Power Weapons Glow and effects

[CMSheats]

Hello all!

Recently I have started a Grey Knights army. I have been debating whether to put them on snow bases, or lava bases among a host of other things.. but the main problem that I have been faced with them so far is the power weapons.

I have tried painting power weapons in many different ways, but have never had them come out as I want. So I am wondering, does anyone know how to make a good looking power weapon? I am talking about the blue type as pictured in the attachment.

Also, I have always loved the lightning/electrical lines going up and down the power weapon to.. and this is another thing that I could use some advice on.. has anyone done this in the past?

Any tips/tutorials would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Chris

[dreamsinsleep]

This is done best by air brushing them in multiple layers, start with your base color and highlight up from there, slowly adding white to the mixture. I start with a base coat of 1:3 ratio of enchanted blue and chaos black to get that dark blue color.

[MagickalMemories]

It can be hand painted on, as well, but you need to do it slowly and in layers.
My suggestion would be to get a LARGE copy of a pic that you're trying to emulate and have it up on your monitor.

The lightning designs are easily done, but take work to master. I'd suggest painting the model and sealing it with a layer of GLOSS. Once sealed, take a mechanical pencil and draw in the lines for the lightning. If you're not happy with it, carefully erase it. Try again. When you're happy with it, use your finest brush to trace it in white with thinned paint. This may take a few layers. Alternatively, you can use thin paint in a blue shade, kind of wide lined, and highlight up to white.
I suggest practicing on paper or plasticard first.

Eric

[CMSheats]

Thank you both for the info! That is most helpful!

Chris

[kturock]

pratice on the real thing.

1st use old sprues. clean. prime and paint as if it was the real thing.

spray flat/matte finish between each layer. that way you can easily rinse the mistake off. you can use running water, goop hand cleaner, or even spray simple green and rinse quickly.

[MagickalMemories]

Good advice.

Eric

[con-fusion]

I've been using this method for the lightning effect:

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/inde ... pic=195462

[kturock]

just use other colors than greens, you could do blues, reds, yellows...