Hinchliffe v's Minifigs

That's reminded me of an amazing Gilder army, an ancient one – all cavalry and mostly conversions. Where he found the time I've no idea. That's probably his Sassanids? Still owned and used by Duncan Mac. As to time....he did out-source a lot... :isaidwhat:

Is there a reason for why people paint old models in that appalling shinny fashion?

Is there a reason for why people paint old models in that appalling shinny fashion? It reminds them of when they were young. Doug Yup you're right must be the Sassanids.

While I bought a couple of Hinton Hunt figures, even the inexperienced me recognised they were fairly awful. Discovering Essex Miniatures was an eye-opener. 15mm ACW and 25mm Medievals were my poison. I think I'm a little immune to the charms of Old School, I was always trying to get a good matt varnish.

Is there a reason for why people paint old models in that appalling shinny fashion? Do I detect a hint of prejudice, Dave? :D One man's meat... Personally, I love 'em. They serve as a good reminder that we're playing with TOYS.

Is there a reason for why people paint old models in that appalling shinny fashion? Do I detect a hint of prejudice, Dave? :D One man's meat... Personally, I love 'em. They serve as a good reminder that we're playing with TOYS. I get that, but surely they used to be shinny because that was all that was on offer back in the day?

No, Humbrol matt varnish has been around for donkeys' years, and there are matt art varnishes too. The aesthetic at the time was for gloss varnish that gave a real lustre to the colours -- you could see those British redcoats a-coming a mile off, and the sight of a regiment of French carabiniers could blind you without suitable eye protection on a sunny day.

Dave don't forget that a lot of the early wargamers were toy soldier nuts too, and the shiny finish was the norm. Although Humbrol matt varnish was around, it wasn't that good, and the results could vary. There were no spray varnishes in those days, and certainly no decent satin or matt finishes. The gloss did also increase the figures life span considerably.

Well, after years of going for a flat matte spray coat on my minis (with varying degrees of success), I've come to the conclusion that there is a lot to be said for gloss- or at least a satin- finish on wargames miniatures. A fellow gamer here from Italy has a most magnificent collection of Foundry and Musketeer Dark Ages Saxons. All beautifully painted and gloss-coated, and they look absolutely fantastic on the tabletop. While my post-WW1 minis will be given a matte finish, I'm now more than happy to gloss coat my miniatures from earlier eras.

Well, after years of going for a flat matte spray coat on my minis (with varying degrees of success), I've come to the conclusion that there is a lot to be said for gloss- or at least a satin- finish on wargames miniatures. A fellow gamer here from Italy has a most magnificent collection of Foundry and Musketeer Dark Ages Saxons. All beautifully painted and gloss-coated, and they look absolutely fantastic on the tabletop. While my post-WW1 minis will be given a matte finish, I'm now more than happy to gloss coat my miniatures from earlier eras. Although I've always wanted a dead flat matte I don't seem to be able to get such a finish all the time and I no longer worry about it. A 'near as damn it' matte actually enriches the colours more than a dead flat matte that can look a bit chalky. Actually I get better finishes on 18mm than I do on 28mm and I'm sure its to do with reflected light on bigger areas. As Henry writes – they are just toys after all.

I have a mixture of the various Minifigs generations (15mm). As regards napoleonics I was very impressed when Heritage models came out and purchased many of those. I have also purchased Battle Honors and last but not least AB. I use them all but usually have each manufacturer in the same units. A few units are mixed but usually the are relatively size compatable. Remember people vary in height, not everybody is the average height so why should models all be the exact same height. PS I still have an original one page new release newsletter from Heritage (Hinchliffe).

As Henry writes – they are just toys after all. Burn the heretics :grr: I have a friend who matt varnishes, then paints gloss or satin varnish on the armour/weapons. That does look effective - but slows the production.

I can go either way on varnish. I usually go matte or satin, but I've done armies painted up in the bright toy style, particularly of flats which I just realized I've still got a box of. There is something about shiny toy soldiers...

I have not varnished any figures for the last 20 years. John

I have not varnished any figures for the last 20 years. John John I'd really like not to need to varnish as it does blunt some of the subtleness of painting, I'm sure. However, painting with Vallejo acrylics I occasionally damage my paintwork even when I'm working on the models and I consider myself an extremely careful person. I dare not think how my figures would fair in a game without protection. Years ago I didn't varnish and I used to get bare metal elbows showing through after a few games. So what's your secret?

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