Returing back to painting small scale, and I was wondering what's the best method for me? I recently painted some 10mm medieval stuff using my standard method with grey primer and regular paints, but I think the minis don't really 'pop' like they ought to in this scale...

So I am wondering, maybe I should prime the minis with white (airbrush) to get a nice solid base coat, and then use a thin coat of black wash to bring out the detail a bit?

I am experimenting with zenithal priming in bigger scales - black primer, then airbrushing white from top. Followed with contrast paints etc. But I think this method wouldn't work as well for small scale, or would it? I think it would require quite light touch with the white in order to work at all?

But contrast paints (and the equivalents from various manufacturers) would work great, right?

I've only recently tried using contrast paints but I've mostly been pleased with how they've worked on 6mm infantry. Techniques like drybrushing, washes, zenithal priming and contrast paints all tend to be very effective for creating the high-contrast look that suits models at this scale.

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Contrast works well, i've used it a fair bit on 3mm and 10mm. Almost all of the 6mm i've done in the past has been black primer and drybrush. Dont do zenithal priming myself but can't see why it woudln't work.

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The best method is what makes you the happiest with regards to the time you put in and the end result. Painting the smaller scales uses the same techniques as the bigger scales. Amp up the contrast (brighter highlights/darker shadows) is really my only piece of advice.

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Yeah, increased contrast compared to larger scales is vital!

I mostly use Contrast paints over white undercoat, sometimes with a bit of further shading added.

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extreme edge highlights help too (even on contrast paints)

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Thanks for the tips, gents. My painting has gone through cycles, I started with no primer (lol), then I moved to using white primer, next with LoTR paint articles in WD, I was persuaded to use black primer... then paniting some WWII stuff, I chose grey primer. All the time using the traditional base coat, wash, highlight.

Now again, I've been experimenting with zenithal priming, and contrast as I said. Oh, and I've started dabbling with oil washes too, inspired by that Marco (not just mecha) guy on youtube. He makes it look oh so easy.

So I guess I will try out zenithal, just have to be real delicate with my airbrush action, so as not to flood the mini with white... I will swap a smaller nozzle too.