Creating a paint shade involves thinning your base paint to achieve a translucent wash or glaze. This technique is frequently used in miniature painting and artwork to add depth and shadows.
Methods for Making Paint Shades
There are several ways to create a paint shade, depending on your desired effect and the type of paint you're using:
1. Thinning with Water (Acrylic Paints):
- This is the simplest method, particularly for acrylic paints.
- Gradually add water to your base paint, mixing thoroughly until you reach the desired consistency. A small amount of dish soap (a single drop) can help break the surface tension and allow for smoother application. Experiment to find the optimal balance of water and paint.
2. Using Mediums (Acrylic Paints):
- For more control over the shade's consistency and flow, consider using acrylic mediums like flow improver or glazing medium. These products are designed to thin paints without sacrificing pigment vibrancy. They offer greater control over the final shade and can achieve more transparent washes.
3. Layering and Glazing:
- Instead of creating a single, heavily diluted shade, you can achieve similar effects by layering thin coats of paint. Each layer will add depth and subtle shading. This technique provides greater control and allows you to build up the desired shade gradually.
Examples from References:
- Multiple sources (Reddit threads r/Warhammer40k and r/ageofsigmar, DakkaDakka forum posts) confirm that diluting base paint with water, potentially with a touch of soap, is a common method for creating washes or shades. The exact ratio of water to paint needs experimentation to achieve the perfect result.
- One source mentions using Lahmian medium to create shades from existing paints. This suggests that specialized mediums can offer a more controlled and predictable result for professional-level shading.
Considerations
- The type of paint significantly influences the process. Acrylics are easily thinned with water, while oil paints require specific mediums for thinning.
- Experimentation is key. The ideal ratio of thinner to paint depends on the desired effect and the specific paint brand and formulation.
