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Hello

I'm seeking some advice. I've read articles on 2 layering highlights. But it doesn't seem right.

I'd really appreciate any advice. It's one thing to read. But another to do. Only new to painting but want to get the right techniques. This is the first model I've used a spray gun on. Spray gun technique could definately improve as outlined below. But it's the highlighting im mainly wanting advice on.

I've started an ultramarine dreadnought as seen below

Thanks in advance!

The problem you've run into is too sharp a highlight. This is totally OK, you're a beginner so you're learning. Something important is to make highlights gradual. GW has a paint system that is really great IMO. Here's the link. So as you can see here, what they recommend is Macragge Blue -> Drakenhof Nightshade -> Altdorf Guard Blue -> Calgar Blue. What you've done is edge highlighting. This should usually be reserved for the sharpest highlight. What I usually do is basecoat (in your case, Macragge Blue), then shade it (Drakenhof Nightshade), and then go over again with Macragge Blue, only this time avoiding the recesses where the shade has settled. Then I'd go over that with the first Layer paint (Altdorf Guard Blue here), but only on raised detail, leaving the Macragge Blue alone elsewhere. Then do the final layer paint (Calgar Blue in your case), which should be reserved for only the sharpest details. This way, the darkest color will be in the recesses, and will get progressively lighter as you progress towards the most raised surfaces, which as just like how light performs in real life.

EDIT: One VERY important tip I almost forgot. Your paints look a bit thick. Always thin your paint down with a bit of water. This helps it flow smoothly off the brush and will help ensure you get an even coat. If your paint dries and is thin enough you can still see the basecoat below it, just apply another thin layer till you're happy. The only exceptions to this rule are dry paints, which should not be watered down (or else they wouldn't be dry), and shades, which should only be watered down with medium.

Hope this helps,
- ripjaw

Thank you ripjaw.

Looks like I'm off to buy a couple of paints this weekend. I'll also water down the paints. I'll try and post some progress photos by midweek hopefully.

What are you referring to as raised detail? Given flat surfaces on the dreadnought are everywhere. I'm concerned the model is bland as seen in one of my images where I had just the calgar blue edge highlight.

Have a look at this picture for reference. The edges have been highlighted, and then a fine highlight applied to the sharpest points (I.e., the corners of the armor plates). Vehicles are kinda an oddball in that it's okay to go straight to edge highlights so long as it isn't too sharp. This is especially true on Imperial and Chaos vehicles because they have so many large flat surfaces, you can't really highlight them any other way. In any case I recommend you watch some tutorials on edge highlighting because it's a lot easier if you know a few tricks.

Hope this helps,
- ripjaw

Agreed with the above. Keep the paint thin and apply with the edge of the brush, focusing on the sharp points and corners and trailing off as you move along the edges.

Ripjaw or anyone for that matter, do you know of any video guides that show the use of the altdorf guard blue layer? All the guides I'm finding on YouTube are either the beginner where only the shade is applied or it's the previous paint series.

After the shading with drakenhof nightshade, I apply the base coat macragge blue leaving the recesses with the shadow only. Do I then apply the altdorf layer to yet a smaller surface area or do I cover the macragge blue entirely? The dreadnought image you linked has a distinctly different blue tint compared to macragge blue. So I'm just wondering if the paints I have can lead to that model etc.