How to use contrast paints
If you are a miniature painter or a hobbyist, you might be familiar with contrast paints and the incredible effects they can achieve. Contrast paints are a revolutionary type of miniature paint that allows you to quickly and easily paint detailed miniatures with stunning results. These paints are specifically designed to enhance the shadows and highlights on your models, bringing them to life in a way that traditional paints cannot.
So, how do you use contrast paints? First, shake the bottle thoroughly to mix the pigments. Then, apply a base coat of a light color to the entire miniature. This can be a standard acrylic paint or a specific contrast paint color. Once the base coat is dry, take your contrast paint and, using a large brush, apply it generously to the areas where you want shadows to appear. The paint will naturally flow into the recesses, creating depth and definition in one easy step.
It’s important to note that contrast paints work best on miniatures with texture and detail, as they rely on the ink-like consistency to settle into the recesses. Once you have applied the contrast paint, let it dry completely. This may take a little longer than traditional paints. Once dry, you can clean up any mistakes or overflow using a fine detail brush and some water. To highlight the raised areas of the miniature, you can use a drybrush technique or apply a layer of a lighter color over the contrast paint.
But what makes contrast paints so special? The true beauty of contrast paints lies in their ability to create realistic shading and highlighting with minimal effort. With just one layer of paint, you can achieve results that would normally require multiple layers and techniques. This makes contrast paints perfect for beginners or painters who want to speed up their painting process without sacrificing quality.
However, it’s essential to practice and experiment with contrast paints to truly master their potential. Achieving the desired effect may require some trial and error, especially when it comes to choosing the base coat color and the right amount of contrast paint to apply. Experimenting with different combinations, techniques, and color schemes will help you unleash the full potential of contrast paints and take your miniature painting to new heights.
Overview of Contrast Paints
Contrast paints are a game-changer in the world of miniature painting. Developed by Citadel, these paints have revolutionized the way hobbyists and artists approach painting models. With their unique properties, contrast paints offer a simple and efficient way to add depth and definition to your miniatures.
What are Contrast Paints?
Contrast paints are a type of acrylic paint that have been specially formulated to enhance the details on miniatures. They are highly pigmented and have a high flow consistency, allowing them to settle into the recesses of the model and create shadows and highlights in one simple application. This creates an illusion of depth and adds a level of realism to your painted models.
How do Contrast Paints work?
The magic of contrast paints lies in their unique formulation. Unlike traditional acrylic paints, contrast paints are heavily pigmented and flow very freely. When applied to a model, they automatically settle into the recesses, creating shadows. The high-pigmented nature of contrast paints means that it also provides natural highlights when it flows onto the raised areas.
Using contrast paints is a two-step process. First, you apply the contrast paint directly onto the model to create all the shadows and highlights you need in one go. The paint’s unique formulation takes care of the shading and highlighting for you. After the contrast paint has dried, you can then do additional painting like layering or dry brushing to add more detail and further enhance the model.
Benefits of Contrast Paints
Contrast paints offer several advantages over traditional painting techniques, which is why they have become so popular among hobbyists:
- Time-saving: The one-step process of applying contrast paints saves a significant amount of time compared to traditional layering techniques, where multiple layers of paint are applied to achieve similar results.
- Foolproof shading and highlighting: The unique formulation of contrast paints ensures that shadows and highlights are automatically created, making it easier for beginners and providing consistent results.
- Enhanced detail: By settling into the recesses of the model, contrast paints bring out the intricate details and textures, making your models stand out from the crowd.
- Easy to use: Contrast paints are beginner-friendly and do not require advanced techniques or experience. They are perfect for hobbyists who want to achieve high-quality results without the steep learning curve.
With their ability to add depth and definition to miniatures with minimal effort, contrast paints have become an indispensable tool for hobbyists and artists. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned painter, these paints will undoubtedly take your miniatures to the next level.
Choosing the Right Colours
When using contrast paints, it’s essential to choose the right colours that will bring your miniatures to life. Here are some tips on selecting the perfect shades:
- Consider the Base Colour: Start by thinking about the base colour of your miniature. Contrast paints work best when applied over a light base coat, so choose a colour that complements your desired result.
- Contrast or Blend? Decide whether you want your miniatures to have a high contrast look or a smoother blend of colours. If you prefer a striking contrast, choose colours that are complementary or significantly different. For a more blended look, opt for colours that are closer in tone.
- Aim for Harmony: Consider the overall colour scheme you want to achieve with your miniature army or collection. Ensure that the colours you select for individual miniatures work well together and create an overall harmony.
- Experiment with Mixing: If you can’t find the exact shade you’re looking for, experiment with mixing contrast paints. You can blend different colours to create unique shades that suit your project perfectly.
- Use a Colour Wheel: If you’re unsure which colours will work well together, consult a colour wheel. It can help you identify complementary, analogous, or monochromatic colour schemes that will bring balance and visual interest to your miniatures.
- Consider the Mood: Think about the mood or atmosphere you want to evoke with your miniatures. Choose colours that align with the emotions or themes you want to convey. For example, darker and more somber colours can be used for evil or ominous characters.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Test: Before committing to painting your entire miniature, it’s always a good idea to test the colours on a small area or a spare piece. This way, you can ensure that you’re happy with the colour combination and make any necessary adjustments before applying it to the main miniature.
By considering these factors and experimenting with different colours, you can effectively and creatively use contrast paints to enhance the appearance of your miniatures.
Preparing the Surface
Before using contrast paints, it is important to properly prepare the surface you will be painting. This ensures that the paint adheres well and provides a smooth finish.
Clean the Surface: Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly using soap and water. This removes any dirt, grease, or dust that might interfere with the paint’s bonding process. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Remove Imperfections: Inspect the surface for any imperfections such as bumps, cracks, or rough patches. Sanding the surface gently can help to even out these imperfections and create a smooth canvas for the paint. Be sure to wipe away any sanding dust before proceeding.
Prime the Surface (optional): For certain surfaces, applying a primer before using contrast paint can be beneficial. Priming helps to create a sealed and even surface, allowing the paint to adhere better and achieve a more vibrant result. If you choose to prime, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times.
Mask Off Areas: If there are any areas you do not want to paint, use masking tape or painter’s tape to cover and protect them. This will prevent the paint from unintentionally spreading to those areas.
By taking the time to properly prepare the surface, you can ensure that your contrast paints will create stunning and long-lasting results. Avoid rushing through this step, as it is crucial for achieving a professional finish.
Applying Contrast Paints
One of the key benefits of contrast paints is their ease of use. They are designed to be applied directly to the model without the need for extensive blending or layering techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply contrast paints:
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Before applying contrast paints, it is important to make sure that the surface of your model is clean and free from any dust or debris. Priming the model with a light-colored primer can also help to enhance the vibrancy of the contrast paints.
Step 2: Basecoat
The first step is to apply a basecoat to the model using a regular acrylic or hobby paint. This will provide a foundation for the contrast paint and help to bring out the details of the model. Choose a color that is similar to the desired final result, as the contrast paint will darken the overall tone.
Step 3: Applying Contrast Paints
Contrast paints are best applied in thin layers. Using a medium sized brush, apply the contrast paint to the areas of the model that you want the color to be applied to. The paint will naturally flow into the recesses and details of the model, creating instant shading and highlighting effects.
It’s important to note that contrast paints are designed to be self-leveling, so try to avoid excessive brush strokes as this can result in uneven application. If needed, you can use a clean brush with a little bit of water to feather out any areas where the paint has pooled or built up too heavily.
Step 4: Cleanup and Finishing Touches
Once the contrast paint has fully dried, you can analyze the result and decide whether you are satisfied or might need to touch up some areas. Using regular acrylic or hobby paints, you can make adjustments or add additional details to further enhance the model.
Finally, seal the model using an appropriate varnish or spray to protect the paintjob and make it more durable.
| Pros of Applying Contrast Paints | Cons of Applying Contrast Paints |
|---|---|
| Easy and quick application | Can be less precise compared to traditional layering techniques |
| Instant shading and highlighting effects | Color range may be limited compared to other paint lines |
| Self-leveling properties eliminate the need for advanced blending techniques | May require more touch-ups or additional painting steps to achieve desired results |
Highlighting and Shading Techniques
When using contrast paints, you can easily achieve impressive highlighting and shading effects on your miniatures. Here are some simple techniques to help you enhance the details and add depth to your models:
1. Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a popular highlighting technique that uses a dry brush with a small amount of lighter paint. To dry brush, dip your brush into the contrast paint and wipe off the excess on a paper towel or palette. Then, gently brush over the raised areas of your miniature, focusing on the edges and details. The contrast paint will catch on the raised surfaces, creating highlights and emphasizing the texture of the model.
2. Layering
Layering involves building up multiple thin layers of paint to create depth in your model. Start by applying a base color of contrast paint and allowing it to dry. Then, mix a lighter shade by either adding a small amount of white to your contrast paint or using a lighter color altogether. With a thin brush, apply this lighter shade to the raised areas and edges of the model, gradually building up the intensity. This technique gives a smooth gradient of colors, enhancing the three-dimensional look of the miniature.
Here is an example of how you can achieve a shaded effect using layering:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply a base coat of dark contrast paint to the entire area where you want shading. |
| 2 | Once dry, mix a slightly lighter shade and apply it to the raised areas and edges, leaving the recesses and corners with the darker shade. |
| 3 | Finally, create a highlight color by mixing an even lighter shade and apply it sparingly to the very edges of the model. |
| 4 | Blend the layers together with a dry brush or by using a wet brush with a little water to soften the edges and create a smooth transition from shade to highlight. |
By experimenting with different layering techniques and color combinations, you can achieve stunning results with contrast paints, bringing your miniatures to life with highlights and shadows.
Finishing Touches and Sealant
Once you have applied your contrast paints and they have dried completely, it’s time to add some finishing touches to your miniature. This step will bring out the details and make your miniatures look even better!
1. Drybrushing
Drybrushing is a technique where you lightly brush a lighter color over the raised parts of the miniature to create highlights. This technique is perfect for picking out the details and adding depth to your miniatures.
2. Edge Highlighting
Edge highlighting is another technique to make your miniatures pop. You can use a fine brush and a lighter shade of paint to carefully paint along the edges of the raised areas to create a visual contrast. This technique helps define the shapes and adds a realistic touch to your painted miniatures.
After you have completed your finishing touches, it’s important to protect your paint job by applying a sealant. A sealant will prevent your paint from chipping or fading over time and will ensure that your miniatures stay looking great for a long time.
There are different types of sealants available, such as spray sealants or brush-on sealants. Make sure to follow the instructions on the sealant you choose and apply it in a well-ventilated area.
If you are using a spray sealant, hold the can approximately 12 inches away from your miniatures and apply a thin, even coat. Allow the sealant to dry completely before handling your miniatures.
If you are using a brush-on sealant, dip a clean brush into the sealant and apply a thin coat over your painted miniatures. Make sure to cover all the surfaces evenly and let it dry completely
After the sealant has dried, your miniatures are ready to be displayed or taken into battle! The sealant will protect them from scratches and keep the paints looking vibrant.
| Finishing Touches | Sealant |
|---|---|
| Drybrushing | Spray Sealant |
| Edge Highlighting | Brush-on Sealant |
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