Supplies

Tabletop Wargaming can be an expensive hobby.  Acquiring models and keeping up with the latest rule books can cost a pretty penny.  Factor into this the cost of art modeling supplies and this hobby can quickly become cost prohibitive to some.  I'm here to say that doesn't have to be the case.  Modeling supplies are all around us.  Don't feel constrained to whatever supplies are sold by Games Workshop or your local gaming store.  With a little bit of creative thinking and some frugal shopping one can get everything they need on a shoestring budget.

BASE COAT

So there are two paths you can go here.  Primer then base, or base and primer in one.  I'm going to suggest you go with the latter.

• Base and Primer in one:
• Army Painter makes amazing spray base and primer in one in all the most popular colors, Ultramarine Blue, Wolf Grey, Pure Red and many more.  Their spray paints also have 100% matching bottle paints for all that touch up and detail work.  This is a bit pricier method but the results will speak for themself. 
• Primer then base:
• Stop by your local hardware store or Wal-Mart and pick up a can of White, Black or Grey matte finish enamel.  MAKE SURE IT'S MATTE FINISH!  You don't want to be base coating your minis in gloss, nothing will stick.  Also keep away from the automotive primers.  These are designed to go on thick to cover up imperfections.  You don't want your primer to hide the details of your minis either.  A can shouldn't cost you more than a dollar or two.

PAINT

Some people swear by the Citadel Paints sold by Games Workshop.  Others prefer Testors or Tamiya.  I'm a fan of the acrylic craft paints you can find at craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  They run between 50¢ and a dollar.  I do have to say that as I start to experiment more with my airbrush I may very well invest in some higher quality paints.  The cheaper ones tend to clog the airbrush.

Army painter is my new favorite choice.  While not available in as many colors as the craft paints, the quality is far above and beyond that of the cheaper alternative.  In addition they sell matching spray and bottled paints allowing for a quick base coat to your army followed up by matching detail work!

CHEESECLOTH

Cheese Cloth

This stuff is always worth keeping around the house.  It can be used in the kitchen, for cleaning and best of all, for modeling.  I use it for creating ghillie suits and cammo netting for vehicles.

Kneadatite

KNEADATITE

More commonly know to miniature hobbyists as Green Stuff.  This two part epoxy putty is a favorite of miniature hobbyists.  It has a long cure time, takes detail well, and adheres to model surfaces easily. When working with this product is it best to use a metal tool, such as dental tools, coated with a dab of water or petroleum jelly.  I prefer water as it is less messy.  Kneadatite is sold by Games Workshop in small ribbons for more than I care to spend.  In addition to being expensive the stuff sold by Games Workshop is also packaged with the two colors joined.  This causes curing along the center and, if not removed prior to mixing, will ruin the consistency of the material.  Buy from an online hobby store or Amazon.com in tubes for about $15.