I have two workstations. Inside I have a painting center where all of the painting occurs. Out in the garage I have the Workshop where I melt metal and pour models. Below is a list of the things that make up my painting station. With the exception of the Paint Rack all of the items are pretty much everyday items that can be purchased at the local store.
Paint Station
Paint Rack Image Ok, the Paint rack is my pride and joy! I created that on my very own! There is another How To that gives the dimensions and some general guidlines on how to build your own. Sorry I do not build these for sale.
Silicone Baking Mat 10x16 Image 1 , Image 2 I use this to do all of my painting on. It keeps any wet paint off the surface I am painting on (like my favourite desk). It also keeps things from easily sliding around when I try to prop freshly painted model in an akward position.
Lint Roller Image I use the lint roller on the silicone baking mat. Before every use, I roll the mat with the lint roller to pickup all the loose pieces of dust lint and dirt that naturally accumulates on the mat. This reduces the "bits" that invariably end up in the paint job!
Paint Palette Image Image I have used the same paint palette from teh very begining. It is a small 6 well palette that I use with different paints until it has paint everywhere. I even use the space between the wells sometimes when I need just a small drop of color for, say eyes or eye brows.
Bell Jar Image The bell Jar is great for keeping the dust and dirt off of your models while you are in the process of painting them. Acrylic dries qjuickly but with a freshly painted model out in the open dust will soon settle on it and the problems begin when you go back to do additional painting. The dust that has settled on your model will end up in the paint job. The dimesions in the image are exactly what I have. It works great for 3-5 models indlucing their mounts for 54mm models. If you are painting larger models you may want to find an appropriatly taller Bell Jar.
Paint Brush Holder Image I read somewhere that the brushes need to be dryed hanging bristles down. This is to stop the moisture from going up into the base of the brush and damaging the glue that holds the brush together. Whether this is actually true or simply an urban legend I cannot say. However I use the holder to let my brushes dry before I store them away. If you look closely at the Paint Rack image you will notice that I actually took the top spiral part and attached it to my paint rack. clever eh?
Brush Cleaner Image Along with the very first paint brush I purchased brush cleaner. Over a decade later I am still using the same container of cleaner, and I use it all the time. I really do think it will outlast me!
Paper Towels really? you need an image of paper towels? I use paper towels under my paint jars so that I can wipe off excess water or paint from my brushes.
Granite beads Image I have been placing an 8mm granite bead in my Vallejo Paint bottles almost from the beginning. It makes mixing the paint so much easier. I have had paints last 4-5 years and the bead has never been a problem. To keep track I will color in a small circle on the paint label (always in the same spot, you choose) when I drop the bead in, that way I only put a bead in once!
Shaker Plate Image I have used this shaker off and on for several years. Not totally sure how effective it really is. I seem to end up with bubbles in the paint and have to wait quite a while to let them settle out. Still it is worth trying it out as it is not particularly expensive. One note, Vallejo Paints always suggests to "GENTLY roll the bottles back and forth between you fingers to remix the paint. This does not qualify as gently...
Magnifiers Image I use the Donegan DA-4, and DA7 Optivizor mostly because that was what I used at work before I retired. The DA-4 is a 2x magnifier, while the DA-7 is a 2.75x magnifier. I use the DA-4 for routine painting and the DA-7 when I am trying to paint eyes etc.
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