Dry brushing is one of the oldest and simplest painting techniques. It’s a great way to add highlights and bring out details on your models.
Citadel Dry paint is a paint that is designed specifically for dry brushing and allows the user to use less paint and gain great coverage for their models. These paints are great for adding highlights and depth to your models.
In this article, we’ll show you how to dry brush using Citadel Dry Paints, and we’ll give you tips on getting the best results.
What is Citadel Dry Paint?
Citadel Dry Paint is a range of water-based acrylic paints designed for dry brushing. They’re highly pigmented and go on smoothly, making them ideal for this technique. They are designed so that less paint is wasted during the dry brushing process. These paints will provide greater coverage, and you will have to remove less paint from your model during the dry brushing process.
How to Dry Brush Using Citadel Dry Paints
Step 1: Choose Your Paint – The first step is to choose the right colour of paint. You want to choose a significantly lighter paint than the basecoat colour. For example, if you’re painting a model that is black, you would want to use light grey or white paint for dry brushing.
Step 2: Prepare Your Brush – Once you have your paint, it’s time to prepare your brush. Start by dipping your brush into water to wet it, then brush off the excess on a palette. Next, dip your brush into the paint, only to load the tip of the brush. Again, brush most of the paint off onto the palette, then move on to step 3.
Step 3: Begin Dry Brushing – With very little paint on your brush, it is time to start dry brushing. Begin lightly touching the brush to the model in the areas you want to highlight. You should aim to apply paint to raised areas avoiding recesses. Use a light, circular motion, and don’t press too hard. You should only apply a thin layer of paint. If the paint is not going on smoothly, add more water to your brush.
Step 4: Finish Up – Once you’re happy with the highlights, let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step in your painting process.
Step 5: Repeat – Once dried take a look at the outcome of your model. As you have applied very little paint, you may not be happy with the subtlety of the paint coverage. If this is the case, add another layer of dry brushing to the areas – it is key that you still wipe most of the paint off your dry brush before applying.
What brush should you use with Dry Paint?
The type of brush you use is important when dry brushing. You want to use a brush with stiff bristles so that the paint can be evenly distributed. A good option is a Citadel Dry Brush. These brushes are specifically designed for dry brushing and have synthetic bristles that are perfect for this technique.
You can get dry brushes in large, medium, and small variants allowing you to dry brush both large and small areas with ease. Other options on the market are cheaper than citadel brushes, but the feel and quality of Citadel brushes provide equipment that is sure to last. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.
Now that you know how to dry brush with Citadel Dry Paints experiment with different colours and paint schemes to see what looks best on your models. There are endless possibilities for dry brushing, so have fun and be creative!
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Use a good quality brush – A high-quality brush will make a big difference when dry brushing. Look for a brush with soft bristles that are tapered to a point.
- Don’t overdo it – It’s easy to overdo it when dry brushing, so be careful not to apply too much paint. Remember, you’re only looking to add highlights, not completely change the colour of the model.
- Practice on scrap models first – If you’re new to dry brushing, it’s a good idea to practice on some scrap models before moving on to your main project. This will help you get a feel for the technique and avoid making any mistakes.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to master the art of dry brushing in no time!
What are some of the most popular dry paints?
Citadel Dry Paint offers a wide range of colours so that you can find the perfect shade for your project. Some of the most popular dry paints include:
Necron Compound – This light grey paint is perfect for painting Necron models. It can also be used to create highlights on any model painted black.
Stormfang – This blue paint is perfect for painting Stormcast models. It can also be used to create highlights on any model painted blue.
Nurgling Green – This green paint is perfect for painting Nurgle models. It can also be used to create highlights on any model painted green.
Sylvaneth Bark – This black paint is a perfect all-rounder that can be used to dry brush even the most complex of models. It can also be used to create highlights on any model painted in a light colour.
Are Citadel Dry Paints Worth It?
Citadel Dry Paints are a great option for anyone looking for an easy way to add highlights and bring out details on their models. They’re also very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-conscious painters. Overall, we think they’re a great product and worth considering if you’re looking for an easy way to add some extra detail to your models.
However, this is not to say that standard acrylic paints, including citadels, and other paints (base, layer, contrast, etc.), cannot be used for dry brushing. Dry paints are designed to save these paints for the jobs they are intended for. They are also designed for dry brushing, so you will have to remove less paint from your model.
We encourage you to look at our dry brushing guide to learn more about using standard acrylics.
Final Thoughts
Citadel Dry Paints are a great way to add highlights and bring out details on your models. With a little practice, you’ll be able to use this technique to create stunning results. Just remember to use a good-quality brush, and don’t overdo it!
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you!