Quick Answer

Warpaints Fanatic Washes are pre-thinned, high-pigment formulas designed to flow into recesses and create natural shadows. Use them directly from the bottle over a base coat, then control pooling with a clean brush for crisp, realistic shading.

Why Use Washes for Shading?

Washes are a fast, forgiving way to add depth to your miniatures without needing advanced blending skills. The Warpaints Fanatic Washes Paint Set includes 10 shades from a rich Dark Tone to a vibrant Dark Red Tone, so you can match the wash to the color of your base coat for a cohesive look. The formula is designed to settle naturally into panel lines and crevices while leaving raised areas mostly clean.

Step-by-Step Shading with Warpaints Fanatic Washes

  1. 1. Base Coat Your Miniature: Apply a smooth, opaque base coat using acrylic paint. Make sure the paint is fully dry before you apply any wash. A matte finish helps the wash flow better than a glossy one. Common mistake: applying wash over a tacky base coat causes uneven pooling and tide marks.
  2. 2. Load Your Brush and Touch the Recesses: Dip a fine or medium brush into the wash and touch the tip to the deepest lines and crevices. Capillary action will pull the wash into the recess. Work one area at a time. Checkpoint: don't flood the entire surface. Too much wash can obscure your base coat and create a dirty look.
  3. 3. Let the Wash Pool, Then Wipe Excess: After applying, let the wash settle for 10–15 seconds. If it pools on flat surfaces, use a clean, slightly damp brush to wick away the excess. This keeps the shade only in the shadows. Common mistake: leaving wash to dry on flat areas creates a blotchy stain. Wipe it off while still wet.
  4. 4. Clean Up with a Damp Brush: If the wash spreads where you don't want it, immediately rinse your brush and use the damp bristles to lift the wash. You can also use a paper towel corner to absorb excess. Checkpoint: work quickly. Warpaints Fanatic Washes dry fast, so you have about 30–60 seconds to correct mistakes.
  5. 5. Allow Full Drying Time: Let the wash dry completely for at least 30 minutes before applying any highlight or varnish. Drying time depends on humidity and how thickly you applied the wash. Common mistake: rushing to the next step while the wash is still damp can lift or smear the shade layer.

Product Facts

  • Warpaints Fanatic: Washes Paint Set: Create perfectly shaded and colour toned miniatures with The Warpaints Fanatic Washes Set. 10 Washes ranging from a rich Dark Tone to a vibrant Dark Red Tone. Can be used directly from the bottle. You don't need to thin or mix these washes, so you can start shading immediately. The range of tones lets you shade different colored areas without muddying your base coat.