Dipping - work of the devil or a valid technique?

[Ben2]

I'm sitting at home looking at 100 Moria goblins and 150+ navwar ships. And considering whether to try dipping. I know dipping is lazy, frowned upon by many painters, and that it just doesn't suit some colours (never dip ultramarines for example) but I'm wondering if using a brushed on dip on the superstructure and deck of 1/3000 scale navwar ships to pick out the detail I can't even see, followed up by detailing and highlights, might be the most practical way to get painted fleets.
And moria goblins. Dip works on green, red, brown and chainmail, again I'm thinking of base coating, dipping and then detailing.

Does anyone think this will work? Has anyone tried this?

And for anyone who doesn't know dipping is where models are dipped (or as I propose to do it brushed) with polyurethane wood stain, with walnut being a favoured choice. This is often mixed 75/20 or 50/50 with water or white spirit, though often left completely neat. It would probably be Wilkinsons own brand Oak woodstain.

Here are some examples of dipping

http://15mmvsf.bagofmice.com/paint/mars_bow1.html

http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27857

 

[CudaHP]

I have used a variation on dipping, by making my own dipping solution using a clear acrylic (Future Liquid Floor Wax) along with adding either ink or acylic paint to maych or compliment the color of the figure.

With a little experimentation this can work with any color.

This also acts to base coat and protect the figure as you paint.

Definitely increases the durability of the paint job and as you stated brings out the details to the eye so you can do the detail painting.

Once did this to over 200 figures in less than two days in two separate major colors a Cadet Grey (Grey with a Brown tone to it) and Black.

Let cure over night and I was ready for several weeks worth of painting and detailing.

I use it only as an intermediate step after priming and before detailing.

 

[lt.harper]

spray pants the way to go

 

[Ben2]

Future wash is completely different to dipping.

I'm looking at my Eldar and thinking future wash, I'm looking at Bugs and Nids and thinking dipping.

 

[hegemon]

take a look at wargamesworkshop, they sell a range of dips called fanatic army painter or FAP or short, it comes in 4 or 5 different shades from really light to really dark, the end products look good i think.

 

[Rob_A]

Never dipped meself. Worth it if you are thinking of owning a Moria goblin army like that!
I have a similar sounding one! :lol:

 

[PlayWithBob]

Dip them...Dip them all!!!!!!

I dip everything anymore. I'm so lazy now...

 

[BuShips]

Very nice pics Bob.

I have to say I've never done "the Dip". I've always separated the protective coat from the "tone" process by doing a thinned ink-wash then followed by sealing. It gives a somewhat similar effect and is also a time-saving tactic over dry-brushing. I'll usually use Krylon acrylic matte finish.

Again, very nice work and thanks for sharing! I'm putting the last bit on my 120 LAMIs this morning. I need to get on with my Ripplers, heh.