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Hello

I want to try some zenithal highlighting, but am unsure how to shade the model.

Normally I'd basecoat, give it a wash, then layer over except for the recesses, but that will ruin the zenithal highlight.

I've seen some people use oil washes as these can be controlled to only go in the recesses. Is this the best/only way?

Hi there... Since you're new to this technique I'd suggest trying a different aproach.

Give a first black basecoat to the mini, then once it dried, give it a quick pre-highlights with a white basecoat.

At this point you need to paint thin layers of a base color (abou 60% water) of your choice. You'll need to give 3-4 layers in order to obtain a smooth and regular surface. At this point you'll still see how the base color is brighter where the white basecoat was applied, and the recesses are darker since they stayed black. At this point you start working on your shades and highlights...

I hope this helps you... If it is not clear enough I'll try to explain myself in a better more accurate way!

You could just apply darker opaque colours to the less light parts. Kind of like zenithil darkening.

Generally I shade over zenithal work by using multiple glazes to increase contrast, as well as pin washes (where you apply the wash (sometimes oil) directly into the recess and use a moist brush to get rid of excess.

You'll find that to work effectively over zenithal airbrush work you either need to keep the contrast of that coat very high (so very dark to very light) or use multiple glazed highlights and shades using the zenithal coat as a guide for the most part.

For tutorials on airbrushing, especially highlighting and shading, BuyPainted is essential watching. I love his technique and he shows it well in all his videos.

Basically, what you can do to shade with an airbrush is the same as you do for highlighting, but with a darker colour and from underneath instead of from above. Then use an oil wash to pick out recesses and details. Pick basically any of his videos - he probably has some for your army, and he'll show you from beginning to end what to do.

Oil wash after zenithal highlighting and shading. Don't kill your tones with acrylic washes.