The Best Part of Painting? When the Metallics Go On
Stas dropped a little painting progress update that we immediately understood on a spiritual level: the moment when the metallics go on really is one of the most satisfying parts of the whole process.
Sometimes a miniature looks a bit flat in the early stages, even when the base colours are already clean and neatly blocked in. And then suddenly, with a wash and a bit of metallic drybrushing, everything starts to click.
In this case, Stas showed a nice three-step progression.
Step 1: Base colours
First, the model got its acrylic base coats.
At this stage you can already read all the different materials, but some areas are still intentionally simple and flat — Stas pointed out the straps on the shoulder as a good example. They do the job, but they are still waiting for the next stages to bring them to life.
Step 2: Shade with Agrax
Then came the shade wash: Agrax.
This is the point where the miniature starts catching light and shadow properly. Recesses deepen, surfaces get more definition, and the whole paintjob begins to feel less like coloured shapes and more like an actual finished piece in progress.
No highlights yet at this point, but even without them you can already see the volume improving.
Step 3: Metallics
And then we get to the good stuff.
Stas added metallics in two ways:
- drybrushed metallic paint on the larger areas
- careful spot metallics on details, like buckles
That combination gives a lot of payoff very quickly. Large surfaces gain texture and that worn metal feel, while the smaller details suddenly pop and help sell the whole miniature.
It is easy to see why this is a favourite stage — the model goes from “work in progress” to “oh yes, now we’re talking” almost immediately.
Highlights tomorrow
The last step still waiting is highlights, but that part was wisely postponed until the next day and better light. Honestly, that is a very relatable hobby decision. There are few things more dangerous than trying to place final highlights when the lighting is fighting you.
We really like this kind of progress breakdown because it shows how much each stage contributes. Base coats build the structure, the wash creates depth, and metallics bring in that immediate character boost.
Now we wait for the highlights.