Contrast Paints

[T13A]

Hi All

I have seen a lot of mentions of 'Contrast Paints' over the last few months, please excuse my ignorance, but what are they exactly and how do they differ from 'normal' (acrylic) paints?

many thanks

Cheers Paul

[fred.]

They are GWs new paints - they basically shade and paint all in one go. So can really speed up the process of painting units. They won’t make painting a high quality figure any quicker or better, but for rank and file they are great.

Most of them work really well, you put them over a pale base coat. The shade of this can change the final colour slightly. Some of them work much better than others. I’ve had good success with most of the ones I have, but some mates have struggled with some (purple comes to mind). They can take a bit of getting used to, but I like them.

They are all pretty bright colours so are not great for modern military figures or vehicles.

I’ll see if I can find some photos of my stuff.

But there is lots on the internet, so worth a google.

[fred.]

In this photo I think all the monsters are mainly done with contrast paints.



The yellow ones I think are almost entirely contrast paints. The red ones I think I added another red wash to some parts to differentiate the armour from the flesh. The blue ones the bodies are contrast, I think the ones were done with a wash, and the blue ribbons are normal paint..

[jimduncanuk]

They are an alternative to paint as you understand it, they are not a replacement.

[fsn]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGO771NGmM4" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGO771NGmM4</a>

[quasar42]

I have used Contrast paints to good effect on 10mm figures. I find they work particularly well for organic materials like flesh, wood, fur, or leather.  But I have also used a grey tone to simulate metalics.   Some of the downsides of Contrast paints (splodges on larger surfaces if you are not careful) are actually less of an issue with smaller figures.   

[Orcs]

I thought I read somewhere that Vallejo were looking into something similar.

[Leon]

I thought I read somewhere that Vallejo were looking into something similar.

I think I've seen something similar somewhere.  They've got something quite close now with their Inks range, so it probably just needs a touch thicker consistency and they'll be good to go.

[T13A]

Hi

Many thanks for all the replies and info.   

Cheers Paul