When you need to paint an entire army, efficiency becomes crucial. Speed painting techniques help you achieve good results quickly without sacrificing too much quality.
The Base-Wash-Highlight Method
This three-step process forms the backbone of speed painting. Apply base colors, wash everything, then pick out key highlights. An entire unit can be table-ready in hours instead of days.
- Prime in a color close to your main tone
- Block in base colors quickly
- Apply all-over wash for instant shading
- Drybrush main highlights
- Pick out key details only
For more on this topic, check out our guide on Color Theory for Miniatures: Painting Metallic Armor.
Contrast Paints and Speed Paints
Modern contrast-style paints revolutionize army painting. These high-pigment, self-shading paints do the work of base, wash, and highlight in one coat over light primer.
- Prime white or light grey
- Apply contrast paints in single coats
- Don't overwork - let the paint do its job
- Combine with traditional paints for details
Batch Painting
Paint entire squads in assembly-line fashion. Complete one color across all models before moving to the next. This maintains consistency and maximizes efficiency.
Related Reading
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Article by Enoch Thoreux, dedicated to helping miniature painters of all skill levels improve their craft.