Technique Library
Master these techniques to level up your painting game.
Priming
Give paint something to grip — a thin, even undercoat that every other layer depends on.
Zenithal Priming
Prime black, then spray white from above to build a light map into the model before a drop of colour goes on.
3D Print Prep
Wash, cure, and clean a 3D print properly so paint bonds instead of peeling — the step that saves the whole project.
Two Thin Coats
The foundation of all mini painting — thin your paint and apply multiple coats for smooth, even coverage.
Contrast / Speed Painting
Use self-shading Contrast paints over a light primer for a basecoat, shade, and highlight in one step.
Washing (Shade Paints)
Apply a wash over basecoated areas to create instant shadows in recesses and add depth.
Drybrushing
A fast highlighting technique where you use an almost-dry brush to catch raised edges and textures.
Layering
Build up smooth color transitions by applying progressively lighter colors to smaller areas.
Edge Highlighting
Paint thin lines of a lighter color along the edges and corners of surfaces to define shapes.
Glazing
Apply very thin, translucent layers of color to tint surfaces and smooth transitions.
Wet Blending
Blend two wet colors directly on the model for seamless, smooth transitions.
Non-Metallic Metal (NMM)
Simulate the look of metal using regular matte paints with careful highlight and shadow placement.
Object Source Lighting (OSL)
Paint the effect of a light source on the model, like a glowing sword or magic spell illuminating nearby surfaces.
Weathering & Battle Damage
Add realistic wear, chips, scratches, rust, and dirt to make models look battle-worn.
Basing
Create a realistic ground surface on your model's base using texture paints, sand, or flock.
Varnishing & Sealing
Seal your finished paint job under a protective varnish so it survives handling, gaming, and time.
The why behind the how — Color Theory
These techniques tell you what to do with the brush. Color Theory explains why: why you never shade with black, why highlights should hue-shift warm, and how PaintGuide’s shade/highlight ladder is built.