how is everything over in NZ? Cool to know where you guys are from, I’ve always wanted to visit NZ, but I’ve been putting it off for ever.

Anyway, thanks for the replies. I actually read them as they were posted, but I just realised I haven’t written back since.

In the meantime I have found a hobby store in my town actually that happens sells The Army Painter dip so I’m really thinking of going for that as they are selling it for 25 euro’s a can – and I don’t I can experiment with different varnishes for less.

Another update is that I have decided to indeed start on a new army for Warhammer 40k, and build a matching table as up untill now I’ve had to make do with a 4′x 6′ table of wooden planks placed on my dinner table and I suddenly have a good idea for the thing. I’ll keep you guys posted.

In the meantime how are things here?

Greetings from Holland,

Mike.

For the dip mix there is only one rule, the solvents must be the same. Tamia clear enamels can be mixed freely with any varnish to tint it though in most cases it will be more effective to start pre tinted base.

As for brands, I read good things Miniwax polyshades which is the the same sort of product as the wattyl product we are using. If you go into any hardware store and ask for one step Stain & Polyurethane you cant go to far wrong. I would shy away from waterbased products but only because I havent tried them, though I bet someone on the internet has.

That’s because once you’ve got a matt varnish handy it doesn’t really matter what kind of floor varnish you use. Naturally pick a ’satin’ varnish but be aware that yes after dipping and drying figures will still be VERY SHINY – hence the need for a good matt varnish. The figures in my experience are so shiny you’ll often think ‘oh crap, what have I done, these look awful’. That’s when you bust out the matt varnish and dust them lightly with a coat. Then suddenly they’ll transform into nicely dipped figures.

I think the reason dip works reasonably well is because it actually ends up putting a relatively thick coat of tinted varnish over the figure, which gives it a moderate amount of depth. Once you kill the shine with matt varnish that depth of tinting comes out.

The other recommendation I have is TEST FIGURES. Once you have some likely products, take your time and be prepared to sacrifice a few figures to TEST dipping and varnishing. I have a Tyranid Spore Mine that’s now covered in at least three coats of dry dip, because it was progressively dipped in different mixes for testing. I have a Zombie that’s a couple of shades of green for the same reason.

Regarding posts I try to post once a week and I intend to try out my green dip on some Nurgle Space Marines sometime in June probably – once I’ve finished a unit of Zombies.

Wow, I must say I am just amazed by the dipping, and SO glad I stumbled upon this website!

I have read up on all your dipping tries and I must say I really like the way your orcs came out, much better then most people paint anyway!

I myself have always been a great fan of the painting side of the hobby when I was younger, but now that I am older and find myself with less time and a buttload of other interests I just can’t be bothered to sit down and paint my stuff night after night (btw: Warhammer for me is a hobby of come and go) but seeing what you are doing here surely motivates me to get back in the game with a new army: something I always wanted to start but could never find the courage to start because of the painting :D

I’m very curious how the Plague Marine and Eldar experiments work out guys, and I’ll be checking back here often enough from now on!

Two more things though: maybe you guys could give some tips on what to look for and what to avoid when getting those varnish products? Because knowing myself and my history of experimenting with these things I’ll end up spending more money then simply buying ‘the official stuff’ :s

Also, after applying a matt varnish, does all of the gloss effect go away? Because I really dislike a glossy end result ;)

Ok, thats all, hope I’m not intruding here or bombarding you with too much questions, Im just VERY thrilled about all this.

Thanks a bunch and good luck with the experiments, from Holland! I’ll be checking back here frequently…

Mike.

I actually think I like these _more_ than the orcs.

Great job in any event. I really enjoy your writing.

Dipping is definitely worth it for rank and file, I’m certainly a convert.

keep up the good work ….

I have to say, your zombies don’t look bloody bad at all – especially considering the stain used. For me, dipping is the only way to fly now and I really can’t be bothered with all the shading and highlighting of the past. Everyone to their own, of course, but this the way ahead.

All the best,

Monty