Use of Cuirassiers and armour colours in the ECW

[paulsmodellingworkshop]

Hello all,Help needed!I am collecting for King and Country and wondering what units on the royalist side would have used cuirassiers. I have heard maybe the kings and queens lifeguard – can anyone confirm that? and numbers in units? …and what about Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice's units or personal retinue or bodyguards? Also I've seen many a photo/picture of cavalry commanders wearing this type of armour so could I use some as 'captains' for my various cavalry units? or would that be heresy?  Secondly, has anyone got any ideas on how I can replicate the highly polished black/enamel armour when painting? bearing in mind we usually finish with a matt varnish, how do I stop the armour from looking dull and flat.I was thinking of using gloss black and highlighting the edges of the armour with the brightest silver I can find but would I need to brush gloss varnish over the top when finished……..tricky. Thanks,  Paul.

[Cubster]

Hey Mr Paul, I replied to someone or other about this a few months back. I did some 'black' armour for a client a while back and am happy to share my methodology. First, a black basecoat (of course) with highlights achieved through an extremely subtle mix of black, metal (boltgun or similar), grey and blue. You're looking for a gunmetal type effect. It only needs to be slightly lighter than the black because it dries lighter than it looks on the model when the paint is wet. If you want, a couple of very tiny silver flecks here and there to depict scratches and scrapes are effective. Then after matt varnishing the whole model, a gloss varnish coat (or two) on the armour will bring it up nicely.As always, I'd recommend giving it a whirl on a dummy model first to practise the highlight, because it's very easy to make it too light.

[John at Warlord Games]

Hi Paul...  in the Cuirassier leaflet, in the box , I have wittered on about who MAY have had some full armour in the Royalist army  it is sadly the case that NO proven unit took to the field in full cuirrass im afraid  BUt no doubt individuals and troops of cav did in the Royalist army...maybe  even the gentlemen pensionairs...?? So just field a few mixed in with the cavalry I say  too nice not to include in any army I say and damn any Crophead who tells you otherwise..  Cheers john s 

[BigMike]

Paul: Further to what Cubster said there's quite an interesting step by step guide to different armour colours on the GW website.  If you search articles for 'Empire knights' or 'empire armour' there are walk throughs for black, blue and brass effects

[Suetonius Paullinus]

Try this tutorial by Artmasterstudio: http://www.artmasterstudio.co......ision.html As you'll have found out they decided to paint a stalwart Parliamentarian. But you'll find this recipe for blackened armour working for papists as well.  For God and Parliament! S.P.

[paulsmodellingworkshop]

Excellent dudes!Cubster, Big Mike and SP thanks for that - I will try all those techniques and let you know/pictures when complete. Thanks John - I was sort of hoping for that answer! I will use some as captains, some as bodyguards/loyal retainers etc.I guess I could also convert a few with head swaps etc.