How I Paint Things - Astra Militarum Using (Mostly) Contrast

[@stevesandford1437]

EVERY time YOU WATCH you LEARN with this guy!!! xx SF

[@madmichel9026]

I Think you it looks great! That trick you did with Agrax earth shade was really smart. Definitely going to have to try that!

[@AHRavnsborg]

I really like that you didn't try to paint metal with contrast. It just looks weird and honestly a singly coat of leadbelcher (or similar) looks far better even without a wash applied to it.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Some folks dig the Basilicanun Grey or the Space Wolves Grey approach... eeh, for the same amount of work I'd much prefer to use an actual metallic paint.

[@xGamermonkeyx]

That 2x coat Creed Camo has got me thinking about how you were saying in one of your US Army BA painting guides how you like that laminated green metal effect for the helmets. I reckon with the natural satin shine lots of Contrast has that'd do a pretty good job of imitating that!

[@plaidpvcpipe3792]

1:24 I think the color that the agrax earthshade over wraithbone gives could be a really nice armor or clothing color.

[@arzy7]

Using all your videos on Astra Militarum to paint my Imperial guard. Especially the video on Tempestus Scions! Absolute fan of how you did the Kasrkin colour scheme!

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Great to hear! If you manage to get a photo of your army at some point, I'd love to see how you're getting on. :D

[@arzy7]

@@SonicSledgehammerStudio Just completed 3 models using your videos!! I posted in the w40K reddit and gave credit to your videos for being a massive help! www.reddit.com/r/Warhammer40k/comments/i12y6b/first_painted_models_since_getting_into_warhammer/

[@ClioManBacc]

I am so amazed how this new contrast paint make the job! I have to try with a Cadian squad because so far I am still using the classic method. Thanks for inspiring me and keep the great work 👌

[@concon1629]

Perfect! Building and painting an Astra Militarum army right now! A tad short of tutorials on some gear on the internet but glad to add some more techniques to my belt.

[@TheShreddedSnorlax]

8:04 Hello Guardsman Dunn. Nice to meet you. In all seriousness that looks awesome. Nice work. Would lofe to see you do something bigger on the 40 side, maybe a Valkyrie.

[@andsmorris7225]

I haven’t tried contrast yet simply as have enough paints not to justify the purchase. I can see they are a great resource for those starting out or not too keen on painting in order to get some minis up to a tabletop standard and start wargaming. I’m not too keen on the finish they provide but agree that going back in with some highlights would fix that. Great video again thanks long may they continue

[@johnkelley9877]

What a great tutorial on Friday night! I have to say the Guardsman looks really good. Your techniques bring out the folds in the cloth and the details on the face very nicely. Thanks for sharing this, it was great to learn how to use the Contrast Paints on Imperial Guardsmen.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

You're very welcome. :D I've had so many questions about this particular method I knew I had to give it a shot eventually. I think mixing and matching the Contrast alongside regular paints is still going to get better results, but the important part would be consistency; a whole army painted like this is still going to look fantastic on the table.

[@johnkelley9877]

@@SonicSledgehammerStudio I agree. The mixing of the two mediums really brings out the detail and the overall look of the figure. It would be an impressive looking army on the table.

[@angrypantz87]

Amazing as always buddy. Quick, easy and done.

[@PhilosoraptorXJ]

I absolutely love the contrast line of paints. I used your Praetorian contrast video for how I paint my fledgling force of Praetorians and they look far better than I could have hoped with my amateurish skills at painting. Now I just need to finally decide if I want German Grey Leman Russes with them or a sandy brown. Decisions are hard.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Sounds great! Personally I'd roll with the sandy, almost beige look to them - to play off the whiteish armour the guys are wearing - but some darker tanks could work as well. Keen to see how they turn out!

[@TooMiniModels]

This was amazing, thanks.

[@asmodai6759]

Warhipster does a great job with Contrast paint on power armor. Definitely worth checking his channel out.

[@ScrapMek]

I always thin my inks/contrast paint 1:1 (using an appropriate meduim so they still behave correctly) and do 2 coats instead of 1. It depends if you are willing to spend a little extra time with the second layer, but I find it significantly reduces the fiddling you need to do to get contrast to look good and prevent blotchiness. Edit: I should be less verbose.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I think it's interesting seeing all the ways in which people are using different methods to tweak the Contrast stuff to their taste. Personally, as much as possible I'm usually trying to use it straight from the pot - mixing and thinning and all that carry on seems like I might as well just use an ordinary paint by comparison - but I've also got some Liquitex medium I do rather like using in my Vallejo paints. Might be worth a shot!

[@ScrapMek]

@@SonicSledgehammerStudio I enjoy using FW/Liquitex transparent inks a lot which are essentially contrast paints. I find they save me time in the long run, because I can reduce "base, wash, re-layer and edge highlight" to "apply glaze x4". I can be much more slap dash as a mistake in any one layer is barely visible.

[@axeversion2]

The way I do skin for my Cadians is give them a coat of Kisles Flesh first and then use a 1:1 diluted Guilliman Flesh as a shade since I find Reikland Fleshshade is too dark and red for my taste. I also found that Talassar Blue contrast is a great replacement for making a quick plasma glow like you showed in one of your videos since GW doesn't sell Guilliman Blue glaze anymore.

[@plaidpvcpipe3792]

I always thin down my reikland flesh shade.

[@Octavianus08]

Really impressive use of contrast! Gonna follow this trail.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I tend to find the pre-shade makes a massive difference to the overall effect. Well worth experimenting!

[@plaidpvcpipe3792]

I might do a slight variation on this (red armor) to try an paint up some guardsmen for my army.

[@TheeMrRasmus]

I know I just got the indomnius box and all that jazz.. but seriously, this video has me thinking "Should I go get a start collecting Astra militarum?" I do not want to sleep on the couch after the missy sees me do that though, so I'll wait until she's home visiting her family during the vacation soon :D

[@OrrgunUK]

That first shade of agrax almost made him look cell shaded, borderlands stylee

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Now that might be neat to see!

[@Attonil]

Really good guide

[@davidknight2220]

Thanks that's very helpful much appreciated 😀 👍

[@BlootusWealth]

Love it, the contrast paints are still a little "new" for my blood hahah maybe I'm just too old-school. I still miss the old citadel paint pot smell D:

[@huwtindall7096]

They should sell Agrax Earthshade in industrial size containers. Agree with you at the end about highlighting. It's massively overrated on the majority of models. Unless you've got a tank with lots of flat panels that need an edge highlight you can get away with base+washes or contrasts to give you a good enough finish for most models. There is something satisfying about a good mass of decently painted models on the shelf/table top just as much as there is in having one or two really well painted model in your collection IMO.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you .

[@BrotherCron]

I need to stop watching painting videos and actually paint my damn models.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

That'll definitely have more of an effect on them than watching the videos!

[@AmateurBarbarian]

Nothing wrong with getting some inspiration.

[@RecklessFables]

But eventually it just becomes another form of procrastination.

[@VonBek2009]

I know the feeling, it's easier to watch someone else paint, but once you get started though it then becomes therapeutic.

[@chrisrobin4962]

Was just thinking about this yesterday. But then I saw this and I like to see what people do with contrast so I "had" to see it. However, from now on I'll do the 20/80 approach. 20% inspiration and 80% painting! This will be the last video for awhile, I promise! (I hope!!!) :D

[@AmateurBarbarian]

This is the video that made me subscribe to your channel.

[@SgtSafety]

Another great video and I agree with you, I'd rather just use the normal paints on big flat areas as the contrast paints just don't do great on them.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I understand people wanting to use just one product, or style on a miniature, but it seems like it comes from that peculiar need to do things 'correctly' where I'd much prefer to mix things up and demonstrate that - for the most part - paint is paint is paint!

[@SgtSafety]

@@SonicSledgehammerStudio hear, hear! Use the right tool for the right job!

[@zm0rc]

The one thing that turns me off of contrast paints is the fact that in order to make your whole army match, your vehicles would have to be contrasted as well - which looks absolutely horrible on flat surfaces like vehicles. This mini looks great though, per usual. Great job man!

[@ethanevenson3855]

Still a little neon, but the way you use contrast paints doesn’t really look like “normal” contrast applications. Really sick work as always, man!

[@johnbrennan6321]

Love the technique, Question where did you get the head and bandage arm from? Thanks

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

They're from the Cadian Command Squad set. Great box of bits!

[@martineasterman5170]

I really like your contrast videos. I am also wondering in a previous video you did a pre dry brush highlight before using the contrast and in this one you have done a pre shade before contrast....would it be worth doing both before contrast to beef up the contrast effect? If so would you shade then th brush highlight and then use the contrast?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

It's really a matter of taste. If you're looking for a brighter finish, the drybrush is a good idea. If you want to add deeper shading and dull some of the colours a little - Skeleton Horde here being the best example - then the pre-shade is what you want. A bit of experimentation is in order, though; there's no right answer to this one!

[@tuqueninja7886]

Heart broken, you didn't make the shade colour sound when applying it *Pbbbbbfffttt!*

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Even worse is the fact I actually ended up editing it out due to it being a part of me waffling nonsense!

[@stephendavinson4441]

Iam warming to the contrast paints in your videos but I think I will be sticking to the old method of using paints...🙂

[@tylerdurden108]

thank you guy 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@primrosehill24]

Firstly, thank you so much for these videos, where were they when I was a teenager?! Secondly two questions: if you were to undercoat this model in Zandri Dust, would you still shade it with the all powerful Agrax? Or is Zandri too dark? And I noticed you painted some Anvil Brodie helmeted guys but I've not seen a video on them, what paint did you use on their uniform? I've been looking for the closest Citadel paint to kahki but no luck. Thank you again! Amazing work.

[@thanasids]

Not sure when I follow your step, my miniature skin (especially the face) looks a lot darker than yours. Any tips on your end to make it lighter? Anyway, your tutorial helps me so much, I'm still new to painting but your VDO makes my life so much easier. Thanks!!

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Try thinning the Contrast a little with some medium, that might help it from darkening more than you'd like.

[@thanasids]

@@SonicSledgehammerStudio Thank you so much! Will try it out.

[@tycondrius23]

awesome . just curious as I don't see them on your channel but have you ever painted up anything from Warzone, the Mutant Chronicles game system ?

[@_threepointedcircle_]

Contrast definitely has its place. Its perfect for stuff like this, the hordes of cannon fodder.

[@fallennatas5230]

Could you or do you think contrast paints could be used on big surface areas like on vehicles for example? Just wondering.

[@tylerdurden108]

cool video... (i dont like the shiny effect) why do you dont take matt varnish ?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

It's too windy for my favourite matt varnish spray. ;) I could use a brush-on varnish, but I'd rather just wait and spray it later.

[@tylerdurden108]

Sonic Sledgehammer Studio okay :) :) no problem

[@R22RJMacready]

I know that's not really the point of the video but what did you use for basing? In my first attempts, I used Zandri Dust for the rim (like you I think) and Stirland mud but I find it too brown. I'd like to see if I can replicate the look of your base which has a nice harmony to it. :)

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Armageddon Dust, Seraphim Sepia and then a Tyrant Skull drybrush. The ring is Steel Legion Drab, off the top of my head - I think a slightly darker ring than the base looks good, but I'm not a fan of black in most cases.

[@R22RJMacready]

@@SonicSledgehammerStudio Funny, I thought the rim was Zandri Dust. Thanks and keep your awesome videos coming! :)

[@PGNogueira]

Neat as always. Next time don't forget to punch a hole on the gun barrel :)

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I didn't forget, I just choose not to. Drilling barrels takes extra work that isn't really integral to how the model is painted, so I don't bother.

[@dessiemcallister]

Question, if I may: The bandaged arm, it's not a piece with which I am familiar. Might I enquire as to which set it came from. Was it a GW part or, perhaps, a 3rd party piece. Much obliged to you. D

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

The piece comes from the Cadian Command Squad. There's a ton of neat bits in there. :)

[@plaidpvcpipe3792]

Sonic Sledgehammer Studio I love that kit, it is absolutely amazing.

[@fleeb-f9u]

Now please show me how you would go about a starship trooper themed army haha

[@pascalrob2301]

Hello can you put the list step by step about shade and contast color you used please?

[@RecklessFables]

I feel like maybe Skeleton Horde made the creases a little too dark.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

You can always use it straight over the Wraithbone and get a much brighter finish. Personally, I'd swap it out for Aggaros Dunes in that case, but I think the Skeleton Horde looks a little closer to the brighter beige finish of the Cadians on the box.

[@petersaczko6192]

8:03 Pvt. Done?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Not a common name, but it at least fits on a name tag!

[@michaelpendleton6395]

where is this Mini from? I've never seen the set this comes with.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

He's a set of legs from the regular infantry box, but the arms and head come from the Cadian Command Squad.

[@leonmumford179]

Where did you get your paint rack from?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I wish I could remember! It doesn't have any branding on it so it's genuinely a mystery at this point. :(

[@mxj4607]

could this method work if I use Zandri dust as primer?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

In short, probably not, no. The Contrast requires a much lighter primer to get the 'true' colour of each. You'd be better off switching to a white primer if you haven't got Wraithbone or similar - Zandri Dust will just give you a dark, sludgy finish.

[@mxj4607]

@@SonicSledgehammerStudio thank you alot

[@thelonepainter4760]

Its really time consuming painting a ton of details close together with different contrast colors. I regret buying this collection. I prefer tidying up as I paint from the low parts of the miniature to the top.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

It's definitely a style choice - personally, I prefer the same approach of painting rather quickly using traditional paints, but the Contrast range has had its uses in a few spots.