This section provides an insight to the making of a hand-painted table soccer team. My technique is a combination of computer design, waterslide decal laser prints and brush-painting with enamel and oil colours. Links to video tutorials are available in the right side bar. Instructions for the application of team decals can be found here.

The making of a team starts with the creation of a template on a computer. This template carries all the fine details of the kit that are virtually impossible to hand-paint, such as ads, logos, numbers and player’s names, even their shoes

Information is the key.

The most important factor for an accurate miniature kit, is the amount of information you will gather. Look everywhere; official sites, design and font sites, images of the players. If needed, consider subscribing to fan forums for specialised information an images not available online.

You will need:

A computer with internet connection.

Design Software (Adobe Creative Suite, Corel Draw, etc)

Basic understanding of terms such as vector & raster, RGB & CMYK colour profiles, etc.

The template will be printed on a sheet of special paper called waterslide decal transfer paper. This paper is coated with a very thin gelatin-based layer. When the sheet gets wet, the gelatin is released and can be placed on a surface and stays there when dried, along with the printed information on it.

Waterslide Decal Transfers

Choosing the right printer and paper will determine the quality of you work.

General rule: Inkjet printers can provide high quality prints and there are relatively cheap. On the other hand, you will need to apply fixative or a coat of clear acrylic varnish on all inkjet prints to prevent ink running when you wet the decals. That makes the decal quite thick and its application a nightmare.

Tip of the day: Do not forget to trim the casting lines from the figures. It will make the figure more realistic and the decals will settle easier,

You will need:

A printer, inkjet or laser

Decal paper clear or white, inkjet or laser.

Tweezers, cotton buds, fine brushes and any other tools you think that will ease the process.

Also, a decal softener such as Microscale Decal Sol and Set

Some hand-painting is unavoidable. Skin tones, hair colour and retouching of imperfections will be carefully applied with fine brushes and enamel colours.

Brush-Painting

A wide range of model paint enamel or acrylic is available at model shops or online.

General rule: Enamel paints can be applied smoothly on a surface while acrylic paints are less toxic and less flammable.

A good quality brush will make things easier and will contribute to a good result. Use the appropriate brush for each paint type

You will need:

A good variety of enamel or acrylic paints preferably from a model paint manufacturer such as Humbrol or Vallejo.

Fine brushes size 1, 0, 3/0, 4/

Brush cleaner

Tissue paper; you will definitely need some around in case there is a spillage and to clean brushes afterwards.

Finally, a coat with a durable spray varnish will seal paint and decals and make the figure durable for play.

Coating

Coating is an important step and crucial for the end result. You certainly do not want to figures abnormally glossy or the paint to come of after a few games or even handling.

General Rule:

Always use a spray that does not mix with the paints. For example, if you used enamel and oil paints, use an acrylic varnish. In case you used acrylics, a solvent based varnish will do.

You will need:

Spray Varnish, preferably from a model paint manufacturer such as Humbrol or Vallejo.

Safety Notice:

Use sprays only in well ventilated areas and store spray cans away from heat or ignition resources.

Almost there, but not just yet; Personal characteristics such as long or curly hair, shadows and highlights will be added with oil paints to make the little figures look as realistic as possible.

Highlighting and detailing

This is slightly tricky. I cannot claim that it is an easy process, but if you skip it, you will still have a decent team. It is the only part that requires some experience in figure modeling. If you process it, then go ahead. If not, there are tons of tutorials and publications available online and in bookstores. Do not forget that table soccer figures are 00 scale (1/72 approx.) and there are limits in the amount of detailing you can put on.

You will need:

A basic range (no more than 8 tubes) of oil-colours, preferably Windsor &  Newton.

Fine brushes (same as above)

Although it seems complicated, it is definitely not rocket science and everybody who shares a passion for table soccer should have a go. On the other hand, if you find that things did not go as planned, you can always order a high quality team from www.mysubbuteo.com and avoid the hassle!