Wet Blending
Blend two wet colors directly on the model for seamless, smooth transitions.
Wet blending is applying two or more colors to the model while they're still wet, then blending them together directly on the surface. This creates perfectly smooth transitions with no visible layers. It's faster than layering once you get the hang of it, but requires working quickly before the paint dries. A wet palette is almost essential for this technique.
Best For
Recommended Paint Types
Step-by-Step
Work on one section at a time — you need the paint to stay wet.
Apply your dark color to the shadow area.
Immediately (before it dries) apply your light color to the highlight area.
Clean your brush and, while both paints are still wet, gently stroke back and forth across where they meet.
Use very light pressure and let the wet paints mix on the surface.
If needed, add a tiny bit of each color back to the extremes.
Work quickly — you have about 30-60 seconds before the paint starts drying.
Pro Tips
A wet palette dramatically extends your working time.
Adding a drop of drying retarder to your paint buys you extra blending time.
Practice on a spare base or piece of sprue first.
Use a slightly larger brush than you think you need — it holds more paint and covers faster.
Work in a humid environment or mist your palette to slow drying.
Common Mistakes
Working too slowly — the paint dries and you get hard lines.
Using too little paint — you need enough wet paint on the surface to blend.
Over-blending — you end up with a muddy middle tone. Stop when it looks good.
Trying to blend across too large an area at once.