NECRON COMPOUND (12ML)

Tutorial: Dry Paints

Dry paints are specially formulated for drybrushing techniques, making them ideal for highlighting raised details and adding texture to your miniatures. The unique formulation of dry paints allows them to be applied in a way that emphasizes the texture of your models, bringing out their finer details without overwhelming them.

Key Features:

• Designed Especially for Drybrushing: Dry paints have a thicker consistency and a unique texture that makes them perfect for drybrushing. This technique allows you to highlight raised details without clogging recesses or details.
• Realistic Metallic Finish: Some dry paints come with a metallic finish, perfect for adding a striking look to weapons, armor, and other details that should have a gleaming, reflective surface.
• Water-Based Formula: Like most Citadel paints, dry paints are water-based, making them easy to thin with water and simple to clean off brushes and surfaces.

How to Use Dry Paints:

1. Preparation:

   • Ensure your model is fully painted and primed before applying dry paints. Drybrushing works best when there’s already a base coat and some of the model’s details have been painted.
   • You can also use dry paints on models that have been washed, as the wash will provide a contrast for the raised areas.

2. Apply the Paint to the Brush:

   • Load the Brush: Take a large, stiff-bristled brush designed for drybrushing and pick up a small amount of dry paint. You want to load just a small amount—don’t overload the brush.
   • Remove Excess Paint: Wipe most of the paint off on a paper towel or cloth, leaving only a light coating of paint on the tips of the bristles. The brush should be relatively dry with only a little paint left.

3. Drybrushing Technique:

   • Light Strokes: Gently sweep the brush across the raised areas of your model in short, light strokes. The paint will only stick to the raised details of the miniature, highlighting edges, ridges, and textured areas.
   • Build Up Slowly: Apply multiple layers of dry paint in light, gradual strokes. This method allows you to control the intensity of the highlights and build up the desired effect. It’s better to apply thin layers than a thick coat.
   • Angle of the Brush: You can vary the direction of your brush strokes to hit different raised areas and create more dynamic highlights, but always keep the strokes light and gentle.

4. Control the Amount of Paint:

   • Use Less: Always start with a little bit of paint, and if necessary, build up the layers slowly. It’s easier to add more dry paint than to remove it, so less is often more in this technique.
   • Focus on Edges and High Points: Drybrushing works especially well on raised surfaces, like the tops of armor, weapon edges, or scales. Focus your strokes on the areas that would catch the light.

5. Drying:

   • Dry paints dry quickly, but be sure to let your miniature dry completely before proceeding to the next step in your painting process.

6. Post-Application:

   • Once you've completed your drybrushing, you can add additional steps like washes or glazing to bring out further details or enhance the depth of the model. Drybrushing provides highlights, while other techniques add shadows and tones.

Tips for Best Results:

• Use a Special Drybrush: Brushes designed specifically for drybrushing, usually with stiffer bristles, will give you the best results.
• Avoid Over-application: Since dry paints work by highlighting raised details, avoid over-brushing the entire model. Focus on the textured areas and edges for a more realistic effect.
• Try Different Drybrush Intensity: You can apply light drybrush strokes for a subtle effect or heavier strokes for a more dramatic highlight—play around to see what works best for your model.
• Experiment with Different Paints: Use dry paints in various colors to create different effects. Metallic dry paints, for example, can give you a shiny, worn metal look for weapons, armor, or machinery.

Dry paints are fantastic for achieving a fast and effective highlighting technique. They help bring out the details of your miniatures and can be especially useful for highlighting larger areas or textured surfaces. When applied correctly, drybrushing can really elevate the look of your models, giving them depth and visual interest!