repainting castle

[headcold]

Has anyone repainted their castle yet? I need some tips because mine is looking pretty bad.

[K/H_Addict]

all i would want to do is repain the flags for the different generals. I don't have the patience for painting a whole castle, but if i did, i wou;d want 2 sets for each general, which would mean $250 in castle sets alone.....

[Annerios]

I am definitely looking at doing a wash on mine to make the non-smooth areas look more like the road/wall tiles.

The castle is a great design in terms of building, etc, but I agree it does look a bit plain. Given how crazy they are with washes on some of the HS figures, if is baffling that the castle did not get a "wash" prior to release.

[headcold]

Hey Annerios, what color wash are you thinking of doing? I live across the street from an old cemetary with a stone wall around it that looks like an ancient castle. The mortar is a lighter color than the stones which is consistent with quite a few pics I've found online of old castles (sorry no time to find them now). I almost think I should do a light gray wash and a normal gray drybrush.

I also noticed in dark stains around the top from the water run-off that would be under the battlements of the castle. AND I would like to try to get the appearance of some moss growing as well. So much to do.

[Annerios]

Hey Annerios, what color wash are you thinking of doing? I live across the street from an old cemetary with a stone wall around it that looks like an ancient castle. The mortar is a lighter color than the stones which is consistent with quite a few pics I've found online of old castles (sorry no time to find them now). I almost think I should do a light gray wash and a normal gray drybrush.

I also noticed in dark stains around the top from the water run-off that would be under the battlements of the castle. AND I would like to try to get the appearance of some moss growing as well. So much to do.

I was going to use the cover photograph as reference, but also the wall tiles on the bridge. Although I like the terrain conversions people have done on this site (Grishnak's stuff is a work of art) I tend to want to keep my terrain in line with what Hasbro has put out (for the most part).

Some of the castle pieces can be hard to pull apart and I would hate to be ripping out pieces of vines all the time after putting the work into it. :D

The tricky part for me will be mixing up a wash that looks just like Hasbro's. I have three castle sets, so it will be a big job when I tackle it.

[robaula]

guess if you were going to vine the castle up with moss and the like, you would probably want to fix it together and keep it together, but I guess not many people would want to do that, prefering the ability to create endless possiblities by changing the layout each time. I figure that if I got a castle or two, I would probably leave it alone, and just decorate my home-made walls and stuff instead.

[Fsiv330]

i like the idea, but it would be pretty hard

[robaula]

i like the idea, but it would be pretty hard

Thats what I reckoned, but believe me once you get started its not as hard as you might think. You dont even need to be artistic - just have a steady hand.

[LilNewbie]

I plan to paint one or two sets with white paint for a snowy castle to go along with some snowy roads and trees.

Newb.

[Jormi_Boced]

I am just going to wait and see what the new castles Hasbro puts out are going to look like.

[robaula]

I am just going to wait and see what the new castles Hasbro puts out are going to look like.

...new castles? theres more?

[Jormi_Boced]

I am just going to wait and see what the new castles Hasbro puts out are going to look like.

...new castles? theres more?

Well, nothing is set in stone, but I got the impression at Gen Con that each general will get their own. It isn't fair that only Jandar gets one is it?

[robaula]

dammit... I wish Hasbro would slow down with releasing stuff so everyone could keep up...

....no, hang on, scratch that last comment.....

[Jormi_Boced]

darnit... I wish Hasbro would slow down with releasing stuff so everyone could keep up...

....no, hang on, scratch that last comment.....

Well there isn't anything coming in the near future that I am aware of, but sometime in the future. Maybe next summer. One a year would be cool!

[hextr1p]

...new castles? theres more?
Yeah, as Jormi pointed out, it has been rumored that there would be more than one castle set released. I even remember back on .NET on of the FGDP's mentioning something about a Marro Hive structure.

My guess is that if these building sets are in the works, the soonest we'll hear anything about them is in February of '07, during ToyFair 2007 (http://www.toyfairny.com/). Unless .COM suddenly becomes a hub of information about unreleased product.

[Agent Minivann]

I've been thinking that a charred castle would look good on a VW map. Having a castle on hot lava death is even more incentive to go there.

[Malechi]

... It isn't fair that only Jandar gets one is it?

Actually, it is. If you know the Generals background, only Jandar is an Archkyrie (a.k.a. royalty). The remainder of the Generals are Kyrie that gained access to the Wellsprings.

OMG! Uber-Geek post!!!

[Hex_Enduction_Hour]

Having a castle on hot lava death is even more incentive to go there.

:shock:
to die?
:D

[robaula]

...new castles? theres more?
Yeah, as Jormi pointed out, it has been rumored that there would be more than one castle set released. I even remember back on .NET on of the FGDP's mentioning something about a Marro Hive structure.

My guess is that if these building sets are in the works, the soonest we'll hear anything about them is in February of '07, during ToyFair 2007 (http://www.toyfairny.com/). Unless .COM suddenly becomes a hub of information about unreleased product.

Speaking of .COM, had a look at it again today and there was nothing there apart from the Master Set stuff..... what the heck is going on??!!

[Agent Minivann]

Having a castle on hot lava death is even more incentive to go there.

:shock:
to die?
:D

I didn't know you could read minds. :?

Seriously, I looked over the old castle pieces and the wall pieces look naked compared to the wall walk/road tiles with their wash. If I wasn't such a complete and total newb when it comes to painting minis, I'd have done it already.

[Joah]

...new castles? theres more?
Yeah, as Jormi pointed out, it has been rumored that there would be more than one castle set released. I even remember back on .NET on of the FGDP's mentioning something about a Marro Hive structure.

My guess is that if these building sets are in the works, the soonest we'll hear anything about them is in February of '07
I got the impression that each General could get a structure, i.e., the long rumored Marro Hive. Which would be great.


I was telling some other 'Scapers about this; I was in a Wal-Mart recently and while standing in front of a fully stocked shelf of wave 5 this guy came walking up.

He looked like this.... :shock:

He had know idea what was what.
I filled him in, told him about 'Scapers.com & asked for a game all in the same breath.
He was freaked out.
Between discovering a wave he knew NOTHING about( we've known since Febuary. Thanks again Erik.), and me asking for a game :oops: , the guy was totally on his heels.

I hope he's found us now.

[robaula]

Nice story, Joah :-) Made me smile!

[Grungebob]

I experimented with the wash I mentioned. This is just a squirt of black Folkart paint, 2 tablespoons of Future floor wax, and 2 tablespoons of tap water. The Future allows the wash to stick to the plastic on the castle. The tower on the left has been done with the wash and the bit of castle on the right has not so you can see the difference:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10002/Acastlewash.JPG

[LilNewbie]

That wash looks incredible! Adds a lot to the walls. Thanks for posting the pics and the formula. How durable is the wash?

Newb.

[Grungebob]

That wash looks incredible! Adds a lot to the walls. Thanks for posting the pics and the formula. How durable is the wash?

Newb.Oops I forgot to mention the technique... Anyway, you take a big cheap soft paint brush and slop the wash all over the prebuilt castle and then wipe off the excess with a paper towel. The result is that the dark wash will adhere to the recesses and create depth. Durability is unknown at this stage but since it is not painted perse, I doubt there would be an issue.

[robaula]

Makes a heck of a difference, Grungebob. Looks much more stony and much less platicy!!!

[HokshilaTo]

The Future will harden and protect the wash.

[Annerios]

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10002/Acastlewash.JPG

That looks superb. It makes a world of difference having that stone work accentuated.

That is exactly the kind of look I am going to try to get. Thanks for the formula. I've never used that method using Future, but have read about it on other sites.

[CupidsArt]

I experimented with the wash I mentioned. This is just a squirt of black Folkart paint, 2 tablespoons of Future floor wax, and 2 tablespoons of tap water. The Future allows the wash to stick to the plastic on the castle. The tower on the left has been done with the wash and the bit of castle on the right has not so you can see the difference:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10002/Acastlewash.JPG

YEAH!!!!! Looks like I'm having a "Wash Party" at my house after I get castles, :( :cry: sucks to wait, :)

Thank you so much for the formula and technique, that is exactly what I'm looking for, :D

[noodles]

I experimented with the wash I mentioned. This is just a squirt of black Folkart paint, 2 tablespoons of Future floor wax, and 2 tablespoons of tap water. The Future allows the wash to stick to the plastic on the castle. The tower on the left has been done with the wash and the bit of castle on the right has not so you can see the difference:

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10002/Acastlewash.JPG

This looks exactly what I had hoped the castles would look like. I may have to give this a shot.

[Agent Minivann]

GB, that looks incredible. That's "just a squirt" of black? What would you estimate, about a 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2, full teaspoon? Also how much wiping with the paper towel? Wouldn't the paper towel pull some of it out of the recesses? Sorry for the annoying painting newb questions.

[Grungebob]

GB, that looks incredible. That's "just a squirt" of black? What would you estimate, about a 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2, full teaspoon? Also how much wiping with the paper towel? Wouldn't the paper towel pull some of it out of the recesses? Sorry for the annoying painting newb questions.I have a big bottle of black Folkart paint. I get a plastic cup and squirt a little bit into the cup probably no more than a 1/2 teaspoon. Then I add the other ingredients. Eyeball it by brushing some of the mixture up on the inside of the plastic cup. It should cling to the plastic and not bead up. If it beads up, add more Future as it is the ingredient that makes the wash cling to the plastic.. If it is too thick, add water. Glop the stuff on the area you want to wash. Do this aone or two sections at a time not bothering with precision. Let it stand for about 1 minute and then wipe off with a cheap paper towel. I used tissue at first but it was too absorbant and sucked the wash out of the recesses. I did not try an old rag but I bet it would be perfect.

[Hex_Enduction_Hour]

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10002/Acastlewash.JPG


Wow man! That looks amazing! As if it came with a RttFF set. Beautiful work and sounds very inexpensive! I'll need to try your technique some day.

[Doc_Savage]

Thanks for the tip... I'll be doing this... they look massively better!

[Agent Minivann]

Thanks, GB. I should be good to go.

I still can't believe how incredible those look. Again, nice work.

[deliverymanxas]

May have to try this...where did you get the supplies? Wal-mart? Craft store?

[Grungebob]

May have to try this...where did you get the supplies? Wal-mart? Craft store?I mentioned Folkart because they sell it at Walmart where folks buy Heroscape. I get it at the craft store because I despise Walmart.

[geddy lifeson]

I basically did the same thing with my two sets. I used an old rag to wipe off the excess and let it sit a bit longer to hold the color. The smoother parts of the castle have varying degrees of greyness to them that create a weathered look that fits perfectly.

Since I am out of town now, I cant take any pics but will do so when I get back this weekend.

Great work GB!

[Grungebob]

Since I am out of town now, I cant take any pics but will do so when I get back this weekendWe'll hold you to that!!

[deliverymanxas]

May have to try this...where did you get the supplies? Wal-mart? Craft store?I mentioned Folkart because they sell it at Walmart where folks buy Heroscape. I get it at the craft store because I despise Walmart.
Cool. Thanks. Ill probably have to try this out over the weekend and post pics early next week...

[Nwojedi]

Future floor wax is great. I use that stuff for making Waterslide decals, when redoing playfields. could also be used for HS as well. you can print some amazing things on waterslides and put them on nearly anything. Never thought about using it in a wash mixture. good call chet.

[django]

Grungebob would you be able to post a pic with the bridge and a RTFF tile with the washed pieces and your talking about this stuff right?
http://www.makezine.com/images/tools/future.jpg

[robaula]

... that is the last thing I would see in the shops and think "ah, I could use some of that for Heroscape..."
most strange.

[Nwojedi]

Grungebob would you be able to post a pic with the bridge and a RTFF tile with the washed pieces and your talking about this stuff right?
http://www.makezine.com/images/tools/future.jpg

That's the stuff. Should be able to find it in most supermarkets. Great for other art projects cuz it hardens to this clear acylic coating that doesn't haze.

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

Woooooooooo Hooooooooo

I just opened up my birthday present and it was a Castle!

I'll be giving it a nice dirty bath tonight!

Did I say Wooooooooo Hoooooooooo?

[django]

I'll be giving it a nice dirty bath tonight!
I did six months cook county jail for something like that. :lol:

I read that they changed the recipe for future a while back because it was yellowing shouldn't anymore and that its great for getting small scratches out of little plastic windows.

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

I'll be giving it a nice dirty bath tonight!
I did six months cook county jail for something like that. :lol:


I thought it was called a Dirty Sanchez! :shock:

[django]

originally it was. :lol:

[geddy lifeson]

Here is how some of my castle turned out. This is a small sample of how they ended up, I think GBs look better after looking back at his photo. I wasn't sure of how this would work myself as this was the first time I have tried a project as this. It would maybe have been better to had some practice beforehand or something on a smaller scale. I can't complain though...looks way better than the plain grey.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/cwh2112/DSC05805.jpg

[HokshilaTo]

That does look good geddy lifeson. I'll be doing the same when I get a hold of a castle, but I would still like to see someone paint one white!

[Grungebob]

Looks as good as mine Geddy!!

[Jim]

Sweet! I may have to try this as well...

Jim

[geddy lifeson]

Thanks all, I am a bit critical of my skills. I am looking forward to getting back to cutting up and painting some extra MS figs now. After the many hours of painting castle parts, that seems much easier.

GB, how long did it take you to do yours? I figure all in all I spent somewhere between 4-5 hours on two sets...long time.

[Grungebob]

Thanks all, I am a bit critical of my skills. I am looking forward to getting back to cutting up and painting some extra MS figs now. After the many hours of painting castle parts, that seems much easier.

GB, how long did it take you to do yours? I figure all in all I spent somewhere between 4-5 hours on two sets...long time.I haveonly done that one tower and it took about 20 minutes.

[headcold]

I can't find Future floor polish near me. I guess other floor polishes will work. A guy at the train store near me said you can also put a drop or two of dishwashing soap.

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

Here's what I came up with. The whole project took about three hours.

http://www.rodriguezphotography.com/dwf/castle1.jpg
http://www.rodriguezphotography.com/dwf/castle2.jpg

[Agent Minivann]

Something I was thinking of, what about the door? I was looking at the castle set and thinking the door could use a wash too. It would really bring out the woodgrain detail.

[Grungebob]

I can't find Future floor polish near me. I guess other floor polishes will work. A guy at the train store near me said you can also put a drop or two of dishwashing soap.Yes and this probably won't be necessary with future but I'm sure MopnGlo would work. Good job all of you guys!!

[RichardD]

I've been doing the same with mine. If I were doing them again (which obviously I won't be), I'd use the dark wash only on the brick detail. On the smoother stone, the effect isn't visible enough to be worth the effort/hassle, whereas on the brickwork, you can get the wash to sink into the mortar grooves nicely.

Not going to bother with the bases for that reason; haven't done the crenelations yet, because I can't think of a way to paint them without getting very messy :)

[srmalloy]

Not going to bother with the bases for that reason; haven't done the crenelations yet, because I can't think of a way to paint them without getting very messy :)
String them up along the long straight side of a bunch of Grass 24 tiles, so you can wash a whole row of them at once.

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

Not going to bother with the bases for that reason; haven't done the crenelations yet, because I can't think of a way to paint them without getting very messy :)

I can't think of a way that's not messy!

[Hahma]

Here is how some of my castle turned out. This is a small sample of how they ended up, I think GBs look better after looking back at his photo. I wasn't sure of how this would work myself as this was the first time I have tried a project as this. It would maybe have been better to had some practice beforehand or something on a smaller scale. I can't complain though...looks way better than the plain grey.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/cwh2112/DSC05805.jpg


Nice job Geddy(Steve Harris is Better :wink: )

Glad to see that all your hard work paid off. :D

[geddy lifeson]

Thanks Hahma...we will continue to disagree on the bass player issue, but as I have stated...few Metal bassists come close to Steve. As a Rush fan, I have to vote with my main man though however there are others of various styles that play just as well: Jaco Pastorius, Stuart Hamm, Stanley Clark, Billy Sheenan all come to mind immediately.

I painted every piece of the castle except the door and flag. It was messy (I used rubber gloves and lots of newspaper) and time consuming but actually quite fun.

[Hahma]

Thanks Hahma...we will continue to disagree on the bass player issue, but as I have stated...few Metal bassists come close to Steve. As a Rush fan, I have to vote with my main man though however there are others of various styles that play just as well: Jaco Pastorius, Stuart Hamm, Stanley Clark, Billy Sheenan all come to mind immediately.

I painted every piece of the castle except the door and flag. It was messy (I used rubber gloves and lots of newspaper) and time consuming but actually quite fun.


I was just giving you a hard time about Steve Harris/Geddy Lee. :D
Like you said, there are many different styles, so there can't be one unanimous #1. That goes for guitar, drums and vocals as well.

Anyway, once again, good job on the castle. The only problem now is that if you get more of them you'll have to do all that work again :shock:

BTW, I got my first castle. I haven't had time yet to paint it though. What do you think of flame red with black wash? That would look evil :twisted:

Just kidding, I'll probably stick with the normal look.

[geddy lifeson]

As long as its not a rainbow castle you should be fine...then again, what goes on in Valhalla stays in Valhalla.

[Jandars_Hope]

The castles definitely look better with the wash that's for sure!

[Hahma]

As long as its not a rainbow castle you should be fine...then again, what goes on in Valhalla stays in Valhalla.

:rofl:

True Dat

[robaula]

BTW, I got my first castle. I haven't had time yet to paint it though. What do you think of flame red with black wash? That would look evil :twisted:

Just kidding, I'll probably stick with the normal look.

Thats actually a fairly good idea. Could look like something that belongs in the Volcarren Wastelands. Stuff igloos, I think you've given me inspiration for my next custom scenery...

[Hahma]

BTW, I got my first castle. I haven't had time yet to paint it though. What do you think of flame red with black wash? That would look evil :twisted:

Just kidding, I'll probably stick with the normal look.

Thats actually a fairly good idea. Could look like something that belongs in the Volcarren Wastelands. Stuff igloos, I think you've given me inspiration for my next custom scenery...

Stuff igloos with what? :)

While your at it with your custom scenery robaula, how about doing a black castle, or a normal one with moss growing up the base and maybe some vines climbing the walls for a jungle/forest (Ullar) castle. Speaking of igloos, you could do a white castle (fortress of solitude) for the tundra setting. Perhaps do a sandstone color one for Einar.

I'll wait patiently for your pix of all those different castles/scenery :D

[robaula]

Stuff igloos with what? :)

While your at it with your custom scenery robaula, how about doing a black castle, or a normal one with moss growing up the base and maybe some vines climbing the walls for a jungle/forest (Ullar) castle. Speaking of igloos, you could do a white castle (fortress of solitude) for the tundra setting. Perhaps do a sandstone color one for Einar.

I'll wait patiently for your pix of all those different castles/scenery :D

Theres too much that I want to do! I have a heavily dismantled Mage Knight Castle that needs some serious attention, but unfortunately at the moment I cant be too bothered with it. I was adamant that igloos/ice castle twas the next step for me, but your words really struck a chord...

[Hahma]

Stuff igloos with what? :)

While your at it with your custom scenery robaula, how about doing a black castle, or a normal one with moss growing up the base and maybe some vines climbing the walls for a jungle/forest (Ullar) castle. Speaking of igloos, you could do a white castle (fortress of solitude) for the tundra setting. Perhaps do a sandstone color one for Einar.

I'll wait patiently for your pix of all those different castles/scenery :D

Theres too much that I want to do! I have a heavily dismantled Mage Knight Castle that needs some serious attention, but unfortunately at the moment I cant be too bothered with it. I was adamant that igloos/ice castle twas the next step for me, but your words really struck a chord...

Honest...I didn't mean to strike anything :)

Look forward to your newest brainstorm

[Joah]

When the wash drys , or hardens, does it stick pieces together?

[Hahma]

When the wash drys , or hardens, does it stick pieces together?

To avoid this, wash each and every piece separately, the battlements are a killer :wink:

[Joah]

When the wash drys , or hardens, does it stick pieces together?

To avoid this, wash each and every piece separately, the battlements are a killer :wink:Thanks again H. :wink:

[Hahma]

When the wash drys , or hardens, does it stick pieces together?

To avoid this, wash each and every piece separately, the battlements are a killer :wink:Thanks again H. :wink:

Your welcome and thank you as well Joah :wink:

Bust them out yet?

[Jim]

I did some of my castles the other day. Here's the result:

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i255/jimmcm/Heroscape/CastleWash.jpg

(wash on the left, bare on the right.)

And you're right, the battlements are a birch.

Jim

[Jandars_Hope]

I like the washed one because it brings out the detail of the bricks!

[caravaggio]

thank goodness for these instructions!

i've been trying to figure this out for weeks. i never would have thought of using floor wax! awesome. seems like it has all kinds of wonderful uses. in making the tron helmet and frisbee i wanted to seal it in some kind of thick clear coat (and man was it a ***** to get the paint to stick to the plastic. NOW I KNOW! ) can you tell i'm excited?

so, i'm pretty sure im gonna do this to my castle peices as soon as possible. i do have a couple of questions that i haven't seen answered yet.

#1. diluting the black with water and wax will no doubt turn it grey. does this match the grey wash done in the factory on thr road tiles and ruins? in grungebobs picture it looks very similar but i havent seen any photos that compare the "hasbro" wash to the grungebob wash. i would imagine that adding the black paint last, you could keep mixing more in until it does match the grey wash on the ruins and roads.

#2. when this is dry, does it leave the peices feeling a bit tacky like enamel paint can do? or does it feel just like the factory stuff?

if it looks and feels like the factory ruins i am definately gonna do this.

thanks again for the instructions grungebob!!!

ps thanks also to whoever put this on the homepage so i could find it!

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

#1. diluting the black with water and wax will no doubt turn it grey. does this match the grey wash done in the factory on thr road tiles and ruins? in grungebobs picture it looks very similar but i havent seen any photos that compare the "hasbro" wash to the grungebob wash. i would imagine that adding the black paint last, you could keep mixing more in until it does match the grey wash on the ruins and roads.

No. If you only use black, the wash will be a neutral grey. The road tiles have a bit more warmth to them. Try mixing in some brown. I did, but I didn't put in enough.

#2. when this is dry, does it leave the peices feeling a bit tacky like enamel paint can do? or does it feel just like the factory stuff?

No tacky feeling on my pieces. They feel *normal*!

HTH

[geddy lifeson]

So how long did it take everyone??? It seemed like forever. The battlements alone seemed like about a minute each...thank god I only have two sets!

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

It took me about three hours, including prep time and clean-up.

And boy did I make a mess!

[Jim]

I plan on doing the rest of mine in small groups. I took a 24 hex and placed the battlements along the longest straightest side, and painted the wash on them like that. I did two sets of that and 4 straight wall sections and 4 angled wall sections in about half an hour.

And yes, it was messy.

Jim

[RichardD]

Floor wax (Future, or Klear as it's known over here - it's more a thin acrylic varnish than a wax), a dash of black paint, and Robert is your mother's brother.

I painted the brickwork on the wall pieces while they were flat on the table - the dark paint sank into the mortar lines, and it gave a nice effect. Left to dry for 24 hours, flipped over and the other side got painted. The end of the wall" pieces didn't work so well though - there's a visible "tide mark" where the two halves met.

The battlements I got lazy with, and just "dipped" them straight in the paint/sealant mix. Now these pieces I bothered to de-grease first (quick swirl around in some soapy water) because they'll get more handling, but the paint didn't end up in the cracks between the bricks this time - I don't know if the two things are related, or whether I'd just mixed the varnish up worng, or what. But the overall effect - shading the bricks various shades of grey - works too.

I'm happy with the overall finish. If I was doing it again, I'd degrease ALL of the pieces, mix up one BIG batch of paint and varnish ahead of time, and possibly make it a little browner (like the shading on the roads).

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.fe1a19057d.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?fe1a19057d.jpg)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.283132b33d.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?283132b33d.jpg)

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.fd598c3a6f.jpg (http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?fd598c3a6f.jpg)

BTW, these aren't the only pieces I did - all three of my Castle sets received the same treatment, including the bases (not shown here).

[Jandars_Hope]

Look great RD! I'd like to have a go with mine!

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

Now that my friend has witnesed the awsome job I did on my castle he wants me to paint his!

This time I'm going to go with more brown to warm up the color a bit and see if I can match the tone of the road tiles.

[Bummer]

if someone has asked or answered this question already sorry for the repeat, but did you guys wash the wall sections completly even the side that they attach at.

[RichardD]

I only applied the wash to "exposed" parts of the castle. So there's no varnish on the sides that slide together, or the tongue & groove on the inside of the battlements (well, almost none). It's a tight enough fit already, without adding layers of varnish to the equation.

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

Ditto what Richard said.

[Grungebob]

The battlements I got lazy with, and just "dipped" them straight in the paint/sealant mixThius is a viable technique and many professional painters use it. I wouldn't be surprised if Heroscape figs are dipped.

[bluekitsune13]

Does anyone know an alternative to the Future floor wax? Just because none of my stores seem to carry it.

[LilNewbie]

I would assume any acrylic floor polisher would work.

Newb.

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

Didn't someone mention JetDry somewhere? Don't know if that will work.

Maybe this (http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=fa0309&channelid=) from Michaels? I've used something like this in the past but it was for painting on artboard not minis.

[Jim]

JetDry will not do the same thing that the floor wax does. Jet Dry makes the liquid have less surface tension, so it (in this case) will go into the smaller areas easier, rather than being blocked by an air bubble.

Hope that helps...

Jim

[Rhydderch]

About Future and other "Flow Enhancers"

First I believe Future is not a Floor Wax. It says so on the label. In other words do NOT go out and buy a generic Floor Wax as wax will not go well on your castle battlements! Probably not anyway :P

Second I believe Wal-Mart should have Future Floor Finish. I would ask their employees to direct you to a) Future Floor Wax or b) the Cleaner/Floor Wax aisle. Use option B if the employee tells you they do not carry Future: not all employees know about it. I know when I went recently I missed the Future even though I was in the right place and had to find an employee to point it out to me. I had to first tell the employee what Future was though so a combination of A and B may be necessary :P

Third Flow Extenders should work the same way as Future: only they are actually designed for paint work rather than the floor. They are therefore (supposedly) better for miniatures and (definitely) more expensive. The miniature company Reaper mentions several extenders:

Winsor and Newton Acrylic Flow Improver
Golden Acrylic Flow Release
Folk Art Extender
Liquitex Slow-Dri

The last two by Folk Art and Liquitex are preferred. Mixes of different extenders can also be used. Anyway more information with some suggested mixes can be found here:

http://www.reapermini.com/TheCraft/15

Also for anyone interested here are some other various information about Future:

http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

Finally I'm not familiar with JetDry. I do not think it works. It looks like JetDry allows dishes to dry faster which is quite the opposite of what you want to do when you make a solution for a wash. I could be wrong though so if anyone is familiar with JetDry in miniature painting please let us know the secret! :)

[Agent Minivann]

Second I believe Wal-Mart should have Future Floor Finish.

Walmart does indeed carry it, at least the one here does. I found it in the aisle with the household cleaners. It was on the bottom shelf, so I probably would have missed it if I hadn't seen the picture earlier in this thread.

[Rhydderch]

Second I believe Wal-Mart should have Future Floor Finish.

Walmart does indeed carry it, at least the one here does. I found it in the aisle with the household cleaners. It was on the bottom shelf, so I probably would have missed it if I hadn't seen the picture earlier in this thread.

Yeah the same location at the Wal-Mart here. I think it was on the second to bottom shelf which is why I missed it until I asked someone. Maybe Wal-Mart figures they should put the Floor Finish near the floor? :shrug:

[geddy lifeson]

I used Jet-Dri when I painted mine. I can't really say what it did or didn't do, but I did notice the paint didn't pool up whilst painting. I just decided to try it since someone posted it.

[Rhydderch]

I used Jet-Dri when I painted mine. I can't really say what it did or didn't do, but I did notice the paint didn't pool up whilst painting. I just decided to try it since someone posted it.

Any pictures? If it still looks good then people can use it as an alternative. I mean if it works then it works, ya know? :P

[Jim]

I used Jet-Dri when I painted mine. I can't really say what it did or didn't do, but I did notice the paint didn't pool up whilst painting. I just decided to try it since someone posted it.

Any pictures? If it still looks good then people can use it as an alternative. I mean if it works then it works, ya know? :P

If I may repeat myself here... <ahem>
JetDry will not do the same thing that the floor wax does. Jet Dry makes the liquid have less surface tension, so it (in this case) will go into the smaller areas easier, rather than being blocked by an air bubble.


In other words, it helps the paint go into the small grooves. It does NOT add any protection or permanence to the paint like the Future does.

Just trying to help...

Jim

[Rhydderch]

In other words, it helps the paint go into the small grooves. It does NOT add any protection or permanence to the paint like the Future does.

Just trying to help...

Jim

Sorry Jim. I did not mean to ignore your earlier comment: I just did not understand how the JetDry effect on bubbles would relate to the consistency and permanence of the paint especially since I've always thought the Future was primarily to a) water down the paint for fine work or washes and b) to help the paint to stick but not actually make the paint permanent. I always heard varnish was the primary way to ensure the paint would stay on the figure.

Anyway thanks for the clarification. I wouldn't use JetDry anyway: I've found the Future in my local Wal-Mart so I'll be using that :)

[Jim]

No problem. I hope I didn't come across as rude or upset or anything.

You can use a drop or two of JetDry in the paint/water/Future mix, just don't forget the Future. :D

Jim

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

Jim,

So, does Future also reduce surface tension? I thought that was the purpose, so the paint flowed better. Or is Future just for protection?

Thanks!

[Jim]

So far as I know, which isn't a whole lot, Future is there to help with the adhesion of the paint, as well as providing some durability (like if you had a floor which you wanted to protect the finish... :D ).

Anyone with more knowledge of this than me is welcome to update and/or correct me.

Jim

[Jotun]

I have two questions:

1. Has anyone tried doing a different color castle like some of the Moorish castles that are browner?

2. I dump my castle pieces into my "castle pieces box" and I wondering if I should put a light coat of varnish so that the paint doesn't get scraped. Does Future add a build in layer of protection?

[regdar]

I have question when you do this to your castle does it become sticky to the touch

[Jim]

I have question when you do this to your castle does it become sticky to the touch

Mine hasn't. (After it dries, of course.)

Jim

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

No stickyness here!

[RichardD]

For all intents and purposes, Future *is* a varnish. Just one to which you've added some black colour. So you don't need to varnish it as well as coating it in Future. And it dries clear and hard (no stickiness).

[Jim]

Just bringing this back to the surface since it was mentioned in a new thread...

Jim

[eric.dunfee]

Thanks for rezzin the thread! I just might be tempted to do this.

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

Thanks for rezzin the thread! I just might be tempted to do this.

It's dead simple and adds a lot the castle. Go for it!

[srmalloy]

Future is an acrylic floor finish; essentially the same as the 'clear' acrylic paint you can get from most model-paint manufacturers, except not repackaged in two-ounce containers at twice the price, and giving a somewhat more durable finish. In the past, though, I've had some problems with Future not mixing well with some brands of acrylic paint, both in the wash and on the surface the wash was put on (none of which are still on the market, however; this was a couple decades ago, so the paint formulations have probably gotten better since then); I started painting models and figures back when the standard practice was to add a drop of dish soap to the wash to make it flow better, and I've had washes using Future make bubbles when I was swashing areas of models that had tiny recessed detail that could be annoying to get out, so I never took to using Future, although I see it widely on modeling websites now. Use what works for you.

Future is a North American product, though; I found some references for comparable products in other countries:

United Kingdom: Klear or Krystal Klear
Netherlands: Pronto Wax for Wood Floors or Parket Plus
France: Klir
Germany: Erdal Glanzer
Australia: Pledge One Go

If you can't find one of these, look in your supermarket for a clear, acrylic-based floor polish. Do not use anything that is a real wax; waxes are hydrophobic, and will have the opposite effect of what you want, and the solvents used to make the wax spread smoothly and lay flat can eat the paint underneath.

[GeneralRolando]

i like the idea, but it would be pretty hard

You wuss. I did mine in a week. Its now Utgars castle. Pics later cuz me lazy right now.

[paradox22]

Now that my friend has witnesed the awsome job I did on my castle he wants me to paint his!

This time I'm going to go with more brown to warm up the color a bit and see if I can match the tone of the road tiles.

Hey Raudulfr did you ever get around to trying the "warm brown" wash on your castle? I just got my first fortress set, and i am gonna try this, just wondering if you had any more info or pics of the brown.

Thanks! :D

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

Now that my friend has witnesed the awsome job I did on my castle he wants me to paint his!

This time I'm going to go with more brown to warm up the color a bit and see if I can match the tone of the road tiles.

Hey Raudulfr did you ever get around to trying the "warm brown" wash on your castle? I just got my first fortress set, and i am gonna try this, just wondering if you had any more info or pics of the brown.

Thanks! :D

Yes, I've painted three castle sets so far. One with a straight black wash. One solid black with frey highlights. And one with a dark brown wash. Sorry, I don't have any pics of the dark brown wash though. I tried to match the color tone of the road tiles, but mine is a bit more brown/red. It still looks cool though.

[yagyuninja]

...new castles? theres more?
Yeah, as Jormi pointed out, it has been rumored that there would be more than one castle set released. I even remember back on .NET on of the FGDP's mentioning something about a Marro Hive structure.


Interesting! :)

[iceman3317]

if any thing i whould my stricks of green paint to make it look like its old and vines growing around it.

[Raudulfr Shieldcrusher]

if any thing i whould my stricks of green paint to make it look like its old and vines growing around it.

Well, do it man! And then post some pics. :D

[ZBeeblebrox]

Thanks Jim, for the thread ressurection.

I forgot about this technique and my wife just said the other day that my castle looks kinda fake :roll: . Guess i have to find some Future in the future :wink: .

[gobucks85]

Here i used wood stain paint from a do it center

http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=12865

check these pics out

[Parduz]

Just want to add this LINK (http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html) to complete the "Future" argument.

[robopesant]

Has anyone ever thought of washing a castle white or gold?
For Ullar I was thinking it would look cool to wash it gold and dry-brush it
green. Thoughts?

[Parduz]

... wash it gold and dry-brush it green. Thoughts?
Perhaps i have not the right imagination... but it sounds ugly, to me.


Ah: you have a debt:
my son have seen your little bug.... and bashed my monitor to kill it.
:shock: :)

[thezandcshow]

Somebody should paint them in Utgar, Ullar, Vydar, Einar, and Aquilla styles.
Just saying.

[Onacara]

Somebody should paint them in Utgar, Ullar, Vydar, Einar, and Aquilla styles.
Just saying.


Send me 5 castle sets and i will paint them

[King of the Marro]

This is extremely late but...I just started and finished mine today, though it has more of a ruined feel because I thought it needed a little extra.

[nyys]

:nopics:

[King of the Marro]

Here's mine I was going for the ruin look.

http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=18910

[outforblood]

Here's mine...
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/ballbreaker1977/HsCatlesfinish009.jpg
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/ballbreaker1977/HsCatlesfinish008.jpg
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/ballbreaker1977/HsCatlesfinish006.jpg
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/ballbreaker1977/HsCatlesfinish004.jpg
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/ballbreaker1977/HsCatlesfinish003.jpg

[King of the Marro]

Nice job, the washing made mine look so much better, and yours too. :thumbsup:

[outforblood]

I have to agree, it makes a HUGE difference.

[GENOCIDE]

Has anyone repainted their castle yet? I need some tips because mine is looking pretty bad.

Discribe to me "pretty bad." Thers a good chace in which we could use your problem as an advantage.

[ricksta2232]

Anyone know the link to the castle that was painted by someone that made a front page article a long time ago? There was a really good tutorial...

[hextr1p]

Anyone know the link to the castle that was painted by someone that made a front page article a long time ago? There was a really good tutorial...
'Ere ya go!

http://www.heroscapers.com/community/blog.php?b=26

[Ugly-Caco]

Woah! Great washing job, outforblood! It looks kickass! I should do some castle washing me self. :D

[outforblood]

Thank you Ugly Caco! It was def. worth the effort...and mess.