Contrast Paints vs Traditional Layering
Contrast-style paints shade and colour in one coat. Traditional layering takes more steps but gives full control over highlights.
| Contrast paints | Traditional layering | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast | Slower |
| Steps | Primer, one coat, optional highlights | Basecoat, wash, layers, highlights |
| Control | Less, flows where it wants | Full control |
| Best surfaces | Textured areas like cloth and fur | Smooth panels and faces |
| Primer | Needs light primer | Any primer |
| Result | Good tabletop quality quickly | Up to display quality |
Choose Contrast paints if
- You have a large army to paint
- You are new and want fast results
- You paint textured models
Choose Traditional layering if
- You paint characters and display models
- You want crisp highlights
- You enjoy the painting process
The bottom line
Most painters mix both: contrast paints for speed, then traditional highlights on key areas. Neither is cheating.