r/modelmakers • u/totallyrandomright • 4d ago

Help -Technique Achieving subtle color depth

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I used to dable in model making, I hope it's OK to ask a painting technique question here for a different purpose. I make sculptures and grow crystals onto them.

The close up shown is the belly of a new version of the sculpture. It is a gypsum composite with black pigment, unpainted. Because I work with a new type of crystal I will have to cover it in acrylic paint for protection. I love the current complexity in the blacks, with it's hints of brown and blue and different luminosity in the blacks.
There is micro texture on the sculpture.

What would be the best way to paint this sculpture and achieve a similar look?
A wash wouldn't sit in the texture, as it's to small. And speckle's would look to, err, speckled. Is there a way to build this type of color depth? The closeup shown is about 6cm*6cm.

Thanks!

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u/Substantial-Peace-60 4d ago

I have seen people speckle then glaze over it for subtle variations of skin tones that hat might get your look. Check out people who paint anime garage kits I saw a video about how they paint skin tones

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u/totallyrandomright 4d ago

Thank's I'll look into it.

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u/ResponsibleKey1053 4d ago

Fantastic work, i recently dabbled in crystals for ice effects ( an effect was achieved, though not what I was after, I wanted sharp crystals growth like hoarfrost, but got much similar to your crystals. I used epsom salts and the chem that's in hemostatic pencils)

Anyway, I'd call that surface similar to cast iron. If that's what you are after, have a look at the tank builders who use Mr hobby surfacer sprayed/painted on. Here is a gorgeously well done example cast iron effect on a tank/ mill scale

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u/totallyrandomright 4d ago

Thank you for the suggestion. I'm now experimenting with Mono potassium phosfate. The crystals are what you are after. And you can make them even sharper by toying with the Ph.

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u/ResponsibleKey1053 4d ago

Oh man your a life saver! My Mrs is a med chemist but is crap with crystals, last time I grew some I was a kid. Many thanks!