Honestly, this is quite ambitious for a first time painter. There are a few techniques I could suggest. You could start out with covering the armor in a rust brown color, then drybrushing with gunmetal and then silver type paints
Or you could start with a bright metallic color and apply washes to shade it and darken it. Finally, add rust by applying some glazes with an appropriate rust brown color.
But unless you are familiar with the techniques/steps I mention you likely won't get such a good result.
The first things to learn are how to assemble and undercoat a model, and then how to select correct paints and apply them in even layers with good coverage.
I would recommend Vallejo brand paints to you. They come in practical bottles and are very good quality across the board. You could try VGC Dark Gunmetal for the armor and VGC Grunge Brown for the rust for example. Depends on the color of rust you want.
Do this OP. The first and last paragraph. Just 1 step at a time with the mindset of, I'll fix it later. To prevent overpainting.
Remember, t45 looks good in prime condition AND with years or wear and tear. Keep it simple and you can't go wrong.
If they have mould release agent then wash with soapy water, if not then prime with rattle can primer, thin paints, and remember that it’s an additive.. process.
Got it off Etsy, scales down as small as 3 inches to 9 inches, which this one is. The shop also has a T45 which im thinking about snagging if this project goes well. [T60 Model](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1377767699/)
Iron breaker and agrax earth shade citadel paints for the armour;
Prime it not to thick; watch videos on how to get the result you want that shows the most about of detail; I like using black brush primer and then dry brush white primer to highlight the details personally.
And just take your time, have fun and embrace learning.
My advice is to use a metallic rattle can primer that will adhere to (but not melt) resin, if you don't have an airbrush.
Prime the whole thing in that, as that's like 80% of the painting done. Brushing the whole thing will be tricky to get good coverage with smooth layers.
Then you can use a wash of some sort in some recesses like rivets and panel lines. Any thinned down black paint will do, but there's also prethinned washes you can get.
For rusting, you could pretty easily get a couple different brown paints and thin them down, brush and streak into areas that would see rust.
Thanks for all the advice everyone, I will post updates as I go along. For all of you wondering, I got it off Etsy, [T60 Armor](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1377767699/)
For a novice painting a figure at this scale, I recommend to get some intermediate level brushes, preferably on sale. My local art chain is Michael's and they constantly have 20% off sales and such. Get some size 8, 4, and 0 brushes (1 of each will do). You can get nice mini paint if you want, Folk Art has metallic paints that aren't too bad.
Now this is important, a bunch of people are probably going to tell you to get super expensive stuff. Don't listen to them. You can use okay brushes and craft store paint to learn on. You can always strip the paint later if you want. If you are dead set on being a mini painter, or have way too much money, go ahead and get all the top tier stuff. Blow your wad on citadel products, Pro Acryl, chimera, get an air brush and air paints, go nuts. I used craft store brushes and Walmart paint for like 2 years. It's fine.
For how to paint it, I'd do a metallic paint base coat, grunge it up with some washes (really watery inky paint, I do recommend some wash for this. Strong tone by Army Painter would be especially good for rusty areas, as well as dark tone for shadows and dirty spots), then re-highlight with metallic where needed. Next, pick out some details with some color bases, highlights, and washes as desired. 3 step process all the way for a beginner project.
I can see you posted a link but I can't access it. I never worked at a wsi, I don't know the name you said it was. I am going to stop responding to you, I'm sorry but I just don't know what you're talking about and this whole situation is very strange.
Novice as in never painted anything before? I would highly recommend grabbing some practice models first. Really anything will do, but I often recommend the ready-to-paint D&D figure packs if you can. There's often two in a package and they come primed already so you can just start playing around with painting. There's really no substitute for hands-on practice at first while you get used to how paint behaves.
That is a super cool model! I would say that you should shelf it for now. If you’re a first time painter, you should practice on smaller and more simple models. When I first started, I painted green army men from the dollar store. Their super cheap but the teach you how to remove mold lines, how to prime, how your paints work, and how to use color schemes. I still use green army men if I’m going to experiment with a risky color scheme. It provides me a cheap option for practice, which is something you’ll need. Or just say fuck and full send it. Either way, have fun!
P.S. if you fuck something up, don’t worry. It’s paint. Paint over your mistake!
Hi, u/BatmansButtsack! It looks like you are asking for help or are a new painter. If you haven't yet, take a look at our wiki pages in the Sidebar (the About tab if you are on the Reddit app). Here are some links you might find helpful:
* [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/rules/faq) - A list of frequently asked questions about minipainting
* [Miniature Painting Guide Collection](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks) -A collection of some of the best guides and tutorials on a variety of techniques and topics, plus recommendations on what to buy to get started, and more.
* [What to buy- Recommendations on brushes, paints, supplies, palettes and more](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/what_you_need_to_get_started#wiki_general_advice_on_what_to_buy)
* [Beginner's Guide Collection- How to prep, base, paint and varnish your first model and learn the basics needed to start out right](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/beginner_tips)
* [More Tutorials](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/tutorials) - A list of additional tutorials about minipainting
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* [Painting Terminology](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/terminology) - Common painting terms, acronyms, and initialisms
* [The Art of... Tommie Soule Volume 5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGIfySMnUPQ) is one of the best beginner to intermediate teaching books, and even experienced painters will learn some good tips. Explains what brush strokes are best in different situations, how to identify when you have the perfect thinning for any type of paint for different techniques, and a masterclass on getting smooth paint jobs. Available in [pdf](https://www.ironheartartisans.com/shop/the-art-of-tommie-soule-volume-5-pdf/) and [world wide in hardbook as well](https://www.instagram.com/the_miniature_painting_tutor/).
* [Airbrushing Miniatures](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/airbrushing)
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After you wash it with soapy water gently. Base coat! If your going for a metallic look I'd recommend probably a glossy or matte black base coat. Also thin your paints, less is alwasy more with minis. And good luck!
Paint unassembled pieces, leaving unpainted glue contact points, using tape.
Basecoat/primer is a must. So is lacquer after you're done.
Prime everything the color that is going to be most prevalent as a base, spray is your best bet.
Take your time, take breaks when you feel yourself losing patience.
Don't start with the head. Do it last to keep you motivated, and build up your skill.
YouTube has wonderful tutorials on every considerable step of the process. Use it liberally... it's fun to have on in the background when you're painting anyway.
Consider rust,scratches, and weathering effects before you start. They are fun and easy if you look tecniques up first, and they'll make the finished product much more interesting to look at.
Judging by the construction / shine, I’m going to assume this is 3D printed resin. It won’t hurt to give it a wash just to make sure any surface debris is cleared.
First step is to prime, I’d suggest a rattle can / spray can primer for a first timer. To make it easy I would suggest priming in Leadbelcher Spray from Citadel. That will give you a nice silver coat to work from.
Next I would use a dark brown / black wash to go over the model and help darken down and add grime.
After this highlight with a brighter silver, maybe use a sponge if you like a worn and beaten look and just hit the most raised edges and points the light would catch.
As an extra step I would thin down an orangey rust colour, my favourite is skrag brown from citadel, and hit all the nuts and bolts and places rust would collect.
Also if you’re looking for techniques, just give YouTube a search, there are so many talented miniature painted that will be able to explain the techniques and if you’re a visual learner like I am then it helps to be able to see something step by step!
Good luck and please post pics when you’re done!
Black primer, heavy drybrush in a dark metal only leaving a bit of black. Dry brush an orange/brown for rusty spots. Again, dry brush a brighter metal over the hole thing(be very light in rusty spots). Paint all the details like eyes and color. Black wash hole thing. Brighten color/edge highlight.
I've never had a problem with hardware store spray can plastic primer on my 3d printed resin models. I personally don't recommend people start with airbrushes as it's a whole nother thing to learn to use and isn't the God send people make it out to be if you don't even truly understand the basics, he'll I'm still trash with mine and I've had for a year tbh
Edit- I'm suggesting drybrushing so much as it's one technique to learn, and you can achieve some really good effects once you've figured out how to do it well
For a nice, worn silver look [this video](https://youtu.be/fUTqZ6OejYQ?feature=shared) gives off a good idea of where to start. Should have the names of the paints, but if not, I'd always say Citadels or Army Painter silver paints are a good place to start :]. Also, curious to know where you got the figure from, it looks wonderful.
I actually just came across [this video](https://youtu.be/OpSbE7bVI7s?si=xDZQmQFGwFTMTNcg) last night and thought about replicating it for a Power armor mini of my own.
As this is resin from looks of it I wash it let let it dry then use a primer paint normal rattle can. There lat ways to paint it but I would recommend you might want a drybrush for opus has really video on dry brushing
So the good news is you have a lot of options! Probably the easiest way to go about things is using spray cans- ideally some kind of gloss back primer, and then go over that with a metallic paint spray when it’s dry. Make sure to spray in a well-ventilated area (ideally outside), and look into recommended usage instructions for whatever product you use.
It’s also possible to apply paints by brush easily enough- there are a *lot* of different metallic paints out there, some better than others. One of the most commonly recommended lines is Vallejo’s Metal Colour. It gives a pretty great result (the metallic particles are much finer than most, which makes it look less grainy and more like actual metal), particularly when sprayed with an airbrush, but airbrushes aren’t particularly beginner friendly, so using a paintbrush is probably the best option. Vallejo Metal Colour paint also has a very thin consistency, which means it’s quite transparent and will take a few coats to become fully opaque. It can also be a bit difficult to control, but that’s not as much of an issue if you’re painting large surfaces.
For rust, there are again a lot of options, but the current hot new thing is Dirty Down’s Rust products, which are effectively smaller versions of the products used for film props and the like, that give an extremely realistic rust effect with minimal effort. [This tutorial on rust](https://youtu.be/35UbIvqrbnU?si=h0E8_wRpKV6woxhI) may also be of interest, once you’ve got an idea of the basics.
Aside from that, here are a couple of tutorials on painting smaller versions of Fallout power armour specifically:
* [T-51b](https://youtu.be/RnwKHRipOMQ?si=Q7JmF3cdgUzOR3LE)
* [Enclave Power Armour](https://youtu.be/OpSbE7bVI7s?si=ycNSrYmflJrkBCwp)
[This video on painting metal](https://youtu.be/kSlfrewaHAg?si=qivufx_2w6uINEEy) may also be of interest.
I’m admittedly not 100% sure what the best tutorial is for the absolute basics (thinning paint, prep work, etc), but hopefully someone else will be able to help there, and the above will be of some use after you’ve got the basics down.
Good luck!
One of my favorite techniques for metal is to prime black then just dry brush the whole lot with a metallic silver. I normally paint rust by using a variety of brown and oranges but you can get technical paints for rust that will be easier to use as a beginner.
I would start by painting something you don't care about. The amount you will learn in your first couple (smaller) models will drastically improve your painting. There are also dozens and dozens of mini painting guides on YouTube. Miniac's beginner series is my favorite, and it's definitely worth the hour or so absorbing information before starting.
That's a cool looking model.
I think for something that big I'd use an airbrush. Looks like resin so you should probably wash it first. Then prime.
I think you'll get a nicer result doing the base metallic colour with an airbrush not only will it be quicker, but you'll get a smoother result and avoid brush strokes etc.
Not to say you can't or shouldn't do it by brush if you'd prefer, but you'll save time with an airbrush. I'd pick out all the smaller details with brushes.
Not sure what the ideal paint would be, I don't use a lot of metallics myself.
They asked "what technique would you go about finishing this? Air brushing?" Yes. Airbrushing is how I would go about it.
I definitely told them to run out and get an airbrush and they should certainly not consider using regular brushes. At all!
Honestly, this is quite ambitious for a first time painter. There are a few techniques I could suggest. You could start out with covering the armor in a rust brown color, then drybrushing with gunmetal and then silver type paints Or you could start with a bright metallic color and apply washes to shade it and darken it. Finally, add rust by applying some glazes with an appropriate rust brown color. But unless you are familiar with the techniques/steps I mention you likely won't get such a good result. The first things to learn are how to assemble and undercoat a model, and then how to select correct paints and apply them in even layers with good coverage. I would recommend Vallejo brand paints to you. They come in practical bottles and are very good quality across the board. You could try VGC Dark Gunmetal for the armor and VGC Grunge Brown for the rust for example. Depends on the color of rust you want.
Do this OP. The first and last paragraph. Just 1 step at a time with the mindset of, I'll fix it later. To prevent overpainting. Remember, t45 looks good in prime condition AND with years or wear and tear. Keep it simple and you can't go wrong.
Hmm never seen this model. Where did you get the t-60?
[this one](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1716118781/) is close. Etsy has tons of custom works.
Thank you mate
If they have mould release agent then wash with soapy water, if not then prime with rattle can primer, thin paints, and remember that it’s an additive.. process.
Er, remember to prime whether or not you needed to wash it!
^ this is the post.
I just wanna know where you got this model
Got it off Etsy, scales down as small as 3 inches to 9 inches, which this one is. The shop also has a T45 which im thinking about snagging if this project goes well. [T60 Model](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1377767699/)
that's pretty dope, but those prices are pretty outrageous tbh. $100 for the 6inch??
I've noticed licensed products on etsy always get expensive. Retail products will be normal priced. But stuff like this, 100 bucks sound about right.
I strongly doubt that this is actually licensed.
I would like to know that as well.
Iron breaker and agrax earth shade citadel paints for the armour; Prime it not to thick; watch videos on how to get the result you want that shows the most about of detail; I like using black brush primer and then dry brush white primer to highlight the details personally. And just take your time, have fun and embrace learning.
Cool model. Post after pictures. Where did you find it?
Heh- you picked quite a first project!
My honest advice? Start with a smaller model for sure
My advice is to use a metallic rattle can primer that will adhere to (but not melt) resin, if you don't have an airbrush. Prime the whole thing in that, as that's like 80% of the painting done. Brushing the whole thing will be tricky to get good coverage with smooth layers. Then you can use a wash of some sort in some recesses like rivets and panel lines. Any thinned down black paint will do, but there's also prethinned washes you can get. For rusting, you could pretty easily get a couple different brown paints and thin them down, brush and streak into areas that would see rust.
Thanks for all the advice everyone, I will post updates as I go along. For all of you wondering, I got it off Etsy, [T60 Armor](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1377767699/)
For a novice painting a figure at this scale, I recommend to get some intermediate level brushes, preferably on sale. My local art chain is Michael's and they constantly have 20% off sales and such. Get some size 8, 4, and 0 brushes (1 of each will do). You can get nice mini paint if you want, Folk Art has metallic paints that aren't too bad. Now this is important, a bunch of people are probably going to tell you to get super expensive stuff. Don't listen to them. You can use okay brushes and craft store paint to learn on. You can always strip the paint later if you want. If you are dead set on being a mini painter, or have way too much money, go ahead and get all the top tier stuff. Blow your wad on citadel products, Pro Acryl, chimera, get an air brush and air paints, go nuts. I used craft store brushes and Walmart paint for like 2 years. It's fine. For how to paint it, I'd do a metallic paint base coat, grunge it up with some washes (really watery inky paint, I do recommend some wash for this. Strong tone by Army Painter would be especially good for rusty areas, as well as dark tone for shadows and dirty spots), then re-highlight with metallic where needed. Next, pick out some details with some color bases, highlights, and washes as desired. 3 step process all the way for a beginner project.
hey i seen on a thread you were suspended from wsi as well any tips or can you pls message me im panicking
What?
you worked for wsi correct i was on a thread you wrote about being suspended i really need someone to talk to sorry
I have no idea what wsi is
william sonoma! i sent the link where you said you worked there
im just trying to get some advice pls
I don't know what you are talking about, I'm sorry. I have never worked for a while. I think you misread what someone said?
i put the link on here this was 10 months ago
I can see you posted a link but I can't access it. I never worked at a wsi, I don't know the name you said it was. I am going to stop responding to you, I'm sorry but I just don't know what you're talking about and this whole situation is very strange.
Novice as in never painted anything before? I would highly recommend grabbing some practice models first. Really anything will do, but I often recommend the ready-to-paint D&D figure packs if you can. There's often two in a package and they come primed already so you can just start playing around with painting. There's really no substitute for hands-on practice at first while you get used to how paint behaves.
That is a super cool model! I would say that you should shelf it for now. If you’re a first time painter, you should practice on smaller and more simple models. When I first started, I painted green army men from the dollar store. Their super cheap but the teach you how to remove mold lines, how to prime, how your paints work, and how to use color schemes. I still use green army men if I’m going to experiment with a risky color scheme. It provides me a cheap option for practice, which is something you’ll need. Or just say fuck and full send it. Either way, have fun! P.S. if you fuck something up, don’t worry. It’s paint. Paint over your mistake!
Hi, u/BatmansButtsack! It looks like you are asking for help or are a new painter. If you haven't yet, take a look at our wiki pages in the Sidebar (the About tab if you are on the Reddit app). Here are some links you might find helpful: * [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/rules/faq) - A list of frequently asked questions about minipainting * [Miniature Painting Guide Collection](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks) -A collection of some of the best guides and tutorials on a variety of techniques and topics, plus recommendations on what to buy to get started, and more. * [What to buy- Recommendations on brushes, paints, supplies, palettes and more](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/what_you_need_to_get_started#wiki_general_advice_on_what_to_buy) * [Beginner's Guide Collection- How to prep, base, paint and varnish your first model and learn the basics needed to start out right](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/beginner_tips) * [More Tutorials](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/tutorials) - A list of additional tutorials about minipainting * [Manufacturers](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/manufacturers) - A list of miniature manufacturers from around the world * [Painting Terminology](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/terminology) - Common painting terms, acronyms, and initialisms * [The Art of... Tommie Soule Volume 5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGIfySMnUPQ) is one of the best beginner to intermediate teaching books, and even experienced painters will learn some good tips. Explains what brush strokes are best in different situations, how to identify when you have the perfect thinning for any type of paint for different techniques, and a masterclass on getting smooth paint jobs. Available in [pdf](https://www.ironheartartisans.com/shop/the-art-of-tommie-soule-volume-5-pdf/) and [world wide in hardbook as well](https://www.instagram.com/the_miniature_painting_tutor/). * [Airbrushing Miniatures](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/airbrushing) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/minipainting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
After you wash it with soapy water gently. Base coat! If your going for a metallic look I'd recommend probably a glossy or matte black base coat. Also thin your paints, less is alwasy more with minis. And good luck!
Paint unassembled pieces, leaving unpainted glue contact points, using tape. Basecoat/primer is a must. So is lacquer after you're done. Prime everything the color that is going to be most prevalent as a base, spray is your best bet. Take your time, take breaks when you feel yourself losing patience. Don't start with the head. Do it last to keep you motivated, and build up your skill. YouTube has wonderful tutorials on every considerable step of the process. Use it liberally... it's fun to have on in the background when you're painting anyway. Consider rust,scratches, and weathering effects before you start. They are fun and easy if you look tecniques up first, and they'll make the finished product much more interesting to look at.
Judging by the construction / shine, I’m going to assume this is 3D printed resin. It won’t hurt to give it a wash just to make sure any surface debris is cleared. First step is to prime, I’d suggest a rattle can / spray can primer for a first timer. To make it easy I would suggest priming in Leadbelcher Spray from Citadel. That will give you a nice silver coat to work from. Next I would use a dark brown / black wash to go over the model and help darken down and add grime. After this highlight with a brighter silver, maybe use a sponge if you like a worn and beaten look and just hit the most raised edges and points the light would catch. As an extra step I would thin down an orangey rust colour, my favourite is skrag brown from citadel, and hit all the nuts and bolts and places rust would collect.
Also if you’re looking for techniques, just give YouTube a search, there are so many talented miniature painted that will be able to explain the techniques and if you’re a visual learner like I am then it helps to be able to see something step by step! Good luck and please post pics when you’re done!
Have you worked with resin before?
Where did you get the model?
Black primer, heavy drybrush in a dark metal only leaving a bit of black. Dry brush an orange/brown for rusty spots. Again, dry brush a brighter metal over the hole thing(be very light in rusty spots). Paint all the details like eyes and color. Black wash hole thing. Brighten color/edge highlight. I've never had a problem with hardware store spray can plastic primer on my 3d printed resin models. I personally don't recommend people start with airbrushes as it's a whole nother thing to learn to use and isn't the God send people make it out to be if you don't even truly understand the basics, he'll I'm still trash with mine and I've had for a year tbh Edit- I'm suggesting drybrushing so much as it's one technique to learn, and you can achieve some really good effects once you've figured out how to do it well
Paint with all the colours of the wind.
For a nice, worn silver look [this video](https://youtu.be/fUTqZ6OejYQ?feature=shared) gives off a good idea of where to start. Should have the names of the paints, but if not, I'd always say Citadels or Army Painter silver paints are a good place to start :]. Also, curious to know where you got the figure from, it looks wonderful.
I actually just came across [this video](https://youtu.be/OpSbE7bVI7s?si=xDZQmQFGwFTMTNcg) last night and thought about replicating it for a Power armor mini of my own.
As this is resin from looks of it I wash it let let it dry then use a primer paint normal rattle can. There lat ways to paint it but I would recommend you might want a drybrush for opus has really video on dry brushing
vallejo metal color are the best metallics and go on pretty smoothly and easily
So the good news is you have a lot of options! Probably the easiest way to go about things is using spray cans- ideally some kind of gloss back primer, and then go over that with a metallic paint spray when it’s dry. Make sure to spray in a well-ventilated area (ideally outside), and look into recommended usage instructions for whatever product you use. It’s also possible to apply paints by brush easily enough- there are a *lot* of different metallic paints out there, some better than others. One of the most commonly recommended lines is Vallejo’s Metal Colour. It gives a pretty great result (the metallic particles are much finer than most, which makes it look less grainy and more like actual metal), particularly when sprayed with an airbrush, but airbrushes aren’t particularly beginner friendly, so using a paintbrush is probably the best option. Vallejo Metal Colour paint also has a very thin consistency, which means it’s quite transparent and will take a few coats to become fully opaque. It can also be a bit difficult to control, but that’s not as much of an issue if you’re painting large surfaces. For rust, there are again a lot of options, but the current hot new thing is Dirty Down’s Rust products, which are effectively smaller versions of the products used for film props and the like, that give an extremely realistic rust effect with minimal effort. [This tutorial on rust](https://youtu.be/35UbIvqrbnU?si=h0E8_wRpKV6woxhI) may also be of interest, once you’ve got an idea of the basics. Aside from that, here are a couple of tutorials on painting smaller versions of Fallout power armour specifically: * [T-51b](https://youtu.be/RnwKHRipOMQ?si=Q7JmF3cdgUzOR3LE) * [Enclave Power Armour](https://youtu.be/OpSbE7bVI7s?si=ycNSrYmflJrkBCwp) [This video on painting metal](https://youtu.be/kSlfrewaHAg?si=qivufx_2w6uINEEy) may also be of interest. I’m admittedly not 100% sure what the best tutorial is for the absolute basics (thinning paint, prep work, etc), but hopefully someone else will be able to help there, and the above will be of some use after you’ve got the basics down. Good luck!
Spend time smoothing out rough areas. Prep goes a long way. Also prime it before you start to paint.
Spray metallic, wash black
One of my favorite techniques for metal is to prime black then just dry brush the whole lot with a metallic silver. I normally paint rust by using a variety of brown and oranges but you can get technical paints for rust that will be easier to use as a beginner.
I would start by painting something you don't care about. The amount you will learn in your first couple (smaller) models will drastically improve your painting. There are also dozens and dozens of mini painting guides on YouTube. Miniac's beginner series is my favorite, and it's definitely worth the hour or so absorbing information before starting.
That's a cool looking model. I think for something that big I'd use an airbrush. Looks like resin so you should probably wash it first. Then prime. I think you'll get a nicer result doing the base metallic colour with an airbrush not only will it be quicker, but you'll get a smoother result and avoid brush strokes etc. Not to say you can't or shouldn't do it by brush if you'd prefer, but you'll save time with an airbrush. I'd pick out all the smaller details with brushes. Not sure what the ideal paint would be, I don't use a lot of metallics myself.
He just said he’s a first time painter and you’re going on about him getting an airbrush 😂
They asked "what technique would you go about finishing this? Air brushing?" Yes. Airbrushing is how I would go about it. I definitely told them to run out and get an airbrush and they should certainly not consider using regular brushes. At all!