Getting the Most Out of Army Painter Speedpaints: A Guide for Miniature Hobbyists
Army Painter’s Speedpaints have become one of the go-to options for hobbyists who want dynamic and professional results but with less time spent working. It doesn’t matter if you're a beginner who wants your miniatures to look perfect as quickly as possible, or if you’re an experienced painter looking to improve your workflow, these paints offer surprising versatility. Recently, I tested them on two different miniatures, both primed with a 0.3mm needle airbrush, but I applied them using two different highlighting techniques: zenithal and volumetric shading. The result? Simply incredible! Here’s a more detailed look at the process:
The Importance of the Base: Zenithal vs. Volumetric Shading
Before applying any paints, both miniatures were primed with a smooth, controlled coat using a GSI Creos PS-289, 0.3mm needle airbrush. This technique resulted in a figure with sharp transitions between light and shadow, as well as even coverage that didn't lose any detail. As I mentioned earlier, I applied a different technique to each figure, and here’s what characterizes each of them:
Zenithal Shading: This technique involves applying a dark base coat (usually black) and then adding white from above, mimicking natural light. It’s a popular pre-shading method because it helps define where shadows and light should fall.
Volumetric Shading: This technique focuses on highlighting the 3D structure of the miniature. Instead of applying "light" from above, lighter tones are applied based on the shape and material of the miniature (like muscles, folds, or armor plates), giving you more artistic control over the final lighting that the miniature will display.
Both techniques interact with Speedpaints in slightly different ways, and that’s what we’ll explore next.
Why Army Painter Speedpaints Shine (Literally and Figuratively)
Speedpaints are designed to be "smart" paints. Their formulation causes pigments to naturally flow into the recesses of the mini, creating deeper shadows and more contrast with very little effort. When applied over a pre-shaded surface—like those created with zenithal or volumetric shading—the color truly comes to life and makes the figure even more interesting.
On the zenithally shaded mini, the paints settled beautifully, highlighting shadows in raised areas and allowing the lighter spots to shine through. In other words, when the paint is applied, the majority of the pigment flows into the recesses, while the raised areas—already highlighted—stay with a more translucent layer, containing less pigment.
On the volumetrically shaded mini, Speedpaints made the form with the applied "lights" stand out more, giving the mini a more stylized look. The areas where light wouldn’t naturally hit were accentuated, and the color transitions became more artistic.
Metallics, Non-Metallics & More Realistic Textures
One of the most pleasant surprises when using Army Painter Speedpaints is that their color range includes both metallic and non-metallic options. Here’s what each of them offers:
Metallic Speedpaints: These work especially well on rough or textured surfaces. The shimmer naturally clings to the edges and raised areas, giving them a metallic finish without needing to apply many layers of dry brushing or edge highlighting.
Non-metallic Speedpaints: This line is also perfect for applying on various textures, like chainmail, skin, stone, or leather. The way the pigments settle into the cracks and crevices instantly creates depth and variation. With just one pass of the brush, you get shadows, midtones, and sometimes even highlights.
Tips for Total Control Over Army Painter Speedpaints
One of the great advantages of Speedpaints is how easy they are to use with different techniques. Here are some tricks to get even more mileage out of them:
Dilute with Water: Thinning Speedpaints with a little water gives you a smooth blending effect, almost like a watercolor look. This is great when you need to create smoother transitions between colors or apply transparent glazes in layers.
Create a Wash: Add more water, and you’ve got a perfect, easy-to-control wash that can tint recesses without overpowering highlights. It’s ideal for quick grime effects or reinforcing shadows.
Let Them Dry a Bit: If you let the Speedpaint sit on your palette for a minute or two before applying it, it thickens just enough to be used for edge highlighting. This can really help define armor plates or hard edges without needing to use another paint.
Final Thoughts
Army Painter Speedpaints is much more than just a one-coat solution—they’re a flexible tool that adapts to your painting style and objectives. Whether you’re using zenithal pre-shading for realism or volumetric shading for a more dramatic look, these paints reward good preparation and smart application.
The best advice I can give you to make the most of these wonderful paints is simply: don’t be afraid to experiment! Try diluting them, layering them, or combining metallics and non-metallics on the same mini for cool contrasts. With a little creativity, Speedpaints can be the secret ingredient for achieving enviable results on your miniatures.
Happy painting, and may your brushes stay sharp and your pigments flow without interruption!