Zenithal Priming
Prime black, then spray white from above to build a light map into the model before a drop of colour goes on.
Zenithal priming paints the light before we paint the colour. We prime the whole model black, then spray white from directly above — the zenith, where the sun would sit — so every upward-facing surface catches white and every recess stays black. What we get is a built-in map of light and shadow: paint over it with thin paints or Contrast and the gradient glows straight through the colour, doing our shading and highlighting for us before we ever pick up a detail brush.
Best For
Recommended Paint Types
Step-by-Step
Prime the whole model black and let it cure for 30 minutes — this black is every shadow the model will ever have.
Stand the model upright, then spray white spray primer from directly above at about 45 degrees, in short passes, rotating the model so every top surface gets caught.
Stop while you can still see plenty of black and grey — the point is a gradient over the whole model — white on top, grey on the sides, black underneath, not a white model.
Optionally give the very highest points — the top of the head, shoulders, raised weapon — one last short puff of pure white from straight overhead.
Let it cure for 30 minutes, then paint over it with thin paints or Contrast so the light map shows through.
If It Goes Wrong
If you overdid the white and lost the gradient, dust a light pass of black or grey from below to restore the shadows — no need to strip; if the white went on grainy, buff it gently smooth with a soft brush once fully cured.
Variations
With an airbrush we add a grey mid-stage between black and white and keep the pressure low — the result is a gradient smooth enough to glaze colours straight over.
Pro Tips
Grey primer works as a middle step between black and white for smoother gradients.
Take a photo of the zenithal prime — it shows you exactly where highlights and shadows should go.
Contrast paints over zenithal priming is one of the fastest ways to paint an army.
You can do this with an airbrush for the smoothest results, but rattle cans work fine.
Common Mistakes
Spraying white from all angles — only spray from above and slightly to the front.
Applying too much white — you should still see plenty of black and grey.
Not letting the black coat dry before applying white.
Painting over the zenithal with opaque, thick paint that hides the gradient.