How to: Use Contrast Paints Properly

This video focusses on something that comes up a lot - how do you use Contrast paints? As there's something of a knack to them, and Contrast+ is what we're all about here at Warhipster Towers, I thought I'd take the time to put together a video on the subject.
Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned painter looking to pick up Contrast paints for the first time, I hope you find this video useful.
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Thanks for watching!
#ContrastPaints #SpeedPaint #PaintingWarhammer

[@Thornspyre81]

Washing your brush every few minutes is a CRUCIAL step im glad you taught us!

[@duncanwelch6085]

I needed this video more than I realized. I've been very erratic with my contrast paint use. Thank you for this guide and tips!

[@willmendoza8498]

Same!

[@jakobn2162]

Came here after the poorhammer podcast shout out. This is exactly the kind of tutorial i was looking for! Amazing video.

[@kadesoto]

Another idea for a future video is what to do when you miss a spot. Another trick I have learned is to start with the hardest to reach parts of the model, like inside the neck armor of a space marine. This is so that you don't bump the more visible areas with a paintbrush when trying to reach them later.

[@Warhipster]

Great tip! I've got ideas on how to do that sort of thing for sure!

[@Nixxx828]

Man you are the GOAT, you’re the only one on YT who mentioned how to move with the brush on the miniature, I really appreciate you making this video, waiting for more content from you!

[@justinkotrba2197]

Such a must watch video for anyone that dabbles in contrast painting. Thanks for the example of the amount to use and the way to brush it. So important!

[@Warhipster]

Glad it was helpful! There will be a contrast painting revolution before too long!

[@5olas]

I viewed this tutorial when it first aired but thought to revisit it again since I'm starting a new project. Your channel is an absolute goldmine for the miniature painting enthusiast. Thank you and God bless.

[@pocketgroyper9301]

I wouldn't recommend using GW brushes for contrast jobs, even if you are careful inevitably you're going to use it too long without rinsing it and the brush will get ruined. Contrast paints also tend to run down to the bottom of the brush and slowly accumulate over time, ruining it. You have to religiously only use the tip of the brush and rinse it so often. I've found it better to use cheap synthetic brushes for contrast painting and save my GW brushes for layering/highlighting.

[@t.m9341]

I like the army painter brushes they seem pretty solid and the handles are like triangle shape and it helps me hold it like a pencil

[@15mmGustavus]

I buy standard art shop brushes I've had a lot of success with them

[@zakhunt]

This is the BEST contrast guide I have seen so far. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@davehall6053]

Great video Josh 👌 Seeing in detail exactly how to get smooth coats with Contrast is going to improve my painting no end I'm sure.

[@HeadHunterSix]

I've been trying to get good results from Contrast since it came out, and was always dissatisfied with my work. I've needed this advice. Thanks so much for educating me! A channel that is Contrast-oriented is worth a sub.

[@griffplop6760]

Clearly one of the best (the best?) tutorial for contrast paint! Thank you!

[@mentosse]

I discovered your videos yesterday, i'm a warhammer beginner and i have to admit that, your way of painting is totaly the way i'd like to paint miniatures ! Thank you so much !

[@toirixw5612]

Perfect Timing! I needed this Video to improve my contrast painting skills. Great advise!

[@bonarlizaitis131]

By far the best how to use contrast paint videos out there. Thank you so much, this video is just what i needed

[@voodoochyl]

What an excellent video. I’ve been struggling with Contrast paints. I’m so set in my ways with standard acrylics, but want to have these in the toolbox as well. Going to practice these techniques. Thanks a million!

[@saiyaness22]

I can't believe how unbelievably smooth that is. It's amazing! I love the way your brush moved over the surface. I'm in the Too Goopy club, and it goops up in the recesses, so I just use Contrast as glazes now over traditional paints (though I have had success thinning and blending Nurgle skin with thin layers of Contrast, but like, once). Inspired to try again! Thank you!

[@liefde8616]

I really like this vid. You take your time and no quick cuts to get a fancy speedy video. So you can see the whole process and learn.

[@Dokiwanson]

I have been inspired by some of your more recent work to try out Contrast painting and I must admit I have been struggling a little bit with their usage, but this tutorial is helping just a bit to adjust slowly from sessions to session... great work, hopefully I will be able to implement your tips with more.... visible results :D Appreciate the work you are doing, keep it up.

[@FirstNameLastName-fe2tu]

Thank you for making something like this. Even after all this time of me watching your videos, and painting models, i am still not quite that good at it. This was really informative for how to go about my painting when I finally get to making that Steel Legion Death kroops of Krieg. Thank you so much.

[@tien65]

Thank you so much for the guide. since getting back to painting my minis, i am still learning how to improve my painting. great guide to relearn it

[@williamwerner1535]

Oh wow. This is radically different from how I've seen others do it, and I realize now how much better mine could look. Thanks a lot!

[@garyknight3018]

Great video and tutorial, have been following your channel for a while now and still learning, keep up the great work mate.

[@Warhipster]

Thanks, will do!

[@tassietiger99]

An excellent video for someone like myself just starting to use contrast paints, lots of useful tips, Thankyou.

[@TimHendrikx]

I 100% agree with Duncan Welch, I needed this video more than I realized. Thank you for the cools stuff, you have a great channel that really supports the hobby(s) we enjoy in general!

[@Warhipster]

That's so very kind of you thankyou! I'm always happy to help!

[@renaudroyer5390]

Many essential relevant and helpful tips and hints about contrast painting. Thank you so much👍

[@TheAranan]

I watched this when it first came out, but I came back to it while painting with contrast and being dissatisfied with the results -- already picked up a few tips and will hop right back in. Thanks for making this guide (and all the others!).

[@RezzaPrimex]

Really good video! Learnt a lot!

[@mikespaintedminis5100]

Definitely less haste and more speed! I found it harder than it looked when painting with contrast for the first time but the results are worth it 👌 I’ve painted a dreadnaught with contrast but not quite brave enough to do a tank with them yet 😂

[@stevendouglas335]

Currently painting a magmadroth solely using contrast this going to be so helpful

[@robertellison4049]

Thank you for your tips, I have been painting miniatures for a few years but have lost a lot of confidence lately, this has helped me want to paint again.

[@Warhipster]

I'm so glad! This video was a bundle of fun to make and I'm trying to think of more like this I can make. Anything I can do to help I'll always try to do!

[@ArchArad]

Thanks for making this tutorial - great tips and things to keep in mind. I'm returning to the painting hobby and contrast paints weren't a thing when I last painted. But I'm excited to experiment with them - I can see quite a few ways they could help me create certain looks.

[@FieserMoep]

Thanks for the extensive videos on contrast, especially the how it looks series.

[@PigeonCrash]

I somehow missed this video when it came out. This is a golden resource for contrast painting and "slap-chop" painting in general.

[@ChadFromSpace]

YT’s algorithm is booty dude. You have one of the absolute best painting channels. I’m not very good at painting… I’ve seen a lot of gd painting videos. I am a subject matter expert on painting…. Videos. And this channel is a standout.

[@NightfallTH]

Woooow. Your video has been an eye-opener for me. Until now, I was used to Space Marines not being a (good) target for contrast paints. I've used contrasts successfully on furs, scales, etc. with the typical just slab some paint on that approach. But seeing your style was really a revelation.

[@Warhipster]

Right? Once you get that knack for it down I think the Space Marines look even better with Contrast on the armour the shading in the panels for example looks so damn neat with a contrast paint!

[@christopherharkness5418]

This is really handy, thank you for putting it together!

[@Warhipster]

You're so welcome!

[@willowtreedb]

Amazing tutorial! Thankyou. So tempted to use your crimson fists contrast scheme for alaitoc eldar - first time using contrasts. Great inspiration

[@Warhipster]

That sounds awesome! I'll have a video coming for the Dire Avengers which can definitely be transplanted into Alaitoc Eldar. Watch this space!

[@j.taylor7361]

Perfect! Just what I was looking for!

[@jmc7034]

Just started using contrast so glad of these tips

[@maizetoken377]

That section at 16:00 is the smoothest Contrast application I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@XmortoxX1990]

This video alone deserves a sub. Amazing tutorial

[@justinrisen1929]

The absolute king of contrast paints right here. Thank you mate for the tips. I however prefer to use them as glazes and recess pin washing with flow improver personally. Find its far to finicky for my tastes as opposed to the traditional layering techniques. Your stuff with contrast is second to none though absolutely bananas!!

[@AddamsFactory69]

Brilliant! I needed this primer lesson :)

[@Warhipster]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JK-zx3go]

Great technique, super informative.

[@bartdevuyst]

Great tips. The techniques explained, remind me of water coloring / aquarel techniques seen in art.

[@Warhipster]

That is pretty much what it's like aye! The gentler the better unless you want the darker tones!

[@nerdfactory8853]

Big thanks Mr. Warhipster. Very usefull!

[@ThijsSchrijnemakers]

this was very useful, I'll try the glazing across the model. thanks!

[@Warhipster]

Glad it was useful!

[@ljohnsson]

Great video, love your content!

[@Warhipster]

Thanks so much!

[@pled8395]

Thanks for the tips dude!

[@lezer9622]

Thank you! Could you explain how you do the mixes in the pallet with contrast? You use wet pallet? And how you do this 8 medium 1 whatever? With brushstrokes in a palete?

[@sabelotodos]

This is an outstanding video. Probably one of my favorites on the topic from you. It really helps show the execution of the technique well and I also appreciate that it shows the power of the GW products…everything from the palette paper, brushes, and paint simply means one can go to a GW store and get everything they need there to accomplish the same result as you (with some practice)…

[@Vallenstein]

I was waiting to hop into the next livechat, to ask how you get the smooth colours with contrast paint, after using your guids for slaanesh an black templar units. Great to see a Video on the topic, thank you.

[@harmonipatrullen8336]

Thanks for the great videos! A thought I had, maybe you could do a video showing your different recipes for black with highlights? Would be very nice 👍

[@tokoloshgolem]

Awesome video, thank you

[@philgee486]

This is a pretty amazing demonstration of what you can do with contrast paints on flat areas with enough brush experience. This would allow you to still use the colour over all, even if your model has some flat panel areas, and that's great. Contrast paints do what they say on the (stupid) tub (from hell) when you apply them over incised textures, for that they work well for beginners. They also make great semi-transparent touches over other paint for a glaze or even tint process if you use the medium for the dilution and some of them do excel on small areas too, belts, accessories, backpacks, they're great. They can very quickly wet blend on small features too for quick effective transitions. All that said, they're the last choice i'd make to base paint a space marine, with his artificially wide open ceremite expanses. Shoulderpads designed to be regimental billboards and shinpads that you couldn't ever run in to save your life. Tint/glaze over the base coat, yes, certainly - with some of the range, basepaint? Why would you when the contrast effect itself is your enemy on the flat? There are literally thousands of better paints to use This vid does assure folks that if you practice applying the carefully explained and demonstrated approach you can genuinely still use some of them more like they're advertised anyway. Games workshop ought to buy slots and broadcast this vid on TV Mind you couldn't describe it as speed painting, or beginner possible, the skill and precision here is awesome

[@Mikey__R]

I'm definitely in the "why would you even try" camp. They always seemed like more hassle than they're worth for the main colours, but I can certainly see their use on smaller details like weapons, belts, holsters, grenades...

[@Mikey__R]

A quick question: if you're using a Contrast paint as a glaze rather than a wash, do you still need to use the special medium? When you're glazing, you actually don't want it to do that Contrast thing. Wouldn't water be a better choice in this instance?

[@philgee486]

@@Mikey__R Yep, I don't use water with them at all, they're transparent paints, so when you thin them to glaze transparency and apply them in thin glaze layers the contrast effect disappears

[@squadof5]

Thanks! Great vid!

[@xUrinalx]

This video made so much sense to me, after trying to paint DG. Time to prime and try again and see if I manage to not make any blobs 😂

[@dirgefatalis2581]

Thanks for the vid, would be good to follow this up with what you need to do to fix the tide marks and blobs that form in error.

[@J-Teg]

Wow, thank you. So good to see it stroke by stroke.

[@andrewwesley2862]

I just got my first minis, granted they will probably turn out pretty bad but, your video is amazing and hopefully I can learn something to help me.

[@RoofusKit]

Fantastic technique video. I can't believe I had to see this first from a third party. GW should pay you for this.

[@robert2pkt0]

#100 woohoo! I’m a big fan of Contrasts and I’ve never seen that technique explained in detail before - so my simple mind never really picked up on it. Thank you, very valuable!

[@robert2pkt0]

Btw. TableTopReady sent me here!

[@ce017]

So, thoughts on using contrast paints in airbrush? Would this not help reduce the chances of that scratchy look or would it increase it?

[@PudakFilip]

Thanks for a great vid! I see in most of your videos that you are just using the regular primers. What are your thoughts on zenithal prime as a base? Not a fan?

[@jamesdillane]

Excellent tutorial. Anything different you would suggest since you made it? Using medium instead of straight from the pot? Thanks!

[@DanMarston117]

Never used Contrast paints before, vehemently avoided them because obviously the more effort you have to put into painting, the more valid your painting efforts are! Or something stupid like that, I dunno I'm not a smart man. Recently picked up Iron Hands and watched your video on how to paint them and I have never seen such fantastic results. The first blue leg you painted here absolutely blew my mind, so thank you for opening my eyes to my own stupidity and providing the tools to learn! Will definitely be using Contrast more from now on, though I am concerned I might get a different finish with the contrast paints over any new additions to my Space Wolves and Necrons...

[@drexmo]

Definitely needed this! You mention early on that contrast medium can also help for large, flat surfaces - any chance we could get a follow-up video on that?

[@Warhipster]

It's certainly something I can look at doing specifically on that topic. I've done a number of larger things on the channel like Kragnos, a Gladiator Tank, various Dreadnoughts etc. The Chaos Knights too! Let me see what I have on the schedule and in stock and I'll have a think on how best to go about it.

[@destrogio2926]

Your videos really help me alot while painting my miniatures (I play Undivided Chaos Daemons). Thanks for the help and keep it up!

[@fergin4979]

Man that instrumental starting around 19:20 is nice

[@Pswans509]

Chill ass music dope intro I’m subbed thanks for the content

[@joubertaymeric]

Hi, first, thanks for your videos. So helpfull and nice to watch. Quick question : I still get some brush marks on my minis when I apply contrast paint. I don't understand why. Any ideas ? Thanks again !

[@MagnusMoerkoereJohannesen]

Oh boy, I need more miniatures to practice on! Best worst excuse to buy more plastic :D

[@Warhipster]

We all need more Plastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@huwtindall7096]

Given you have to be so careful with contrast (for marine armour at least) is it actually any faster? I'm still doing black rattle can then low angle zenithal base colour rattle can and then standard painting after that.

[@YourAverage_J0e]

Thanks!

[@Gilly9784]

Wish I'd seen this before I used a massive brush 😐 helpful video 👍

[@mrmoto8467]

Would luv to see you paint the cadian battle standard using your method.

[@kevinmoreira86]

I've been painting contrast wildwood on Stat wars legion speeder bikes and following your technique to a T and yet still getting poor results. Very blotchy, is it because the 1st phase of contrast paint was just harder to work with? This blue you're painting looks so smooth and flawless. Thanks for the content!

[@troyharbaugh782]

Great video! Do you have a video explaining how you mix your contrast paints? Ratios & Contrast medium?

[@griffplop6760]

This is exactly what i think is missing on this video;!

[@philgee486]

This is an out-of-the-pot vid. Dilution is a process that needs tailoring to every situation, every contrast paint is different in it's response, every panel or detail needs looking at first. Dilution is irrelevant to base painting, the best of them barely have the coverage to start with. I'm sure he'll include the needed dilution for the effects he uses, carefully explaining case by case, when painting specific models or parts of models really.

[@Warhipster]

That’s another video I’ve got planned - I wasn’t wanting to overload this with information so there’ll be more like this coming in the future.

[@jabbasleftnut1530]

Great video yet again, what do you use to seal your models after painting. I have rough skin and the contrast paint rubs off easily.

[@Warhipster]

I personally don't seal my models but Stormshield or Munitorum Varnish would work no problem! You'd just need any matte varnish that you're comfortable with!

[@gdmunn83]

Only problem I find using this technique with contrast is when you edge highlight and need to touch up the original colour as the edge highlight is to thick going over the original contrast layer with another contract layer stands out and doesn't blend in well unlike standard layer paint. What do you do in these scenarios??

[@jfoerster]

A little bit of contrast medium and not painting on paper helps a lot ;) some contrasts dry quicker than others and it takes a bit of practice with the different colors.

[@GaudiaCertaminisGaming]

Just gave you your 1,000th like. Satisfying.

[@Warhipster]

And yet sadly I can only respond with a like and a love! Thank you so much!

[@TheEnd]

Thank a for the tips

[@Warhipster]

No problem!

[@TheBwoehrle]

Have you tried contrast through an airbrush? Wondering how well that would work.

[@benrichardson5662]

How do you deal with metallic primers like Leadbelcher and Retributor Armor, who are so smooth the contrast paint has difficulty adhering to it?

[@kadesoto]

Great video. I would love to learn tips for using Contrast on smaller areas, like belts. I feel like these can be too small for a properly loaded brush, per this video. I would also like to know how you keep your brushes nice... whenever I use contrast with smaller brushes they get gunked up quite quickly!

[@Warhipster]

I do need to do a whole Brush focus video, the whys the what's the hows etc etc. I've been writing it for a while it just hasn't clicked for me yet!

[@kadesoto]

@@Warhipster Will eagerly watch once it is out!!

[@marcinstangel9277]

I have a bit of a problem when painting with Contrasts. The house I live at, and do all my painting, is pretty warm and dry. That makes my contrast paints dry up super quick. Even if I dilute it with medium, it still dries stupidly fast. Is there any way to prolong the drying time, to allow me to for example smooth it or move it around / blend with other colours.

[@j.taylor7361]

Have you tried other similar brands of one coat paints like Speedpaint 2.0 or Vallejo Xpress Colors? I wondered how they compare to Contrast.

[@johnmorton6229]

Quick question about correcting mistakes done ON TO a base coat of contrast, say getting a bit of gold or something on to that blue. Would you correct it like normal paint and come back with that blue to touch it up once that mistake is done drying or is there a different procedure for stuff done with contrast paint?

[@grandpaspaintingstudio]

I do alright on the paper but when it comes to the model I seem to have to much or to little paint. I think someone asked it already but what do you do if you do get to much or to little paint?

[@leenicholas3279]

Do you recommend always priming gray when using the contrast paint?

[@Warhipster]

Not always Lee! Essentially Contrast Paint is somewhat see through so whatever colour you have underneath will affect the final result. Grey Seer produces a nice cold tone to all the colours in the range and Wraithbone has a much warmer tone to it. White Scar (the new one) is kind of mid way between the two BUT a lot brighter!

[@andrepierlot3098]

Hi nice video Can we do another layer with contrst paints ?

[@DxDinin]

Danke!

[@t.m9341]

If I prime it again can I start over or will it reactivate like cursed army painter

[@Wasker20233]

Finally i found some one that use’s citadel products aka brushes and paints While i get some third party products are cheaper and better unfortunately i dont have time or the chance to go out into stores or shop online due to my age and its better for me to just walk into a Warhammer Store and buy the product there and while I may not use Contrast paints due to my money issues and them being more expensive than normal paints I will make sure to save this video for future use ;)

[@timofkings5173]

This might be a stupid question... do the Army Painter 'Speedpaints 2.0' behave the same way? As in: does this tutorial also work/apply for those?

[@Warhipster]

It does indeed as it also works for Vallejo Xpress Colours as well. It’s kinda universal. Each brand has its own quirks like you should leave each Speedpaint layer at least 20 minutes before doing any more to it.

[@robertellison4049]

Thanks

[@Warhipster]

That's so kind of you thank you!

[@spacemanERAU]

Do you have a video showing how you painted that primas that you held up at 13:27?

[@Warhipster]

Certainly do it’s the How to Paint Crimson Fists video I did!

[@spacemanERAU]

@Warhipster you rock dude!!!! Love your videos! They've helped improve my painting so much!

[@Twister4815]

Is it ok to use Raphael 8404 for contrasts? Im really afraid that Im going to ruin them :/