Sculpting chainmail on rounded surfaces

[goatman]

I'm fine sculpting chainmail on flat or gently rounded surfaces, like the torso, but I run into trouble with arms and to a lesser degree legs. The arm turns out rather thick and lacks movement. In the englishmen, the arms look great. Are wrinkles in the mail sculpted before poking the holes? Any tips?

[eBob]

Yes indeed. I apply only a thin skin of putty to the arm of the armature (I used my armatures for these miniatures) and then press in the folds - for chainmail you must make just a few but exagerated folds as they will soften when you press the holes in.

Then I work in rows going around the arm - starting at the top and working down the arm - going around the arm - not down. Drag the holes first to the left and on the next row drag to the right - forming an S pattern. Make the marks as close together as you can. It's a bit boring - but the result is worthwhile.
The holes are added quite gently so as not to alter the look of the folds etc.
I work on one limb at a time - and allow time to dry before doing the next.