To use Citadel shade paint, you apply it all over your painted model. The key steps involve controlling the amount of paint on your brush before application.
Citadel shade paints are designed to flow into the recesses of a model, creating depth and definition by simulating natural shadows. Unlike base or layer paints that are applied evenly, shades are thin washes.
Here's a breakdown of the process, incorporating insights from the provided reference:
Preparing Your Brush
Before applying shade paint, it's important to manage the amount of paint on your brush.
- Load the brush: Dip your brush into the shade paint.
- Remove excess paint: Wipe off the excess paint on a tissue or the rim of the pot. As the reference states, "We do this to make sure that we don't have too much paint on our brush."
- Control the amount: By removing excess, "We have more control of how much paint we put on our model."
Applying the Shade
Once your brush is prepared, you apply the shade to the miniature.
- Apply broadly: The reference indicates, "Now we're going to apply the shade all over the model keeping." This means covering the entire area or component you want to shade.
- Let it flow: The thin consistency of the shade allows it to naturally flow into the crevices and details of the model.
- Wick away pooling (optional): If too much shade pools on flat surfaces, you can gently wick it away with a clean, damp brush to prevent tide marks.
Best Practices for Using Shades
- Apply over a base layer: Shades work best when applied over a base coat of paint, as they tint the color underneath and settle into recesses.
- Experiment with colors: Different shade colors (e.g., Nuln Oil, Agrax Earthshade, Sepia) create different effects and are suitable for various base colors.
- Allow to dry: Shades can take a little longer to dry than other paints due to their consistency. Ensure they are fully dry before applying subsequent layers or washes.
Using Citadel shades is a simple yet effective way to quickly add depth and character to your miniature painting projects.
