Test of Honour Takeda's Court: Figure Painting Guide

Quick answer

Paint your Test of Honour Takeda's Court figures using high-quality acrylic paints and a simple layering technique to bring out the details of each samurai miniature.

Step-by-step painting guide

1. Prepare and prime the figures: Clean the resin figures with warm soapy water to remove mold release. Apply a thin coat of acrylic primer (gray or black) and let it dry completely. Skipping the wash can cause paint to peel later.
2. Basecoat the armor and cloth: Use a medium brush to apply a solid base color for the armor (e.g., metallic red for Takeda) and a separate color for the robes. Thin the paint with a drop of water for a smooth coat. Two thin coats are better than one thick coat—avoid obscuring details.
3. Paint skin and face details: Use a skin tone like Kronos Flesh for all exposed skin. Apply two thin layers, letting each dry. Add a tiny dot of white for the eyes and a thin brown line for eyebrows. A steady hand and a fine brush prevent the face from looking muddy.
4. Add highlights and shadows: Mix a lighter shade of the armor color and dry-brush it onto raised edges. Use a dark wash (heavily thinned black or brown) in the recesses to create depth. Wipe excess wash away quickly so it doesn't pool on flat areas.
5. Seal and protect the paint: Spray a matte or satin varnish over the finished figure to protect the paint during handling and gameplay. Let it cure for 24 hours. Gloss varnish can make figures look toy-like; matte is usually better for historical miniatures.

Product facts

• Test of Honour - Takeda's Court: Famed for their devastating cavalry charges, the Takeda clan rides forth. Led by the great general Takeda Shingen, they are supported by a wise tutor, the court falconer, and the imposing clan champion. This variety of characters gives you practice painting different materials—armor, robes, and animal fur—all in one box.

  

• Kronos Flesh: The Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy 'Two Thin Coats' Paint Range was created from the ground up with the support of the world's best paint development chemists. Specifically designed for any level of hobbyist, this top-quality paint range is fun for both beginner and seasoned painters. Kronos Flesh is a ready-to-use skin tone that saves mixing time and layers smoothly over a primer, perfect for the exposed faces and hands on these figures.