So, like, how do I use white paint?

[Something Fast]

I've recently dug out my 40K stuff and started painting again. My problem is that no matter how I try, whenever I use white paint it always looks sort of... not good.

[druid]

Have you used a primer before you apply any paint? White is a bitch to paint in general. After a suitable primer you should patiently paint several thin layers - letting each layer dry before the next. Light grey is usually a good primer, especially if you want to use white or other light colours without any tinting.

P.S. Pics pls

[EvilMuppet]

THIN YOUR PAINTS! Use a bunch of thin layers.

Sorry but that needs to be stressed. Also but down a base of light brown, grey or blue depending on exactly how you want the final look to be.

[Something Fast]

Ok, now I feel like a real idiot.

...a primer?

[Hippy Vindalou]

just buy a spray can of metal primer next time you go shopping dude. dont hold the can too close when you spray it or it will fill in your detail.

[Something Fast]

Oh wait, I get it. Like an undercoat or something.

Hmm, that's actually a good idea.

[Hippy Vindalou]

If your figure is going to be a mix of dark and light colours I find a grey primer best, if its predominately white a white primer will make it easier. For some reason a lot of people just use black primer no matter what colour is going over it but I find black primer to be a pain in the arse unless the mini is going to be nearly all black anyway.

[druid]

I should stress that I'm not a figure painter but I've made some scale models in my time and many of those techniques apply to figures as well. That and I've read a zillion articles on figure painting too...

[EvilMuppet]

Oh dear god you tried to paint a mini without primer? No wonder you were having a hard time!

[Necron]

I am painting Ork's at the moment, I can take photo's at each step if you want to show how i painted them?

[Aardvark]

I always use black undercoat spray.

Black is forgiving, especially when you're trying to paint an army of a hundred or so models by thursday