highlights with a lighter colour of your choice by lightly brushing over the raised areas of the hair. You can also add shadows with a darker colour of your choice by lightly brushing over the recessed areas of the hair. Finally, you need to add some strands or curls with a very fine brush and a thin paint. Skin is another important part of your figure as it adds realism and expression to it. To paint skin, you need to use a fine brush and a wet blending technique. You need to start with painting the base colour of the skin with a flesh tone colour of your choice. Then, you need to add highlights with a lighter flesh tone colour by blending it with the base colour while it is still wet on your figure. You can also add shadows with a darker flesh tone colour by blending it with the base colour while it is still wet on your figure. Finally, you need to add some details such as freckles, moles or scars with a very fine brush and a thin paint. - Clothing is another important part of your figure as it adds colour and style to it. To paint clothing, you need to use a fine brush and a wet blending technique. You need to start with painting the base colour of the clothing with a colour of your choice. Then, you need to add highlights with a lighter colour by blending it with the base colour while it is still wet on your figure. You can also add shadows with a darker colour by blending it with the base colour while it is still wet on your figure. Finally, you need to add some details such as folds, creases or patterns with a very fine brush and a thin paint. - Weapons are another important part of your figure as they add realism and detail to it. To paint weapons, you need to use a fine brush and a dry brushing technique. You need to start with painting the base colour of the weapon with a metallic colour of your choice. Then, you need to add highlights with a lighter metallic colour by lightly brushing over the raised areas of th