Prepare Dry Brush
10 minutesUse old stiff bristle brush; load minimal paint.
Field context
This workflow is part of 1 niche field
Learn drybrushing highlights from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.
Use old stiff bristle brush; load minimal paint.
Lightly drag brush across surfaces catching only peaks.
Larger drybrush and lighter touch for bigger miniatures.
Glaze original base color over harsh transitions.
Matte coat to protect; compare to reference photos.
Key benchmarks for drybrushing highlights.
| Pass | Color Shift | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base + 20% white | 30% edges |
| 2 | Base + 40% white | 15% edges |
| 3 | Near highlight | 5% sharpest edges |
Thin acrylics to milk consistency — two thin coats beat one thick glob.
Always prime raw plastic or resin — unpainted surfaces repel thinned paint.
Use respirator and spray booth for rattle-can primer — aerosol is toxic indoors.