After trying to paint some Tau sept markings (the small lines) freehand and winding up spending lots of time and tears on it, I had a little idea.

What if I took some paper and cut small gashes and indentations into the edge, then used this as a stencil? I can definately see it working with tank-sized sept markings, although the troops might be a bit fiddly..

Has anyone tried anything similar, and if not, any tips for painting neat looking sept markings?

While it is definately possible for tanks and other large-ish, flat-ish surfaces, it generally doesn't work brilliantly with paper, in my experience.

What I would suggest if you are determined to use a stencil is using strips of masking tape.
Stick the strip down where you want the markings, and draw out the shapes onto the tape. Then, carefully cut the markings out, using a *sharp* scalpel or craft knife.
You should then be able to paint them on without too much paint bleeding under the stencil, although it will likely require a bit of tidying up afterwards.

I would definately not reccomend paper, as you will not be able to hold it is the same place for long enough, and as it wants to lie flat you will have big problems with bleed...

Best of luck though, and do post up some pics when you're done!

-t.

PS. Whereabouts in London are you? If you need somewhere to play there is always the Cross Gaming Club on Tuesdays, next to Charing Cross Station (www.crossgc.com (http://www.crossgc.com/))...