Thanks,
I used to paint all models without the use of washes and dipping.
Of course nowadays I would rather collect and play than paint models (kids/wife etc).
I started (after some experimenting) a diferent and much faster technique to paint my minis:
I clean the mini with water after I file down all flash marks
I like to add a mixture of small and med/fine ballist to the bottom of the base before I prime the model.
Prime model with a high quality white primer - I use Armory or The Army Painter
(you can now wash the entire model with brown or black wash - use only G.W. washes for this step and let dry, it helps to see the details if you are like me and need glasses)
Paint entire model with a lighter shade base color on each item. I usually go at least one shade lighter than I want the model to look when finished. For example - if I want the finished model to have a medium brown finish I use snakebite leather or lighter for this step.
I am relatively careful to paint the model as cleanly as I can but also as rapidly as possible. I like to line up 3-5 at a time and knock out one color at a time on all models.
Once the model(s) is/are 100% painted with the lighter base color, I like to wash specific colors with the new G.W. washes.
I wash only - the green, grey, blue, red, purple areas with the washes as follows:
green, purple, blue and red - obviously corresponding G.W. washes. I use the lighter green wash.
grey - black wash
It is ok to be generous with this step because it will hide some mistakes and add shading to the areas.
After the model dries I check it for obvious areas I missed and fix them (basically is there any white primer showing) I do not bother to re-wash those areas as long as they aren't too big.
I dip the entire model (including the ballist on the base) into a brown stain (I use Tudor Satin one step or dark shade from The Army Painter (which smells just like a stain - hmm)
I like to use a older paint brush to remove some of the excess stain instead of shaking the model (I am inside of course and do not need more stains on the carpet). The only way to remove the stain from the brush when you are done is paint thinner or something similar. I dab the paint brush on the model in the excess areas and use a paper towel to absorb the stain from the brush then repeat the process.
Once the excess is removed I let the model dry overnight. The next day spray with either Testor's dullcoat or the army painter anti-shine.
I like to add patches of flock/static grass to the base.
I lightly spray the model when complete with a matte spray concentrating on the base.
Model is complete.
I can post pictures of the step by step process if you need me to or PM me with questions.
