Painting 3D Prints Tutorial Series 2 of 5 – Thinning Paints & Color Blocking – Painting Techniques

Chris from “It’s Mead Made” is back with the second installment of the “Painting 3D Prints” tutorial series, focusing on color blocking and thinning paints. In this video, Chris shares his tips and techniques for achieving smooth brush strokes and better control by watering down cheap hobby paints from brands like Folk Art, Americana, and Apple Barrel. He explains the importance of gradually adding water to maintain the right consistency and demonstrates the process of color blocking on a Hulk bust, starting with a green base coat and adding layers of paint for different parts. The tutorial aims to provide viewers with the skills and techniques to paint any 3D printed model from start to finish, with upcoming videos in the series covering additional techniques such as ink washes and dry brushing.

In the previous video, Chris covered how to prime the 3D prints, and for this video, he showcases the color blocking technique using inexpensive acrylic paints. He emphasizes that the key to achieving great results lies in the painting technique rather than the brand or cost of the paints. Chris also explains the importance of water thinning the paints, as it helps eliminate visible brush strokes and allows for finer detail work. He uses the same model from start to finish to demonstrate the process effectively and encourages viewers to watch the entire series for a comprehensive understanding of painting 3D prints.

Overview of the tutorial series

Welcome to the second installment of the Painting 3D Prints tutorial series! In this series, we will cover all the basics to give you the skills and techniques to paint any 3D printed model from start to finish. This video focuses on thinning paints and color blocking techniques, which are essential for creating a solid foundation for your paint job.

Throughout the series, we will be using cheap hobby paints from brands like Folk Art, Americana, and Apple Barrel. These paints are affordable and readily available at stores like Walmart, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby. Don’t worry, you don’t need any fancy or expensive paints to achieve amazing results! It’s all about the technique, and we will show you exactly how to use these paints effectively.

Using cheap hobby paints

I know many of you might be wondering why we’re using cheap hobby paints instead of more expensive options. The truth is, you can achieve great results with these affordable paints if you know how to use them. While there are many excellent paint brands out there, the better paints you use, the easier the process will be. However, if you’re on a budget, cheap paints are a viable option. The concentration of pigment might not be as high as in more expensive paints, but with proper technique, you can still achieve a beautiful finish.

The paints we’re using in this tutorial are all affordable, with most of them being 99 cent bottles. They come in various brands like Folk Art, Americana, Apple Barrel, and even a color shift paint for special effects. Each brand offers a range of colors, allowing you to create the desired effects on your 3D prints.

The importance of thinning down paints

Thinning down your paints is a crucial step in achieving smooth brush strokes and better control over your painting. The hobby paints we’re using are often thick, and when applied directly to the model, they can leave visible brush strokes. By watering down the paints, we can create a thinner consistency that allows for easier application.

Thinning down the paints also helps to prevent the paint from globbing on the brush tip. When using a thin-tipped brush for fine details, a thick paint can hinder precision. By using water to thin down the paints, we can ensure that the paint collects on the brush evenly, allowing for smoother and more controlled application.

Gradually adding water for the right consistency

When it comes to thinning down your paints, it’s essential to add water gradually to achieve the right consistency. Adding too much water at once can result in overly thin paint, which may require multiple coats to achieve solid coverage. To avoid this, it’s best to start with a small amount of water and add more as needed.

To control the amount of water added to the paint, you can use an eyedropper or a small brush to add one drop at a time. This method allows for better control over the consistency and ensures that you don’t add too much water at once. The ideal consistency will depend on what you’re painting. For large, broad surfaces, a slightly thicker paint may be sufficient, while smaller details may require a thinner consistency.

Demonstration on a Hulk bust

To demonstrate the process of thinning paints and color blocking, we will be using a Hulk bust as an example. The Hulk is a great model for this tutorial because it has distinct parts that we can paint individually, making it easier to showcase the different techniques.

We’ll start with a green base coat for the Hulk’s skin tone. By layering the paint and gradually adding water to achieve the desired consistency, we can create a smooth and even foundation. This base coat will serve as the starting point for the color blocking technique.

Next, we’ll move on to painting the teeth and gums. These smaller, detailed areas require a thinner consistency to ensure smooth application. By watering down the white paint, we can effectively paint these areas without leaving visible brush strokes.

After the teeth and gums, we’ll focus on painting the eyebrows and the hair. These areas will require different colors, and by layering the paint and gradually adding water, we can achieve the desired effect. The goal is to create a solid color foundation before moving on to other painting techniques like ink washes.

Mention of upcoming videos in the series

This tutorial is the second installment in a series of five videos. Each video builds upon the previous one, covering different painting techniques for 3D prints. In the upcoming videos, we will explore topics like ink washes, dry brushing techniques, and daubing techniques.

By following the entire series, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to paint 3D printed models from start to finish. So be sure to subscribe to our channel and stay tuned for the rest of the tutorial series.

In conclusion, thinning down paints and color blocking techniques are essential for achieving a solid foundation for your 3D printed models. By using cheap hobby paints and gradually adding water, you can create smooth brush strokes, better control, and amazing results. So grab your paints, get creative, and let’s make some incredible painted 3D prints!

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This is the second of five videos in the Painting 3D Prints series. We will cover all the basics that will give you the skills and techniques to paint any 3D printed model from start to finish.

The number one question I get about my painted prints is:

“What paints do you use and where do you get them?”

So in this video, I will answer this question and give you my best tips and techniques using cheap hobby paints.

Yep. There’s no secret, special, or expensive paints. It’s all in the painting technique and I will show you exactly how to do it so you too can get amazing results!

If you liked this tutorial, please watch the rest of the series, subscribe, and post your questions in the comments.

1. Priming: • Painting 3D Prints Tutorial Series 3 …

2. Paint Thinning \u0026 Color Blocking: • Painting 3D Prints Tutorial Series 2 …

3. Ink Washes \u0026 DIY Recipe: • Painting 3D Prints Tutorial Series 3 …

4. Dry Brushing Techniques: • Painting 3D Prints Tutorial Series 4 …

5. Daubing Techniques: • Painting 3D Prints Tutorial Series 5 …

Each part of this series builds upon the one before it, so if you started in the middle be sure to go back to the beginning to see every step along the way. I used the same model from start to finish. I hope you enjoy watching how to go from the raw 3D print to a work of art!

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3D print Slicer you can use:

https://ultimaker.com/software/ultima…

Cura Slicer Setting Video:

• My Cura Profile Settings Tutorial | C…

3D Printers you can own and recommend:

Creality Ender 3:

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Creality Ender 3 Pro:

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Creality CR-10s:

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Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro Upgrades:

Glass Bed:

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Capricorn Bowden Tube:

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Ender 3 Pro Silent Motherboard:

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Some Tools you can use for 3D Printing:

Get Perfect Bed Level:

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Glue Sticks for Adhesion:

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Small Plyer Set to Remove Supports:

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Follow Me on Instagram: / itsmeadmade

Website: http://www.itsmeadmade.com

Music from: http://www.bensounds.com