| Miniature Painting Guide ✦ Vallejo · AK Interactive · Grex |
✦ ✧ ★ ✧ ✦ Lamp on, brushes out, and a fresh squad is primed and waiting. Miniature Painting · Beginner Guide A Beginner's Guide to Washes, Weathering, Basing & Airbrushing What washes, weathering, basing and an airbrush each do for your miniatures, how to start with each, and which tool fits which job. |
 Vallejo Game Color washes |
 AK Interactive weathering |
 Grex airbrushes |
Jump to what you need
| Vallejo | AK Interactive | The Army Painter | Citadel Paints |
The Grex Genesis XGi3 Essential Set: a top-feed, 0.3 mm airbrush for getting started.
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★ The quick answer Why go beyond basecoat? A basecoat gets a miniature to “painted.” A few extra tools get it to “looks alive.” Washes add shadow in the recesses, opaque colors and effects give you solid coverage and touches like blood or slime, weathering and basing put the model in a believable world, and an airbrush handles priming and smooth blends fast. You do not need all four on day one. Start with a wash, then add one new tool at a time. |
Whether you are painting your first squad or dressing up an army you have owned for years, this guide walks through each technique in plain language, what it is for, and the basic steps. Everything here is a starting point: every paint and every airbrush behaves a little differently, so test on a spare model first and follow the directions on the label. Browse the full ranges in our Vallejo and AK Interactive collections, and if you want to compare with other paint lines, see our Army Painter and Citadel shelves.
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What are washes and shades, and how do you use them?
A wash is a thin, transparent paint that flows into recesses and settles there, leaving shadows and definition behind. Vallejo describes its Game Color washes as transparent, very liquid acrylics that are also used for glazing and filter effects. They are water-based, so brushes clean up with water.
Basic steps
- Start with a fully dry basecoat. The base color shows through the wash, and the wash tint shifts it, so the two work together.
- Shake the bottle well, then load a brush and touch it to the recesses: between armor plates, around straps, in cloth folds. Let the wash flow in rather than scrubbing it on.
- If wash pools on flat areas, pull the excess away with a clean, damp brush.
- Let it dry completely before touching it or adding another layer. Pools and thick spots take longer, so give it time.
- Add a second thin layer if you want more depth. Several thin coats look better than one heavy one.
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Good to know Vallejo’s tutorial notes you can thin washes with water, but that its airbrush thinner gives better control and lets you lift excess later with a clean flat brush moistened with thinner. Warm browns such as sepia and umber are commonly used on skin, leather and gold. Black and blue washes are commonly used for cooler, deeper shadows on greys, steel and blues. |
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Once a wash is dry and you are happy, many painters seal the model with a varnish. Vallejo’s range includes varnishes, and for more shading and glazing ideas see our roundup of paint sets and hobby kits for miniature painters.
Which paints give solid coverage, and what are special effects like blood and slime?
Opaque paints are formulated to hide what is under them, which is what you want for basecoats and clean highlights. Vallejo’s Game Color line includes colors labeled X-Opaque, such as the Heavy Siena and Heavy Brown in our catalog. Whatever the paint, the standard advice holds: two or three thin coats beat one thick coat, because thick paint hides detail and dries lumpy. Lighter colors and yellows generally need more coats than darks.
Special effects paints are the fun finishing touches. Vallejo’s Game Effects paints, such as Fresh Blood and Dried Blood, are water-based acrylics made for blood, bile and similar gory or slimy details on fantasy and sci-fi miniatures, and Vallejo recommends applying them with a brush. Fresh Blood reads as bright and wet; Dried Blood reads as darker and older.
- Paint the model first, then add effects last, in small amounts. A little goes a long way.
- Use a fine brush and dab or drip along blades, claws and wounds rather than covering large areas.
- Apply any matte varnish before the effect paint if you use one, since a matte coat can dull a glossy effect.
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What is weathering and basing, and how do you start?
Weathering makes a model look used: rust, dirt, dust and mud. Basing finishes the model’s little patch of world: the ground it stands on. Together they turn a painted miniature into a scene. AK Interactive is a well-known name for both, from weathering paints to its Diorama series of ground textures, foliage and water effects.
Rust streaks
AK Rust Streaks is an enamel-based weathering paint in a reddish-brown color that imitates rust running down a surface. AK’s directions are simple:
- Shake the bottle thoroughly.
- With a fine-pointed brush, draw irregular vertical lines from the upper part of the model downward.
- Wait about 10 minutes.
- Blend by sweeping a flat brush moistened with white spirit over the streaks with very light pressure.
Because it is an enamel product, work in a ventilated space and keep the white spirit away from your acrylic paints. Many painters also seal acrylic paint with a varnish before using enamel effects, and it is worth testing on a spare model first.
Ground textures, flock and water
- Textures such as AK’s Dry Ground give you a bumpy, earthy surface. Spread them on the base with an old brush or sculpting tool, let them dry, then paint or drybrush over the top.
- Flock and foliage add grass and leaves. The usual method is to brush a little white glue on the base, sprinkle the flock on, press gently, and tap off the excess once it is set. We stock AK flock such as Late Fall Grass in the AK collection.
- Water effects add ponds and puddles. AK’s clear water is a two-component epoxy resin, so mix it exactly as its label says, work in a ventilated space, and pour into a contained area, because it cannot be reworked once cured.
Browse everything in the AK Interactive collection for more textures, splatter effects, ballast and water.
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How does airbrushing work, and is it worth it for miniatures?
An airbrush sprays paint in a fine mist using compressed air. For miniatures it is best at three jobs: priming many models quickly, zenithal highlighting (spraying light from above to build shadow and light at once), and smooth blends on large surfaces like vehicles. It is not a must-have, and brushes still do the detail work, but many painters find it saves time on big projects.
Trigger action, top-feed and side-feed
- Double action means one trigger does two jobs: press down for air, pull back for paint. It gives the most control and is what Grex’s Tritium and Genesis airbrushes use.
- Top-feed (gravity) puts the paint cup on top, as on the Genesis XGi3. It is a good all-rounder for detail work with small amounts of paint.
- Side-feed puts the cup at the side, as on the Tritium TS3. Grex notes it gives a straighter line of sight to where you are spraying and can be set up for left or right-handed use.
- Bottom-feed (siphon) pulls paint from a bottle beneath, handy for larger volumes.
Nozzle sizes
Grex offers many of its airbrushes with 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm or 0.5 mm nozzles. Grex lists the spray patterns as roughly a hairline up to 20 mm for 0.2 mm, up to 25 mm for 0.3 mm and up to 50 mm for 0.5 mm. In practice, 0.2 mm suits fine detail, 0.3 mm is the versatile all-rounder most beginners start with, and 0.5 mm covers larger areas such as priming. Grex sells nozzle kits, including the TK-2 (0.2 mm) and TK-5 (0.5 mm), so Tritium owners can change sizes later.
Holders, cleaning and safety
- Use a holder. A stand keeps a paint-loaded airbrush from rolling off the desk.
- Clean as you go. Flush the airbrush with cleaner between colors and thoroughly when you finish, before paint can dry inside. Small brush sets help reach the nozzle and cup.
- Ventilate. Spray in a well-ventilated space, ideally with a spray booth or an open window and fan pulling air away from you.
- Wear a respirator rated for paint mist when spraying, and follow the safety information on your paint and cleaner labels.
- Thin your paint until it flows smoothly. The right amount depends on the paint and your airbrush, so start light and test on scrap plastic.
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Airbrushes still need a compressor, and Grex offers combo kits that include one. Search the Grex range to see what we have in stock.
Which tool is right for which job?
| Tool | Best for | You will need | Skill level | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wash | Shading recesses, adding depth | Brush | Easy | Low |
| Opaque color | Basecoats and clean highlights | Brush or airbrush | Easy | Low |
| Effects paint (blood, slime) | Small gory or gooey details, added last | Brush | Easy | Low |
| Rust streaks | Weathered vehicles, armor and terrain | Fine brush, flat blending brush, white spirit | Medium | Low |
| Ground textures and flock | Finishing bases | Old brush, glue | Easy | Low to medium |
| Water effect resin | Ponds and puddles on bases | Mixing cup, careful pouring | Harder | Medium |
| Airbrush | Priming, zenithal, smooth blends on big models | Compressor, cleaner, respirator | Medium to harder | Higher |
What should I buy first? Starter kits by budget
Starter: First wash — about $4.14
- Vallejo Game Wash Sepia Wash Acrylic Non Toxic Paints 17ml VAL-73200 ($2.17)
- Vallejo Game Colour Blue Wash 17ml VAL-73207 ($1.97)
Two washes and a brush you already own are enough to see what shading does. Pick your basecoat colors from the Vallejo collection.
Mid: Wash, color and weathering — about $27.86
- Vallejo Game Wash Sepia Wash Acrylic Non Toxic Paints 17ml VAL-73200 ($2.17)
- Vallejo Game Colour Blue Wash 17ml VAL-73207 ($1.97)
- Vallejo Game Color Heavy Siena X-Opaque Non Toxic Acrylic Paints 17ml VAL-72154 ($2.17)
- Vallejo Game Effects Fresh Blood Special Effect Game Color Paint Set 17ml VAL-72132 ($2.17)
- Dungeons and Dragons AK Interactive Rust Streaks filet de rouille Paints D&D AKI-13 ($6.39)
- AK Interactive Diorama Terrains Dry Ground Texture Acrylic 250ml Bottle - AKI-8015 ($12.99)
Adds an opaque brown, a blood effect, rust streaks and a ground texture. Grab a couple of brushes and a spare model to practice on.
Airbrush: Starter (compressor sold separately) — about $143.93
- Grex Essential Set Traditional Trig Top 0.3mm Nozzle XGi3ES ($119.00)
- Grex Hd1 Airbrush HolderHD1 ($18.95)
- Grex Gxcl-08 oz Ready-to-Use Airbrush Cleaner GXCL-08 ($5.98)
The Essential Set, a holder and cleaner. You will also need a compressor, hose, a respirator and somewhere well ventilated to spray. Cost shown is for these three items only.
Prices shown are current Saga prices and may change.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an airbrush to paint miniatures well?
No. Brushes can produce excellent results, and an airbrush is an extra tool that speeds up priming and smooth blends. Many painters start with brushes and washes and add an airbrush later.
What is the difference between a wash and a regular paint?
A wash is thin and transparent, made to flow into recesses and tint what is beneath it. A regular paint is thicker and built to cover. Washes go on after your basecoat; opaque paints make the basecoat.
How long should a wash dry?
Let it dry fully before handling or layering. Drying time varies with how thick the wash went on and with room temperature and humidity, so when in doubt, give it longer.
Can I use water to thin my paints and washes?
Water works for many acrylics, and Vallejo notes you can thin its washes with water, though it recommends its airbrush thinner for better control. Check the label for your specific paint.
What is a good first airbrush?
A double-action, top-feed airbrush with a 0.3 mm nozzle is a common all-rounder for miniatures, and the Grex Genesis XGi3 Essential Set fits that description. Add a holder, cleaner and a respirator.
Is airbrushing safe indoors?
Spray in a well-ventilated space, ideally with a spray booth or a fan and open window, and wear a respirator rated for paint mist. Read the safety information on your paints and cleaners.
The Saga community loves painting together, so if you want to try a technique with friends, ask us about hobby nights. For more, read our guide to gifts for miniature painters, and see why hobbyists reach for BSI cyanoacrylate glues when assembling models.
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✦ ✧ ★ ✧ ✦ Ready to give your minis a little magic? Pull up a stool. The lamp is warm and there is always room at the table.
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Product images © Acrylicos Vallejo, AK Interactive and Grex Airbrush
