My Favorite Way to Speed Paint… NO More Slap Chop!

[@koper185]

I thought id share this for the reader who might be interested, i tryed this technique, i see myself as a moderate painter at best, the finished product while copiing this is far above what i would normaly be able to paint with harder techniques, i didnt have the same inks, so i used contrast paint treu the airbrush! Worked like a charm, thanks ninjon for share this step by step guide

[@MrMarbolous]

Sounds great. Was just about to ask if speed paints would work if inks are not available 😊

[@kristenwelker6493]

I tried this technique on a group of wererats and it was so interesting how all of them looked like they were in the same room experiencing the same ambient lighting. Now I'd love a video about using different color combos/placement to create a different vibe- firelight, moonlight, sunrise etc.

[@CrimsonLord224]

I recently tried this technique out for the first time and have some tips to reinforce what Jon is saying in the video: 1) THIN your contrast paints. At first I was trying to thin a little but most colors need quite a bit of thinning, and it’s much easier to add than take away, this technique can be tricky on big cloaks, and big flat or round shapes with minimal texture especially 2) if you are like me and only have a dinky airbrush and haven’t upgraded yet, you’ll want to be very careful you don’t overspray the final highlights and wash out some of the mid-tone warmth. If you can’t get it right, use a small dry brush to punch the small highlights you want to draw attention to 3) be VERY cautious about the contrast application. Be gentle, the inks are thin and fragile and can get pulled off to reveal the primer, even when you’re trying to be gentle. Maybe do a quick varnish step before moving into the contrast steps 4) large metal areas can be a little tricky to get right, be sure to THINLY apply the contrast

[@ruslanburnashev1294]

I don't understand why to use fragile inks? Can I use just regular paints for airbrush like vallejo air serie?

[@Artifex-h2y]

@@ruslanburnashev1294 You could use regular acrylics but the inks are really smooth and provide superb gradients. If using inks, they are fragile because they have a tendency to reactivate when painting over them with contrast paints. The tip about applying a varnish after inking but before contrasting is a good one. It is also recommended by the Miniac.

[@ruslanburnashev1294]

@Artifex-h2y then I have a question regarding varnish. I have vallejo matt varnish and I apply it with regular brush. But it always covers miniature with thick layer which also mutes colors. Is there a way to apply varnish smoother? Maybe just dillute it 50/50 with water?

[@Artifex-h2y]

@ruslanburnashev1294 Yes dilute it either with water or matte medium.

[@AnotherBoondockSaint]

Wonderfully useful comment, thank you!

[@mandasity]

ya I'm gonna need a part 2 to this with more explanation and examples cause it's awesome

[@kena3234]

Maybe you can do an Airbrush 101 video or series so that whenever you break out an airbrush you can say use a large brush or check out this video on how to set up and use an airbrush. I could personally use that because I don't know where to start

[@jonnylectitio279]

Theres 100s of videos on the basics of airbrushing miniatures out there for you on KZbin. Like any tool it just takes practice, and thinning paints properly is the most most important part. Vallejo Airbrush thinner and water are your best friend

[@basstedson]

Vince Venturella's airbrush video is an absolute godsend. The key to remember is you cannot be lax with the steps, anytime you try to shortcut on an airbrush it will immediately backfire on you.

[@donstaunch7895]

yes please!

[@andrewbaranyai463]

I would like to see a comparison between the two styles just to see how Jon would go about it

[@teighlortraywick8877]

Ninjon has an airbrush 101 video already

[@Mekhami]

would love to see you try a _very_ different underpainting color scheme. What does it look like with pastel colors, or just very different, non-earth tones? cool stuff.

[@user-is3ku4tg9onahnotgonna]

Definitely want to see more kingdom death on the channel.

[@DrowningInPlastic]

Agreed

[@columelvin3081]

@@DrowningInPlastic Double-down!

[@200iqgryplanszowe]

agreed

[@c.m.7071]

I think you just created the most visually pleasing speed paint process yet - and one I'm actually going to try. This would be so easy to assembly-line and knock out quite a lot of models and if they each came out anywhere close to what you created here, you'd have a really sharp looking bunch of models in no time at all.

[@matthewboutros2813]

I love this Still not clear the exact difference underpainting does though. Here's a video I haven't seen anyone do that I'm desperate for: Does underpainting make a difference? Basically get a bunch of cheap identical models, and paint them all the EXACT SAME color scheme, but some with different colorful undercoats like you did here, one with just a black primer, one with a white primer, one with the slapchop top down lighting, some with contrast paint vs normal paint, etc... and of course one without anything as the control. 🙏🙏

[@danielkoski3703]

I agree, I’m wondering if it’s something that has to be seen in person and doesn’t translate well over KZbin? The Blue “under light” and the red highlight are barely visible now

As you mention slapchop, this is the same principle as slapchop. The colour of your paint are based on what light it bounce back so unless you cover an underlying layer in a opaque colour what is underneath will show through. With Slapchop it is various grey shades that by being brighter or darker creates highlights and shadows but if you use colours light a dark blue or a light yellow you will get some of that colour tinting the colour over it. As for how much it shows it depends on the opaqueness of the colours involved, how different colours interact (basic colour theory) and how thick you apply it. There are many painting "canvas painting" channels on KZbin that shows this pretty clearly, and Marco Frisoni have a very good primer on it too.

[@TheKluverBucy]

I did try on my minis 2 years ago and the difference was striking. Just think about the difference a black or white primer makes on your mini !

[@fdsadat]

There is a goobertown video on that, it makes lots of difference on slapchop, this underpaint here is really interesting, will try, underpaint is an easy way to step up your slapchop

[@MrPoppysoabm]

So, just used this technique to paint an oathsworn mini. Was the most fun I have had painting in a long time. Thanks so much for introducing me to it

[@Rondo7721]

I just tried it and the speedpaint removes the layers underneath, leaving big black marks... do you have this problem?

[@MrPoppysoabm]

@@Rondo7721 I had this. I just sprayed it with lahmian medium and that acts like a seal on the inks (ink generally are not great at sticking to things). Works fine after that

[@GabrielBishop]

@@Rondo7721i was also getting reactivations from the ink :(

[@OleIngvarStene]

I'm a huge fan of those warm, Brom-like colours. Looking great!

[@necpwnz]

To paint miniatures on such high level spending hour/each you have to spend painting at least couple of years before. Do not underestimate huuuge Jon experience.

[@200iqgryplanszowe]

this is true , don't think that You will just follow these steps and everything will loook so nice

[@funTimesInTheSun]

This video is for more experienced people like myself that have been panting for several years.

[@Artifex-h2y]

@@funTimesInTheSun No it isn't. This video is for everyone. Just have realistic expectations for how long it will take for each miniature. An hour for experts and perhaps several for new painters.

[@TheRedBard]

Your last year or so of videos has def encouraged me to experiment more with the airbrush and to lay down a lot more heavy foundations with it before going to the brush. I really like the use of inks and should use mine the same way

[@bakamaru3867]

Cabinet of shame needs to appear more frequently lol. Love the video! These model are amazing and even if they are 'speed painted' they look so amazing!

[@blincalex485]

The issue for me is deciding what colours to use for the pre shading

[@thom-novi]

I don't paint much, but whenever I do it's normally to try out one of your methods. Really takes the pain out of the traditional approach and keeps it fun!

[@chaoshead87]

These are beautiful, amazing colors, never would have said speed painted. I am really enjoying your non-gw content, I hope it does well enough that you can continue making it. Thanks for sharing your amazing work.

[@aaronwindham6065]

I'm sure this is a dumb question, but I'm very confused how you're determining what to paint red and yellow in the beginning when you're priming? It's not top down it seems to be coming from the middle but then it's not every single higher raised area some are lower raised, how are you determining what to hit first and what to cover in red and leave white

[@janfreundlich2413]

I just tried the technique an was hesitant about the reds, until it clicked: the red is the natural transition between yellow/siena and the blue shadow. For me it worked by trying to hit the areas where the yellow and the blue meet. It makes perfect sense when you look at a color wheel. Go from yellow down the warm colors untl you reach blue on the opposite side: it is basically yellow-red-blue. It made me wonder if you would do the same trick by going down the cold side of the color wheel. Thus achieving very different results. Maybe it works if it fits the theme of the mini.

[@xi_NeoLux_ix]

Am I the only one that thinks his sponsorship video was brilliant? Need to see more of that character. Also... Minis were on point AF. Will definitely try out this multi layer airbrush method. Always something to learn.

[@royalstonmusic]

That sponsor video was genius 😂

[@minipaintingforyou]

That’s not a speed painting technique. That’s a talented painter moving his brush quickly 😅

[@roger6529]

Just what I thought.

[@Trizface]

Yeah I don't really get the comparison to slapchop. Slapchop is really fast even if you're new. No way a new painter can get even close to these results out of the gate.

[@switchkill88]

@@Trizface He never said his technique is for new painters. And for the first commentary. yes its speedpaint since...well... he paint fast. Speedpaint isn't a thing created for new painter. Its a variety of techniques that includes new painter and experimented ones. And the purpose is... painting quickly when you don't want or can't give a lot of time to the hobby.

[@mitchthegreat]

He explains this in the video. He has to get these painted quick, and to a high level. So he can play the game (advertise). Man has bills to pay. It wasnt advertised as beginner friendly. He even explained the whole airbrush part for the people who get poopy pants about that. If you watch the podcast buried in plastic. He explains certain videos do better with certain subjects and titles etc. Just business bro

[@khanayudash2475]

You would be shocked how much a decent underpainting accelerates a paint job, and how much easier it is to make it look good even as a relative newbie. This style of painting isn't just raw talent - it's legitimately extremely quick for the level of quality. As painters, we all have a minimum standard of paint job that we are willing to put on the table. This isn't the fastest way to paint these models, but it's pretty close to the fastest way to paint them to this standard.

[@knuttonnesen5149]

Inspired bit of technique with the air brush sir, and unbelievable how quickly it adds life to a piece Vs the flatness of current speed painting. Put into practice straight away and absolutely love the effect, and really enjoyed painting the rest, which I can't say I have felt in a while! Props mate!

[@HarleyFirestorm]

After 30+ years of painting the traditional way, this video has inspired me to finally get into airbrushing. Thank you. I also own much to much KDM :)

[@double.skulls]

This is absolutely gold. I suppose the process could be reversed using the cool tones on top with warm shadows if you're going for a cold environment on the miniature as well

[@mcauliffeck]

That's Amazing John, i love this look, and you definetly deserve the acolades and awards you've received. this is pure evidence of the progress you've made as a painter!

[@DeeV4n]

I am most impressed with Ninjon's mid-video ad, and couldn't help but wonder how many takes that took.

[@-Westfold-]

This doesn't even look like a speedpaint... its amazing, well done.

[@perphektxero453]

I love KDM painting videos. These are some of my favorite models out there and, from past experiences, a wonderful company. I have had a few models broken out the box and they have always been awesome when getting replacements. Very rare when it happens, but they are so friendly, helpful, and quick to rectify the problem!

[@AislynAlder]

Your videos have helped me immensly to experiment and stay playful in my painting. I am a more creative and fearless painter because of your work. Thanks for sharing.

[@ironxYT]

This is why I love your channel. You discover cool new approaches and encourage us to try them out. I’m so inspired, and can’t wait to try this.

[@vanrussell7772]

I've really enjoyed going along a lot of your speedpainting for quality journey. You're making great content, and I love seeing your constant improvements in both painting and production

[@Orneryamerican]

Random question, after building up the inks to get those warm tones, would you add a varnish before going over with the contrast paints?

[@Isaac-hm6ih]

Once the ink is *fully* dry, I wouldn't bother. Unless you're pushing hard with a hog brush or something, the acrylic inks I'm familiar with should be fine. I might varnish them before having with the model though.

[@001Hatsune]

Please continue with the Kingdom Death mini painting!!

[@wtfserpico]

What I like about this is that this isn't a speed painting technique that anyone can do. That's exactly what Slap Chop is and why it exists. I like this because it shows you what kind of results you can get, quickly, once you are VERY experienced and want to move quickly. This is less a tutorial on how than it is a motivational video to continue to build experience. Also, Kingdom Death Monster is my favorite game ever so more KDM minis please!

[@kylekeenan3485]

It's an intermediate level book, not a beginner book. (Obviously as a metaphor)

[@jjpeloquin]

This has me looking up art classes locally so that I can learn better about placing those undertones for my minis. True story on the motivational part.

[@jefferypreston8781]

Thanks!

[@vincentbuscemi6771]

I absolutly love the color scheme for these guys. All the warm red and oranges just look so good together

[@joshuatatton531]

I’d like to see how you do cold tone schemes with the same method. Like something that is in an icy freezing setting

[@somewhereyouarent]

Those are some REALLY nice kneestacles you painted at 14:25.

[@Lowzone16]

Wow.... Just at step two and it looks better than my usual paint job.... Thanks for this video it's awesome

[@stochasticagency]

I often just come here for the intros; well done, sir, well done indeed.

[@jonathandavis4819]

It kinda reminds me of the grumpy toilet from Look Who's Talking

[@Jonyeyeball]

Bs

[@ThePebblor]

Lovely video, final minis look wonderful, and i found the undershading colour pick really interesting. Having no airbrush myself and using a combo of slap chop and rattle can zenithal, i still found this informative, especially as I'm now trying new priming colours like purple and yellow. Thanks for sharing your skills!

[@nicholassmith5206]

Mate.... brilliant looking minis. Gonna definitely give this a try

[@badpanda6644]

Amazing , would really love to see more models done with this technique!

[@kena3234]

One of the only channels I watch the ads for. Its just so entertaining

[@ivoalexander4201]

I used this technique to paint an Ork weirdboy resin sculpt. Since I don't use an airbrush I drybrushed the first stages, then used army painter speedpaints as contrast. Since I favour basic / speed techniques I then drybrushed the end result for highlights & detail. End result: good boss model with colour depth & character. Great video 👍

[@HamiltonWard]

I think why slap chop is so popular is because you don't need an airbrush to do it so it works extremely well for beginners. Would love to see you do this as a dry brush like you said :)

[@DylanBartle-il9xc]

Jonchop 1.0 👌👌 (Slapjon sounded a bit too aggressive) love the outcome and have the perfect model to try this out on. Thanks as always for the inspiration

[@SemperTyranosaurus]

Love seeing your take on the Kingdom Death Survivors. Knowing the game, I wouldn't be shocked if the kneepads actually were testes.

[@figureartout]

Nice video Jon, I like that if you watch your other speed painting videos, you can see the progression of the process😊

[@jasonhinkle9393]

I'm always amazed by your choice of color. I wish I could get past Red, Green, Blue. You're ranger, in particular, is bangin'! I, too, love the ranger class, and it never occurred to me to have one with such vibrant colors. It makes me think of a ranger in a tropical setting, incorporating parrot feathers into his outfit.

[@jimboonlyone]

Great to see someone using a classic technique, underpainting has been used in oils for centuries. Great work.

[@MalcolmPugh]

The cabinet is a great bit!

[@RealJotaEme]

How do you decide the two initial colors? Does any combination work? If you always go "cold in the bottom, warm on the top", how would you paint a primarly cold model (say, a Space Wolf)? I'm really interested in this method, but I don't see how to make it universal.

[@MarkProdger13]

Bro you are a legend. Your videos make me so happy to see. I am a Kingdom Death fanatic as well and I love high quality speed painting. Keep up the good work! I'm going to join your Patreon

[@natferrington]

I absolutely love your intros and videos! Seriously this is why I subscribe, best intros on KZbin hands down!

[@funTimesInTheSun]

I’m definitely going to use this. Going to level up my speed painting!

[@SKS_666]

Yep, I do all my painting in ONE step too - with 24 sub steps only... Your painting is GREAT - no need to try and minimise how many steps it takes to paint a model well - and your talent adds the final element. But it's NOT only a few steps...

[@dmDerZorn]

Love that. Had a similiar idea on how to color-prime for speedpaints using my developing airbrush skills, but this seem like perfection to me. Will try. And feel very inspired by this. Thanks for sharing.

[@MoleMantle]

I've been following your work for maybe the last couple of years (since getting back into the hobby). Not saying it was ever bad, otherwise I wouldn't have watched, buy hot diggity damn your work has just progressed and become so consistently beautiful.

[@svensvensson2724]

I've been saying this is the way. No more boring grayish paintjobs. Nobody ever listened.

[@tempusavatar]

Thanks for the video. I've been doing the zenithal steps with Payne's Grey and Sunny Skintone for a while now, and using those 2 colors as my universal shade and highlight mixers to reinforce. If you don't go with all the steps Jon does in this video, or want to work up to this level, please try this as a truncated mode. After prime, zenithal Payne's from the bottom, Sunny from the top, and use those colors as your downshift and upshift blenders.

[@BullBuchanan]

Which lines for the paints?

[@tempusavatar]

@BullBuchanan doesn't matter

[@bigH101]

Very cool ideas on showing your foundation is the most important step needed in speed painting.

[@matejkuselj5881]

I usually spend 2-3h on minis I want them to stand out. My approach is the one you taught us Ninjon, Zenithal undercoat, add additional titanium white over zenithal to make first highlights, use contrasts(speedpaints, oil washes, additional highlights with acrylics. if I can get to 50% of your quality in the same amount of time it usually takes me, I'm a winner already :) a good excuse to get some extra paints ;)

[@Arkalak9]

Thanks for this video. It looks like open doors but it has to be said. Ill just use your receipt step by step for a Sylvan elves army for T9A. Blue atmosphere on the ground and under and sepia + yellow on the upper. Few green maybe for an automn theme. Ill never prime only black and white again So thanks again and keep going.

[@nefarioustim]

Loving these Kingdom Death miniatures. Definitely need to invest in a few of these for my backlog.

[@jakecrowe3797]

Love to see your KD:M content! Gonna’ take this technique for a spin. 🎨

[@michaelseldritch]

Love seeing different minis and these are awesome! I’m going to give this level of undershading a go

[@mindyfranke5279]

I do love your sense of humor; and great video in total; depth of color is one of my hardest things to accomplish, so great tips.

[@deadknight1402]

The guy with the shit on his knees could be using something like monster hearts surgically attached to his legs, possibly to get increased blood-flow for when they're running and jumping. The idea of attaching monster body parts to oneself to get various benefits is also a thing in the Rippers setting for Savage Worlds if you're interested in exploring that concept.

[@bradkaufman3299]

Just yesterday I was watching KZbin videos and searching the internet for this very topic of using colors other than white, grey, and black for underpainting. Seems you have combined a bit of en brunaille and ebauche style underpainting. Well done!

[@aslbaron1]

I like this technique a lot! The models came out really well!

[@michaelmesirow10]

Dude! When I buy "INTO THE AM" shirts....it's because of YOU! Phantasic sales pitch Brother NInjon

[@louisbeelen1396]

Thats a great technice to use! Loved the intro of the boxes and the talking closest

[@annihilationtextofficialca8941]

As usual, brilliant intro. I love Friday mornings! Take care Jon, keep cranking out the excellent videos.

[@omnito]

Great vid Jon. As usual, entertaining and educational. Exceptional results for a quicker method.

[@funTimesInTheSun]

I did this with different inks that I had. And speed paints from army painter. It looks amazing! On some of the models actually liked how the ink looked and I didn’t even use speed paints, I just used an oil wash and it was done.

[@TheJaponc]

i just wanted to ask how do you keep your model clean from those dust particles getting into your paintjob? sometimes they can get into details and get stuck under a sticky coat of paint and ruin that nice clean look i was aiming for for that particular paintjob, i tried keeping my wip models behind closed doors in closets etc. but those dust particles still get to them, and i have seen a lot of 100% dust free clean models on youtube, how do they do it?

[@NigelMills]

I understand new people not having an airbrush and maybe that statement is for them. Which I'm fine with. What make me laugh though is people with huge piles of shame and complain that an airbrush is too expensive. One FOMO box is about the price of decent airbrush and basic compressor. Maybe if if you had an airbrush you might be able to tackle that pile better :)

[@vanrussell7772]

💯

[@Trizface]

I don't have a massive pile of shame but for me there just isn't any space for an airbrush. I paint in the lounge on a fold out table. I don't have a spare room or shed to airbrush in. I could fit a huge pile of shame into a cupboard tho

[@switchkill88]

for me, i don't see airbrush as a thing for speedpainting since you have a lot to clean. But i'm a lazy @ss painter xD... drybrush, shade and contrast is my way

[@Lhamymolette]

​@@TrizfaceI have a portable airbrush and compressor in the box I use as a booth. It fits in a cupboard and can be set on the dining table.

[@zacharyradford5552]

Air brush is easy to clean as long as your not a lazy ass and don’t let paint dry.

[@donaldkhogan]

Great technique with an excellent result. Also holy heck those models are super nice.

[@DAZZLINRAINBOW]

I just used this method to paint some infinity minis and I'm not going to lie it brought me to a new level of painting.. this is literally like a level up moment

[@kevingrote]

Dude, those look incredible! When I use my airbrush, 95% of the time I just use it for quick priming+zenithal highlighting. However, this video has inspired me to use it for more.

[@abaddon7558]

thanks that was an idea I wanted to explore when I'll be back to painting, since I saw slapshot and the contrast paint coming out, and weirdly enough you are the first one I saw using it on youtube but maybe I didn't search deep enough

[@christopherdavis6525]

I love that you are doing more KDM videos

[@ezequielboehler460]

Thanks for the awesome vid. Would you say that all those layered base coats need to be made with ink as you do for achieving this effect or could the same be done with Acrylic (thinned or not) or speed paints / contrast there too?

[@momoky_]

I have an issue with army painter speedpaint 2.0. When I start layering with Speedpaint, the inks reactivate and mix with each other again. Why??

[@sonwukong7602]

KDM has one of the most gorgeous miniatures but with your work they are fantastic.

[@drgnmstr44]

I love that you said in the beginning with the undercoat that you can do this with airbrush or paintbrush. I don't own an airbrush and have never used one but that doesn't mean I hate people that do. These look amazing. the only question I have on the undercoat side is if you're going to use a paint brush, would you use inks for some of those first steps or just very thinned acrylic paint. Some day I'll get an airbrush and try it out but I don't really have the space for that. it does look like it would greatly speed things up once you get used to using it and I would agree smoother transitions can be done that way. looks a lot cleaner than I get doing similar with spray cans. I did like that you started black, did a light zenithal then worked the mid. that's a really interesting difference to me and it does make the figure warmer. Do you think that could be done with cooler colors?

[@redpill4145]

Would this be a good way to tackle skave? I was planning to try what you had done In a recent video for them once I get to painting the kaventide box.

[@JoshuaMartinsons]

How well would this technique work for models with lots of ‘flat’ planes? It seems great for textures with lots of shadows (ruched cloth, hair, clothing) but I’d love to know how if it works as well with figures in armor (specifically, Space Marines). Thanks!!!

[@CzlowiekDrzazga]

You're the only mini paining youtuber that's make me feel like "man I want to try this!".

[@donlopez2241]

This looks great, but will it work with models that have less texture? I've had some issues with contrast/speed paints on futuristic type models with smoother armor and fewer edges...

[@alfredroettinger]

These turned out fantastic! I tried this approach with liquitex inks and speedpaints 2.0 and unfortunately everything reactivated and turned to mud. If you are using these products as substitudes i recommend doing a quick varnish layer after airbrushing the inks

[@dadris9827]

You definitively win a subscriber! Greetings from France !

[@markward1803]

Seen a lot of speed paint processes but the final result on them looks awesome especially for minis with a lot of detail. Also think using something like villainy inks to boost the contrast even more would be an easy additional step to add. Added bonus got a load of kingdom death models to paint myself.

[@gMiniWars]

Hi, in the step one, when you boost the zenithal with yellow and red, which part of the miniature do you paint ? If I understand you put the airbrush at 90° of the miniatures to paint the middle of the miniature, am I correct ? Thanks for your job.

[@DarrylAdams]

As Louise from Rouge Hobbies says: Slap Chop is too powerful. That is understated

[@kharbury]

When airbrushing inks do I have to thin them first or are they sprayed straight? Ive only tried to airbrush an ink once and it left a splattered look.

[@tabletop.will.phillips]

Normally I skip through sponsor messages as fast as I can, but... yeah, you got me this time with the hilarious read.

[@Ninjon]

😂 I appreciate someone mentioning it

[@hughmac7423]

I love your painting videos. I have quite a few speed paints, and I don't like the plain slapchop method. I've been using underpainting, similar to what you are doing but with a similar base coats and dry brushing. I think it works great.

[@hereticalhobby]

This is such a cool process, definitely going to try this

[@petergreening4810]

I do not have any inks (yet), so I was wondering if the airbrush stage could be done with paints? So far, I have mainly Reaper and Army Painter paints to work with. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Pete.