Speedpaint Markers!

Got them markers last week. I have about twenty now, only about five repeated colors. I haven't got all those available at present. Most importantly, I have no white or gold. I'll wait on the FLGS, who don't get shipments frequently or orders quickly.

So far, I've tested them out on a Quar Crusader, a Warhammer wall and fence, a strip of Black Powder Epic ACW infantry, and an Age of Sigmar Stormcast Eternal.

The undercoat for all is Army Painter Matt White spray, which ended up a little dusty. I had a bit of a scare when I misjudged the wind and the stuff blew back at me, but a quick visit to an emergency clinic reassured me. It probably helps that I am heavily hydrating myself these days. Anyone who's ever spoken to me knows I'm a motormouth, which doesn't help my throat if I'm talking on and on about hobbies or interests...

That said, I will try paint-on primer for a while, and wear a mask next time I spray.

Uniform: Orc Skin
Weapon, buckles: Polished Silver
Bootstraps and pack: Pallid Bone
Boots and straps: Hardened Leather
Skin: Zealot Yellow, Magic Blue

A poor photo, it looks a bit better in person. The Crusader uniform is supposed to be a pale green, and this was the closest I had. I think the gun came out best, but with more practice I think it will work. I don't think these pens are capable of doing the distinctive spots, however; they look more like blotches to me.

Stone: Gravelord Grey
Wood: Dark Wood plus a layer of Sand Golem
Metal bits: Polished Silver
Grass: Orc Flesh

I'm most proud of this terrain piece. It really looks good, though I say so myself. The downside is that the pen tips were damaged, mostly by sticking them into gaps and cracks. I've learned to be a little gentler, and luckily it's easy to change the tips.

Coats and caps: Magic Blue
Trousers: Caribbean Ocean
Weapons: Hardened Leather, Polished Silver
Boots, hats: Grim Black
Skin: Crusader Skin

Not happy. Probably has something to do with the poor undercoat, but looks more grey than blue, and the marker tips aren't quite precise enough.

Shoulderpads, shield: Magic Blue

Skin: Crusader Skin

Straps: Hardened Leather

Haft wrappings: Familar Pink

Hammer and base: Runic Grey

Tactical bricks: Blood Red

Hair: Pallid Bone

Shoes and joints: Grim Black

Armor: Sand Golem

I enjoyed this one. Not having white, I left as much of the markings as untouched as possible. Not having gold, my brother suggested Sand Golem as part of his non-metallic metal recipe. Doesn't look half bad to my eyes.

Overall, I think the experiment was a success. While the paint isn't as bright and could certainly use extra highlighting, I loved the lack of mess and the speed of coverage. Even occasionally shaking a pen or pressing more paint into the nib, I wasn't constantly adding paint to a palette or dipping or cleaning a brush. Also, I had more room to work - no need to cover the table, find space for a water cup and a dozen bottles of paint. The pens are just stacked in a box to one side. They don't drip, either, though it's still easy to touch something you didn't intend to.

You do need to be careful with the nibs. They're reasonably durable, but be gentle when painting heavy texture. They are a bit large to use the side unless it's something like large armor plates, so it's easy to work the point too hard.

Not sure how I should store them - point up, point down, or sideways?

I'll keep using them - for individual minis and details on terrain. I look forward to trying them on historicals. Until next time.