Boomer is quite right about the paints for figures .
Citadel paints are made for figures that will be handled , so it’s made so that it doesn’t rub off.
Citadel , along with Vallejo , MIG and Lifecolour make probably the best paints for getting a proper matt finish for clothing .
They also offer sets of paints , like Weathered Wood , Flesh Tones , WW2 Allied Colours ,
Rust shades etc…
The boxed sets come with instructions which will help novices and experienced alike .
I apologise to those who find these things expensive , but go without a bottle of whisky and buy a set .
I was fortunate to get into different modelling pursuits , so picked up knowledge of the bits and bobs that go with the different disciplines . Some of the tools advertised in Military Mags give a wide choice of things you may not see if you only look to model rail support for stuff .
There are also bits of medical equipment that are useful , factories in China have picked up on the fact that non-sterile stuff can be sold cheap for non medical use . My favourite bits from them are Locking Forceps , also known as Fly Fisherman Clamps . These are ideal for holding sub assemblies while painting , or spraying anything with spray cans to keep your hands out of the spray . They look like scissors and once you get them , you may wonder how you got on without .
A quick look at Squadron Hobbies site will give you an idea of tools you may not have come across .
A quick tip for holding models to spray all round in one go .
Drill a hole in it that will give an interference fit with wooden skewers for meat , bung the skewer in et voila ! A cheap holder . A large 1/24 scale truck cab is easily handled with a skewer .
I usually drill a hole in the foot of my figures , on the underside , you understand , otherwise the figure may look like it has severe battle damage .
Pick up on these ideas and you may finish up doing better figures than Boomer .
But he will be a hard act to follow .
Mike Brit