Miniature painting is just better with Enamels.

Summary

In this video, Zach Cagon provides a detailed walkthrough of his streamlined process for painting Grimdark miniatures to a tabletop standard. He focuses on four key steps: base coloring, applying an enamel wash, using a filtering pass for shading, and finishing with extra details. Zach explains how using enamel-based washes and reductive techniques can save time while still achieving a high-quality result. The video also includes practical tips on texturing and basing, demonstrating how to create a dynamic and visually compelling miniature setup with minimal complexity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choose 3-4 primary colors for a miniature and base out major forms first to keep things efficient.
• 😀 Base coloring can be simplified by using a primer that doubles as the foundational color to save time.
• 😀 Avoid basing out delicate details (like flesh) before applying a unifying wash to prevent discoloration.
• 😀 Unifying washes, especially enamel washes, are crucial for adding shading and unifying base colors quickly.
• 😀 The reductive technique allows for easy wash removal using mineral spirits, ensuring clean, shaded miniatures.
• 😀 Enamel washes are a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional acrylic washes and dry brushing.
• 😀 Filters, applied with an airbrush, add temperature or slight color variations to a model, enhancing its look.
• 😀 Filters can be layered, and both acrylic and enamel filters can be combined without issues if applied in the right order.
• 😀 Extra details, like simple stripes or light effects, should be added quickly to give a miniature extra character.
• 😀 The 'reverse slapchop' technique uses a black enamel wash on a white-primed model to create shading without dry brushing.
• 😀 For terrain bases, use texture variations like stones, snow, and grass for realism, applying these materials with PVA glue and static flocking for a natural look.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this video tutorial?

The main focus is on how to paint miniatures for tabletop games to a 'Grimdark' standard, using a streamlined approach that focuses on four key steps: base coloring, enamel wash, filtering pass, and adding extra details.

Why does the instructor recommend only basing out certain parts of the miniature before applying the enamel wash?

The instructor recommends this to avoid covering certain areas, like flesh, with a dark enamel wash, which would not be suitable. Additionally, it helps prevent the risk of damaging detailed parts of the model, such as small accessories, when using the filtering pass.

What is the benefit of using enamel washes over traditional acrylic washes?

Enamel washes are favored because they can be applied and then removed using a reductive technique, allowing for more control over shading and depth. They also tend to offer a more predictable and effective result than acrylic washes.

How is the enamel wash applied and removed?

The enamel wash is applied using a brush or airbrush and is then allowed to dry. Afterward, it is removed with a Q-tip or cloth dipped in mineral spirits or alcohol, which pulls off the excess wash and leaves the desired shading behind.

What is the filtering pass, and why is it used?

The filtering pass is a step where a thin, colored glaze is applied over the miniature to add temperature or color variation. It is applied with an airbrush, usually from the bottom up, and can be reduced or removed with spirits if necessary.

Can both acrylic and enamel filters be used on the same miniature?

Yes, both acrylic and enamel filters can be used on the same miniature. It’s generally recommended to apply acrylic filters first, followed by enamel filters, because the alcohol used for acrylics will not affect the enamel layers beneath.

What are 'extra details,' and how do they contribute to the overall appearance of the miniature?

'Extra details' refer to small additions, such as stripes, OSL (object-source lighting) effects, or other quick details that help enhance the miniature's character. These elements add visual interest without overcomplicating the painting process.

Why is the instructor's approach to base coloring considered flexible?

The approach is flexible because the instructor may choose to base out different parts of the miniature first or leave some areas to be painted later. This flexibility allows for adjustments based on the miniature's complexity and the need for specific wash or filtering effects.

What is the role of mineral spirits in the painting process?

Mineral spirits are used to reduce or remove enamel washes during the removal phase. They help control the amount of wash left on the model, allowing the artist to achieve smoother shading and highlight areas that need less darkening.

What is the importance of using a static grass dispenser for the base?

The static grass dispenser is important because it helps the grass stand upright, creating a more natural and realistic effect. It also ensures that the grass is applied evenly and without clumping, adding to the overall realism of the base.