Need opinion.

[Chambersofminiatures]

I am getting ready to paint a sci fi room and corridor set. I wanted to stay away from the cliche black base color with silver dry brushing though. I decided to go with a lighter color scheme. Here are two test pieces and would like you opinion as to which way to go.

The first example took all of 10 minutes using the "dip" method with Polyshades Minwax.



The second example took quite a bit longer with various washes to achieve the distressed look.



I like the look of the distressed piece, but it took a bit longer to paint,considering I am putting several rooms and corridors together. I also like the look of the cleaner "Star Wars" like, clean (ish), and sterile corridors.

Help me decide. LAF paint off left my brain mushy and I am in search of a new project.

[Blackwolf]

Not much help,I like both Maybe some pin washes with a dark oily brown?

[Chambersofminiatures]

What does "pin washes" mean?

[Blackwolf]

Using a fine detail brush and heavily thinned paint (often oils),apply to the edges,depths et cetera.Hopefully this will add depth/contast to the painting. However in this case I don't think you need it

[Heldrak]

What kind of project are they going to be used for? If for the interior of a new-off-the-showroom-floor spaceship, then the "clean" version would be appropriate. If for a drifting derelict in space when dreadful deeds have been done, then the "dirty" version.

Personally, I like the look of the "clean" version, but that's just me... 

[Ray Rivers]

For me it would also depend on the size of the project.

If it is a large project, go with the clean first.  When finished you can always go back and "dirty" it up.

I also prefer the clean look, but, as Heldrak wrote, if it is suppose to be a derelict, than perhaps the dirty version would be best.

[Chambersofminiatures]

I do not have a specific project at this time. Most of the based of my scifi miniatures are based with the distressed look, but I am not married to that look for the corridors and the rooms.

Aside from the use of the tiles, which is more appealing to the discerning eye?

[syrinx0]

I really like the look of the first set.  I think if you painted most of the corridors the first way with only a few sections heavily distressed it would make them stand out all the better. 

[ErikB]

I like the "clean" version a lot.  The "distressed" looks a bit messy.

I suggest doing the "clean" version, varnishing it, and, if you want, use water colors (that will clean off) to distress if your gaming requires it.

[zizi666]

Dang !
and I thought we were through voting now the LPL is over... 
anyway. it's a tie for me. they're both very well painted.
Like Heldrak said : everything will depend on the game setting you use.

[magokiron]

I really like the "clean" version.

And I'm sure you can pain your tiles like that, and then make a few washes at some spots to make it look "dirty".

But you asked for GAMING purposes, and I think the "clean" versin wins again, as the spaces are perfectly visible.

So, for look, gaming use, and quick painting, my 3 votes are for the "clean" version.

Hope that helps.

[dodge]

for me I think it depends on what you want,

both are excellent

the clean version is lovely and looks well maintained

the second is equally as appealing and has that abandoned feel

both great

dodge

[Silent Invader]

I like both 

For me, the second screams post-apc sci-fi, like Doom, the first fantasy sci-fi like Star Wars.

Personally, I'm a Doom rather than a Star Wars fan so I'd go for the dirty look.

Not much help I'm afraid........

[Chambersofminiatures]

I did not have a purpose for the tiles at first,but after hearing the comments, I will be going with the clean look.

The games that I would use them for will be Infinity, 7tv, Star Wars, and random modern/scifi gaming. I can always get another set and distress paint them. The clean look is a lot less work too.

Thanks for the comments and look forward to seeing the finished project soon.

Patrick Chambers

[6milPhil]

Both are good. For time and sanity I'd go mainly for the first and a few in the second style. They compliment each other anyway and it'll add atmosphere when players reach the highly stained parts.

Also if you do it mainly in the first style you can play sooner and then should you choose you can dirty up the rest at your leisure - it's a hobby and not a chore after all.