Need advice on painting flat surfaces please!

[Ghachii]

Hello!

I've just started an Eldar army, having painted up a box of 4 Guardians as test models. I'm aiming for a quick and simple approach (in the hope that I might actually finish this army before I lose interest), so I simply painted 3 layers of highlights over a dark basecoat, and evened it out with a wash of dark ink. So far so good, and I was enthused enough by the results to go out and buy a jetbike to add to my 'force'.

It's worth pointing out that this jetbike is the first model I've ever painted that isn't infantry. To cut a long story short, I used the exact same technique that I used for the Guardians, and the results were awful. The visible areas of the jetbike are composed of flat, largely-featureless surfaces, so there were no recess for the ink to flow into. It just pooled in random areas, drying to form a hideous ‘mottled’ effect.

So now I’m in a bit of a pickle – do I try to work out a way to make my jetbike match my Guardians that doesn’t involve ink, or do I come up with a totally new method that works on both small detailed surfaces and large flat surfaces?

I’m hoping for some advice on painting flat surfaces to help me make my decision. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Tresidentevil]

I would suggest using simple patterns or symbols to break up large areas of one colour.

[Wicksy]

Well, as you've discovered, washes arent great for flat surfaces. However, you can still use them. Just thin them down with a little water with a drop of washing up liquid in. Say 5 drops in a jam jar full of water. Then dont slather it on like normal, apply it in a thin layer and it wont pool. The wash then acts as a glaze, which will bring together blended highlights nicely. You'll need a few layers to get the same effect but it wont pool if it goes on thinly. Also the flat surfaces are great for practicing blending, which can look really great with a hard edge highlight.

[Ghachii]

Wow, brilliant suggestions - thanks both! I will now go and do just as you suggest...

[Tresidentevil]

Something from white dwarf made me also think how important highlighting the edges and corners is. You obviously have few details on a large open area so those edges really stand out.

[Iron Puritan]

You may want to consider an oil wash rather than an acrylic wash for models with large flat areas.