[vwwwv]

I need some hints on starting models that are primed black.
Should I approach it as dry brushing everything and then the black is at the lowest level giving depth?

I am having some trouble starting out, since I have gotten used to starting with models that are primed white, where I just fill in everything with washes and then get the details.

I guess I don't understand when to prime black or when to prime white.

I am trying to do plague bearers that are primed black.

 

[PapaSmurf124]

Black primer is more challenging to work with, because it takes ALOT more to actually cover it, and you sometimes need to use so many layers of paint that you end up covering details. On the other hand, black primer makes the model somewhat darker to begin with. It gives it a more dirty look, which is good for certain kinds of daemons and models that you don't really want to look bright and clean. I have never used white primer, though I plan on having a go at it once I finish my Havoc squad. I paint as I would normally paint when using black primer. If you want an example of what it looks like primed black and painted, look at my Purge-esque project log. While I am in no way a great painter, it's an example of what they look like using black primer. Good luck with your plague bearers, show us some pics when they are done ^^

 

[KhainiteAssassin]

black primer gives a dirtier look, also saves you time from having to darken the creases you may miss through dry brushing. good for darker colour schemes.

White primer is good if your going for light colour schemes, clean models, etc.

 

[Dave T Hobbit]

Should I approach it as dry brushing everything and then the black is at the lowest level giving depth?

That is one approach, although if you build up the colour using only dry-brushing then the model can end up looking dusty.

Another method is:
(i) paint your shade colour over most of each area, so it is almost all the way into the recesses
(ii) paint your mid-tone over the top almost all the way to the edge of the shade
(iii) dry-brush on highlights
(iv) wash over the top to bring it all together.

 

[TheSpore]

honestly i use nothing but black primer.
my methods work for me which if you use drybrushing you can still accomplish an even coat and avoid the chalky look that is notorious with drybrushing. to do this you just apply multiple coats until you reach the tone you want also use the citadel foundation paints for your base coat also they work best for this and its not always true that you need to prime white for a bright paint scheme you can do this with black as well. example pink use mechrite red, then apply warlock purple, and tentacle pink, highlight with white.

when starting out with black just use one rule pf thumb you must go from dark to light unlike white which is backwards going from light to dark. also stick to a three shade color usage such as codex gray, astro. gray, skull white. Another thing just because use prime black you still have to paint on black and you can actually highlight black with almost any color but blue and gray work best. anyway i hope i helped answer any questions you had but if not feel free to send me a message .

 

[odinsgrandson]

I have to say, using black primer doesn't necessarily make the mini look dirtier or dustier, and I really don't find it harder to work with than white.

Generally, the best way to use black primer is to start out with your shade colors, and work you way up to the highlights (rather than starting out with your medium colors and shade them).


You'll hear some people railing against drybrushing from time to time. What they're really complaining about is priming black and then simply drybrushing everything over the top. If you want to use a lot of drybrushing on your mini, I suggest you start out by painting a base coat in a dark color (not black) and drybrushing over that.

 

[TheSpore]

I have to say, using black primer doesn't necessarily make the mini look dirtier or dustier, and I really don't find it harder to work with than white.

Generally, the best way to use black primer is to start out with your shade colors, and work you way up to the highlights (rather than starting out with your medium colors and shade them).


You'll hear some people railing against drybrushing from time to time. What they're really complaining about is priming black and then simply drybrushing everything over the top. If you want to use a lot of drybrushing on your mini, I suggest you start out by painting a base coat in a dark color (not black) and drybrushing over that.

Well said my friend

Remember this there is no wrong way or right way to paint you just find what works for you