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I'm starting to try some more advanced techniques such as drybrushing and washing. I think I've gotten washing down pretty well, but whenever I try to drybrush, it's either too faint or the paint globs. I have watched a couple of tutorial videos on YouTube, but I still can't get the hang of it.

The brush I'm currently using for drybrushing has pretty soft hairs and a tip that is about 2/3 of an inch long. I get the paint off using an old T-shirt, and then lightly brush over the model with quick strokes. Is there anything I'm doing wrong, and if so, what is it? Also, is there anything else I should know about drybrushing?

 SignMaster99 wrote:
The brush I'm currently using for drybrushing has pretty soft hairs and a tip that is about 2/3 of an inch long. I get the paint off using an old T-shirt, and then lightly brush over the model with quick strokes. Is there anything I'm doing wrong, and if so, what is it? Also, is there anything else I should know about drybrushing?

I find having more control on the drybrush with a not too long-bristled flat, rather stiff brush. Then I'd suggest unloading the brush from excess paint on a paper towel until it seems almost clean. Then you build colour by "dusting" the area you wish to drybrush. If the result seems faint, simply keep drybrushing.

I would suggest shorter, more stiff bristle.

Kerryathyr's advice is very good as well.

best of luck, and let us know how it turns out!

If its too faint, do another layer after the first one dries.

I also like a stiffer brush for drybrushing. I might be in the minority, too, but I don't like to thin my paints when I drybrush.

Okay, thanks for the advice everyone. I had tried using a stiffer brush before but that didn't quite work out and it was pretty faint, but now I'll try again and do more coats. Thanks again!

I use a size 3 artist loft (ie cheap michaels brush) that I cut the bristles down flat across to about 1/3 of an inch long. I find that's what works best for me. But everyone is different, don't be afraid to buy a couple cheap brushes and experiment with trimming them down yourself.

 SavageRobby wrote:
I might be in the minority, too, but I don't like to thin my paints when I drybrush.

Thinning paints for drybrushing is counterproductive, so you're certainly not alone in that. As for brushes, an argument can be made for both dense, soft brushes (i.e. makeup brushes) and springy synthetic fans, but short and stiff-bristled brushes are generally the order of the day.

You want the stiff bristles as part of the point of dry brushing is that the bristles get "caught" on raised portions of the model, bend against them transferring paint, then spring up away from the model, so as to not get paint on the surrounding areas.

also, similar to what oadie and others have said, but you want your paint a bit thicker as well, if too wet/thin its not easy to keep them "dry" on the brush.