How do you paint plaid

[Timotheos]

Hi any recommendations on painting plaid?

I used the Krylon Fusion paint Richard recommended for the undercoat.  It works fantastic!  (PS: Don't be a dolt like me and buy it from the hobby store--I paid $15 from Hobby Lobby only to find it at Wal-Mart for $4.52).

Anyway, I painted a woman's striped dress, but the stripes were tricky enough with my imperfect brush.

How do you manage the more delicate plaid lines and stripes?
Or, how about even a checkered trouser leg? 

-Tim

[Richard]

Hello, Timmy ...

General Lee provided a step by step painting guide for his medieval Highlander.

First he said, "I used a fine brush (No 1)."

Then he photographed each step:

[Richard]

Highlander painting guide continued:

[Richard]

Highlander painting guide concluded:

Our thanks to General Lee. Hope that this helps, Timmy.

[Timotheos]

Thanks Richard!

Is he using acrylic paint?
===========================
So, I guess plaid doesn't have to be so complicated as I was fearing.

The illustration I was going to try to imitate involved thick and thin lines, that almost result in a checkered pattern.

But his plaid looks good, plus is within my ability!  Yet, the fine brush is easier said than achieved...  I find I blotch and smear... I guess you have to have a new, firm-tipped brush and keep the paint really wet.

[Richard]

Here are some steps for painting a Royal Stewart Tartan

And, the tartan of the Black Watch (42nd Highlanders)

You need to spend some more time over at Garden Wargaming, Timmy ... 

[Timotheos]

Thanks Richard!

That might be murder painting at a klicky scale, but the how-to is unbeatable.

I did some historical customs today (a visigoth woman and a Roman woman to add to PM's small population). 

If I post these to Garden Wargaming, will "barracks lawyers" foo-foo me for posting non-combatants?

-Tim

[Richard]

But his plaid looks good, plus is within my ability!  Yet, the fine brush is easier said than achieved...  I find I blotch and smear... I guess you have to have a new, firm-tipped brush and keep the paint really wet.

OK ... Here are a few tricks, Timmy.

You don't need to use a really fine (small) brush.
But, you do need to be able to draw it to a fine point ... gently with your lips.

I still use enamels (semi gloss is easy to achieve).

Only wet the tip of the brush with paint and wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
Keep gently drawing the tip into a fine point with the cloth (and, do it fairly often).

Do NOT let the paint build up on the tip of your brush or it will blotch.

Paint your lines in one continuous stroke. Try to move your hand and not just your fingers.

Practice makes perfect. Paint your tartans on a scrap piece of cardboard or smooth wood before you "attack" your Klicky.

Good luck and have fun!

All the best,
Richard

[Richard]

Thanks Richard!

That might be murder painting at a klicky scale, but the how-to is unbeatable.

I did some historical customs today (a visigoth woman and a Roman woman to add to PM's small population). 

If I post these to Garden Wargaming, will "barracks lawyers" foo-foo me for posting non-combatants?

-Tim
 

Timmy ...

If it's historical, you can post it at GW-PC!

Richard

[Richard]

Here are Klicky Highlanders in "Black Watch" tartan.




From Richard Silvano



And, some Klicky Highlanders in Gordon Tartan.




From David Hamer