Is Dry Brushing for Plebs?

[@stainsbykingsby1889]

Dry brushing has become my main technique now for highlights as earlier this year, I was diagnosed with cancer. A side effect of my treatment is neuropathy; a deadening of the nerves in my fingers and toes. I’ve only really been able to pick up a brush the last few weeks and even then, for maybe 5 minutes at a time. Being able to dry brush to get the levels of detail I want has been amazing. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

[@basedViking]

I mostly just dry brush as well

[@captnwinkle]

Stay strong man and keep 🖌️ ing! God speed!

[@Dat4bien]

Man i hope everything will be ok🥺 Best wishes for a speedy recovery

[@stainsbykingsby1889]

@@Dat4bien thank you. I’m slowly getting the movement and feeling back. I’m quite proud that I’ll have almost 1.5k points of Sisters of Battle done. That’s black armour and red fabrics on them. All highlighted with drybrushing.

[@thesleekgreek]

Hang in there buddy, prayers out to you!

[@DarthTellor]

I like how you asked Miniac 'when to best release videos' and just release 20 minutes after him 😂

[@drbeats3]

He has to be close enough to say "I value your opinion" but different enough to say "I'm not completely ripping off of you" 😅

[@bearscaveofminiatures6396]

I love dry brushing! As a painter, we should never look at techniques as "low level". We should instead look at our skill levels with these techniques, because every technique has master level applications and we need to understand in depth each technique. I find that people who are opinionated are ones who limit themselves to the many opportunities available.

[@custodianguard749]

Not to mention drybrushing is just another tool in the belt to use and tools are meant to be used.

[@landotucker]

Drybrushing can easily look chalky and bad, but edge highlighting can look very cartoony. If you practice with drybrushing you can make some really realistic looking surfaces. Not to mention that it's so much faster.

[@custodianguard749]

@@landotucker its a useful skill to use and grow. I agree with you, my early attempts had been rough but i am better now and its like many techniques we learn. They got there place of where and when to use.

[@landotucker]

@@custodianguard749 I'd recommend trying some makeup brushes because they leave a much smoother finish than regular brushes as they've got much finer bristles

[@D00M3R_MAVS]

@@landotucker you can even edge highlight with a dry brush as well (especially on space marines) and I think it looks less cartoony as well. using the artis opus kit it will give newcomers a leg up, as less can go wrong. you have the right kind of brush, the perfect dampening tool and matt to wipe off excess without loosing moisture. Honestly I've been meaning to buy this set for ages, but I always get lost in the custom options, and it ends up coming to a lot of cash. I need to just buy the basic set without the custom options and get it done. The XL Graffiti pad is really good as well for testing out your technique. I think I will pick up the Custom Ninjon bits though, especially if it gets the channel a kick back, too.

[@MrTelecasterIV]

In my opinion "control" is always key to any technique, I like to use washes (a technique that isn't all that populair anymore), but if you apply them in a controlled way and be patient you will get good results. Its also about finding the right techniques that fit your style. Painting has to be fun, there is no good, bad (and ugly) that's the most important thing about this hobby.

[@p_serdiuk]

Enamel and oil washes are the new rage since it's easy to remove them.

[@MrTelecasterIV]

@@p_serdiuk I only use them on millitary vehicles and large flat surfaces or panel lines, I don't like to use them on minis. Altough oils and enamels have a much higher contrast value and longer working time. Oils/enamels and acrylics have both their pros and cons.

[@eicha41624]

What you like is the thing that matters most. I used washes on my whole Necron army, it gave them an oily messy finish that worked really well for their aesthetic. Soft tone wash has been really nice on my Space marines, and they look good enough for me to be proud :)

[@andrewsmith2880]

Agree completely. Glazing and wet-blending look like shit if you don't do them right too!

[@uriance88]

For the longest time, it seemed that Byron was the "voice in the wilderness" about drybrushing and how effective it can be as opposed to a 'n00b shortcut'. Glad to see people like yourself, Vince (and recently Angel Giraldez) to point out the benefits.

[@kaneworsnop1007]

I've always known drybrush ING to be both a basic technique aswell as having applications in high level painting for things like fur and hair where painting individually would normally be ridiculous and a golden daemon level paint job 😂

[@thebag1981]

Check out Bohun’s work, he does amazing things with dry brushing and stippling, has done for years.

[@nihildefoe1]

in

[@Nerobyrne]

Yeah I really get annoyed with people who think just because something is an easy technique you learn early on, it has no use for skilled people. And sometimes you want shortcuts. I remember painting my 200+ figures for the War of the Ring game. The models aren't very detailed, so I wasn't going to sit there and meticulously paint the fur of my warg riders when a 10 second brush will do it.

[@MonsieurPopu]

"somewhere in the world, Nic is wiping is brush on a paper towel." 10/10

[@HexyGoblin]

I'm Nic. It's me ...and now I know better.

[@p_serdiuk]

*Vince Yea his guide has paper towels. Never worked for me that way.

[@Crivicus]

I love dry brushing. Even the "wrong" way of doing it and getting a nice powdery effect can be used well as long as you expect it and use it properly. Great video Jon!

[@ethan_anthem]

Yeah, exactly. It's not about the method, it's about the result you want. Select the techniques that are more likely to deliver the effects you want for your artistic vision. Drybrushing is great for matte/powdery textures, diffuse application of color, and low-effort blends. Each project might vary in how much it benefits from those effects

[@kimcorwin1705]

Yes and yes

[@Rystefn]

Facts. I've found that powdery, dusty effect often looks particularly good on rocks, for example, or for getting a good rust effect.

[@SlickRieck]

I took a KZbin hiatus and like watching things in order so I'm a bit behind, but I still watch your videos on release because I know that helps the algorithm or whatever, but I have a unique opportunity to be viewing your earlier work simultaneously with your current work and I must say you have come a long way in defining your video style, your confidence, and even your click baity titles, love all of it - great work, it is evident you are putting more into this.

[@jordanmccavour5999]

There are very few youtubers who instantly put a smile on my face when I see a new video was posted. You could honestly make a video of you watching paint dry and I bet you would find some way to make it entertaining lol. Great video as always! If you are ever looking for ideas, you and Scott should have a series where you watch each others old vidoes and have a bit of friendly roasting.

[@MaskedRiderChris]

Ah, the days when I used to slap on base coat, wash, then dry brush the HECK out of my minis! I still use dry brushing as a regular part of my painting routine, but this gives me ideas as to what I can do with with more than just the obvious textured areas and such. Fun and informative video as always, Jon!

[@dantel666]

Having just painted my first mini this past week, dry brushing really helped me build up layers of highlights on my mini. Also really helped add texture to the cloth on the model as well. After applying my darkest base coat it was just dry brushing slightly brighter and brighter until I reached the brightest I wanted to go. Really useful technique as a beginner, and way easier to grasp than wet blending or more complicated techniques, well for me anyways.

[@HansBohr]

I just started an army with an heavy emphasis on drybrushing to complete and your video was very helpful...Great coincidence...I did use papertowel and it was terrible...Live and learn.

[@roaringlaughter3812]

Dry brush is a noble technique from a more civilized time and painters of all backgrounds.

[@MajinTT]

Just remember folks, back in 2000s someone won a golden daemon statue with a drybrushed squad, and it was the squad that got me into wargaming in general.

[@bluedotdinosaur]

From the world of traditional non-model painting, the kind of "dry brushing" technique popularized by Artis Opus is referred to as "overbrushing". Which is conceptualized as a way of modulating existing brush strokes on a canvas by brushing over (ah-ha) them with a slightly damp bristle brush with just enough paint to create a tint - as if glazing, except it only affects the raised parts of the dried paint, not the recesses.

[@DarkautumnAutumn1988]

Your intro, where you spin around on your chair makes me chuckle everytime I watch it.

[@TheAlaskanfrog]

Jon, I gotta hand it to you. Your sense of humor... it's superb. I never laugh when watching hobby videos, and you've had a constant roll of chuckles going throughout your videos

[@sergeyorlov1234]

like it how you put skillshare ad in a "im a dirty liar" section

[@stoutti1220]

I wasn't going to buy anything on Black Friday, but then this video came along... Very inspiring stuff!

[@surtrpicks]

Artis Opus and Ninjon….SYNERGY! Glad you guys are collaborating some. Been a fan of his a while and his dry brushing is wonderful work.

[@exiledhelljumper452]

Of all the wonderful things you've shown off nothing caught my attention faster than that Pronghorn skull

[@TheBigDirty716]

I am newb and dry brushing has gotten me a lot of decent looking miniatures table top ready while I figure out all this painting stuff

[@thilistine]

One day I'll break down and buy a set of those dry brushes. I've drooled over them enough, and they look amazing and are easy to use.

[@junrhodlockwood6057]

I've been using dry brushes and dry brushing for my Necron Army base metal colors ... saved my project by giving amazing results extremely fast. Saved my motivation and thus slayed the gey. As always, it's a tool, and a tool by itself is nothing, the hands is where the magic happens. Rest is gatekeeping and prejudices ! Really cool video !

[@jmcd3099]

Love that you include the bloopers

[@Maximilian4th]

I never realized how much depth there is in drybrushing. If you know the way broadly you will see it in everything!

[@justinfleming1977]

Been thinking about getting these brushes for a while now, so now I get the brushes and it helps you out too, that’s a win win in my book

[@Anecron1]

Tip for next video: Artis Opus vs cheap makeup brush - I drybrushed 5 models, can you tell which one was done with a set of 100$ brushes?

[@theezekarion164]

2 painter's I've been heavily invested in since my journey began (2 years ago) doing the most intimidating stare off since ( Wanderlei Silva & Mirco Cro Cop ) Than To top it off We get a legit "DRY/WET BRUSH CHALLENGE" LET'S GO! LET'S FREAKING GO!

[@Penniwhistle]

Fine, you've convinced me, just ordered the 30k army I wanted to make but couldn't bring myself to paint, along with the drybrush set. Let's hope in a few months time I'm thanking you for inspiring me!

[@skullyairsoft80]

I absolutely love dry brushing my minis. It's not always applicable depending on the model and look I'm going for but it's wonderful for quickly getting the main base color done on, say, a space marine. Spray the base color on, neaten it up, all over shade, then use a fairly wet drybrush to build the main color back up. It's very smooth if you do it right.

[@mycommentpwnz]

Honestly, I think it looks more natural. People often use far too many straight lines when using a wet palette or other traditional painting methods. When things weather or rust, in most environments they will look spotty and irregular.

[@Curran_Kleen_Brown]

Holy hell, that Deathguard turned out awesome! I may need to pick up some of those brushes...

[@RestlessSoul45]

didnt get it when GW decidet to Push Drydrunshin into the depths of Damnation. Always felt like the outsider doin my drybrushing while evry other one glazed and layered the heck outta their models. Great Video, Make Drybrushing great again :)

[@jerryhagen9476]

Turned out great Jon, I'll definitely be picking up a set of drybrushes now. Is there any special method of properly cleaning them other than water rinse and occasionally using brush soap? Thanks for another solid video buddy!

[@Ninjon]

Just working the paint off on a hard surface like the palette with a bit of moisture is all you need to do, other than a cleaning with the soap every month or two 👍

[@longjonhothan6963]

I use cheap makeup brushes and they work great

[@minnion2871]

I find that Makeup Brushes also work well for dry brushing...

[@nah_bro_really]

Thank you for demonstrating that drybrushing actually doesn't suck. BTW, advanced technique w/ oils (or even a wet brush and acrylics, if they have some inhibitor mixed in) can allow for very fast smooth blending; the kind of stuff people often waste hours on w/ multiple coats of thinned oil or even airbrush. Drybrushing followed by water-soluble inks and a final round of stippling can be a giant time-saver. You can even stipple over an area that's inked but not 100% dry to do neat blending. I don't understand the white metal highlights at the end of initial detailing. I'm not saying, "I hate that", more like, "I'm not sure about it". Why not just drybrush a bright silver or brass and have a natural metallic sheen right where it'd happen naturally (i.e., outer points and edges)? I love the rust build up, and with a wash to unify it, it would've started to look amazing, but I'm not sure why going all the way up into white was the aesthetic choice there.

[@klendathu996]

Seeing Jolly-Jon at the detolf for a read warms my heart

[@ScratchBashing]

actually kind of a lit paint scheme ngl.. will steal

[@Modkits131]

Dude, I don’t even paint war hammer models (I mainly paint WW2 tanks) and your videos are so helpful. Thank you.

[@SolGladio]

I love the inverted skits in each of these videos lol

[@Sammy6751]

Dry brush technique is not bad at all. Depends on the application and heaviness, on how much paint you are using. A good way to use this technique is making camouflage for WW2 Axis tanks in flames of war. And also on 28mm infantry and vehicles for representation of dust and dirt on boots,hooves ect. Great informative video Ninjon thanks.

[@tric5122]

I remember getting a few compliments, and I'm a very base lvl mini painter, at a bloodbowl tournament I went to. Seeing what some of these guys did I felt embarrassed by most of mine, but quite a few really liked some of my stuff, my 2 minataur's and my chaos centaur bulls got a lot of them, I used mostly dry brushing tech on those. It's all about what you are trying to do and your skill lvl's.

[@genie5320]

Ohhhhh so thats why my results looked chalky! I never knew and always wondered why! Thanks!

[@mcbrummel2]

Year late to the video, but i love drybrushing. Love the grainy builds and suits my visions. Much like your mini here ;-) and i just found myself nice b-dasy present for coming month! Thanks Ninjon

[@Kickdoutofthehood]

If we don’t get a MD ninjon logo koozie but the end of 2022 I think I can safety speak for everyone when I say “we will riot”

[@Hedron-Design]

I learned to dry brush back in the 80's when Games workshop had pamphlets that taught the technique. There are ways to do it without it looking chalky and even ways to smooth it out if it is chalky. It doesn't need to look like someone hit it with a brillo pad with a little dust on it. Also I am glad you mentioned about the moisture. I had always used regular paint to dry brush because bac kin the day that's all we had. we didn't have special dry brush paint, or glazes etc. we had paints and inks for painting and washing and dry brushing etc. I also use "damp" brushing not just dry brushing. You get completely different results and can achieve different effects by using the space between damp and dry brushing. Try damp and dry brushing metallic necrons then washing over that with a dark color and then going back for edge highlights. it makes them feel fresh from the grave but still stand out because of the final highlights and smoothing of the brushing with the wash. Also i just want to say good job pointing out the moisture control and its importance. I have literally had dry brushed models win contests over others that did not use dry brushing. If people practice it and experiment with dry, damp and moisture control combined with other techniques like washing/glazing and high light build up they will find a plethora of effects. Things that speed up their painting without losing quality. As you pointed out it can give you a much faster time to paint. I do think you are brave doing the entire (or vast majority) of the model with dry brushing. I only do it after my base coat and other shading. I have never done a dry brush only model.

[@D00M3R_MAVS]

Ah wow, that slay the grey custom inlay is awesome. I always loved that design. Hopefully there will still be some of these in stock when I get paid next month, as I'm after buying a series D set anyway. I'll definitely get your custom one. I was really happy to see that we can get the Ninjon merch in the Uk as well. I think I'll have to get a Slay the Gray Hoodie as well.

[@wreagin1]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I love dry brushing and most painters won’t bother with it so there’s no good advice on doing it better. This is fucking gold

[@goodjessehobbies]

I typically like my dry brushes bone dry, for over-brushing though, a little moisture helps.

[@TheGamerZapocalypse]

I use 75% Liquitex Airbrush Medium mixed with 25% Liquitex Slow-Dry Fluid Retarder on the brush first, then add the paint. It's in-between Dry Brushing and Glazing as far as liquid added to the paint and brush.

[@eXileLies]

Drybrushing with a Make-up foundation sponges is probably the biggest 'invention' i have ever found. No more brush marks, and smooth-as-silk transitions. Would recommend, Make-up/10 rating.

[@RisingApe]

Nice video, just goes to show, no such thing as a “bad” technique just the right one in the right place.

[@swdw973]

I was curious what your take would be. I was taught to paint miniatures in the early 80's by a woman that was a professional artist. She and her husband owned a game store that sold RPG games and figures. Her D&D dragons in 1982 sold for $120 to $200, and she couldn't keep finished ones in stock. She considered dry brushing an essential technique. Looking at her larger figures 6"+, dragons and other miniatures you half expected them to start breathing. I never hit her level, but a hobby store started selling my painted D&D miniatures back before that was a thing. Like her, dry brushing was an essential element.

[@eartecathy7378]

I have decided I like your sense of humor, so I subscribed.

[@crowythebutcher6127]

I primed some cardboard to use to test on before going to the model and it worked way better to pull paint off the brush then paper towel

[@Andyp12]

It's not quite the same thing, but the finer detail spots/stippling reminded me of David Soper's miniature painting style.

[@BinxyBrown]

Both you and vince both did an amazing job on your minis. I think you chose a better model and scheme for this technique and if I had to pick a winner I probably would pick yours, but vince did some really amazing shoulder pauldrons and nmm using just dry brushing which is actually insane to me, I guess I don't have any excuses anymore lol.

[@bryal7811]

7:07 Oh no, Jon, your hand. You didn't- Not again!

[@codelicious6590]

I love Vince! Its really amazing the looks both of yous got from just one basic technique, or group of similar techniques? Anyway, sweetness.

[@DavidAlastairHayden]

Great video. It's funny how often excellent painters knock drybrushing and yet have so little skill with it. All techniques excel given proper knowledge and experience.

[@Illindi]

Actually tried this now, like more intentionally. Actually, yes, this worked out better than expected for me. Especially for wood this turned out like a treat. Thanks for the rundown of this, another "tool" in the skillset to hone :)

[@joegkushner]

Interesting bit on moisture for the drybrush.

[@kuhvacako]

Decided to pull the trigger on the AO Dry Brushes because the limited edition Slay the Grey version with the set of 5 (as it came with xl that Byron is always raving about, and id be supporting one of my favorite content creators). However I got distracted and bought the limited edition series D Navigator box instead as it so pretty, but now I feel guilty about not supporting you like my original justification for pulling the trigger Jon, you should poke Byron for a extra kick back

[@filippobosi]

Great Video! I am currently using a small, non porous tile (an old sample from my office) as drybrush palette, and it greatly improved the control over the amount of paint!

[@Zhoyzu]

im so glad i dropped by, i'd been using a paper towel to remove paint from the dry brush...

[@cazer3937]

Looks like Vince is about to break into laughter so many times in that intro staredown haha xD

[@mattcappelli5822]

I definitely incorporate drybrushing, but I haven’t spent a lot of time on the damp brush method. Every time I try, I end up with too much paint. But seeing this makes me want to practice more. Definitely intrigued by the texture palette.

[@medullaossis597]

YOU GOT THERE IN THE END!

[@dylansovine3343]

Great video, I'm trying to currently learn other techniques such as wet blending, layering and highlighting more effectively but love the look and feel that dry brushing brings to models so easily.

[@markchristy9704]

I really appreciate the educational nature of so many of your videos. I've learned a ton from watching!

[@Kalakmol]

Drybrush Set nabbed. I've been using cheaper make up brushes as a test and had great results. Almost to airbrush levels of transitions. So this was definitely the push I needed to get a set of Artist Opus. Plus it has your logo. :)

[@TheRealCalPerr]

Oh snap, its the technomancer himself

[@deegegaming7911]

I've wanted a vid on this really badly

[@mikewalf]

Loving your recent vids Jon, great start to the new full time career. Not gonna lie dry brushing was something I did early on in my painting, before I learnt layering and wet blending. I still use it now on texture heavy surfaces but, but I think I'll revisit it as a technique for blending. I've still got a load of orks to paint so might try this for the skin. I've had my eye in those D series brushes anyway, I already use an artis opus M series, I'd highly recommend them btw for detail as the shorter, fatter brush floes better and stays rigid.

[@dennisfoulds3941]

Looks interesting, I’ll see about trying it. Thanks Nijon.

[@bad-people6510]

I hope so because us plebs need something of our own.

[@stu9167]

great video, to think I have been using a paper towel and citadel drybrush and all this time these were there! bought the whole set, onwards to better drybrushing!! Keep up the good work.

[@hendrikg6003]

Always great to try out new things. This is it what makes our hobby so interesting. BUT, using this techneque on a nurgel... yeah that fits, but to see this how you do it on a light sexy flying elf or a almost naked Anime figure, that would be very interesting. I believe dry brushing is a way more usefull technique than many people believe, but it is not suitbale for every subject overall.

[@FrstSpctr88]

Drybrush is ideal to details that you still lack skills to do with layers, but it fits certain textures, like metal exposed to wear and tear, and Nurgle-theme/dirty themes. I did add some paint medium on one dry paint, left it to absorb, it made it more softer and less grainy, only problem being getting it on the brushvtho

[@giuliominuti9231]

controlling the moisture looks easy but it really is not. On the bright side, using a dampening pad makes it incredibly easy to actually keep the bigger brushes clean.

[@Pers0n97]

Dry brushing is just like washing and using airbrush, it got a bad reputation because a lot of people use it poorly and as a crutch, but it's a fantastic technique.

[@twistedbrushminiatures3664]

Drybrushing has certain uses (mostly in army painting for me) but for the most part it is very important even for the masters.

[@gregkelton81]

It seems like it stops being dry brushing and just becomes stipled edge highlighting early on in the process.

[@MentoliptusBanko]

Your next collaboration should be with Byron. You paint in his style, and he in yours :)

[@sebbychou]

When I discovered makeup brushes, drybrushing became such a important tool in my toolbox

[@smithfamilygaming9700]

You and Vince both did a great job! But I’m going to have to give it to Jon his osl on the lantern thing was pretty awesome. I do really like what you did for ur glowing eyes seems easier then my normal way of doing them.

[@smithfamilygaming9700]

Apparently I can’t put a sentence together I meant I was giving it to Vince sorry

[@awakedoctor8714]

nice daramtic lighting

[@notnubilous3804]

Stippling and dry brushing tend to be looked down on, but if you look at some work from some of the great mini painters (Richard Gray especially) you'll see that even the masters make use of them. There's no shame in it.

[@eddysplosion]

I love dry brushing but I always feel as if I the brush is too wet or too dry. I do the paper towel thing and it feels like I'm just wasting paint.

[@strohslights4996]

I like the prejudice against dry brushing everywhere, why not use an easy technique to get great results in a shorter time and it works great in greyscale before contrast paint

[@RaymundoMarqueda]

Lol! I really just turned this video on because of its Title. hahahaha it reminded me Shroud's good times!

[@adamdecoder1]

Looks outstanding, but the flecks of white as metal highlights don't really work here. When metal is that rusted over, you won't get those areas of polished gleam. Imo it looked more like bits of snow.

[@danmclean7375]

I do like drybrush.. tedious, but it feels "safe." I'd always prefer to err with applying too little (and build layers) than muckitup with an overzealous feral blob...

[@ramza813]

fuck it. i caved in on AO. Now I have to look at Ninjon every time I use this new brush set and texture pallet. still better than miniac!

[@jamesavery9236]

Great video mate.

[@maverickman6486]

Drybrushing goes hand in hand with washes. (washes of paint and water, ie diluted paint)

[@ramza813]

time to get eyes and eyebrows for the old Vortex mixer lol

[@The_WarL0rd_Way]

Bon of a sitch! I already bought the D series... Damn it! It would have been cool to have a Ninjon set. Great video though, I am going to have to try to dry brush my marines now.

[@GraemeGunn]

You're supposed to use a flat brush for dry-brushing though. It's another way to edge-highlight is what I'm saying.

[@stevemunn367]

Hi Jon are these collections still available. Loving the videos 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧🇬🇧👍🏻

[@Ninjon]

They are!