Hello everyone. I haven't created a tutorial in a while, so I thought i'd create a quick one while I wait for a new daylight bulb to arrive to photograph Belial. Although this technique has a few tutorials available online already, mine is slightly different in that we use a lighter colour to chip, not a darker one (that's not to say that such articles already exist, it's just I haven't seen one).
Things you will need:
Sponge (from GW blister pack or foam from GW carrier case.)
'Miniature' paint brush (short bristled brush for better control)
First up, our subject; the humble Metal Terminator Librarian circa 1990. I have been refurbishing my old Black Templar force into a Deathwing army, and found this gem (as well as a mauled grey knight miniature) hidden at the bottom of my bits box. I decided to go with a classic paint scheme of blue armour which looked a little flat once I had finished . The armour was neat and highlighted well, but it just didn't feel right. I wanted to add scratches to the armour like the rest of the Deathwing force, but I had reservations of chipping the armour with dark colours. For this, I decided to go down a different route.
Step 1: Colour recognition.
I used VMC Prussian Blue (regal blue is GW's equivalent) as the mid tone for the Librarian, highlighting it with increasing levels of VGC Glacier Blue (space wolves grey). Mixing up 2 parts Prussian blue to one part Glacier blue, I made the colour that would be used for the chips. I also added a little acrylic retarder to keep the paint usable for longer.
Stage 2: Getting dirty
Lightly dabbing my sponge in the paint, I apply it to areas that I think would be chipped. The edges of armour, feet and shoulder guards would see pleanty of battle damage/ natural wear and tear, so I concentrated on these areas.
Step 3: Fine detailing
This stage really brings the process all together. Mixing one part Black to two parts VMC Burnt Umber, paint the top and inside areas that were highlighted by the sponge in the previous stage.
The point of this stage is to create shadow for the highlights created. With a little patience and perseverance building up the chips, you will end with with a very satisfying technique.
LilLoser