Struggling to Paint Details on Your Minis? TRY THIS!

Today we're talking about a collection of simple, easy to implement tips, which will help you with painting the tiny detailed parts of your miniatures. Especially freehand, edge highlighting and scratches, dings and the like.
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[@skywrecker]

THIS was the video i needed, ive STRUGGLED with painting my minis as i am VERY new to it but you gave me EXACTLY what i needed

[@TesseractMinis]

This is the best compliment ever, thank you!

[@MarkDzzzz]

It's great to see a video on basics and even more so brush control. There's no way near enough videos teaching new painters like myself how to control brush for techniques or how much paint to water to have in the belly of the brush.

[@jimmyhellvarn2638]

I just started painting again. The last time I painted 40k was the early 90s. I have apparently done the last tip all along. It was in the spinal cord when I painted this weekend. Great video!

[@ChrisHolden]

Most important miniature painting tutorial on the internet. Since accidentally discovering how important "brush loading" is a while back, I've wondered why it isn't discussed more. It's literally the thing that will improve your painting more than anything else! Great to see this being discussed at last. You win every painting award this week ;-)

[@gossiplink]

I'm rather new into wargames (Warhammer in my case), and having unpainted models is a weight on my mind. Yet, painting them has proven incredibly frustrating and difficult. Few tutorials have addressed what I've personally found to be the most problematic elements in this hobby-- and then I found you! What no other tutorial has explained (or not done so clearly enough for me to understand properly), you addressed, explained, and demonstrated in a lovely 8 minutes. I appreciate it immensely!

[@TesseractMinis]

Thank you so much! And welcome to the miniature wargaming and painting hobbies!

[@SeekerOf7ruth]

A cracking tutorial honestly. I've struggled with edge highlighting thus far, but this makes a lot of sense with how well you presented it sera!

[@pierluigimarchi8108]

This Is the gateway to more advanced techniques likes loaded brush and all the wet Paint way to Paint!!

[@DaBozinator]

This video is fantastic and lays it out so much more clearly than any other mini painting tutorial I've seen. Great stuff.

[@brettfinaughty4192]

The brush loading thing is definitely something that gets overlooked. Until very recently I always struggled with that part as you watch all the videos and the paint is just in the tip and mine never worked liked that; it either dried too quickly or there wasn't enough paint to finish a line. I sort of stumbled on what you are showing and it definitely made painting a better experience for me. Mine is tweaked slightly, in that I wipe onto a damp part of a paper towel as I was finding too much moisture was leaving my brush. Great video and always love seeing your painting as well as Infinity models!

[@Shadowalker838]

Hey MrShy. I second your opinion that correctly loading the brush is absolutely critical to when it comes to details. I use the Citadel pots, so my loading habit is similar to yours: dip in water, quick swipe on a paper towel, dip in paint, wipe off excess on the rim of the pot, then get to work. I find keeping the brush damp helps keep the paint from drying too fast. Anyway, I'm going to try what you said about getting fatter brushes. Thanks for the tip!

[@cerveaulevent]

Wonderful color choices for the Szalamandra

[@Bearyboo87]

This is a pretty method I gotta admit. Took almost 45 minutes to get the roll down the first time! I imagine I'll have to reinforce it a few times but super duper good technique! As a side note I find doing a little less of a massive overload then using the back of my thumb so the moisture isn't sucked out of the brush so hard a little easier? Dunno give it a bash see how it works for you. I also have limited resources for my hobby so paint preservation is a factor.

[@bigtimepartytim]

I struggled with this last night and lost a few hours trying to get it right. Came to a similar realization, but something else that helped me was using a humidifier. Our heater was drying my apartment out

[@ZombieSashimi]

Great video. When everyone always talks about thinning paints properly I rarely hear people talk about properly wicking your brush and you explain it very well here. A simple technique that can raise your painting game!

[@StrawHatLaw13]

Great video! As you said I also believe brush loading is often overlooked in videos. There's so many tutorials on glazing that don't even mention offloading/wicking the water off the brush. For the longest time I didn't get it, it was something I learned over time and was something that I didn't identify until long after the fact.

[@element4studios]

Fantastic video. Excellent information presented with an eye to relaxing new folks to the idea of basic brush control.

[@SmartJapanHacks]

This video was really useful! I would love to ship it back in time to when I first started out. Would have saved me a lot of headaches!

[@TesseractMinis]

I often wish I knew things back in 1996 when I started, that I know today! But hey, the journey is the best part, right?

[@leeperry7068]

Really excellent video! I feel like I need to watch it while sitting there with a brush practicing... your demo work really speaks to the efficacy of the loading technique.

[@komma8203]

Fun video, i agree, the brush is just a tool and tools get worn down. So i use also about 5-6 brushes a year, of my work size and maybe a few more of the other once

[@nicolastousignant9160]

Thanks for that, I was just thinking this week that part of the issues i have been having with some painting techniques had to do with brush loading

[@Nafebutuoy39]

Excellent ideas and perfectly demonstrated, ty!!

[@andyconnell7432]

Absolute banger of a top tip, I'd never even considered it. Also, defo need to up my brush game.

[@patrikmansuri]

Great video Why. Def going to keep all of this in mind

[@samhoban2509]

Great vid. Thanks man. I’m trying to get better brush control, so this helps. Nice one

[@dhramund]

I have been using this technique for loading my brush for a while now, didn't think it was that strange. While thinning down my paints I normally end up overloading the brush, so I just started using a paper towel to shape and remove excess. I am just still working on the brush control to get the fine lining down. I am getting more comfortable, but still have a way to go. My latest project was actually doing tiger stripes on my son's Pinewood Derby car and I got a lot of practice with lining.

[@apeofjustice7109]

CONTENT! MORE CONTENT!

[@Mikey__R]

I figured out how I like to load my brush: I fill the belly with a glaze consistency, then I put a little full strength paint on the tip. It's a bit like loaded brush, except both colours are the same. The bellyful of thinner paint refills the paint on the tip as it runs out.

[@xgymratx83]

Great video. Ive struggled with these details and have taken to drybrushing everything instead. Thank you for talking more about how to properly load the brush. I think thats what ive been missing. Paint is too wet and brush is overloaded and it hits a point where it just explodes out of the brush.

[@TesseractMinis]

I really hope these techniques will help you overcome the problem! Keep on painting!

[@MrZangetsu1997]

Just a tip for anyone either using metallic paints or if you prefer to not use a wet palette, I use a small amount of Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver to thin my paints, especially for Metallics that have good pigment, but poor flow, it makes general painting easier, let alone fine detailling and it's essential for most metallics

[@monkeymintaka]

I come from a traditional background so the problem for me isn't how to use a brush or paint consistency - but I just can't seem to paint small! Sometimes I don't even know if I am painting the right bit because the detail is so tiny. So I am in a cycle of painting something, then accidentally painting over it again, and then fixing it but at the same time accidentally painting over a different bit 🙈I only started last week and I've only painted three miniatures so I am hoping I just need practice! And the bit about the paint in the ferrule cracked me up! My boyfriend told me off last night for getting paint all up in my brush, but that's just the way I've done it for years!

[@TesseractMinis]

I think you'll definitely find practice helps, but also lighting is REALLY important for being able to pick out those details! Your painting table should be lit like a surgeon's table!

[@artistpoet5253]

Well, I never thought of loading technique. I've always just focused on paint qualities. And true, I buy cheap synthetics with only a few naturals so it's not like I can't afford a replacement but I also clean my brushes with brush soap.

[@RisingApe]

Love to see it, great video!

[@Winterydee]

I would suggest one more thing, possibly using some "Flow Aid". I learned it from another KZbin channel. You just dip the brush into a drop of flow aid which is on the palette, either wet or dry palette, and then use flow aid loaded brush to mix into the paint on your palette. Everything else of the tips in this video, you do the same.

[@terrydactyl2077]

Is it ok to mix flow aid with stuff like glaze and thinner mediums?

[@Winterydee]

@Jacob T - Yes! All of the things that you asked about are designed and made for the same type of paint should be perfectly fine it use together. The only thing is they can effect is the drying/curing time and finish (most of the time making the end result slightly glossier, if it does shift the finish of the paint. However, a thin layer of matte varnish will fix that if it is an issue and help to protect your paint job as well if you are gaming with the miniatures) Most of the time, I tend to batch paint a unit/box at a time, so by the time I've moved to another color he first one I painted is dry.

[@Rottae]

Great technique tips that i used for my ravenwing army and Beastman army for all my weird little details, today I'm to lazy to do that and generally just do drybrush highlights except for character models in my 40k armies. I do love the NMM feel on these though so might have to get back on this for my admech dragoon squads.

[@hidetoshirifuki]

important stuff.. thanks for the nice video sir!

[@Nortic111]

A late congratulations on 10k subs!

[@TesseractMinis]

Thank you! ❤️

[@ScottySpeeks]

This is great. thank you for this video!

[@willmendoza8498]

Gonna give that a try

[@octaviousdutolan4270]

Being honest, I haven't really been using any of the bigger brushes. It's worked out with getting smaller and larger sections. However, trying to do any kind of edge detail was maddening as the tip would almost always spread out badly. There was a sense that my brushes weren't expensive enough or that I was just outright bad at art. I recently started into the hobby of 40k, and this simple video was very straightforward. I especially liked your point about brushes - being fanatically obsessed with the paint only going up so high to preserve them really should not matter. Especially when they're some $12 multiset from Amazon or a few bucks from Walmart/Hobby Lobby. This brings me to my actual point: There is an elitism in the 40k hobby. If you've been doing it for years and years, and are looking for incredibly niche ways to improve your technique and/or start working towards competition-level pieces... due to my binging over the last few weeks of painting videos I'd feel safe saying that somewhere between 75% and upwards of 90% of all miniature painting videos are geared towards these niche methods as a way to advertise paint equipment merchandise. Its extremely excluding to those that are new to the hobby. Paints, as you said, act very different. So if you don't have the same paint as the ones in the video you will not get the same results. Brushes also are not up to an industry standard as a size 2 in one line might be a size 1 or a size 4 in another. Your first miniature and first eventual army should give you a sense of pride in accomplishment. However, the way that the lions share of content on mini painting is out there instead you very well might feel like some adult-stroke victim fumbling around with expensive models and paint. Enjoyed your video, earned my subscription. I will try using a bigger brush, and see how it goes!

[@Cr4pSnip3r]

The last time I got paint into the ferrule of my brush, it shot out of my hand and made a beeline for my eye, trying to kill me. Luckily I dodged. This is a great video, though. Makes me want to try edge highlighting even though that's not normally my preferred style.

[@andersnothzen8145]

Yeah great video, thank you for the tip! So cleaning, or is that a to dirty for the algoritmem?

[@jamblpaints8453]

I use raphael 8404s which are not cheap and I'll happily load the paint all the way into the belly. Sometimes I have to clean them with brush soap multiple times a session but I've had the same brushes for years and still as good as new. What's the point in spending money on good brushes if fear of using them is actually going to be detrimental to your work?

[@Carbide-1]

Cracking content, cheers!

[@OldManRogers]

I tend to call the Hyper Rapic Magnetic Cannon 'HMRC' because like the Taxman there is no escape!

[@Dark_Burner]

How often do you rinse and reload your brushes?

[@TesseractMinis]

Hard question to answer in a helpful way. Just "as needed" really. If I'm not happy with the tip, or the flow, then I reload.

[@eddysplosion]

Well that's awesome about loading the brush. I do not practice often but when I do paint, I feel like I either have too much pain, or not enough and it dries too fast. I bought a pretty nice brush I thought, but it is not holding its shape. It is not synthetic either. Is it okay if you tell me or us what materials are brushes usually made of, I mean the ones that are not synthetic? Thank you very much

[@TesseractMinis]

Hey Eddy, the brushes I use from Rosemary and Co are Kolynski Sable.

[@rustedbeetle]

I just wanted to say that I almost bought Battletech today. I had rewatched your vid on the main core box and it was on sale. After a bit of back and forth, I didn't buy it. Not because I didn't want it, but I know I the box will sit on a shelf next to several other unplayed games. While I can sometimes find time to hobby at night, getting games in just doesn't happen. Instead, I bought Modular Mechs Vol.1 on MyMiniFactory and I'm going to print up a bunch of mecha bits and ... hobby in the middle of the night. So no Battletech today, alas. Perhaps in a couple of years, I'll have time to game again.

[@OneNintendoPlayer]

Thank you for the tips! Also where can I get that model you were painting?

[@Zanarion1]

That is an Infinity model by Corvus Belli. The name of the model is Szalamandra Squadron and you can buy it directly from their store or if you do a search i'm sure you can find it in more places. Pretty sure it is made of metall, most of Corvus Belli's models are, but they are very nice models and fun to paint.

[@McVilla1N]

Actually this was a really good video.

[@cherukurivenkatamanikantas9345]

Nice

[@simbobcrafts4843]

Nice Gecko squadron. Infinity is an awesome game

[@TesseractMinis]

Thanks! This one is the Szalamandra though, not the gecko!

[@simbobcrafts4843]

@@TesseractMinis Ah yes! I recently picked up a Nomad Gator. Also very nice

[@Chris-tw5xj]

Any suggestions for a cheap brush for those of us on the US? We cant import Kolinsky Sable anymore...

[@TesseractMinis]

I'd probably look at Reaper Miniatures sables. They're made in Texas and are pretty great. I think I still have a referral link in the description.

[@Chris-tw5xj]

Oh cool. I never think of reaper. Haven't been in the hobby for 20+ years (necron destroyers were metal and had no rules 😂) Their models back in the day were not the best. By the way this video helped immensely. Even with my cheesey Amazon brushes was able to nail my tsons panel. Super happy with it. I dont see the link but I will look for that affiliate link in some other videos for sure!

[@panzfaust9812]

if only i was a sultan, i'd use disposable brush for every color used.

[@statoilbensin2190]

Is it harder to brush with enamel paints? I use tamiya enamel because that is what is used most on gundams in japan.

[@TesseractMinis]

Enamels are much more difficult to handle than acrylics, for sure.

[@itsallpointless6501]

this vid is awesome

[@TesseractMinis]

Thanks!

[@brandonherrington7080]

What model was that you used in this video

[@TesseractMinis]

Szalamandra Squadron, from Infinity by Corvus Belli

[@NarcolepticLTD]

Welp looks like we can't get rosemary co sable from your link below in the USA... Any other places reputable to find them?

[@TesseractMinis]

Sable is currently embargoed for import into the USA, so unless it's made there, or old stock, you probably won't find any sable, sadly. For a good USA made sable brush, Reaper Miniatures Kolynski Sable Size 2 is a good pick.

[@NarcolepticLTD]

@@TesseractMinis dang that sucks... I do have quite a few brushes just wanted to try theirs. I've yet to crack open my monument hobbies brushes so we'll see how those go.

[@SpooKimi]

Ngl it confuses me when peeps say you can't overload the brush as when I mix paints my brush always overloads when doing the mixing of the paints like how can you even avoid overloading the brush

[@whatmaxlikes9977]

I do like to use retarder medium too when I have to paint a lot of small details.

[@BlandWater]

What model is this/from?

[@TesseractMinis]

Szalamandra Squadron, Infinity, Corvus Belli :)

[@pugempire7483]

what is this mini and where is it from i have no idea and I'm looking for a mech that can serve as a fast melee oriented mech can anyone help?

[@TesseractMinis]

It's a Szalamandra from Infinity, by Corvus Belli

[@SilliestGoober999]

What's that miniature from?

[@TesseractMinis]

It's the Szalamandra from Infinity by Corvus Belli :)

[@SilliestGoober999]

@@TesseractMinis Thanks!

[@stevenkirton6373]

What mini is that

[@TesseractMinis]

Szalamandra from Infinity, by Corvus Belli

[@darrby.7790]

I’m new to miniature painting but I’ve actually been doing this unconsciously, my lines are still not as nice as yours tho 😔

[@TesseractMinis]

Lots of practice will fill in the other side of the equation! You'll get there!

[@ShowerOnceYearly]

seeing your wet pallet paper like that is giving me anxiety why dont you smooth it ooout

[@TesseractMinis]

Because it isn't necessary. It's a waste of focus. I paint 5-6 days a week, for 8-10 hours a day. I like to use that time worrying about things that are useful to my improvement.

[@dimo2081]

yeah im defo gonna spend 6 euros on a single warhammer paint just to waste half of it on painting toilet paper