Core Painting Techniques

Priming

• Laying down a layer of paint over a model to give it “tooth”

• Different techniques – Rattle Can, Paint Brush, Air Brush.

Base Coating

• The first layer of colour applied to different parts of the miniature.

• Usually opaque and solid; sets the foundation for all further painting.

Layering

• Applying successive, thinner layers of paint to create smooth transitions or cover basecoats.

• Used for building up highlights and mid-tones.

Dry Brushing

• Uses a brush with most paint removed to lightly hit raised edges.

• Great for textures like fur, armour, or rocks.

Washing

• A thinned-down paint or ink applied to recesses.

• Adds instant shadows and depth, commonly used to define details.

Glazing

• Very thin, translucent layers used to tint colours, smooth blends, or shift tones.

• Builds up richness without obscuring details.

Highlighting

• Lightening edges and raised areas to simulate how light hits the model.

• Can be subtle (soft blending) or sharp (edge highlighting).

Edge Highlighting

• Applying a lighter colour to the very edges of armour, weapons, or cloth.

• Creates crisp contrast and a clean, defined look.

Advanced Techniques

Blending

• Smooth transitions between colours or tones (wet blending, feathering, or glazing techniques can be used).

• Requires patience and control.

Wet Blending

• Mixing colours directly on the miniature while they’re still wet.

• Great for organic transitions like fire, skin, or magical effects.

Feathering

• A fine blending method using short, tapered brush strokes to gradually shift between shades.

• Often used on cloaks, skin, or smooth surfaces.

Stippling

• Using a dabbing or dotting motion with a stiff brush or sponge to create texture.

• Useful for weathering, skin, and rough surfaces.

Two-Brush Blending

• One brush applies paint, the second (damp, clean) smooths it out.

• Offers more control over blending edges.

Object Source Lighting (OSL)

• Simulates glowing effects from a light source on the model.

• Combines glazes, highlights, and colour theory to sell the effect.

Non-Metallic Metal (NMM)

• Uses matte paints to simulate the shine of metal.

• Relies on contrast, sharp highlights, and light logic.

True Metallic Metal (TMM)

• Uses actual metallic paints and enhanced contrast to depict realistic metal.

• Often combined with edge highlighting and washes.

Zenithal Highlighting

• A priming method that mimics natural light from above (dark primer, then white sprayed from the top).

• Guides paint placement and improves shading depth.

Special Effects & Finishing Techniques

Weathering

• Adds dirt, rust, grime, and wear to miniatures.

• Uses techniques like stippling, sponging, pigments, or oils.

Chipping

• Simulates paint wear or battle damage.

• Achieved with sponge, fine brush, or salt/hairspray techniques.

Freehand

• Painting designs directly onto surfaces (patterns, tattoos, insignias).

• Requires brush control and a steady hand.

Texturing

• Adding physical or visual texture to surfaces (like fur, stone, cloth).

• Can use thick paint, stippling, or sculpted details.

Airbrushing

• Sprays thin layers with precision and smooth gradients.

• Ideal for priming, large models, base-coating, and effects like OSL.

Oil Paints & Enamels

• Used for slow blending, filters, or advanced weathering.

• Require special thinners and sealing over acrylic layers.