Sjefke.. I use p3 paints. They are nice and lay down smooth so that helps to not build up a rough, brush stroke showing, surface. What I did was to use the base black from the venom figure's joints as the basis of the tattoo design. As opposed to all the work you mentioned I left them alone and incorporated them into the design. I shaved down the shoulder to upper arm but that's it. I hate sanding down joints ...I actually need to learn more about that