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Multimedia Review
AFV Acrylic Techniques
AFV Acrylic Techniques by Mig Jimenez
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by: James Bella [ C5FLIES ]

introduction

Vallejo Acrylics are well known for their Model Color range, but the company offers so much more. So much, in fact, that I was unsure what some of the products were used for until watching this video. From primers to pigments, glazes to washes, modelers can paint and weather their projects using Vallejo’s water soluble products exclusively, and that’s what this DVD is all about.

the dvd

This DVD uses the PAL system which will work on any personal computer DVD reader, and for those areas that use the NTSC system this will be the only way to view this video. I used VLC to view this on my PC with no issues.

The video is 56 minutes in length, narrated in English with Spanish subtitles. The background music is pleasant and the narration is clear and very understandable. Professionally done, there are no off camera noises such as running air compressors to interrupt the flow of the video.

Mig Jimenez performs the artistry using the Tasca 1/24 Pz.II as his canvas, transforming a ‘naked’ model into a finished masterpiece while walking us through the steps. Remember, this tutorial is specifically for Vallejo products, and some techniques and products may not be applicable or compatible with other brands. Much can be learned just by watching Mig’s brush strokes, both bristle and air, along with his application methods, one of the reasons why videos are such an excellent compliment to printed material.

The video is broken down into chapters to facilitate navigation if you wish to concentrate on certain areas, although it is recommended to view the entire DVD initially. The included eight page Basic Guide booklet makes a handy reference to use at the workbench as a refresher course.

The chapters covered are as follows:
  • Intro:
    This is an introduction stating that the finishing and weathering of a model can be completed using acrylic products and that different techniques are required. During the narration, the finished model is showcased.
  • Base Color:
    This is an excellent chapter which covers priming, base color, highlighting, adding camouflage and decals. Of note, the ‘normal’ sequence of decal application with Vallejo’s Decal Medium and Decal Fix is using the medium first and the fix second as is shown in the video. Some modelers reverse that sequence, using the fix and then the medium, with excellent results.
  • Pin Washes:
    Using acrylic washes is a whole different ball game compared to oil products due to their very quick drying times, and this chapter cleared up any questions and problems that I was having using these acrylic wash products.
  • Chipping:
    Mig heavily chips his subject, providing us with a good walk through of the process using a brush, the ‘sponge’ technique is mentioned, and used, although not taught here.
  • Fading and Rust:
    Fading is accomplished by using an airbrush to start, and an overall filter/wash to finish. Rust streaks follow showing both small and large areas done. What is not shown are complete rust areas such as is commonly portrayed on exhausts, as this usually requires multiple techniques to accomplish such as chipping, painting and pigments. By combining multiple techniques shown in the video many other effects can be accomplished, experimentation is always a key to success.
  • Dust and Dry Mud:
    Here we get into using pigments to portray dry dust and mud. This can be adjusted to suit the individual modeler, and Mig provides us with a few different applications to use. Other pigment techniques can be used here to achieve the desired effect.
  • Tracks:
    A simple and effective way to finish tracks using paint and pigments, no more worrying if an oil based product will eat through your ModelKasten tracks!
  • Oil, Tools and Details:
    An easy way to achieve oil spills that look very realistic. On vehicle equipment is covered briefly as many of these items use the same techniques as the vehicle itself. A good point is brought up here about painting a wood finish, that it’s more akin to figure painting, which these super fine details are. Still, this area is touched upon lightly to get you started, and further reading into acrylic figure painting would be beneficial. This chapter ends with the addition of leaves and grass, virtually the only non-Vallejo products used.
  • Remember:
    This chapter serves to give an overview of the products used.
  • The Panzer II:
    A preserved Pz.II in motion, with a quick video walk-around of the tank provides a nice finale to this DVD.
conclusion

A model can be completely finished using Vallejo acrylic products following Mig’s step-by-step, and using the information contained in this DVD provides the basis for even further experimentation. There are still a few blanks to fill in which I wish were gone into more detail, such as the streaking that is evident on the model, but more than enough is included here. And possibly these areas are completed during the process, (maybe streaking is complete in the fading and rust section?), but without finishing a complete model using these techniques I cannot say for sure. I have tried a few of these techniques with very pleasing results and will soon pick up the Tasca 1/24 Pz.II to compare ‘apples to apples’ results between a pro and novice.
SUMMARY
Highs: Achieving excellent results using only acrylic products is a plus for me, no more unpleasant odors, easy clean-up, less materials cluttering my work area, quick drying time.
Lows: No lows to note, if you use Vallejo products.
Verdict: If you use Vallejo products, or are thinking about getting rid of your 'oil dependency', this video is a must have. Highly recommended.
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: 75000
  Suggested Retail: $15-25 USD approx.
  PUBLISHED: Jul 05, 2010
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 86.44%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 89.25%

Our Thanks to Vallejo Acrylics!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About James Bella (c5flies)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

My main interest is 1/35 scale WWII armor, Axis and Allied, and will occasionally branch out into other areas. The builds I have done so far have been pretty much OOB, and considering what most newer kits include, that is usually more than enough for me. Even though my projects do not always end up ...

Copyright ©2021 text by James Bella [ C5FLIES ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

I just got my DVD a few minutes after posting my previous post. I watched a couple of chapters and I really like it since I generally prefer to work with acrylics, and I already have a collection of Vallejo paints. Jeff, it does run with Windows Media Playes, but I prefer to use the Nero player. I don't think that Mig switching over to Vallejo presents a problem. It's just business, and he has to make money somehow, just like the rest of us. I, personally, don't like my job and I don't believe in the product (or service) we supply, but it's the only job I could get and it puts food on the table (And allows me to have this hobby)! After all, this is not about some political or ideological belief.. just painting models Anyway, I'm happy with this DVD, and I'm looking forward to more from Mig, because I really learn a lot from them. Hisham Anyway,
JUL 06, 2010 - 12:59 AM
I have had this DVD for about a month (got an early copy for being a Vallejo dealer), and it does indeed work in Windows Media Player. I did express my disappointment to them that they didn't do a NTSC version for the North American and Japanese markets, I think they would sell alot more if they did. I thought the DVD was good, but also thought they would have gone into more detail in some areas. When you look at the insert with the DVD, it gives you the impression that the DVD will go into more detail on those areas, and it does for most. I was looking forward to seeing how the wooden handles were done, but all I got was a short 10sec blurb about how it is subjective and like figure painting there are many different ways to do it that can't fit on this DVD. Well....showing at least one way to do it would have been nice. How to do the oil spill effect could have had more detail as well like how to mix it. It basically says these are the items you use to mix it, and where you might apply it....and that is it. However.....those are the only negatives I have to say about this DVD, everything else is spot on, and very enjoyable to watch. Now I only wish my supplier would get them in stock so I can get them into my shop to sell. Few other things....the DVD is not so much "Use Vallejo products only" but how to do the techniques using acrylics as opposed to enamels and oils. That being said, I don't think Vallejo is going to put the money into making a DVD, to showcase someone else's product, so it is only natural that they would be using their own product. As far as Mig Jimenez, he no longer has any ties to Mig Productions, which he has made clear on his blog, and regardless of what lines of products he uses on his own personal builds, it is only business with him doing this DVD with Vallejo, however I am sure he would be happy to tell you what products he uses on his own builds if you asked him nicely. I don't remember his switch from Vallejo to Andrea...maybe for figures, but he used to like using Lifecolor for painting vehicles. Now was that a business decision while he was at Mig Productions? Or a personal choice? Only Mig can tell us that. Either way....quality DVD, made in conjunction with one of the best paint companies IMO (Vallejo), and one of the best master modelers (Mig), and is a recipe for success. Now to look forward to a possible follow on DVD!!
JUL 06, 2010 - 04:04 AM
Here's a link showing another DVD in the works, covering weathering with enamels and washing. http://www.ak-interactive.com/news.htm Hisham
JUL 06, 2010 - 04:42 AM
I might of remembered wrong, it might of been Lifecolor. Thanks for that tid bit of knowledge. Yep I think you got that right or not who cares really,I just thought it strange talk about you don't like something from somebody then we see you selling it As the man above said puts bread on the table. But if lifecolor then a whole different ball and I stand corrected.
JUL 06, 2010 - 05:59 AM
Sorry about the confusion on WMP, as I said this DVD will work on PC's, it's just that I used VideoLan to watch it Scott, totally agree that some areas could have been gone into more depth...but of course I find that with most DVD's. It's usually too much on one area and not enough on another. The beauty of this DVD is using acrylics from start to finish, especially for me from switching from lacquer to acrylic primer....and not using Future, which I was never a big fan of. The reason I added that it is specifically for Vallejo was for the purpose of compatibility. These products work together well, but mixing products may produce less than desirable results. As an example, I used the washes as directed in the video over another brands basecoat for a test. Not a great idea..... But some other techniques will, of course, work with any brands used. If you're going to mix and match products, it's always recommended to test in an inconspicuous area first.
JUL 06, 2010 - 04:39 PM
Excellent review James. You have convinced me. Now, any idea where this DVD can be purchased, preferably in the USA? Keith
JUL 08, 2010 - 03:17 PM
Thanks Keith, it should be arriving in the US very soon (actually I thought it would be here already.) I usually buy my Vallejo supplies from Michigan Toy Soldiers Co. and see they still haven't received them yet.
JUL 08, 2010 - 04:16 PM
I have bought the DVD and I am a bit surprised that no-one talks about the narrator. In my opinion that it is very poorly done. He is not very pleasant to listen to (I am being polite here...) and it stops me from playing the disk again. I would not reccomend this DVD to someone.
OCT 05, 2012 - 10:27 AM
I borrowed the DVD from a friend and watched it twice. I also thought it was very good as an explanation of techniques. I dont use vallejo so much, and never brush paint with acrylics. I cant really say it is "opposed to enamels and oils", as it just highlights other items from Vallejo that help their ecrylic paints to gain some of the characteristics of enamels and oils, so the techniques can be carried out as normal. I have a few DVDs from MIG and AKI, and to be honest the difference in techniques is not that much. For those who want to paint totally in acrylics, this DVD explains those new items from Vallejo that help their paints react like enamels and oils. Nothing that new. I really couldn´t see any body stopping with oils, because acrlyics would be better ... just gives those who want to avoid the fumes a realistic option.
OCT 05, 2012 - 10:45 AM
   
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