Contrast Paint BUT Cheaper AND Better?!

Today we see if we can hack the matrix and create a cheaper, more versatile, and overall BETTER form of Contrast paints! Thank you all for the overwhelming support, it really does push me to improve and continue to put out content!
Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl paints (and hobby supplies):
monumenthobbie...
10% off your total order! Enter COUPON CODE: ninjon
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ALSO NEW Ninjon MERCH: teespring.com/...
Check out my mini painting podcast with Miniac, Trapped Under Plastic: / @trappedunderplastic

[@ThroteCHOP]

Your wet palette is so much cleaner than that petri dish Scott puts his paints on.

[@liesureleeminis8268]

You should see mine 😂😂

[@matttran7161]

I was thinking the same thing! Like buy a new dollar store shammy

[@Sudo_Nimh]

lol

[@lostsanityreturned]

I am surprised to ready you say that, scott is such an organised guy when it comes to mini painting ;)

[@asaffin1]

Scott's palette gives me anxiety lol

[@Sebastion464]

I like my tendies how I like my audio, crispy. And boy did you make it crispy

[@GoobertownHobbies]

We demand a 30 minute montage of you mixing paints on your palette.

[@Ninjon]

Don’t think I don’t have that footage! 😂

[@mrking7342]

It is too clean. Keeping my palate clean is IMPOSSIBLE!

[@ozzhart3227]

@@Ninjon hey, how much of the contrast medium should I be using?

[@DingoPaintsMinis]

ASMR Jon

[@R.J.MacReady1982]

@ninjon @goobertownhobbies the power is in your hands. Your frail and human fingers. Yeah it's a lot of coding.. Get some loves of the world. nothing is sacred.

[@hillmath9059]

I love the balance between testing new ideas, using known skills and sharing the applications for both that you have in your videos. I now have some new things to try on my mini's and there has been one mini sitting at my desk primed for a couple of weeks, ready for me to put paint on it. I will try this. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@Ninjon]

What a nice compliment, it means a lot thank you! Lots of room for improvement, but I'm eager to share what I screw up along the way :D

[@davidwasilewski]

I still use old fashioned base coat - ink - dry brush for most of my armies. I’d only use contrast if I was considering painting up something like 100 skeletons or Tyranids. Good call on using the contrast technical pot to create your own contrast colours - it’s so obvious but I never thought of it!

[@HumorlessMilk]

Great vid, Jon. Glad you sorted the audio, can't wait for future content!

[@brentt8545]

I'm a beginner painter and have seen you on a few different channels. You're entertaining AND informative. So... more videos please! I enjoy your work! Keep it up.

[@Kometrion]

Somebody has been following "The Wappel" and started praising "The One True Brush". Nice job in this video, it is indeed so liberating to mix up paints and be free of colours names. work with that line is so good too.

[@joshuaharms9564]

"Dropper bottle" That one line was enough to get a like from me.

[@edwardstorbicki6685]

Subbed. Blew my mind when they released an airbrush line of paints in POTS. WHAT.

[@samprastherabbit]

I genuinely laughed out loud at that one!!

[@ArynCrinn]

@@edwardstorbicki6685 But the Air is now in 24ml pots!!!! They wasted a great opportunity to release a new bottle...

[@edwardstorbicki6685]

@@ArynCrinn 100%! I don't want to pay premium prices, and then have to also transfer the paint into a useable bottle, and add my own mixing balls.

[@hanswurst3788]

Fascinating how some white dots here and there can improve the look of a model. At first, for me at least, it looks like a mistake, but in the end it works out. Thanks for that. I will try that.

[@mutchokohler9552]

I really like how you're mixing painting tips and tutorial stuff with the main topic

[@evansj18]

"You can't screw it up all in one go" Me: Hold my beer

[@cory7328]

Very good sir. Solid work and nice knowing a way to save myself a lot of hassle. I am just starting my paint collection.

[@davesweirdproject]

Love what you have to say at 7:18 about not putting barriers in front of your fun, and also just giving it a shot again when you feel uninspired. Great advice.

[@Sackit26]

The outakes at the end were primo content ;)

[@Ninjon]

Really is the most fun part to make too :)

[@Rulo709]

I could easily see myself watching a full 30 minute video of Jon outakes or just him being silly. Cool dude.

[@YarDarkwood]

@@Ninjon did you try the ink?

[@GamerDad]

Jon's out here revealing conspiracies at GW with those top heavy pots

[@nds711D]

Already bought a bunch of stuff from Monument, but learning about the coupon and how it helps you, went back and got some more stuff! Keep it up man, you're killing it.

[@beerenmusli8220]

Okay, that is really cool. And I 150% agree that GW paints should come it drop bottles, but I would be a good start if the bottles/pots were airtight again.

[@janrei7292]

That Liqitex ink + contrast medium looks way to smooth. No puddles, no nothing. I am really tempted to try it out. Thanks for the tests!

[@allenflud]

I am getting back into painting, thanks for the tip.

[@kkurlander]

The ProAcryl line of paints are amazing. I find myself using them more then any other paint.

[@NatesMiniatures]

I would say you are onto something there.

[@StiltbeastStudios]

great video and great result. I dont paint minis, I paint latex masks, just looking to improve my work. nice work on this.

[@Capzielios]

Hey Jon, Since you have a 3d printer, I suggest printing one of thos citadel paint bottle holders. Any of them will do but they are perfect for stabilizing the wash bottles. Tipped over a bottle of that stuff, ruined my clothes, my custom mousepad, my girlfriend left me and my Kids disowned me.

[@Goldpug]

at 5:27 - 5:33 if you look at the orcs face you can see a layer shift in the print (probably from lack of support or something else) the contrast paint shows it and makes it very obvious. Amazing paint job though better then anything I could do. :)

[@Ninjon]

Yup it was a pretty shitty print purchased off of Etsy. I was curious how much the paint would hide/accentuate it, but was not happy to have received this from a 3D printing “store”

[@richardruddy6341]

Inks and clear varnish plus a bit of water was what I used to do. Black mix on white primer coat. Then used ink mixes for each colour. That was 30 years ago. Used to trade painted minis for more unpainted ones.

[@zeldakitsch]

Nice job, really love the WoW look of this mini. Contrast paints are great for some things not for others, when you make your own product you can always adjust it how you like it to get it to behave how you want it to. Dropper bottles!

[@dovahkiinsadventures7632]

Doesnt everything go into dropper bottles?😊

[@zeldakitsch]

@@dovahkiinsadventures7632 should be in dropper bottles in the first place, not a design that seems custom made to dry out 🙄

[@BillosUK]

The first video I watched ever on Miniac's channel was the one with you comparing the different beginner paint sets which really helped me a lot! So I'm happy to see you've made you're own channel dude!

[@Auridus]

One of the things I find interesting is the miniature's imperfection seemingly disappearing as you painted, specifically on the face. Like, sure, I can still see that line, but I noticed that I wasn't SEEING it (if that makes sense) unless I told myself to. It's something I constantly find myself getting hung up on with my own imperfect minis, so it's nice to see stuff like that in others and see how they deal with it.

[@Ninjon]

Completely agree. I still see it, but its a lot less prevalent. And i think others see it even less, since they didn't spend so long painting it.

[@FSDraconis]

Top notch and wonderful content! I love the out takes at the end too. Entirely creative, entertaining, and packed full of information. You are honestly one of my favorite painters on youtube. Thank you for the work that you do.

[@traderghost]

Watching your videos is always so therapeutic.

[@oldmanaz.6811]

I have done this for years I have called it controlled wash, huh I just read ral parthas paint guide and it was there name for it. Took a long time for me to learn my level and you still taught me things. Thanks kid.

[@rayslover8526]

So first off, those transparent paints are sold out on the monument website, so good job. Also, I've never watched any of your videos, just Scott.s, but I've watched the both of you multiple times and also watched the podcast you guys do. and I'll say your videos are great.Great video Quality, great Audio, and hilarious out takes. I'm definitely a new subscriber and a bell notification.

[@wakephillips]

Picked up some of these transparent paints recently and planning on trying this tonight! Thank you for the idea and video.

[@jamie_23]

OUTSTANDING - this is the definition of a how to paint video. thanks Jon for showing us this and painting a model all the way through, its really interesting.

[@karmaq8462]

I love mounument hobbies line of paints , they are actually really cool ,I use transparent paints over my acrylic paint then add acrylic paint , then transparent paint to make the contrast , look great !

[@R3dS0ulSnak3]

I am painting this mini and 4 others like him for my rekindled love of Mordheim. It is also my 1st time using washes. Watching you move all over as you painted is sooo similar to how I paint. This video gave me the oomph to take the next step.

[@Ninjon]

You got this!

[@Leviticushateford]

great help! As Always thank you for all you do for our Hobby.

[@richardadams429]

Direct quote from a text i got from my friend.. "have you watched ninjons new video?..literally a gamechanger and the most useful painting video ive watched in a while. he has sausage fingers" high praise indeed.

[@garyjenson8262]

Thanks john this was a great help.

[@nctinman8775]

How did I miss this until now!! Just ordered the transparent pack and some metal medium using your discount. Thanks Jon

[@victorgonzalez2927]

Just switched ALL my paints to Pro Acryl. Can’t wait to get to paint with it.

[@LegionaireSiggi]

Glad you got the kinks worked out. This video was excellent.

[@jacobhope6164]

Wow! What you were able to achieve with the contrast medium and transparent paints was amazing, especially the non-metallic metals!

[@Myhayv]

I've been having quite a bit of success just with inks but this is a cool take.

[@turnipslop3822]

This was a really great video! I do have a question though, what's the difference between inks, washes, and contrast paint? They all seem to have high flow and high pigment. I'm not entirely sure what the difference is and how they are each supposed to be used.

[@bansheemonger]

Hi Ninjon! First of all, great videos so far. I'm looking forward to seeing more from you. I got one question though: about how much contrast medium did you mix into your paints, e.g. for the green skin tone? A ratio would be helpful, like 2 parts paint, 1 part water, 1 part contrast medium, or so...

[@Ninjon]

I typically do 1-1 or 1 part paint to 2 parts medium 👍

[@Olvenskol]

My contrast hack... ink + matte medium + flow-improver concentrate (e.g. Liquitex brand). Works amazingly well, cheaper and I think easier to control. Roughly equal parts ink and medium and then you can just threaten the mix with the flow-improver (i.e. tiny drop is plenty).

[@northd6840]

Yup I "know what to do". I am loving the vids. I wasn't familiar with line of paints you were employing (I do know what contrast paints are...so the other ones) so I will have to check them out. Thanks again! It's nice to hear a friendly voice shouting in void.

[@M104-q9y]

That point you get to when nothing on the model is left that excites you, that's always where I fuck up by rushing through the boring parts.

[@georgethomas9040]

I'm glad you've started making videos, you've got the knack for it.

[@Eiersalatmacher]

Really. The yellowish tint on the skin made me really happy 😍

[@MrValleyteacher]

You, sir, have just earned yourself a subscriber.

[@apeman5090]

really glad you're making videos! I really enjoyed the video you did for Scott about paint starter sets, helped get me into the hobby when I was starting :)

[@TJtheBee]

I’ve been having a think, and I wonder if this same effect could be replicated with regular paints using some glazing medium. Gotta test it...just need a mini to play with.

[@MrSussurrus]

Contrast medium sits alongside glaze medium and flow improver on my desk. It's really useful.

[@yourhairyhog]

Great job. I would be really keen to see a video on your specular highlighting techniques. It's something that really elevated that piece an absurd amount.

[@alfyb4512]

“‘You can’t screw it all up all at once” Challenge accepted.

[@Terrainosaur]

I like experiments. I like answers at the front of videos. I like this video.

[@dot0verdrive]

LOL at the convo with the GW rep. "You know you make all those little bottles of nuln oil top heavy to we spill them and have to buy more"

[@dances4980]

Very nice video Jon! thanks. Well done. treat yourself to some tendies.

[@Ninjon]

I DO BELIEVE I WILL

[@sonofsupernova3455]

Brother, nice work. Have you watched goobertowns diy contrast paint vid? Acrylic matte medium...changed my life.

[@Galahad727]

Love the Pa-Chow T-Shirt! Uncle Adam is awesome...and so are you :-) ♥️

[@derekkrumel1407]

Dude I'm so glad I found your channel. I've seen the episodes of Miniac you're in and I'm like, "I like the cut of this guy's jib." Thanks for the excellent video :D

[@phillipchronister7035]

Dropper bottles...oh snap! Great video!

[@theaterofthemini]

Jon: Say is this just the contrast medium that makes contrast paint work how it does? GW: Yes Jon: *laughs menacingly* FOOLS

[@HeadHunterSix]

But since the Medium costs as much as any of the other contrast paints, and since ultimately you will use the same amount to make a given color as you would from a pot of that color, how are you really saving money? Maybe if you don't paint much, or do a variety of different models... but if you're doing even a small army, you're going to go through an entire pot (or more) of any given color anyhow.

[@ernieme101]

@@HeadHunterSix now we need some mad scientist to figure out what's in Contrast Medium ...

[@lostsanityreturned]

@@ernieme101 flow aid, a little slow dry and matte medium. The real trick behind contrast is the amount and quality of the pigment imo.

[@Telleelle]

@@HeadHunterSix well Contrast paint and Contrast Medium is same price but the paint is 18ml and Medium is 24ml. Since you mix it with the cheaper paint - meaning NOT using 18ml Medium for an 18ml Contrast pot - it will be even cheaper yet.

[@ArynCrinn]

@@HeadHunterSix Yeah, like Tommy said... the medium is cheaper per ml than the regular Contrast pots, and just about every other regular paint/ink is also cheaper per ml. So all up, you will save money. I'm real curious to see how Scale75's upcoming Instant Colors Dispel Magic medium works out. If it's close enough to Contrast Medium... then I'll just use it instead.

[@MatchGame]

hells yeah man! I'm all about mixing my own colors, thanks for spotlighting this product!

[@jackwilliams4087]

Thinning pale colours about 3pt medium to 1pt paint makes a great pale flesh for slaanesh, zombies etc. 1 to 1 will give a nice one stop wash for furs. Lovin' the work. It was a gw staffer that showed me this.

[@SargNickFury]

80-90's miniature painter here, just getting back into the hobby. I have a question that may seem noobish, but what is the difference between "contrast" paints...and inks? As far as I can tell this is exactly what we called inking back in the day? And we didn't break the bank to do it? The biggest difference being we'd undercoat a layer of paint on primer BEFORE inking, and then save a lighter or white dry brush for last. The results are pretty similar though. (I haven't played with the new contrast paints yet so I really would like to know the difference)

[@finkmonkeyful]

Nice work. Contrast medium is great stuff.

[@Baatosanabe]

Great video. I should probably start investing in inks. Also, shout out to the Pa-chow!

[@apocalypticmoth6040]

Great to see another video! Audio is so much better. My only tip is that when I first saw this video I though I had already watched it. A red line appears on the bottom of a thumbnail in the KZbin app when you’ve already watched it. Great to see you back! Maybe you could do a video on basing? I’ve found that rolling out a sheet of greenstuff, letting it cure, and then cutting that to use as bricks is very helpful!

[@Ninjon]

Good to know, I'll change the thumbnails in the future! I really appreciate the tip! Oh, and I have a smashing idea for a basing video, coming soon!

[@1quackquack1]

Excellent, it's always good to have access to more tools

[@TheSteak77]

Been watching Miniac for a few years now, and love your guy's podcast. It's super fun to see you succeed at starting your own youtube channel after all the work. Great vid, excited to see more!

[@Ninjon]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@EQ2Cordanim]

Phenomenal video! Now I need (errr, want) the Pro Acryl transparents...must...find...Canadian source! :)

[@gregtaylor7957]

Awesome vid to wake up to before work. The audio is SO much better! Great stuff.

[@zakhunt]

I'd been eyeing the transparent paints for a while now, so this was just the kick in the pants I needed to order them. Thanks for the discount, Jon, and enjoy that kick-back! :D

[@Ninjon]

No, thank you!

[@hansstokstad7026]

I love the Pro Acryl transparent colors and look forward to trying this!

[@SuyePhoto]

These are fantastic!!!! Great work Jon! Also thanks for the transparent paint link, was looking for a better line of paints for mixing colors 🙌

[@Sualokinification]

I love the color choices you went with for this orc. It looks great.

[@matsingen3477]

I really appreciate your content so far and i seriously hope you want to continue making these vids!

[@Ninjon]

More to come!

[@Cogmancer]

After my back issues over the last 3 weeks I finally picked up a paintbrush tonight to paint my Rex model. Aside from some grainy texture due to poor priming technique I did what you mentioned. Just hopped from one point of interest to another and knocked him out in an evening

[@Ninjon]

Well done!!! Hope the back is feeling better.

[@Cogmancer]

@@Ninjon so far so good. I'm looking forward to playing through your back catalog while painting the rest of my clone army.

[@DarrenBonenberg]

Great video. I've got done transparent paints from another line (not Monument Hobbies) I will definitely try this with.

[@terraxcell]

I’m pretty new miniature painter with limited amount of paint colors so ive been just kinda making my own colors and it’s been a lot of fun. I feel more accomplished that I made my own “color” I might actually buy these transparent monument paints and delve deeper into my inner bob ross 🤣

[@ninjamania]

Bought some of that transparent paint. Thanks for the coupon code!

[@SigfridSWE]

Really awesome difference from The first videos. Great job 😊🤘🏻

[@Ninjon]

Glad you think so!

[@psaldorn69]

I was trying out my first bottle of contrast the other night. My first citadel/non-dropper bottle this millenia too. Well, I got to enjoy the top heavy pot meme first hand. And so did my chair. And rug. And wallet. It's going straight into a dropper bottle this time.

[@Ninjon]

Nooooooooooo :(

[@psaldorn69]

@@Ninjon what makes it worse is the orange I made out of contrast medium and ink is better than the poop-brown "orange". Luckily, I'm a garbage painter anyway.

[@smoothbrush4722]

The sculpt and the paint is excellent

[@TheHamno]

good audio, and loved the idea! I'll have to try out some contrast medium as an additional tool.

[@steveisaak4320]

Ninjon you are a gifted painter. Keep up the good work sir

[@talongodin2253]

The world needs more conversations with you and Nigel!

[@Ninjon]

🤔😂

[@SirSpoon]

Oooooo dat crispy audio. And all for a sweet contrast burn. Ten thumbs up.

[@tinaprice4948]

Wow it looks AMAZEBALLS!!! You really do an amazing job. So glad you started a youtube channel!!!

[@TheGoodMood]

Awesome video! You are getting very pro at the video editing gig! I haven't used contrast paints but I'm keen to get some medium now and play around with it in the ways you did. Thanks for these experiments!

[@Thaxsar]

I always appreciate more cost effective paints. Thanks for this. Also these end skits are what's gonna take you to the top!

[@Boljarin]

Vallejo also has a transparant line. Wonder if that would work as well?

[@leslieshafer6343]

I like the look you achieved. This is definitely worth checking out.

[@chuck-n-debtaylor7553]

Great vid for morning treadmill 👍🏻 I’d been thinking about those Monument paints, so your vid gave me the needed nudge to pick em up.

[@jackwilliams4087]

Mines was camoshade. The day before the covid lock down. Still get flashbacks

[@BrettsMinis]

Holy crap Jon, this is stellar work! I’m glad you started this channel and I look forward to seeing what you put out next!

[@FercPolo]

YESSSS THESE PAINTS ARE SO GOOD!