METALLICS GUIDE

Painting miniatures with metallic colors can add a great deal of detail and depth to your figures, especially if they are wearing armor or carrying weapons. However, metallic paints can be tricky to work with, so it's important to follow a few key steps to get the best results.

  1. Priming: Just like with other painting techniques, it's important to start with a good primer coat. Use a black or dark grey primer for a darker and more intense metallic color, or a white or light grey primer for a brighter, more reflective effect.

  2. Basecoating: Begin with a solid basecoat of the metallic color you want to use. Thin the paint with water or medium to ensure smooth and even coverage. Use a fine-tipped brush to get into all the nooks and crannies, and try to avoid leaving any brushstrokes or pooling of paint.

  3. Layering: To add depth and shading to your metallics, use a technique called layering. This involves applying increasingly lighter or darker shades of the same color to different areas of the miniature. For example, if you're painting a suit of armor, you might use a dark silver color for the basecoat, then add highlights of a brighter silver or white to the raised areas.

  4. Glazing: To create a smooth transition between the different layers of metallic paint, you can use a technique called glazing. This involves adding a very thin layer of translucent paint over the top of the metallic color, creating a subtle blend of colors.

  5. Drybrushing: Use a drybrushing technique to add highlights to the most raised areas of the miniature. Use a light silver or white paint and a drybrush (a brush with very little paint on it) to gently drag the brush over the surface of the miniature. This will catch the raised areas and create a shiny, reflective effect.

  6. Finishing touches: Once you're happy with the metallic effect on your miniature, you can add any final details or touches you want. This might include painting non-metallic parts of the miniature, such as skin or clothing, or adding washes or other effects to create a more weathered or realistic look.

By following these steps, you can achieve a great metallic effect on your miniatures. Practice on a few test pieces to get a feel for the technique, and remember that it's always possible to go back and touch up or refine your work. Happy painting!