Prepare Dry Brush
10 minutesUse old stiff bristle brush; load minimal paint.
Beginner3-5 days
Drybrushing Highlights Guide
Learn drybrushing highlights from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.
miniature paintersterrain builders
Workflow
Highlight Raised Edges
1-2 hoursLightly drag brush across surfaces catching only peaks.
Scale Technique to Model Size
30 minutesLarger drybrush and lighter touch for bigger miniatures.
Blend Over-Drybrushed Areas
45 minutesGlaze original base color over harsh transitions.
Varnish and Evaluate
20 minutesMatte coat to protect; compare to reference photos.
Tools Used
Checklist
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Planning
Preparation
Safety
Execution
Quality
Documentation
Reference Materials
Drybrush ProgressionTable
Key benchmarks for drybrushing highlights.
| Pass | Color Shift | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base + 20% white | 30% edges |
| 2 | Base + 40% white | 15% edges |
| 3 | Near highlight | 5% sharpest edges |
Highlight StepFormula
Each drybrush pass uses base color + (10-20%) lighter mix
Less Paint RuleStandard
Brush should appear almost dry — if paint transfers in blobs, wipe more.
Thin Your Paints
Thin acrylics to milk consistency — two thin coats beat one thick glob.
Primer Essential
Always prime raw plastic or resin — unpainted surfaces repel thinned paint.
Spray Booth
Use respirator and spray booth for rattle-can primer — aerosol is toxic indoors.
Safety Notes
- Long sessions at magnifier cause eye strain — take breaks every 30 min.
- Solvent-based metallics require ventilation.