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Does anyone have any info or suggestions on how to do this aside from using a gloss varnish? Thank you for your help!

Use a gloss wash. Citadel makes them, otherwise add some gloss medium to any other wash.

Only other method is to reapply the metallic after the wash.

Yup. Re layer your metallic over the top. Alternatively, be more precise with your wash.

A thin and well applied glaze of gloss nuln oil would do the trick, and not cover any shading/highlights that you've already established.

JamesY wrote:A thin and well applied glaze of gloss nuln oil would do the trick, and not cover any shading/highlights that you've already established.

jivardi wrote:Use a gloss wash. Citadel makes them, otherwise add some gloss medium to any other wash.

Only other method is to reapply the metallic after the wash.

Ooh i forgot GW makes gloss washes. I was hoping there might be some ancient chinese secret to restoring some of the shine in the recesses after ive re-applied the metallics on the raised areas for highlights though. But ill definitely get some gloss washes thanks guys!

You don't want shine in the recesses. Metallic shadows aren't shiny. The contrast between the matte shadow and high shine of the metallic particles is what creates the illusion of a metal surface.

 queen_annes_revenge wrote:
You don't want shine in the recesses. Metallic shadows aren't shiny. The contrast between the matte shadow and high shine of the metallic particles is what creates the illusion of a metal surface.

I know, but i mean for areas that arent supposed to be definitive recessed shadows, but also arent the most raised edges, mediumish raised areas so to speak, like the trim on death guard shoulder pads as it curves downward, i wanted to create more of a natural gradient between the matte shadows and bright shiny edges if at all possible.

I would use a 3-tone-and-wash technique rather than a 2-tone-and-wash then. Base coat, then wash the whole thing. Reapply base coat to everything except the recessed shadows. Apply one shade lighter closer to the raised edges (this can be a new paint, or 50/50 your base coat and your highlight colour). Then your highlight colour on the raised edges. And then to be fancy, a fourth tone can be applied to 'points' on the edges.

 PurplexNurgling wrote:

 queen_annes_revenge wrote:
You don't want shine in the recesses. Metallic shadows aren't shiny. The contrast between the matte shadow and high shine of the metallic particles is what creates the illusion of a metal surface.

I know, but i mean for areas that arent supposed to be definitive recessed shadows, but also arent the most raised edges, mediumish raised areas so to speak, like the trim on death guard shoulder pads as it curves downward, i wanted to create more of a natural gradient between the matte shadows and bright shiny edges if at all possible.

Using a gloss wash will produce the most shine in the recesses and the least shine on the edges. That is the opposite of what you want. The gloss washes are glossy to enhance their physical properties as washes, not for finish- the intended way to use them is to wash, then hit the model with a matte varnish to kill the shine.

Just use varnish, that's what it's for. I'm always seeing people advocating use of washes to adjust finish, and it feels like a clumsy workaround when there are products that adjust finish and do nothing else readily available.

Yeah this is where you need to start working gradients to achieve the look you want. So for a brass shoulder trim, you'd start with a dark brass, then work up a couple of transitions to your lighter tone. Selectively apply the wash over this and you will achieve the finish you want.

 catbarf wrote:


Just use varnish, that's what it's for. I'm always seeing people advocating use of washes to adjust finish, and it feels like a clumsy workaround when there are products that adjust finish and do nothing else readily available.

Ahhh i see that makes total sense, since the washes pool in the recesses.. I guess unless i thinly apply them outside the recesses maybe, but definitely good to know, i didnt know that about the gloss washes not being used for the finish and didnt think of that at all. Thank you so much for the info!




Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll wrote:
I would use a 3-tone-and-wash technique rather than a 2-tone-and-wash then. Base coat, then wash the whole thing. Reapply base coat to everything except the recessed shadows. Apply one shade lighter closer to the raised edges (this can be a new paint, or 50/50 your base coat and your highlight colour). Then your highlight colour on the raised edges. And then to be fancy, a fourth tone can be applied to 'points' on the edges.

Ok cool i will definitely give this a shot, thank you!


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 queen_annes_revenge wrote:
Yeah this is where you need to start working gradients to achieve the look you want. So for a brass shoulder trim, you'd start with a dark brass, then work up a couple of transitions to your lighter tone. Selectively apply the wash over this and you will achieve the finish you want.

Ahh hmm i didnt think of simply not slapping the wash all over and using it selectively, awesome advice thank you very much ^_^ its so simple i feel stupid for not thinking of it earlier lol. Only been painting a few months so it really helps



I really didnt expect this many people to reply and help out, i really appreciate it guys. I have definitely learned something different from each person and am really happy i asked about it, tysm everyone!

That's what we're here for! Hope you manage to achieve the effects you're after.

have had some success dybrushing gloss varnish over metals, varying between a light and a heavier coat