Scale Model Basics: How to drybrush scale models

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Welcome to FineScale Modeler magazine's Scale Model Basics: How to drybrush scale models. Drybrushing is an essential technique for scale model builders, and allows you to quickly and easily highlight surface details. While there has always been a certain amount of mystique around drybrushing, really, nothing could be simpler.
00:12 What is drybrushing?
00:32 Flat-coat your model first
00:51 What kind of paint should you use for drybrushing?
01:48 How light should the paint mix be for drybrushing?
02:53 What kind of paintbrush do you want to use for drybrushing? (Also, wardrobe change!)
03:27 Drybrushing in action!
05:48 The results of drybrushing
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Thanks for watching and happy modeling!

[@statoilbensin2190]

Erin, I also prefer to do drybrushing with enamel based paint so in case I get a chip that looks too strong I can remove it with oil based thinner. Of course its extremely important to gloss coat with a lacquer, so you protect youre paint underneath so the enamel thinner dont strip your previously applied coats.

[@uriance88]

Cheap dollar store makeup brushes are the almost ideal drybrush. To limit the chalkiness, you can occasionally 'dampen' your brush on a sponge that is wet (as super well demonstrated by the Artis Opus miniature painting channel). Miniature painters have been using drybrushing for eons.

[@JT-bg2vy]

In regards to the comments about using a retarder - i use glycerin to help with slowing the paint from drying and i use isopropyl to accelerate it. Water is a little in between those two. This is just what I've discovered that works for me (acrylic paint). Hope this helps!

[@ScaleModelMuse]

I use mostly acrylics. Each one is different when it comes to thinning and dry time. I dry brush but have not used a varnish in between layers. The way I do it works well for me but I'll try this to see if there is any actual difference. Love these tip videos =)

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks for watching! You're absolutely correct, everyone has their preferences for drybrushing, but the basics are the same: get the paint out of the brush then lightly apply.

[@schubert06sebastian39]

A throw back to Verlinden way. Not used as much, only used on worn or chipped edges. Modern modelers used this technique to a minimum.

[@juliancscs]

Thanks for this. Do you gloss coat->wash->matt/satin coat->drybrush then? Wondering about the sequence

[@paulgertsch7105]

Thanks for the great tips.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

I prefer oils/enamels, easier to work with and better results. If using acrylics, though, you can use a 'wet' palette to extend the working time of the acrylic, or a retarder. Excellent video! 👍

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Great point!

[@goforitpainting]

Thanks for showing me how you do it.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

No problem! Again, everyone has a little different technique, different style, but the basics are universal.

[@goforitpainting]

@@FineScaleModelermagazine Absolutely true! I use the drybrush technique too but in a slightly different way.

[@joesanchez979]

Thanks for the tip

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Any time

[@backpacker3421]

I like to use makeup brushes, and I actually thin the paint down, then I don't wind up wasting so much on the paper towel. You just wait for the thinners to gas off (dry) from the brush and you're left with a fairly even but very light amount of paint on the brush.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

That's interesting. How long do you let the paint dry before applying it to the model?

[@x3mperformace]

Just a heads up, on the use of acrylic paint.
Use some retarder to blend in the paint, this will slow down the drying time, and the gunking up. :-)

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

A great point, and perhaps something we'll cover in another video for more-advanced modeling techniques. For many, enamels are still the go-to for dry-brushing. Thanks for watching and subscribing to the channel!

[@krishurd3185]

Should dry brushing be done before or after doing a wash/pin wash?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Typically, after.

[@ocsplc]

I can’t see it. It must be a very subtle technique