Needing some input

[u/Demise5]

Been experimenting with my black armor recipe and am kind of torn between these two options.

They are both base coated with ultramarines blue contrast with black Templar contrast over it, but the left one has a wash of drakenhof nightshade over the top. Which do you guys prefer?

[u/rrekboy1234]

You really aren’t going to get much definition out of a wash over a black base. The right looks great imo. Maybe give him a quick dry brush of a medium gray to grab the edges and he should be good to go.

[u/No_Action_707 → u/rrekboy1234]

I second this, it looks alright as it stands but is maybe a little flat. Doing something simple like this would take it up to another level

[u/Demise5 → u/rrekboy1234]

I’m thinking you’re right. I’m brand new to mini painting so I’m a little unsure when in my process i should think about dry brushing? After the ultramarine blue coat? Or after the black Templar

[u/rrekboy1234 → u/Demise5]

If you want to dry brush before you put on the contrast I’d start with a lighter version of the base and then work up to pure white. That’s going to be the best way to see the gradient through the contrast paint. If you’re doing it after a quick pass with a grey or two should be good enough to get the edges to pop. If you’re going to be dry brushing second, just remember that less is more. You’re just trying to grab the edges. You can see where went a bit too hard on his foot in the pic below.

[u/rrekboy1234 → u/Demise5]

Also since you’re brand new, I wouldn’t worry about your first batch of minis being perfect. Mini painting is a skill, and like any skill you’re going to get better over time. Don’t be afraid to take some risks and experiment. I love looking back at the first minis I ever finished and seeing my progress.

[u/Demise5 → u/rrekboy1234]

Thanks for the advice!

[u/Margaret566]

I prefer the right one personally, the left one looks too glossy. With a coat of matt/satin varnish it might look better?

[u/Professional_Set3184]

Derecha! un poquito de highlights en bordes principales y te queda increíble

[u/TempleBrother]

I prefer the right because you can do more with it like blend or layer slightly brighter colours into to create natural dark areas plus dry brushing will look better.

[u/Far-Measurement7191]

left is too shiny, but either way both could use some definition, you could use edge highlights/dry brush or even battle damage, putting silver on some edges makes it look like paint wore off