What a excellent little series of helpful videos! Not just showing me but making me understand how paint works, investing in some proper items now and new techniques hopefully it will level up my nearly non existent shoddy paint jobs!
Thanks John It's only meant as a quick intro for people, but never hurts to cover the basics. More detailed and advanced topics can then be covered separately :)
Thanks for the sub man, much appreciated It looks like you're working your way through my full catalogue of videos. Really hope you enjoy them and find them useful
As someone just getting back into the hobby after a 25 year hiatus i find your videos very helpful! It also makes me realise just how little i knew way back in the mid to late 90's and explains a lot of the frustrations i use to run into when painting my minis. You have a great approach to teaching this stuff in a clear fashion, especially with how you explain and then give the practical examples. Thanks
Thanks very much. It really great to hear these videos are useful to people. There seems to be a lot of people coming back into the hobby again, after many years away. So it's especially good to hear these videos are helpful for them too. Appreciate you taking the time to comment
Similar boat. Just getting back into miniatures and scale models after about 25 years (with my son). What a difference having all these video guides makes to learning how to do it right. My first minis now look better than anything I ever did in the 90s.
Same here. Just looking at getting some paint stripper so I can repaint my 90's models. Didn't realise just how bad I was back then but then again it was a different time with no UA-cam
@@hellequim this is so brilliant to hear that my videos are helping you guys get back into the hobby. If there’s any videos you think would be helpful, please let me know 👍
Great video with clear and simple explanation !! Best tutorial of the net. I don't know if you'll cover that in another video but which size of brush do you recommend and for which use please ?
Natural brushes rule.Synthetic brushes Will hook after even a little use even if you care for them as if they were natural hair . And natural brushes will last weeks to months in oils or enamels as long as you don’t smash them when cleaning.And I use a hair conditioner after every use in that environment.
As someone trying to get back into the miniature painting hobby, these videos help give me confidence on how to put my best foot forward! Your explanations are incredibly easy to understand and I get the feeling that if I messed up, you'd tell me not to worry about it. It's all practice, and I appreciate your direction and watching your tutorial videos.
Thank you And yes, you’re absolutely right 🙂 I would say “don’t worry” Painting is a process and sometimes that process needs the odd mistake so you can learn from them. Hell, I’ve even had mistakes turn out better than what I actually intended 🤣 Stick with it man, you’ll get there. More importantly, enjoy the journey
Brush control is something I struggle with, mainly because I have trouble keeping a solid foundation. But I will absolutely be able to use these the information to help improve my control more.
Stability is key. Without it, you’re just playing pin the “tail on the donkey” (now wondering if that has global context 🤔) Anyway, I’m really glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching 👍
Oh wow Brushstroke, you are a legend. You won’t believe how helpful this video was to me. Everything the beginner needs to know about the brush but afraid to ask. Again your videos are so clear and precise and really informative. Thank you so so much. 😊
All is not lost. By using brush soap you can draw paint out from the furrel Failing that, you can use some isopropyl which will loosen the dried paint and allow it to brush out from the furrel. If your brushes are natural bristles then use it sparingly, just a quick swirl in isopropyl, let it soak up the bristles and then use a gentle brushing action on your palm and the paint will start to be released. Rinse with clean water. Don’t let the isopropyl stay on the bristles, as it can damage them
This is so helpful! I didn't realize how many bad habits I had especially that my brush cleaning technique was probably making it worse. I really appreciate the level of detail you get into in your explanations. Thanks!
I just started painting minis and have been watching lots of videos, but your videos are hands down the most informative. I love that you explain the why of things, even showing how to rinse your brushes. Thank you!
Thank you so much. Welcome to the hobby and my channel 🙂 I really hope my language is ok for you to follow.? I do try and add subtitles, as I wouldn’t stand a chance of watching a video in Argentinian 🤣
I find that I tend to prefer synthetic brushes, though I do have nice kolinsky sable brushes too. The reason was not really touched on in the video. I like the "stiffness" of synthetic. There's more resistance through the brush and I like having that. Many natural brushes feel "too soft" for my own personal preferences. So, when I'm not doing incredibly technical things where I know I'd benefit from the natural brush despite my preferences, I mainly reach for my favorite synthetic brushes.
Brush preference I think is a very personal thing, which is why I try and encourage people to try as many brushes as they can to try and find their perfect match. A bit like Wizards in Potter having their wand choose them 🤣 You’re right about the stiffness of synthetics. It’s a trait I don’t like in them now you mention it. I knew I’d miss something out Oh well, hopefully people will take the advice and try try try
How do you feel about Dawn dish soap for cleaning? My mom is a master painter of 30+ years, actually knows Jo Sonja personally, and swears by it. Same technique as yours, just with Dawn. Thoughts?
Hey man, it's not a product I've ever used, but if it works then go for it! I'm not about to argue with someone of your Mom's knowledge and experience.
I’m looking for that link you said you would post for the type of brushes you use and I’m not seeing it so I apologize are you able to provide it? I think your videos are fantastic you’re very informative and you don’t talk too fast which is helpful so you don’t have to constantly have to rewind. These are great videos, and well appreciated. Also, the Cleaning part of this video only showed a regular brush I’m still not fully clear on cleaning my dry brushes properly. And if you don’t already have a video for it, can you help with directing and explaining the best way to do a face on a miniature? Particularly the eyes, I seem to struggle with this every time
No problem, the link should be in the description under the heading "Brushes" But to save you hunting, here it is bit.ly/42NKGLH :) Really glad you're enjoying the videos and finding them useful. For cleaning drybrushes my approach is to simply use a texture board and brush the brush across it to work the paint out of it that way. No need to wash the brush or anything like that. This approach is also the recommended approach given by Artis Opus for cleaning their specific brushes. I dont have a specific video on painting faces at the moment but I do have one planned soon for painting 3 different skintones which will be focused on faces. In this video I did show how to paint a face and also importantly a little detail on painting eyes which you may find useful in the meantime ua-cam.com/video/Yd-Zb9AuRjU/v-deo.html Hope that helps and stay tuned for more videos
Have to say that your videos are great the way you explain just sinks in for me. I have watched countless channels trying to learn fundamentals like this thank you for the work you put in
I'm just starting painting miniatures. Having made a few mistakes, I am watching just about everything I can find, to make sure there are no more disasters! I'm finding your painting guides hugely helpful. Thanks! (Not least that your background music is nowhere near as annoying as other YT vids.) Thanks.
This is such a comprehensive tutorial! As a beginner to mini painting and someone coming from an illustration background, it's also really interesting how the movement of the brush here relies on the finger joints whereas for digital/traditional illustration we're trained to keep the wrist and fingers still and move the pen from the elbow/shoulder for smoother strokes. Your videos are so helpful in understanding the fundamental techniques :D Thanks so much!
Beautiful work, mate. I'm introducing a friend to mini painting and this will be invaluable to him. Thanks for the comprehensive opening. It explains it all better than I could :)
Thanks for watching man. I’ve made a playlist of fundamentals videos which your friend may like to check out. They’re videos I wish I had when I started the hobby 👍
Thank you Yes, I clean synthetics this way too. Brush soap will still dislodge paint from the bristles. Only difference really is the conditioners in the soap won’t have any effect on a synthetic bristle
Questions about brushes. I've read that brushes are almost a lottery for quality. Even the expensive brushes can be DoA. Have you experienced that when purchasing your brushes?
Where I think it’s fair to say any product can have the occasional manufacturing problem, I wouldn’t say buying brushes is a lottery if you go with a quality brand. Im not saying problem brushes don’t happen with those companies I simply mean they have customer services which will ensure you get the brush you paid for. I’ve tried a lot of different brushes and brands, and the ones I like the most are Artis Opus. The bristle quality is superb and the customer service excellent. Treat your brushes well, and they’ll last for years 👍
Brush soap must have saved me a fair bit of cash over the years. I have always worked soap trough my hands. My other half just thinks I am painting my hand.
It truly is magic stuff As I eluded to in the video, I’m not always the best at cleaning at the end of every session. But brush soap is always there to save the day 😀
Excellent tutorial. I personally found using a shot glass of IPA, maybe a quarter full (depends on the paint session) works well to clean stiff brushes. Then I rinse them in water and wipe them clean with a microfiber clothe. Idk if IPA hurts the bristles. Havent noticed tbh. I use cheaper brushes any how. But I def will be doing the twisting motion to keep the tip from now on. 😅 Thanks again.
It kinda boggles my mind that 95% of the brush holders I see for sale are all more or less just cups that point the bristles upwards. Knowing well how they are meant to be kept and all.
Just started to check your channel thanks to Google algorithm. So far, thank you for sharing this the easy way. Really on the point. Very helpful for a starter like me. Appreciate it!
Raphaël brand makes the best synthetic brushes by far. They are better than most natural hair brushes. They also have a lot of different styles/technologies, for different purposes.
Great video, as good as your other previous tutorials! I'm always learning something new each and every time 😄 I've just a question about brush control, since I still haven't figured it out by myself... is it better to do smaller o longer brush strokes when painting flat surfaces and/or painting the base colour? 🤔
Thanks man Really appreciate the support With regards length of brushstrokes, I would say I prefer to go with as long a stroke as a can on a surface, up to the length of the movement in my finger bend if that makes sense? That way you get as smooth and even coverage as possible in as few strokes as possible. If you're having to move your brush hand in order to complete the stroke though, then you've gone too long
@@BrushstrokePaintingGuides Thank you, it makes perfectly sense! 👍🏻 I'll definitely try this out to get a nice smooth finish, which I'm still struggling with from time to time
Your content is an absolute treasure trove of hobby knowledge!! Could you please cover the tools you personally use next, - clippers/cutters, knife, drill, sanding sticks/files etc!! 🤞👍
Thank you. Really glad you’re enjoying the channel. I can’t guarantee it will be the next video, as I’m already working on more content but I can certainly put a tools video on the list for the future 👍
Thanks for watching Everything applies for metal miniatures just the same. I prepare and paint my metal minis just the same as plastic and resin. Only main thing to ensure with metal is that you clean off all release agent from them before priming and that you let the primer fully cure (usually 24hrs) before painting. Following this process I've never had a problem with metal minis Happy painting :)
Just started the video but can you please a series on other paint brushes and techniques to use them. Your tutorial are awesome man thank you. And happy Halloween!!!! Should of finished the video before commenting
Haven't painted in a while since busy schedules has taken over my life, and I have to say this is one of the best guides I've seen. Thank you for making these awesome guides.
Your tutorials are so good!! Thank you!! I am just starting out and trying to paint Stormcast Eternals, could you do a video of a bog standard eternal!? It would help so much
I really like how thorough you are in explaining things. It helps catch all those little tips and tricks (or techniques) that are so useful and which one might otherwise not think of. I also really like how you take the time to explain why to do something, and how it works rather than merely the steps themselves. That seems really useful in building up a base of understanding which will both make it easier to learn the techniques and to apply them to any unusual circumstances that might show up.
After a long sabbatical, I'm getting back into the hobby and what a perfect video to watch. So much has happened in the industry the learning curve of getting the skills back has been larger than I thought. I had the " load and go" philosophy in using brushes. Now I realize the proper technique and care of brushes that is going to help immensely. Thanks for the best tutorial I've needed.
A point on the brush soap, once lathered up and in the bristles you can also leave the soap in it and reshape the bristles, let the soap harden and this sort of retrains bristles back into shape and all you need is water to get soap out and there you have a reshaped brush.
Thanks for commenting, youre absolutely right. I did neglect to mention leaving some in the bristles will help maintain the tip whilst stored and it also helps condition the bristles 👍
Thank you, I tried to include the things I wish I’d been told when I first started painting. Really good to hear you thought it was useful. Please help spread the word and share it to others you feel would benefit from it. 👍
Just wow... By far, the best tutorial I found about painting with brushes my minis! I'm new at the hobby, and yet with this video, I learned almost everything about the brushes Tysm TYSM! ❣️
Thank you for watching and checking out my channel. I'm really glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful. I wanted to try and cover the basics and include some bits which often never get explained and a lot of people have to find out the hard way. Happy painting :)
New, getting into the hobby, I really enjoy the care you take to deliver your tutorials. I may have missed this point, so forgive me if this is a repeat question. What kind of brush soap did you use from that set ? And what should those of us without that set be using ??
Yes, brushsoap will clean your synthetics for sure. The conditioner in the soap just won’t do anything, as synthetic bristles won’t absorb it like a natural fibre does. Brushsoap is the best stuff ever, so if you don’t have any yet, you should get some for sure 👍
Only very little. Just enough to bring the bristles together into a point. You don’t want so much pressure that the bristles start to spread out and splay. Hope that helps
Thank you. I got the racks years ago from a store on eBay. I don’t think that store exists anymore but you can usually find similar by searching for “Acrylic tiered nail polish display racks”
Really great videos. Been back in the hobby since mid 2020 (thank you Mr. Covid) but only just decided to properly focus on really improving my painting. Been using a wet palette for about a year now and 2 weeks ago started to "upgrade" my brushes from Citadel to Artis Opus. Although comfortable with wet-blending, glazing etc., I've been watching lots of "basics" painting videos, as I reckon the best way to tackle advanced techniques at an advanced level is to fully understand the basics. I must commend your tuition as although I'm already doing these things, it's very interesting to understand WHY I'm doing them. My biggest problem / challenge in painting comes in terms of generating enough contrast. To be fair my NMM is pretty poor but I've only done 2 models with this technique so confident it'll improve. If you have tips or intended videos on these things, 'twould be very helpful. Anyway, monologue over. Thank you and bravo!
Thank you very much for taking the time to comment. It’s great to hear my videos have proved useful to someone who’s been painting for a while. I totally agree, understanding and mastering the basics is the key to improving your painting. Once you can accurately apply a paint to the location and consistency you want, then there really isn’t anything else. Nmm etc aren’t really techniques, they’re simply outcomes from applying the correct colours to the correct location. Thanks again for checking out my channel, much appreciated. Oh, and yes, there’s more to follow for sure 😉
A very handy video. Absolutely a must watch before you splurge on treating yourself to a set of very nice brushes. The cleaning stage in particular is very important. Take of your brushes and they'll take care of you. I second the notion of trying out as many brands as possible. I've tried most that are available in my area. Citadel (both regular and synthetic), Army Painter, Raphael and Windsor & Newton. The Raphael 8404 brushes have quickly become a favourite for anything precise whilst synthetic Citadel base brushes get all the rough basecoating done nicely. A store near me has started stocking Green Stuff World Silver Series and I'll be checking those out when I get the chance.
Absolutely I liken it to the wand picking the wizard in Harry Potter 🤣 It’s a very personal thing, but once you find “your brush”, the possibilities are endless Thanks for watching and support the channel man
Hi Ruberius Thanks for checking out the video and taking the time to comment. It’s really great to hear even long term painters are picking up tips from these videos. 👍
Good question, and no, there’s no problem. The answer is it simply rubs off next time you use it. If you like you can always give it a quick wipe with some wet paper towel before you start, but it’s really not a problem. It’s just like a bar of hand soap when you wash muddy hands.
Another brilliant guide :) You are really good at making these kind of guides! Where were you 5 years ago!!?! ;) Could have saved me tons of headaches! :D
Im brand new to the hobby and working on my first project. Your channel is probably the best pound for pound I've come across so far. Every video is a certified lesson, no wishing im going to get an answer. Just class
I've search for many tutorials, every single one just tells you to "paint" and what to do in terms of just getting something painted, but none of those tells you HOW to paint and the (at least for people that already know how to paint) obvious steps are just ignored, I can't thank you enough for every single minute in the video!
Amazing tutorial!!! I haven't seen many channels explaining the position of the hands which are key to having more control!!! thanks so much for that! 👏 I'd would add as a downside of natural brushes that they are made with animal cruelty when comparing them to the synthetic ones. I wonder if I'll see the day where synthetic brushes perform as well as natural ones 🤞
Instead of removing excess water by applying it to my hand I use a damp sponge cloth. I dampen it to the level I feel my brush should be, so it just absorbs the excess from my brush.
I have learned a lot from your channel and this tutorial answered a great deal of questions. I did make the wet pallet you did and it worked great. It was very helpful in painting my 1/285 scale tanks I had bought. Thanks for sharing this information.
Great vid'. Excellent intro to brushes and their care. It is worth mentioning to not use hot water when cleaning. I was told this tip years ago by someone who worked in the industry. Apparently a gum is used on the ferrule end of the bristles to hold them together. Hot water can soften this and in the end cause the brush to lose its shape and its ability to forma sharp tip.
Excellent comment, thank you. You know, it never occurred to me that someone would think to use hot water. So, it’s great you pointed out, yes, hot water is a bad idea for sure 👍
Hey! Recently started watching you videos and I struggle with yellow a lot! I have my Imperial Fist army and really want to see you do your own tutorial!
Oh man, this is the video I needed. I've been watching so many videos about painting and currently practicing on a small toy dinosaur before I touch my 40k model. Others explain thinning, but nobody really explains the basic set of actions for dampening and loading the brush correctly. Thank you!
I think so much of these little things become second nature for long term painters, they sort of forget they’re even doing them. So, it’s good to hear you’re liking these little tips and they’re of use 👍
I have been rummaging through your catalogue and it has been extremely insightful and easy to follow. Your videos are consistently well produced and brimming with useful details one might not think of, but have greatly enhanced how I approach aspects of the hobby and my overall ease/ comfort whilst engaging with it (I am returning to the hobby). Thanks for taking the time to provide awesome guides - love the diagrams - Cheers legend from me and my cool looking Thousand Sons.
This is awesome! Do you have any tips on using and maintaining brushes with enamel paint? Is it just a matter of using the thinner instead of water or are there different kinds of recommendations?
@@l-pla Sorry, I was talking about the loading process. You mean the cleaning. I don’t see why not. I’ve not done it myself and I certainly wouldn’t mix with acrylic brushes. There’s really only one way to know. Buy a little pot and try. Other wise, you’re going to need to use your thinner first as a purger to loosen the paint in the bristles. Then rinse with clean water. Then do the water / soap Then rinse in water And repeat cycle again starting with thinner. Let me know how you go, so I can answer others who ask 👍
I would really like a video where you show your painting setup and perhaps share your thoughts, why you seem to be landed at citadel. That you use the brushes that are dedicated to you is clear, but I would really like to hear your opinion on paints, accessories and sources of models you prefer. Perhaps you have even some models to show, that you don't painted in a video-tutorial? And thanks for the great guides, I just watched your whole series and the amount of detail, the great presentation and clear explanation is really good. Thank you!
Thanks so much for checking out my channel, really appreciate it. It’s great to hear you found them useful. As for a video on painting setup, tools, paint preferences etc, I think that’s a great idea and I’ll certainly see what I can do 👍
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Pretty sure you’re the only UA-camr who actually explains this stuff. If there are others, you’re the only one who does it well.
Thank you, really appreciate it.
Please help spread the word and let others know these videos exist 👍
Can I have the tanks please? I need a reason to start Horus Heresy.
Totally agree!
Agreed. I watched one video with "theory" in the title but all they talked about was how layer painting is painting in layers. That's about it.
Amazing video!
Thanks man
What a excellent little series of helpful videos! Not just showing me but making me understand how paint works, investing in some proper items now and new techniques hopefully it will level up my nearly non existent shoddy paint jobs!
You make really great quality tutorials. Thank you 😊
Thank you
Really glad you’re enjoying my channel 🙏
Please help me by sharing it with your hobby mate 👍
Just found your channel! That was the best explanation of how to use and clean your brushes that I've seen! I just subscribed!
Thank you, very much appreciated.
Welcome aboard 🤛
Interesting video James, you answered some questions that I had about brushes. Thank you.
Thanks John
It's only meant as a quick intro for people, but never hurts to cover the basics.
More detailed and advanced topics can then be covered separately :)
Excellent info! Subscribed!
Thanks for the sub man, much appreciated
It looks like you're working your way through my full catalogue of videos. Really hope you enjoy them and find them useful
As someone just getting back into the hobby after a 25 year hiatus i find your videos very helpful! It also makes me realise just how little i knew way back in the mid to late 90's and explains a lot of the frustrations i use to run into when painting my minis. You have a great approach to teaching this stuff in a clear fashion, especially with how you explain and then give the practical examples. Thanks
Thanks very much.
It really great to hear these videos are useful to people.
There seems to be a lot of people coming back into the hobby again, after many years away. So it's especially good to hear these videos are helpful for them too.
Appreciate you taking the time to comment
Similar boat. Just getting back into miniatures and scale models after about 25 years (with my son). What a difference having all these video guides makes to learning how to do it right. My first minis now look better than anything I ever did in the 90s.
Same here. Just looking at getting some paint stripper so I can repaint my 90's models. Didn't realise just how bad I was back then but then again it was a different time with no UA-cam
6 years here 😅
@@hellequim this is so brilliant to hear that my videos are helping you guys get back into the hobby. If there’s any videos you think would be helpful, please let me know 👍
Great video with clear and simple explanation !! Best tutorial of the net. I don't know if you'll cover that in another video but which size of brush do you recommend and for which use please ?
Natural brushes rule.Synthetic brushes Will hook after even a little use even if you care for them as if they were natural hair . And natural brushes will last weeks to months in oils or enamels as long as you don’t smash them when cleaning.And I use a hair conditioner after every use in that environment.
This is one of the best basic paintbrush tutorials I’ve yet to see. Well done!
Thank you, really appreciate it
As someone trying to get back into the miniature painting hobby, these videos help give me confidence on how to put my best foot forward! Your explanations are incredibly easy to understand and I get the feeling that if I messed up, you'd tell me not to worry about it. It's all practice, and I appreciate your direction and watching your tutorial videos.
Thank you
And yes, you’re absolutely right 🙂
I would say “don’t worry”
Painting is a process and sometimes that process needs the odd mistake so you can learn from them.
Hell, I’ve even had mistakes turn out better than what I actually intended 🤣
Stick with it man, you’ll get there.
More importantly, enjoy the journey
Sub'd and liked. Great info for me being a new mini painter. Thank you.
Hey man, welcome to the hobby.
Thanks for checking out my channel. If you have any questions just let me know.
Happy painting
You are a genuine life saver. There is no way in hell I would ever figure anything out without people like you explaining to me. Thank you so much.
Thanks for watching and checking out my channel.
Really glad to hear the video has been helpful
I would say synthetic brush can hold longer and it's easier to fix tip :)
Hot water solves all issues.
Best brush tutorial I have ever seen. Great explanation, examples, and editing. Well done!
Brush control is something I struggle with, mainly because I have trouble keeping a solid foundation. But I will absolutely be able to use these the information to help improve my control more.
Stability is key.
Without it, you’re just playing pin the “tail on the donkey” (now wondering if that has global context 🤔)
Anyway, I’m really glad you found the video helpful.
Thanks for watching 👍
Oh wow Brushstroke, you are a legend. You won’t believe how helpful this video was to me. Everything the beginner needs to know about the brush but afraid to ask. Again your videos are so clear and precise and really informative. Thank you so so much. 😊
Thanks man
Really glad you found it helpful.
Perhaps you can help me and share my videos and let others know you found them useful? 👍
I sure will Brushstroke 👍
I got paint in my furrel before watching this, I’m cooked.
All is not lost.
By using brush soap you can draw paint out from the furrel
Failing that, you can use some isopropyl which will loosen the dried paint and allow it to brush out from the furrel.
If your brushes are natural bristles then use it sparingly, just a quick swirl in isopropyl, let it soak up the bristles and then use a gentle brushing action on your palm and the paint will start to be released.
Rinse with clean water. Don’t let the isopropyl stay on the bristles, as it can damage them
This is so helpful! I didn't realize how many bad habits I had especially that my brush cleaning technique was probably making it worse. I really appreciate the level of detail you get into in your explanations. Thanks!
Thanks for watching man.
So great to hear the video was useful.
Please check out the rest of my channel for more 👍
I just started painting minis and have been watching lots of videos, but your videos are hands down the most informative. I love that you explain the why of things, even showing how to rinse your brushes. Thank you!
if you get the chance, it’d be great to see how you paint orks!
Orkz iz on da list ☠️
I'm new to this, I've seen a lot of talented people showing their works but no one educates like you, keep it up, greetings from Argentina
Thank you so much. Welcome to the hobby and my channel 🙂
I really hope my language is ok for you to follow.? I do try and add subtitles, as I wouldn’t stand a chance of watching a video in Argentinian 🤣
I am just getting into hobby. Thank you for this. Everyone else is to fast pace for me.
You’re in the right place then, it’s all very chilled and relaxed here.
Thanks for watching 👍
Thanks for the video! Perhaps the most informative and easy to digest tutorials going on these fundamentals.
Good job, good material. Thank you
I find that I tend to prefer synthetic brushes, though I do have nice kolinsky sable brushes too. The reason was not really touched on in the video. I like the "stiffness" of synthetic. There's more resistance through the brush and I like having that. Many natural brushes feel "too soft" for my own personal preferences. So, when I'm not doing incredibly technical things where I know I'd benefit from the natural brush despite my preferences, I mainly reach for my favorite synthetic brushes.
Brush preference I think is a very personal thing, which is why I try and encourage people to try as many brushes as they can to try and find their perfect match.
A bit like Wizards in Potter having their wand choose them 🤣
You’re right about the stiffness of synthetics. It’s a trait I don’t like in them now you mention it. I knew I’d miss something out
Oh well, hopefully people will take the advice and try try try
I'm about to paint my first miniature and your videos make this a whole lot less intimidating
How do you feel about Dawn dish soap for cleaning? My mom is a master painter of 30+ years, actually knows Jo Sonja personally, and swears by it. Same technique as yours, just with Dawn. Thoughts?
Hey man, it's not a product I've ever used, but if it works then go for it! I'm not about to argue with someone of your Mom's knowledge and experience.
I’m looking for that link you said you would post for the type of brushes you use and I’m not seeing it so I apologize are you able to provide it?
I think your videos are fantastic you’re very informative and you don’t talk too fast which is helpful so you don’t have to constantly have to rewind. These are great videos, and well appreciated.
Also, the Cleaning part of this video only showed a regular brush I’m still not fully clear on cleaning my dry brushes properly.
And if you don’t already have a video for it, can you help with directing and explaining the best way to do a face on a miniature?
Particularly the eyes, I seem to struggle with this every time
No problem, the link should be in the description under the heading "Brushes"
But to save you hunting, here it is bit.ly/42NKGLH :)
Really glad you're enjoying the videos and finding them useful.
For cleaning drybrushes my approach is to simply use a texture board and brush the brush across it to work the paint out of it that way. No need to wash the brush or anything like that. This approach is also the recommended approach given by Artis Opus for cleaning their specific brushes.
I dont have a specific video on painting faces at the moment but I do have one planned soon for painting 3 different skintones which will be focused on faces.
In this video I did show how to paint a face and also importantly a little detail on painting eyes which you may find useful in the meantime
ua-cam.com/video/Yd-Zb9AuRjU/v-deo.html
Hope that helps and stay tuned for more videos
Have to say that your videos are great the way you explain just sinks in for me. I have watched countless channels trying to learn fundamentals like this thank you for the work you put in
Thank you, that's so great to hear :)
I would love to see a paint guide for Imperial Fist and White Scar. Those colors are hard to work with.
White and yellow guides are coming soon 👍
I love these beginner basic videos! As a beginner myself, even the simplest things like brush cleaning are extremely informative!
I'm just starting painting miniatures. Having made a few mistakes, I am watching just about everything I can find, to make sure there are no more disasters! I'm finding your painting guides hugely helpful. Thanks! (Not least that your background music is nowhere near as annoying as other YT vids.) Thanks.
This is such a comprehensive tutorial! As a beginner to mini painting and someone coming from an illustration background, it's also really interesting how the movement of the brush here relies on the finger joints whereas for digital/traditional illustration we're trained to keep the wrist and fingers still and move the pen from the elbow/shoulder for smoother strokes. Your videos are so helpful in understanding the fundamental techniques :D Thanks so much!
Beautiful work, mate. I'm introducing a friend to mini painting and this will be invaluable to him. Thanks for the comprehensive opening. It explains it all better than I could :)
Thanks for watching man.
I’ve made a playlist of fundamentals videos which your friend may like to check out. They’re videos I wish I had when I started the hobby 👍
Love these kinda videos that go into great detail about basics like this I feel like no one do these.
Keep it up please
Thanks man, really glad you found the video useful.
Great video as always. Do you clean synthetic brushes the same way?
Thank you
Yes, I clean synthetics this way too.
Brush soap will still dislodge paint from the bristles. Only difference really is the conditioners in the soap won’t have any effect on a synthetic bristle
Questions about brushes. I've read that brushes are almost a lottery for quality. Even the expensive brushes can be DoA. Have you experienced that when purchasing your brushes?
Where I think it’s fair to say any product can have the occasional manufacturing problem, I wouldn’t say buying brushes is a lottery if you go with a quality brand.
Im not saying problem brushes don’t happen with those companies I simply mean they have customer services which will ensure you get the brush you paid for.
I’ve tried a lot of different brushes and brands, and the ones I like the most are Artis Opus. The bristle quality is superb and the customer service excellent.
Treat your brushes well, and they’ll last for years 👍
Thanks so much for the insight. Was hesitant to splurge.@@BrushstrokePaintingGuides
Love your videos
Any chance you are planning to make one on glazing?
Thank you
And yes, there is a video on glazing planned for my fundamentals playlist for sure
Very useful thanks. I didn't know about storing brushes horizontally. They are all sitting upright in a pot...😮 (rushes upstairs to lay them down....)
Brush soap must have saved me a fair bit of cash over the years. I have always worked soap trough my hands. My other half just thinks I am painting my hand.
It truly is magic stuff
As I eluded to in the video, I’m not always the best at cleaning at the end of every session. But brush soap is always there to save the day 😀
Excellent tutorial.
I personally found using a shot glass of IPA, maybe a quarter full (depends on the paint session) works well to clean stiff brushes. Then I rinse them in water and wipe them clean with a microfiber clothe.
Idk if IPA hurts the bristles. Havent noticed tbh. I use cheaper brushes any how.
But I def will be doing the twisting motion to keep the tip from now on. 😅
Thanks again.
It kinda boggles my mind that 95% of the brush holders I see for sale are all more or less just cups that point the bristles upwards. Knowing well how they are meant to be kept and all.
I agree.
Just started to check your channel thanks to Google algorithm. So far, thank you for sharing this the easy way. Really on the point. Very helpful for a starter like me. Appreciate it!
Welcome to the channel, really glad you found it and delighted to hear you’re finding it useful 👍
Raphaël brand makes the best synthetic brushes by far. They are better than most natural hair brushes. They also have a lot of different styles/technologies, for different purposes.
Great video, as good as your other previous tutorials! I'm always learning something new each and every time 😄
I've just a question about brush control, since I still haven't figured it out by myself... is it better to do smaller o longer brush strokes when painting flat surfaces and/or painting the base colour? 🤔
Thanks man
Really appreciate the support
With regards length of brushstrokes, I would say I prefer to go with as long a stroke as a can on a surface, up to the length of the movement in my finger bend if that makes sense?
That way you get as smooth and even coverage as possible in as few strokes as possible.
If you're having to move your brush hand in order to complete the stroke though, then you've gone too long
@@BrushstrokePaintingGuides Thank you, it makes perfectly sense! 👍🏻
I'll definitely try this out to get a nice smooth finish, which I'm still struggling with from time to time
Your content is an absolute treasure trove of hobby knowledge!!
Could you please cover the tools you personally use next, - clippers/cutters, knife, drill, sanding sticks/files etc!!
🤞👍
Thank you. Really glad you’re enjoying the channel.
I can’t guarantee it will be the next video, as I’m already working on more content but I can certainly put a tools video on the list for the future 👍
How would this apply to metal miniatures??
Thanks for watching
Everything applies for metal miniatures just the same.
I prepare and paint my metal minis just the same as plastic and resin.
Only main thing to ensure with metal is that you clean off all release agent from them before priming and that you let the primer fully cure (usually 24hrs) before painting.
Following this process I've never had a problem with metal minis
Happy painting :)
Just started the video but can you please a series on other paint brushes and techniques to use them. Your tutorial are awesome man thank you. And happy Halloween!!!! Should of finished the video before commenting
Oddly satisfying watching that twirl of the brush. As ive said before, your videos have a therapeutic quality to them.
Thank you so much
As always good video. As always I don't have time to watch it
Thank you
Hopefully you get time over the weekend, or perhaps just watch a chapter at a time?
@@BrushstrokePaintingGuides I'm working a lot and when I'm at home i have kids to take care. One day I will back to painting
@@MrSiepacz yeah, I hear ya.
I suffer from the same.
That’s why I have to do my painting when the household is asleep.
Who needs sleep, right? 🥴
Haven't painted in a while since busy schedules has taken over my life, and I have to say this is one of the best guides I've seen. Thank you for making these awesome guides.
Your tutorials are so good!! Thank you!!
I am just starting out and trying to paint Stormcast Eternals, could you do a video of a bog standard eternal!? It would help so much
Watched a lot of your videos! Incredible value. Would you ever make one of glazing?
I really like how thorough you are in explaining things. It helps catch all those little tips and tricks (or techniques) that are so useful and which one might otherwise not think of.
I also really like how you take the time to explain why to do something, and how it works rather than merely the steps themselves. That seems really useful in building up a base of understanding which will both make it easier to learn the techniques and to apply them to any unusual circumstances that might show up.
Thank you, really pleased you’re enjoying these videos 👍
After a long sabbatical, I'm getting back into the hobby and what a perfect video to watch. So much has happened in the industry the learning curve of getting the skills back has been larger than I thought. I had the " load and go" philosophy in using brushes. Now I realize the proper technique and care of brushes that is going to help immensely. Thanks for the best tutorial I've needed.
Welcome back to the hobby 👍
Really glad this video was useful.
Please do check out my other fundamentals videos, as I think you’ll really enjoy them 👍
A point on the brush soap, once lathered up and in the bristles you can also leave the soap in it and reshape the bristles, let the soap harden and this sort of retrains bristles back into shape and all you need is water to get soap out and there you have a reshaped brush.
Thanks for commenting, youre absolutely right. I did neglect to mention leaving some in the bristles will help maintain the tip whilst stored and it also helps condition the bristles 👍
For me i have a bunch of cheap brushes to do jobs like base coating and keep my expensive brushes for the the highlighting and finishing my models
Your videos have been hands down the most instructive I’ve seen, thank you very much!
Thank you; that’s so great to hear.
Please do share them with your hobby friends and help spread the word of my channel 👍
This is the single best video I have ever seen on this topic.... the perfect video to send to anyone trying to learn or improve!
Brilliant
Thank you, I tried to include the things I wish I’d been told when I first started painting. Really good to hear you thought it was useful.
Please help spread the word and share it to others you feel would benefit from it.
👍
THIN YA PAINTS
Always 👍
ua-cam.com/video/sBDVPoNXyVI/v-deo.html
Just wow... By far, the best tutorial I found about painting with brushes my minis! I'm new at the hobby, and yet with this video, I learned almost everything about the brushes Tysm TYSM! ❣️
Thank you for watching and checking out my channel.
I'm really glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful.
I wanted to try and cover the basics and include some bits which often never get explained and a lot of people have to find out the hard way.
Happy painting :)
Where have you BEEN all my life!? :)
Haha glad you’ve found the channel. I really hope the videos help with your painting
Thanks for this great techniques and great advice!
New, getting into the hobby, I really enjoy the care you take to deliver your tutorials. I may have missed this point, so forgive me if this is a repeat question. What kind of brush soap did you use from that set ? And what should those of us without that set be using ??
Wait so does brush soap work on synthetics or no?
Yes, brushsoap will clean your synthetics for sure.
The conditioner in the soap just won’t do anything, as synthetic bristles won’t absorb it like a natural fibre does.
Brushsoap is the best stuff ever, so if you don’t have any yet, you should get some for sure 👍
Would you be able to do video on the scale75 paints prep for airbrushing?
Another wonderful video! You sir are exactly what the painting community needs!! So calming and well explained. Keep up the good work!!!
Thank you so much, that’s so wonderful to hear and really appreciated 👍
When you load up paint on the brush, how much force do you use when you twist/how hard do you press down ?
Love the video!
Only very little. Just enough to bring the bristles together into a point.
You don’t want so much pressure that the bristles start to spread out and splay.
Hope that helps
@@BrushstrokePaintingGuides helps a lot, thanks!
How to basics video
Didnt throw 37 eggs and two whole cabbages onto his pallet
Sad
The brushes are very expensive, there must be cheaper options I suppose. . .
Awesome video, thanks. Can you link where you got your paint racks from please?
Thank you.
I got the racks years ago from a store on eBay.
I don’t think that store exists anymore but you can usually find similar by searching for
“Acrylic tiered nail polish display racks”
@@BrushstrokePaintingGuides thanks a lot. Got myself some on the way now I knew what to search for 👍
Been painting now 4 years and I’ve never even thought about this 😅
Everyday is a school day.
Love the technical explanations, especially when you go to the animation side and then take it to the “in practice” explanation.
great video but please... its FERR ule, not FUrrule..
haha sorry man
pronunication isn't my strong point. I'll be adding subtitles later today :)
Not a problem mate, all good information..
Really great videos. Been back in the hobby since mid 2020 (thank you Mr. Covid) but only just decided to properly focus on really improving my painting.
Been using a wet palette for about a year now and 2 weeks ago started to "upgrade" my brushes from Citadel to Artis Opus.
Although comfortable with wet-blending, glazing etc., I've been watching lots of "basics" painting videos, as I reckon the best way to tackle advanced techniques at an advanced level is to fully understand the basics. I must commend your tuition as although I'm already doing these things, it's very interesting to understand WHY I'm doing them.
My biggest problem / challenge in painting comes in terms of generating enough contrast. To be fair my NMM is pretty poor but I've only done 2 models with this technique so confident it'll improve. If you have tips or intended videos on these things, 'twould be very helpful.
Anyway, monologue over. Thank you and bravo!
Thank you very much for taking the time to comment. It’s great to hear my videos have proved useful to someone who’s been painting for a while.
I totally agree, understanding and mastering the basics is the key to improving your painting. Once you can accurately apply a paint to the location and consistency you want, then there really isn’t anything else.
Nmm etc aren’t really techniques, they’re simply outcomes from applying the correct colours to the correct location.
Thanks again for checking out my channel, much appreciated.
Oh, and yes, there’s more to follow for sure 😉
fantastic videos. Keep it up!
Thank you
So glad you’re enjoying them
A very handy video. Absolutely a must watch before you splurge on treating yourself to a set of very nice brushes. The cleaning stage in particular is very important. Take of your brushes and they'll take care of you.
I second the notion of trying out as many brands as possible. I've tried most that are available in my area. Citadel (both regular and synthetic), Army Painter, Raphael and Windsor & Newton. The Raphael 8404 brushes have quickly become a favourite for anything precise whilst synthetic Citadel base brushes get all the rough basecoating done nicely. A store near me has started stocking Green Stuff World Silver Series and I'll be checking those out when I get the chance.
Absolutely
I liken it to the wand picking the wizard in Harry Potter 🤣
It’s a very personal thing, but once you find “your brush”, the possibilities are endless
Thanks for watching and support the channel man
Hello and greetings from Germany!👋
This Video is awesome. Im painting at least 15 years and i have learnd two new things. Thanks a lot😍🤘
Lg Ruberius
Hi Ruberius
Thanks for checking out the video and taking the time to comment.
It’s really great to hear even long term painters are picking up tips from these videos. 👍
Now I knew I left my brushes dirty for so long 😂
Is there a issue with the soap having the old paint on top for the next cleaning session?
Good question, and no, there’s no problem. The answer is it simply rubs off next time you use it. If you like you can always give it a quick wipe with some wet paper towel before you start, but it’s really not a problem. It’s just like a bar of hand soap when you wash muddy hands.
@@BrushstrokePaintingGuides ty for the quick response
Another brilliant guide :) You are really good at making these kind of guides! Where were you 5 years ago!!?! ;) Could have saved me tons of headaches! :D
Thank you very much
I try and make videos I wish I had when I started.
Good to hear you’re finding them useful too
This is the best channel for miniature painting on UA-cam! Very informative! Could we get a basics to NMM?
Thank you so much 🙏
Please do spread the word so more people can discover my channel, as that will help me make more videos like these
Wow, thank you very much for this tutorial.
Great explanation as always! What's next on the docket?
Thank you 🙏
I have a couple of model painting videos planned and then I’ll look at some basing stuff, like making your own tufts
@Brushstroke Painting Guides Sick! I've been wanting to try my hand at that for a minute
Im brand new to the hobby and working on my first project. Your channel is probably the best pound for pound I've come across so far. Every video is a certified lesson, no wishing im going to get an answer. Just class
Thank you, that’s so great to hear.
Really pleased you’re enjoying my channel and finding it useful 🙏
Insanely great video! Calm and SUPER Helpful! Subscribed!
Thank you so much
Both for watching and subscribing 👍
I've search for many tutorials, every single one just tells you to "paint" and what to do in terms of just getting something painted, but none of those tells you HOW to paint and the (at least for people that already know how to paint) obvious steps are just ignored, I can't thank you enough for every single minute in the video!
That’s so great to hear
Thanks so much for taking the time comment and checking out my channel 👍
Amazing tutorial!!! I haven't seen many channels explaining the position of the hands which are key to having more control!!! thanks so much for that! 👏
I'd would add as a downside of natural brushes that they are made with animal cruelty when comparing them to the synthetic ones. I wonder if I'll see the day where synthetic brushes perform as well as natural ones 🤞
Thanks for watching
I honestly believe we will manage to replicate a bristle and I continue to try every new brand of synthetic until I find it.
Instead of removing excess water by applying it to my hand I use a damp sponge cloth. I dampen it to the level I feel my brush should be, so it just absorbs the excess from my brush.
That’s cool.
Strong believer of finding what works for you. 👍
I have learned a lot from your channel and this tutorial answered a great deal of questions. I did make the wet pallet you did and it worked great. It was very helpful in painting my 1/285 scale tanks I had bought. Thanks for sharing this information.
Thank you very much.
I’m really glad to hear you’re enjoying the channel and that you’re getting good results from the advice 👍
Your diagrams are ON POINT!!! keep these awesome videos coming. Im getting alot from them 😊
Thank you
I’ve had to teach myself animation to do these diagrams for my fundamentals vids. So, it’s really great to hear you’ve found them useful 🙏
Appreciate this video. Destroyed my nice brushes and told myself no more nice brushes until I start properly caring for my cheap ones
Ah! 😩
We’ve all been there man.
This video is very much from lessons learnt the hard way.
Hopefully, you’ll be back to the “nice” brushes again soon 👍
Great vid'. Excellent intro to brushes and their care. It is worth mentioning to not use hot water when cleaning. I was told this tip years ago by someone who worked in the industry. Apparently a gum is used on the ferrule end of the bristles to hold them together. Hot water can soften this and in the end cause the brush to lose its shape and its ability to forma sharp tip.
Excellent comment, thank you.
You know, it never occurred to me that someone would think to use hot water. So, it’s great you pointed out, yes, hot water is a bad idea for sure 👍
Hey! Recently started watching you videos and I struggle with yellow a lot! I have my Imperial Fist army and really want to see you do your own tutorial!
Thanks for checking out my channel.
I will be doing a video on painting yellow soon for sure
Oh man, this is the video I needed. I've been watching so many videos about painting and currently practicing on a small toy dinosaur before I touch my 40k model. Others explain thinning, but nobody really explains the basic set of actions for dampening and loading the brush correctly. Thank you!
I think so much of these little things become second nature for long term painters, they sort of forget they’re even doing them.
So, it’s good to hear you’re liking these little tips and they’re of use 👍
I have been rummaging through your catalogue and it has been extremely insightful and easy to follow. Your videos are consistently well produced and brimming with useful details one might not think of, but have greatly enhanced how I approach aspects of the hobby and my overall ease/ comfort whilst engaging with it (I am returning to the hobby). Thanks for taking the time to provide awesome guides - love the diagrams - Cheers legend from me and my cool looking Thousand Sons.
Thank you, so great to hear you’re enjoying the channel and finding the videos useful.
That’s all I could wish for 👍
This is awesome! Do you have any tips on using and maintaining brushes with enamel paint? Is it just a matter of using the thinner instead of water or are there different kinds of recommendations?
Yes, it’s just a case of using thinner instead of water
@@BrushstrokePaintingGuides so using enamel thinner with brush soap is ok?
@@l-pla
Sorry, I was talking about the loading process. You mean the cleaning.
I don’t see why not.
I’ve not done it myself and I certainly wouldn’t mix with acrylic brushes.
There’s really only one way to know. Buy a little pot and try.
Other wise, you’re going to need to use your thinner first as a purger to loosen the paint in the bristles.
Then rinse with clean water.
Then do the water / soap
Then rinse in water
And repeat cycle again starting with thinner.
Let me know how you go, so I can answer others who ask 👍
I would really like a video where you show your painting setup and perhaps share your thoughts, why you seem to be landed at citadel. That you use the brushes that are dedicated to you is clear, but I would really like to hear your opinion on paints, accessories and sources of models you prefer. Perhaps you have even some models to show, that you don't painted in a video-tutorial? And thanks for the great guides, I just watched your whole series and the amount of detail, the great presentation and clear explanation is really good. Thank you!
Thanks so much for checking out my channel, really appreciate it.
It’s great to hear you found them useful.
As for a video on painting setup, tools, paint preferences etc, I think that’s a great idea and I’ll certainly see what I can do 👍