Quick answer
Paint your BattleTech Mercenaries miniatures in this order: assemble and clean, prime, block base colors with the Fanatic acrylics, add speedpaint for shading or quick color, then finish details with the brush. Work in thin layers and let each stage dry before moving on.
Why the order matters with this set
The BattleTech: Mercenaries Paint Set combines Fanatic acrylic paints, speedpaints, a brush, and a painting guide. Because speedpaints and acrylics behave differently, the sequence you use them in affects how much control you have. Acrylics are opaque and forgiving for base layers; speedpaints flow into recesses and can tint whatever is underneath. If you apply speedpaint before your base colors are solid, the result can look patchy and hard to correct.
The set does not list a fixed number of paints or specific color names in the catalog, so treat the included guide as your reference for which bottle to use where. If a color you want is missing, you can substitute another acrylic rather than forcing a speedpaint into a role it is not suited for.
When to skip a step
If your miniatures are already assembled and primed, skip the first two steps. If you are painting a test model or a single 'Mech, you can also skip batch assembly and work one miniature at a time. The only step you should not skip is letting layers dry; rushing that is the most common cause of a muddy finish.
Step-by-step painting order
- Assemble and clean the miniature: Remove mold lines with a hobby knife or fine file, then wash the miniature in warm soapy water and let it dry completely. Common mistake: painting over mold release agent or dust, which makes paint bead and flake. Check for fuzzy detail or shiny patches before priming; if you see them, clean again.
- Prime the miniature: Apply a thin, even coat of primer in a well-ventilated area, holding the can or airbrush at the distance recommended on the primer. Let it cure fully. Common mistake: spraying too close or too heavily, which fills panel lines and obscures detail. Primer should look like a light dusting, not a wet coat.
- Block in base colors with Fanatic acrylics: Thin the acrylic paint slightly and apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat, letting each dry. Cover the main areas first, such as armor panels and joints. Common mistake: loading too much paint on the brush, which pools in recesses and hides detail. If you can still see primer after two coats, add a third thin coat instead of a heavier one.
- Use speedpaints for shading or quick color: Apply speedpaint over a dry base coat in a single pass, letting it flow into recesses. Do not brush it back and forth once it starts to set. Common mistake: applying speedpaint over a wet acrylic layer, which lifts the base color and creates streaks. Test speedpaint on a spare surface first if you are unsure how strongly it tints.
- Add details and highlights with the brush: Use the included brush for cockpit glass, weapon tips, and edge highlights. Keep the brush tip sharp and rinse it often between colors. Common mistake: letting paint dry in the ferrule, which splits the brush and ruins fine work. A clean, damp brush gives cleaner lines than a brush loaded with too much paint.
- Seal and check the finish: Once all layers are dry, apply a matte varnish if you plan to handle the miniature often. Inspect under good light for missed spots or glossy patches. Common mistake: handling the miniature before it is fully dry, which leaves fingerprints in the paint. Wait at least the drying time stated on the paint or varnish before you game with the model.
What is in the set
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BattleTech: Mercenaries Paint Set: The kit contains a paint brush, a selection of speedpaints, Fanatic acrylic paints, and a painting guide. You have the core tools for a complete paint job in one box, so you can start without buying separate brushes or a guide.
BattleTech: Mercenaries Paint Set
