I have got quite some Vampire Counts models to paint, which I thought would be hell for me as I am a rather bad painter and I don't really like doing it either. But then someone told me about the dipping technique and I think it might be the right thing for me :)

1) I understand that dipping involves literally dipping a model in woodstain or painting woodstain on it. But I am wondering, how much should you paint the model BEFORE dipping, and how much AFTER? How much highlighthing/drybrushing is required afterwards (or before?) should I leave small details out until afterwards?

2) I could go with either dipping them or painting the woodstain on the models, what are the main differences in the results between these two methods? Which is faster? Which is more reliable? Are they maybe suited for different situations?

3) How much gloss will there be on my miniatures afterwards? Is there a special "non-gloss" woodstain or will I have to put varnish on them afterwards to get rid of the glow? If so, does this varnish come in sprays as well, and would it be easier to just spray the varnish on?

4) Anything I should watch out for or think about while painting my miniatures before dipping them? I don't know how much the colours will change during the dipping process, for example. Do they go lighter? darker? Do I have to mind not to put two similar-looking colours close together?

Thank you for your help0:

I have got quite some Vampire Counts models to paint, which I thought would be hell for me as I am a rather bad painter and I don't really like doing it either. But then someone told me about the dipping technique and I think it might be the right thing for me :)

Dipping is certainly a fine technique, especially for large numbers of cheap troops. Skeletons lend themselves extremely well to the technique actually, as you'll basically have to assemble them, spray them white, then dip them.



1) I understand that dipping involves literally dipping a model in woodstain or painting woodstain on it. But I am wondering, how much should you paint the model BEFORE dipping, and how much AFTER? How much highlighthing/drybrushing is required afterwards (or before?) should I leave small details out until afterwards?

Before dipping, one requires only a basecoat of the desired color. I paint the tunics on my Orc Boyz with kommando khaki, for instance, which results in a filthy cloth color. The skin is camo green, and so on and so on. Just a simple basecoat.

Keep in mind that the entire point of the dip is to provide shading FOR you, so you are required to do no highlights/shading whatsoever. In fact, the dip will sort of override any highlighting you do anyway, so it's counter-productive to try.


2) I could go with either dipping them or painting the woodstain on the models, what are the main differences in the results between these two methods? Which is faster? Which is more reliable? Are they maybe suited for different situations?

Brushing it on obviously gives one more control over the placement of the dip. You'll generally end with a model with somewhat less dip on it overall, just enough to give it some shading. Dipping them is faster of course, slightly more dangerous if you aren't careful (make sure to hold onto the base of the things tightly when you shake them.....I've lost a couple of orcs this way!). In general, actually dipping them is a better idea for rank and file troops, while painting it on is better for single characters and large models that are obviously not in a position to be shaken around in the air. For instance, I would not suggest trying to dip a fully assembled varghulf.


3) How much gloss will there be on my miniatures afterwards? Is there a special "non-gloss" woodstain or will I have to put varnish on them afterwards to get rid of the glow? If so, does this varnish come in sprays as well, and would it be easier to just spray the varnish on?

I use Minwax Polyshades Antique Walnut with a Satin finish. It dries a little bit glossy, but not too bad. It's generally never a bad idea to hit them with a bit of matte varnish afterwards though. Games Workshop in fact makes a matte varnish spray, I believe they call it 'Ard Coat? Testors also makes a very good spray called Dull Cote. Most people prefer it to the GW one, as the Citadel spray seems to dull down your colors a bit, and go a little yellow over time.


4) Anything I should watch out for or think about while painting my miniatures before dipping them? I don't know how much the colours will change during the dipping process, for example. Do they go lighter? darker? Do I have to mind not to put two similar-looking colours close together?

The color change itself depends on what color of dip you choose to use, but obviously the colors will generally darken up a bit. It can take a bit of practice to find what colors give the end result you want, so definately do a couple of test models before going full-bore on the troops.

Also, it is true that very similar colors will tend to lose any contrast they had with each other after you're done dipping. It's a good idea to try to keep neighboring colors fairly varied. Like I say, do a few test models and you'll certainly see for yourself.

Thank you for your help0:


Check out THIS (http://www.dysartes.com/model/painting/Dipping1.php) page for a basic run-down of dipping if you haven't already. Good luck!

Thanks, that was very helpful. I might even post some pictures later of the results. :)