KISLEV FLESH (12ML)

Tutorial: Layer Paints

Layer paints are designed to help you build up highlights and details on your miniatures, giving them depth and dimension. These paints are formulated to allow you to gradually build up color, ensuring a smooth transition from base to highlight.

Key Features:

• Formulated for Crisp Highlights: Layer paints are designed to be applied in thin layers to create smooth transitions from base colors to lighter shades. They are perfect for highlighting raised areas of your miniatures and adding depth to details.
• Smooth Matt Finish: Like base paints, layer paints dry to a smooth, matte finish, providing a perfect surface for further detailing or washes.
• Water-Based Formula: The paint is water-soluble, making it easy to thin and mix with other paints. It also allows for easy cleanup with water and is less harsh on your brushes.

How to Use Layer Paints:

1. Preparation:

   • Ensure your model is already primed and base-coated. Layer paints work best when applied over a solid base coat. If you're layering over a dark base coat, use a lighter layer paint to get the best contrast.
   • If necessary, thin your layer paint with a few drops of water for a smoother application.

2. Application:

   • Load Your Brush: Use a fine detail brush or a slightly larger brush depending on the size of the areas you need to paint. Load your brush lightly to avoid overloading it with paint.
   • Apply in Thin Layers: Start applying the paint to the raised areas of your model, working from darker areas to lighter. Build up the color gradually by adding several thin layers. This method allows for a smooth transition between layers, creating a natural highlight.
   • Highlighting: When highlighting, apply the layer paint to the highest points of your model or the areas where light would naturally hit, like the tops of the shoulders or raised armor plates.

3. Layering:

   • Building Layers: Continue adding layers of lighter colors to the raised areas. For example, if you are painting armor, you can start with a darker base coat and gradually apply lighter layers on top.
   • Thinning the Paint: If needed, add a little water to your layer paint to help it glide on more smoothly. Thinning the paint allows for better control and prevents heavy buildup.

4. Drying:

   • Allow each layer to dry before applying the next to avoid streaks or uneven coverage. Patience here ensures a clean, smooth finish.

5. Post-Application:

   • Once you've built up your layers, you can add extra techniques such as washes, glazes, or further highlights to increase the contrast and detail of your model.

Tips for Best Results:

• Use a Wet Palette: This helps to keep your layer paints at the perfect consistency for application, especially on larger models.
• Avoid Thick Coats: Layer paints are designed to be applied thinly, so resist the urge to apply thick coats. Thin layers are key to achieving smooth gradients and natural highlights.
• Focus on Raised Areas: Highlight the areas of the model that would naturally catch the light. You don’t need to cover the entire model – focus on the parts that stand out.

Layer paints are great for building up highlights and adding the finishing touches that really bring your miniatures to life. When applied properly, they can help achieve a smooth, dynamic effect that makes your models pop on the tabletop.