Base-n-Paint or Paint-n-Base

[exilesjjb]

So I am due to start my Sudan figures in a few days and the smaller the scale gets the more i find I am Basing first then painting, so was wanting a show of hands for what you guys find works best.
BTW I will start a paint diary (WIP) when I get started.

Peace James

[Shecky]

I prefer paint then base. I tried it the other way once and wound up getting too much unwanted paint on the figures. I found it hard to get to all the figures with a brush once they were bases, especially if they are based in two rows.

[zaapark]

AWI - paint then base
WW1 & WW@ - base then paint.

[capthugeca]

It depends.
If individually based, I base and then paint.
If in groups on a base, I may still base first if I feel there is sufficient space between the figures to avoid slopping paint where I don't want it.

[Dickie255]

Hi

As I base most of my figures indvidually I've found that basing first helps with the painting process. I did first try mounting the figures on "painting sticks" to get a production line going but I found that I was inadvertently missing painting some bits of them or having to re-arrange the figures on the sticks. I do enjoy the painting so I don't mind taking the extra time that might be involved. 

I'll be interested in your painting diary as I purchased the Madhist army (and extras) recently and have been thinking (procastinating) about the herculean task. Good luck

[exilesjjb]

Hi

As I base most of my figures indvidually I've found that basing first helps with the painting process. I did first try mounting the figures on "painting sticks" to get a production line going but I found that I was inadvertently missing painting some bits of them or having to re-arrange the figures on the sticks. I do enjoy the painting so I don't mind taking the extra time that might be involved.  

I'll be interested in your painting diary as I purchased the Madhist army (and extras) recently and have been thinking (procastinating) about the herculean task. Good luck

got my Madhist before Xmas my "extras" are on their way soon (I hope) and then I shall begin, although I have just decided to take part in the WAB GT in feb and as I do not have an army painted might have my work cut out (will be a fun month I think)


EDIT: Fixed quote.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

It also depends on troop type and density. If you have 3-4 figs on a base 30-40 by 15-20mm then base, if you are doing foot in two ranks close order the dont.

IanS

[NTM]

I will attach to the base first if practical and will paint the base with a plain colour before the figure(s). Ballast and flock will only be applied after finishing the figure(s). I find putting some colour on the base really helps (get easily disheartened by apparent lack of progress)

[Steve J]

Base'n'paint in all scales for me.

[Pruneau]

Base & Paint when doing skirmish-like units, including WW2 where I put up to three soldiers on a 25x25 base.
Paint & Base when doing formation units, i.e. a line of soldiers or even worse, two lines of soldiers, in close formation.

I prefer Base and Paint, but it's just too messy when you have no room for your brush, and when starting with a new type of base I always glue one just to test accessibility.

[nikharwood]

Base'n'paint in all scales for me.

Ditto 

[exilesjjb]

I have 290 celts 28mm to paint by a comp on 19/02/11 so def base and paint(quickly) for them I think

[nikharwood]

I have 290 celts 28mm to paint by a comp on 19/02/11 so def base and paint(quickly) for them I think

You'll be fine - that's only 10 a day or so 

[exilesjjb]

You'll be fine - that's only 10 a day or so 

yes that is how I look at it stuck 83 together today and based 16 javlinmen

[Pruneau]

yes that is how I look at it stuck 83 together today and based 16 javlinmen

Who needs sleep anyway!