How do you paint jade?

[Red Orc]

As in, something so that it looks like jade, I'm not looking for advice on applying to something really made of jade. Chinese statues and oriental warriors, Cthuloid idols from Leng, that sort of stuff. Anyone got any tips?

Thank you in advance, both from me, and from the Jade Temple Brotherhood...

[Tomsche]

Coat D`Arms has a paint in it`s range called `Jade Green`





This is the coulour on some spaceship models

[YPU]

I have only done this once, but I found a dark green along the Lines of GW dark angels green to be a good basecoat for it. Your mileage may vary, of course.

Tomsche, where are those spaceships from?
 

[Tomsche]

The upper ones are Birgade Models (UK) german vessels, the bottom picture are `old style` GZG ships of the NSL faction


The Colonials are Ravenstar resins and metal bergstrom fighters

[former user]

to be honest, this is rather theoretical.

I recently made very good experiences with mixing paint and washes into acrylic transparent agent (Lukas).
You can use it to modify transparency and consistence of the paint, and I produced quite acceptable results with a semi-translucent look on fading colours (on the train).
Provided You use the appropriate shades of green, I guess You could build up this translucent jade look in several layers - a technique called glazing and applied by the Dutch masters.
I also did this a long time ago with  acrylic transparent varnish for a water surface.
Another option could be to use "pearl" nail polish or paint, in the appropiate colour of course.

I presume this is what You were asking for?

[Red Orc]

Thanks to all of you; yes, I'm looking for techniques that would help replicate that slightly oily, shiny look that jade has, and also for suggestions for good paint colours.

I realised after I'd posted this of course that I should have put it in "How to..."; sorry everyone, I'm an idiot.

Tomsche: very nice fleet you have there.

[Dewbakuk]

Another theoretical aproach. Paint it a deep green with a 'Jade Green' main coat, then varnish with gloss?

[Red Orc]

That may be the way forward. I don't like the look of gloss-varnished minis, but only varnishing the bits that actually are supposed to be jade is probably the way to go, isn't it?

[Dewbakuk]

I hate gloss varnish, but it does look good when used on gem stones. Don't see why it wouldn't work for jade too.

[fantail]

Here is a nice guide to painting jade.
http://minipainting-guild.net/gallery/other/celtois_druid.html
Hope it helps.
Andrew

[Red Orc]

Thanks Fantail, that's an excellent link there. Essentially they treated the whole thing like a giant complex gem... well, I can see I'l going to have lots of experimenting to do!

Thanks all round guys, anyone got any more advice and hints, then please feel free to join in!