Miniature Painting Basics: Layering Explained - Thin That Paint!

We're once again going over how to layer your miniature, but in a new format and I've done my best to explain the process as simple as possible. Keep that paint thin and wipe your brush.
---------------------------------------
Support my channel on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/doctorfaustpa...
Live Streaming every week on Twitch:
/ doctorfaustpaintingclinic
Ebay store:
www.ebay.com/str/doctorfaustp...
Follow me on Facebook:
/ doctorfaustspaintingcl...
Check out my Instagram:
/ doctorfaustspaintingcl...
--------------------------------------
PAINT KEY
VMC = Vallejo Model Color
VGC = Vallejo Game Color
VMA = Vallejo Model Air
VPA = Vallejo Panzer Aces
MC = Vallejo Metal Color
AK = AK Interactive
GW = Games Workshop
All music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
#minipainting #doctorfaust

[@hewlett-packardlovecraft2297]

Back when I initially started this hobby in the early 90's, this information would've been heaven-sent. I had NO idea about thinning paint- and subsequently, my miniatures looked like it, too. Brushstrokes everywhere, grainy textures, and never laying down anything that wasn't just a blocking in of colors, in retrospect. 100% contributed to me leaving the hobby. I couldn't even get a smooth coat of paint on a surface, much less wrap my head around concepts like layering and highlighting. Just didn't have a clue. Fast forward more years than I care to mention, and I run into this channel called "Dr Faust's Painting Clinic," and little did I know, I'd be unlocking the secrets to every headache I ever experienced as a budding miniature painter. Every single roadblock to my enjoyment of this hobby has been painstakingly detailed in such a manner as to not only re-kindle my desire to sit down and paint something I have to squint at to see, but also look forward to doing it. To say that your videos have been instrumental in my enjoyment of a hobby I had long ago abandoned wouldn't be giving you enough credit. I went from completely disgusted with a process i didn't even know enough about to realize I knew nothing about it, to suddenly having my eyes opened, and having access to information that would've kept me painting all these years, had I been privy to it. And I have you to thank for that- and I quite literally can't thank you enough. You have my deepest respect as an artist, and a subscriber for life. Thanks again.

[@orkinho1]

It's really easy getting to a somewhat competent level of painting these days just by using youtube. I too wish I had such help instead of spending years bumbling my way around haha

[@ARescueToaster]

I remember when I first read about dry brushing in a White Dwarf from sometime in the early 90's. I might be misremembering, but back then dry brushing was not used as extensively as it is today --- I should say ~10 years ago, as dry brushing doesn't seem as common of a practice again with the rise of many other techniques that don't damage brushes. Dry brushing was particularly useful for things like painting chainmail without filling in the black undercoat which looked a ton better. Now we have washes to fill that role

[@Cards0rDice]

Thank you for showing what a mistake looks like! That really helped me understand the proper technique

[@Daedricsoulslayer]

Same!

[@rockstrongo831]

Fully agree

[@maxhuttmann4760]

Why why why I did not remove that moisture in towel… Thanks!

[@coyotewalking2539]

This is the most straightforward, easy to follow (and apply) video on layering I've ever seen. Thank you!

[@mikeuziel]

One of the most important things I think you show is that highlighting also should have color- including some saturated colors. So many people highlight by either dry brushing or pushing to white, which gives their minis a dusty look that I think is generally unappealing. Nice work!

[@Nutellafuerst]

I've watched like five videos on layering...i think i finally got it. Thx for idiot proof education!

[@chadnine3432]

Great video. I've been painting for years, but never quite had a grasp on layering until recently. Seeing someone else explain and do it helps tremendously.

[@jaycark]

I've spent countless hours watching how to videos on KZbin to better understand layering techniques. This video helped me to produce the first model that I'm proud enough of to show others besides my Wife. Thank you!

[@Moonlighter_TV]

Man, I watched about 50 videos on how to do skin tones until I found the one where you paint the orc lady and I have that video saved and rewatch it regularly. This video helps bridge the gap on some things like the paint consistency.

[@L3GHO5T]

This is without a doubt the BEST layering technique how to that I’ve ever seen. It’s so good if a beginner has a little bit of brush control they could easily execute this with a little bit of patience. Not over complicated, easy to understand easy to follow, straight to the point. This kind of stuff here is what makes this hobby so great. The amount of people that will kindly without hesitation go out of there way to help you grow your hobby. I love miniatures and I’m proud to say I’m a part of its community. Kudos to you brother !!

[@joshbernal4864]

Agreed. This video definitely helped realize a couple of mistakes I was making.

[@pasc4l197]

The best video ive seen on layering yet. So many points that other videos just skip over, like on how thin you want the paints to be. Thank you!

[@kevinsheppard507]

Thanks for sharing the paint to water ratios. I know that every paint can vary, but I have struggled with the idea of really thinning my paint down. I fear breaking down the pigments too much.

[@matthewbarker4109]

I would love to see a from start to finish tutorial type video like this

[@aaronbono4688]

This is exactly the video I need. I'm trying to get a large number of miniatures painted up at a decent level and I always struggle with the layering and you broke it down very simply. I also did not realize you needed to dab off the water on the paper towel before applying the paint, that is going to help a lot. Thank you so much.

[@cuthulux]

Thank you for posting this video! This was a great help for understanding, Layering and thinning.

[@thalliwell100]

I love the new camera as well as the different examples and discussion. A great video about layering!

[@matthewbarker4109]

Excellent video best tip I've seen going to try this more on the next miniature

[@chrissteadman4614]

Always good to hear about your approach to layering, very useful. BTW, excellent picture quality from your new rig.

[@callumdunleavy3599]

Excellent demonstration tutorial thank you!

[@KimHarderFog]

Awesome tutorial - loved that you showed what not to do as well as the correct way

[@PGNogueira]

Excellent video and extremely useful information explained in a very simple and effective way. Kudos!

[@HashtagGamingVideos]

I've finally learned a good technique for layering. I can finally start getting better at it! Thanks, this video was amazingly helpful at becoming a better painter!

[@mobileandhostile7895]

⭐️ very helpful, well explained and one of the best tutorials I have come across ⭐️ thanks for taking the time 👍

[@mcphadenmike]

So helpful! I've followed along with your Young Red Dragon video and your Zombie Beholder video, and both of them were incredibly helpful, but this one really clarifies the fundamentals I've been missing. For example, I haven't been thinning down my paints nearly enough. Thanks for this! Oh and that Deadpool bust is fantastic!

[@AdmiralPrune2]

Great video, i think thats the first time the layer technique has been explained and demonstated. Thanks.

[@AntZen85]

I am trying to learn how to paint miniatures in the art style of Darkest Dungeon and I feel this video and this miniature in particular really helps address the shading barrier I’ve been hitting, and how I can layer to get past it! Thanks so much!

[@ericlang7408]

This is probably the best explanation on layering I have seen so far, thank you so much!!

[@yabbayabbayabbawubawubawub5437]

Amazing work and amazing vids! Thank you

[@wellywanderer]

Loved this video. It’s going straight in the “Technique” playlist

[@gregmurray4169]

Thank you for explaining that bit about dabbing off the excess.

[@SeanJ-jd6gt]

Looks great as always. The thinning ratios you mentioned are really useful. Btw, new camera is awesome

[@skizzlep]

Thanks, Doc. 👍 Helpful as always!

[@gudtimes6363]

I watched so many videos about painting minis, because I want to start soon. And yours was the best for beginners. Clear instructions and helpfull tips. Thanks!

[@timroth1984]

Another video nocked outta the park! Thanks.

[@RyanTuller]

You're awesome man what a great tutorial. Much love

[@TheFillem]

What a great video explaining and showing this process. Thank you. One thing when I started this was how scared I was when applying thin highlight layers. They tend to look so bright when just applied but after drying you can get such great and smooth transitions.

[@irish0687]

Seriously the best layering and paint consistency video our there. I send this to friends I've gotten into the hobby very early in their starts this year.

[@emceha]

Good tutorial on basic techniques is surprisingly hard to find. This is great tutorial, thank you, love the video.

[@Ricky-dq7cm]

Very very useful video. Thank you so much

[@darylwayne611]

Thank you for this Awesome, well explained tutorial!! All the best!

[@servernomad8111]

i painted mini for 4 years and i kid you not this is the first time i learn about layering ...... thanks you so much imma try it out ")

[@Celtik64]

Wow this video is so great. Thank you for sharing it

[@duogemstone]

Definitely helpful as i paint in layers naturally, definitely need to work on thinning my paints more though (I do thin just never to the degree everyone says I should) . But yeah always made more sense to me to start with the shadow color and slowly mix in the base color working up to pure base then slowly added in highlight color to base color and working up to the pure highlight and then if needed adding a brighter color to highlight for the really popping highlights

[@drackuscolchicous598]

I really appreciate you taking the time to explain these concepts, I've been painting for a year and was starting to get discouraged because I didn't know how to level my minis up. I follow you on instagram and love your work, when I found out last night that you make instructional videos it motivated me to start painting again with new tips and tricks. You are an incredibly talented painter, I'm looking forward to learning more from you. Thank you for putting up these resources for the community! -Lexy :)

[@barrycopithorne]

This is the best video on layering I have ever seen! :0 I never knew how much water to add or use. People always talking about layering and painting with watered down paints and I never got it cause there was always to much and ruined my models. Now I see how much you really need. Thank you!

[@AvocationNation]

Great instruction!

[@marklinton4567]

Wow! What a difference in the video clarity.

[@hymieh8908]

Awesmone, it helps a lot !

[@anicemartinez6991]

This is what I needed, hopefully i'll be able to finish all my minis

[@enensis]

I was doing this wrong the whole time 😅 I always wondered why I always just had drops of paint sloshing around the mini and it never worked. Thanks for the tips

[@LostGeburah]

i never painted miniatures or figures in general but now i'd love to get a garage kit and try my luck.

[@adammoore251]

Very informative, learned alot. You earned a sub.

[@CronicasDeSal]

Thanks for the video!

[@alderonsabbet7217]

Bloody hell man you just made everything click for me. Pure genius!

[@Sandmann1193]

Well. I've been painting for two years now. I watched many tutorials. With different miniatures, I slowly expanded my knowledge and techniques. However, "natural highlights" always were a problem for me. I can do edge highlighting. I can drybrush different color variations. But layering always seemed like something magical I can't perform. Showing the whole process including wiping the brush really made the difference. Feels like I made two steps forwards after trying it right after watching this video. Thanks for your guides and videos.

[@markgnepper5636]

Great stuff friend 👏 👍

[@AzraelThanatos]

You know, this does make me think that a great tutorial thing would be to point out techniques that are more for the fast, bulk painting compared to character painting and shifting between them and working them together.

[@perreyalsdam7994]

Thank You for this video. It explained where clearly how to layer. I have always used to thick paint and its not ever looking good.

[@DungeonDad]

Thin! That! Paint!

[@Hot2Trotsky]

Great video. I think I got it this time!!!!

[@rfs8194]

Great video, thank you! I'm a bit confused, though. I thought glazing and layering are different techniques, but that sounds very much like the glazing tutorials I watched.

[@RoderickPommier]

Think you have cracked the code for me, thanks. That wicking the water away first! Thanks

[@Jimverse_]

Ok, I need to give this a go and break my over dependence on inks!

[@IcsulX]

I couldn't layer to save my life by thinning the paint, no matter what brand I tried (Vallejo, Kimera, GW, Army Painter etc.) But I did buy a 500 mL container of matte medium for acrylic painting, and I use that to turn everything into glazes. It has improved my painting tenfold, and I get the smoothest of transitions.

[@inf3243]

Interesting. I've been layering using about 1:1 mix of paint to water. My minis look oookkaaaaayyyy, but it's a lot of work getting them to look right, and I struggle with finer details. About to start painting up a new force so will try it out with much thinner mixes. Thanks!

[@12rednas]

Omg Thanks!:D

[@arvetis]

Great video, it actually helped me understand layering in ways I hadn't before. Do the ratios change much if I'm using matte medium instead of water to thin?

[@ronaldgrupstra8982]

Thabks for this video! :D

[@Coulingable]

Awesome tutorial! What mini is this?

[@Exit82guy]

Great Tutorial! What camera are u using? Video looks fantastic!

[@williamtillman2147]

Pleasure to watch

[@DaveFallows]

VGC get a lot of bad word of mouth, but I think they're pretty great. Squid Pink, Hexed Lichen, Warlord Purple, and all of the browns I've tried have been decent so far. I think you have to drop an agitator into the bottles to really get a good mix going.

[@matsuyorei]

Awesome as usual. QUESTION: Where did that Deadpool bust come from? I totally need one. lol

[@davidmiller3101]

Sorry to ask my first time on your site. What kind of palette are you using? This video really helped me.

[@adamholt5395]

Thank you for this video! I am still in the "too much water on the brush" phase.

[@johnwhalen7579]

Its so nice to go back to the basics :)

[@Honurb_TV]

First of all I'm sorry for my English but as it is not my native language I find it difficult to write correctly. You explain the technique in a simple and correct way but I have a question, how long do you have to wait between coats, how long does it usually take to dry each coat, how long does it take to dry each coat, how long does it take to dry each coat? Greetings from a new subscriber.

[@JayThePancake]

He states on the video that if done correctly about 5 minutes. Maybe I’m remembering incorrectly so i recommend to watch it again

[@beatricehealy6351]

Struggling a lot with this - hope I can get it down

[@jaden2x484]

I use citadel, can I use a base paint and apply some water?

[@damasorojasamante6354]

Hi¡¡ What brand is that monk miniature? your Job is fantastic¡¡ Thanks Master¡¡

[@ThePaintingClinic]

Reaper Miniatures.

[@SaschaKleiber]

A veeery nice tutorial about a painting technique I'm still struggling with. I am following Sorastros Lord of the Rings-Videos, but putitng on the highlights, it just does not want to work for me. Either my paint is to thick and the transitions are wy too harsh or it is too thin and you don't see anything of the highlight colors, its like they are just being absorbed by the underlying layers. :-( Stupid question: Is there an easy way to determine which colors to use for highlighting?

[@dicksmith3553]

Do you know where I can find some HMS victory scale 1:98 scale crew figures?

[@DrAndrewJBlack]

👍🏻

[@stewste4316]

How long does it take to paint mini like this?

[@kylarstern7627]

Will airbrush paint work for this?

[@nluan711]

Hello, I just got into Miniatures painting and I don't really want to spend too much on expensive miniature paints. Can I use normal acrylic paints instead?

[@Andrew-pp2ql]

Yes….many have used craft acrylic paints and still gotten nice results….

[@jdk6584]

How do you pick your 4 shades of paint? Just literally look and go brighter? Or is there a method for it? I’m new and this is confusing me.

[@ARescueToaster]

This is where the fish lives!

[@cams.2083]

😃👍

[@DareToWonder]

whats the difference between this and glazing?

[@DamianM90]

I was under the impression that a 1:9 level of dilution like this was more of a glaze. How does this layering differ? (Serious question, not being snarky haha, I actually want to know)

[@TheStoicArmyPainter]

mst3k called they want their intro music back :D

[@DasVerteidiger]

I'm confused isn't this glazing. And if this isn't what is difference. For reference I thought glazing was where you water down super far, towel off the excess and need many layers to get the final intensity.

[@DocEonChannel]

There's a couple different definitions of both glazing and layering. Layering itself, I would say doesn't technically need this much thinning. You CAN layer with thicker paint if you're in a hurry. It just won't give as nice results. Glazing means using paint so thin that you can see the previous layer through it, i.e. it's translucent. You certainly can layer with glazes, but a glaze can be used for other things as well. Often it's used as an overall filter as a final step to tie together the previous layers.

[@ChimeraWargaming]

I really appreciate your video. Chimerawargaming has just sub here :-)

[@javiersoave]

I thought that was glazing

[@robertjensen1438]

Just a comment for the algorithm

[@simbobcrafts4843]

I thought this was glazing?

[@crossmr]

Speaking of shade, you're really throwing a lot at reaper bones.

[@LandofMert76]

It's terrible, but even though I know this has the best end result, I don't have the patience to paint like this

[@Sandrip3926]

lol, that bla bla bla at the end