Zenithal priming uses a dark foundation and a lighter color sprayed from above to show where light would fall on a miniature. It gives you a map of highlights and shadows before the main colors go on. Thin, transparent color layers can let that contrast remain visible.
If you have collected more miniatures than you have painted, preparing another group can feel daunting. Whether you are clearing a backlog or getting a Warhammer miniature army ready for the table, zenithal priming can help you see the shapes you need to paint. The Createx examples below use black and white sealer-primers, with application guidance drawn from the manufacturer's technical sheets.
What Is Zenithal Priming, and What Does It Help You See?
Zenithal priming is a miniature painting technique that uses a dark primer color and a lighter color to create highlights and shadows. Zenith refers to the point directly above the model. Spraying the lighter color from that direction simulates an overhead light source.
This leaves darker tones opposite the light while brightening exposed surfaces. Recesses, undersides and areas beneath overhangs stay dark. Raised surfaces receive more light color, making the miniature's shape easier to read before the first main color is applied.
The technique is a starting point, not a replacement for painting every highlight. An opaque basecoat can cover the effect. Use thinner color layers if you want the light and dark foundation to contribute to the finished model.
How Do You Prepare a Miniature Before Zenithal Priming?
Remove unwanted supports, mold lines and rough edges, then clean the model using a method suitable for its material. Let it dry completely before priming.
Residue from molding, printing or handling can interfere with adhesion. For many assembled plastic models, a gentle wash with mild dish soap and water is appropriate, but follow the kit or resin supplier's instructions. Do not assume an alcohol wipe is safe for every plastic, resin, adhesive or existing finish. Printed resin also needs its specified washing and curing process before painting.
Painting over rough edges will usually make them more noticeable. Remove supports and smooth unwanted bumps without damaging sculpted detail. Mount the miniature on a holder so you can turn it without touching the prepared surface.
How Do You Apply the Dark Primer Coat?
Apply thin, even coats over the whole miniature, including the underside and recesses. The dark coat provides both the painting foundation and the shadows that will remain after the lighter pass.
This example uses Createx AutoBorne Black 6002 Car Body Sealer, a sealer-primer for hard surfaces. Prepare the substrate and use the product according to Createx's instructions. Do not expect a thin sealer to fill rough print lines or replace surface preparation.
What Airbrush Setup Can You Use for This Example?
A larger nozzle can make the sealer easier to spray. Createx's AutoBorne sheet lists a 0.5 mm or larger airbrush setup and roughly 25–30 PSI or higher as application guidance. Check the pressure with air flowing and adjust within the equipment and material instructions after a test spray.
The current GX13 Pistol Trigger Gravity Feed Airbrush Set with Round and Fan Pattern Caps by NO-NAME Brand includes 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm needle/nozzle sets. Use the appropriate configuration for the material; the fine setup is not automatically the better choice for primer.
If reduction is needed, Createx 4021 Reducer is approved by Createx for its paints and clears. Stir it into the paint and allow the specified acclimation time before spraying. Use the current technical guidance and a test spray rather than reducing only until the mixture looks like milk.
Can You Zenithal Prime Without an Airbrush?
Yes. Suitable aerosol primers can provide the same dark foundation and lighter overhead pass. Follow the can's instructions for shaking, distance, temperature, ventilation and drying. Check the current Army Painter painting range or AMMO aerosol selection for a primer suitable for your model's material.
How Do You Apply the Lighter Zenithal Color?
Spray the lighter color from your chosen light direction while allowing the darker coat to remain in shadowed areas. Directly overhead is an easy place to start. An angled light can work too, as long as you keep that direction consistent.
This example uses AutoBorne Automotive Sealer White 6001 by Createx. Unlike the dark coat, the white should not cover every surface. Turn the model around its vertical axis while keeping the spray above it. Look at where the light color lands and stop before you erase the dark areas underneath.
Use light, even passes and build coverage gradually. Overspraying can cause pooling, runs or lost detail. If the white looks speckled or chalky, test your reduction, pressure and spraying distance on scrap before adding more paint to the miniature.
When Can You Add Color, and How Do You Keep the Highlights Visible?
Add color after the primer has dried enough for the next coating step under its instructions. A loss of wet sheen does not always mean it is ready to paint over.
Createx's AutoBorne guidance gives approximately 20–30 minutes before applying Createx color at its stated reference conditions. Cooler or more humid conditions need longer. Follow the instructions for your actual primer and color combination. The same drying time will not suit every setup.
Try a thin color layer on a spare miniature or a hidden area. If it hides the light and dark foundation, reduce its opacity using an appropriate medium or change the application. You can still use opaque paint for details and add sharper highlights later with a brush. If you are choosing from AK Interactive model paints, check the particular paint line and opacity rather than expecting every color to preserve the underpainting.
What Safety Precautions Do You Need When Priming Miniatures?
Control spray mist, follow the primer's safety data sheet and use respiratory protection appropriate to the material and spraying method. Water-based primer still produces airborne droplets when sprayed.
Use suitable extraction and keep other people and pets away from the spray area. Wear eye protection and gloves where the product instructions call for them. Do not spray aerosols near flames or ignition sources. Sanding and resin cleanup also need the precautions specified for the model material.
Start with one practice miniature before preparing a whole army. If you are still choosing equipment, our airbrush buying guide can help you work out which setup fits the size of your models and the materials you plan to spray.