Quick Answer
To paint the Malifaux Classics Twisted Living Impaired, start with proper cleaning and priming, then layer muted colors, apply washes for depth, and finish with drybrushing and basing—this approach works best on metal miniatures.
Why These Metal Miniatures Need Special Prep
The Living Impaired are metal sculpts from Malifaux's First Edition era, so they require a bit more preparation than plastic kits. Mold lines and small flash are common, and the metal surface can resist paint if not cleaned properly.
Take your time with cleaning and priming—this step prevents paint from chipping later and ensures your basecoats adhere smoothly.
Choosing a Color Scheme for the Undead
The Twisted range leans into Wyrd's dark comedy, so you can play up the contrast between grim tones and subtle humorous details. Muted greens, browns, and pale flesh tones work well for the undead, while a few bright accents—like a red tie or a colorful accessory—can highlight the macabre humor.
Remember that metal miniatures benefit from a primer that provides good grip; a matte black or grey primer is a solid choice.
Step-by-Step Painting Process
- Clean and Prep: Wash the metal miniatures with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush to remove any release agent. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Remove mold lines and flash with a hobby knife or file. Check for any sharp edges that could be dangerous or hard to paint. A clean surface is your best defense against paint flaking.
- Prime the Miniatures: Apply a thin coat of primer—matte black or grey works well. Hold the can about 20-30 cm away and use short, sweeping motions. Avoid heavy coats that can obscure details. Let dry completely before painting. Thin coats are better than one thick coat; you can always add more.
- Basecoat the Main Colors: Use a medium-sized brush to apply your base colors. For the Living Impaired, consider muted greens for skin, dark browns for clothing, and bone colors for any exposed ribs or skulls. Two thin coats are better than one thick one to keep the detail crisp. Don't worry about being neat at this stage; you'll clean up with washes and highlights.
- Apply Washes for Depth: Use a dark wash, such as Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade, to shade the recesses. Apply generously but control the pooling with a damp brush if needed. This step adds contrast and makes the details pop. Washes can be pushed around with a clean brush to avoid coffee stains.
- Highlight and Drybrush: After the wash dries, drybrush the raised areas with a lighter version of your base colors. For skin, use a pale green or bone tone; for cloth, a lighter brown. This brings out the sculpted details. If the drybrush looks chalky, you're using too much paint on the brush.
- Finish with Basing and Seal: Paint the base with a texture paste or sand, then drybrush it with a light tone. Once everything is dry, apply a matte or satin varnish to protect the paint. For metal miniatures, a varnish is especially important to prevent chipping during handling. A varnish not only protects but also unifies the finish.
Product Facts
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Malifaux Classics: Twisted - Living Impaired (3 Pack): The Living Impaired are three gleefully macabre metal figures from the Twisted range, part of Malifaux Classics. They represent early Wyrd sculpts, so expect fine details that reward careful painting and a bit of patience.
Malifaux Classics: Twisted - Living Impaired (3 Pack)
