Quick Answer
Use Two Thin Coats paints in Marine Blue (shadow), Sorceror's Cloak (midtone), and Gravestone Blue (highlight) to create realistic depth on blue armour for 28mm miniatures.
Why Layering with Shadow, Midtone, and Highlight Works
Blue armour can look flat if you use only one shade. Two Thin Coats paints are designed with a shadow, midtone, and highlight system that mimics how light naturally falls on curved surfaces. Marine Blue provides a deep base, Sorceror's Cloak adds the midtone volume, and Gravestone Blue brings the edges to life.
Step-by-Step: Painting Blue Armour
- Base with Marine Blue: Apply a thin coat of Marine Blue (Shadow) over the entire armour area. Let it dry completely. This establishes the deepest shadows. Common mistake: applying too thick a coat; thin coats preserve detail.
- Layer with Sorceror's Cloak: Mix Sorceror's Cloak (Midtone) with a little water and apply it over most of the armour, leaving Marine Blue visible in recesses and under-arm areas. Checkpoint: ensure the midtone is opaque enough to cover but still allows shadow to show through in crevices.
- Highlight with Gravestone Blue: Use Gravestone Blue (Highlight) on a fine brush and paint only the highest edges, such as shoulder pauldrons, helmet ridges, and knee guards. Keep the paint thin and build up in one or two passes. Common mistake: over-highlighting; less is more for realistic armour.
Products Used
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Marine Blue - Two Thin Coats: Marine Blue is from the Shadow range of Two Thin Coats paints. Use it as the darkest base layer to establish shadows and recesses on the armour.
Marine Blue - Two Thin Coats
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Sorceror's Cloak - Two Thin Coats: Sorceror's Cloak is a Midtone colour from the Two Thin Coats range. Apply it over the shadow base to build the main body colour and prepare for highlights.
Sorceror's Cloak - Two Thin Coats
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Gravestone Blue - Two Thin Coats: Gravestone Blue is a Highlight colour in the Two Thin Coats line. Use it sparingly on raised edges and upper surfaces to create sharp, realistic highlights.
