Miniature painting is just better with Enamels. 

it's funny, I know a lot of scale modeler who said the same thing about Acrylics for years, but most ppl came to appreciate both over the years.

This is a high quality video, editing is so well done it even brings aesthetic pleasure. Thank you for your efforts, I'm just starting to learn painting and your vids inspire and helps a lot.

Awesome. Getting HEAVY into grimdark and your tutorials are incredible.

Your videos keep getting better and better. The editing is superb. Keep up the great work from a long time supporter

Always love your methods and techniques. Greta job! Keep it coming bro.

Re: the bit at around 6:00 about them not being the standard for miniatures, one thing to keep in mind is that enamels need some kind of thinner (mineral spirits, enamel thinner, etc), and are somewhat more toxic than acrylics, whereas the normal acrylic washes can be thinned with water if needed, and don’t need any harsh chemicals to be thinned. While I’d argue enamel paints aren’t nearly as “scary” as a lot of people seem to think, they still are a bit less beginner-friendly than acrylics in terms of needing additional equipment. Also worth noting GW in particular tends to market to all ages, and I’d imagine a parent buying paints for their child could be a bit put-off by needing mineral spirits and the like. On top of that, your technique with using an enamel airbrush filter (which is brilliant, by the way) is something that isn’t always an option- apparently most miniature painters (90% plus) don’t own an airbrush, and even then you need good ventilation and/or a respirator just to be on the safe side. I think that’s why enamels, and enamel washes in particular haven’t caught on anywhere near the degree they have in, say, scale modelling (where they pretty much are the standard). (Just my opinion, though, so the above could well be nonsense). Also, as a tangent, this is the first time I’ve heard about you creating your own range of enamels, and I just wanted to say it’s a fantastic idea and I’m hoping they do well, definitely hoping to grab some if they’re ever for sale where I’m at.

looking forward to getting my hands on these enamels, going to give them a thorough review :D

Thanks for the help mate, I always learn something new to do on my work here.. awesome video💪🏻

Keep up the great work guys, love your videos

Amazing, thank you for the information and the techniques!

Zatcaskagoon! It’s been too long since I’ve watched one of your vids. Been wanting to try these techniques on my Kingdom Death minis and you’ve given me the push. Thanks dude!

dang! this looks so good !

Hope you are feeling better, looking forward to receiving my inks!

Wow, beautiful work.

Love it… exactly what I needed to share with a friend.

Love your videos, amazing one as always!

Also, just in time! About to start an Ork army and wanting to do a Grimdark! Sweet!

Good job! Looking forward to getting the Villiany Inks!

Already have the enamels on order. Looking forward to getting them.

That bishop is very cool

Long time lurker, first time commenter … Firstly, I find your videos and tutorials absolutely great to watch, you have a fantastic style and even though I rarely paint now (I keep telling myself I’ll get those brushes out soon), I find your work very inspiring and you capture that Grimdark style so so excellently. Secondly, can anyone point me to the “reductive slap chop” (black enamel over a white base coat) video mentioned towards the end - this might be the actual impetus to finally paint again … is the video for this method on RU-vid or on the subscription platform? Either way, thank you and good luck with your fine work!

That priest... I must have him! Great videos as always!

Great video! Something just about filters would be cool - what products, what dilutions, etc.

we are not worthy as waynes world say. awesome work again all the information stored in my brain use later on. as for the inks the wait will be worth it but thanks for the update.

Thanks for the great video, I learned loads from it. Would love to know if or how you would use Humbrol enamels as just bought a few. Saw some old blanche chaos marines done with them so thought I should give them a go. The metalcote ones are particularly useful.

Superb content as always ❤ do you have any videos emphasizing more on the filtering part?

This video could not of come at a better time. I am trying to make a custom cities if sigmar army, from essentially the Lies of P universe. And I have been struggling to get a style I like. My grim dark approach just hasn’t been cutting this. But this video showed me where I have been making my mistakes! I finally see where I have been going wrong. Thank you so much!!🙌🏼🙌🏼 Also side note, where is that mini from at 6:55. He looks awesome!

Thanks for sharing! The very best grimdark content on the internet 🌚

Lovely looking models and great tutorial! Would a varnish make the alcohol safer and less volatile for the acrylic method?

i love your stuff...any chance we get some examples for legion imperialis small models

Great video! I have a question about the reductive black-wash step; is there an advantage to using enamels in this phase over a mixed artists grade oil wash? They're both reductive methods involving spirits, but I'm just curious as to the advantage of enamels v. oils?

Question for you and the community: I'm looking for a black enamel wash, I've used Ak interactive streaking grime and love the effect, but it's a bit green for the project in mind where I want silver metals to come through. I'd love to avoid buying several things to experiment with, What is your go to enamel for black? I'd love something that dries matte and less oily, any positive feedback appreciated

Thank you for sharing and the "slapchop" idea of Black Enamel Wash on a White Primed model. Is there a Black Wash in your new product line? cheers.

How do you go about filtering if you don't have and want to use an airbrush? Most of the miniatures I paint are true 28mm scaled humans which feels a bit more challenging with this technique.

Do the enamels require a matt varnish before enamel wash/white spirit removal? Im going to be trying to break into airbrushing this year. But I have been working with the streaking grime/grim dark style for my Ork army.

Can you apply the (enamel) filter with a regular brush?

Is there any scope for Villany Inks to be stocked in the UK? Im really excited to try these as im.at the beginning of my Grim Dark journey 🤘🏻

Would you class Streaking Grime as a unifying wash?

Hey there! Do you have any news on distribution through PK-Pro? I am so thrilled to order your Enamels asap Grimdark regards

The villain artist we need and deserve!

This is interesting, but in my local store they cost more than 4 times the price of other enamel washes. I hope they go down in price because I cannot justify a purchase atm for this.

Boi, oh Boi. New video!

No varnish between the acrylics and enamel? Doesn't the spirit removal also remove the acrylics?

What is that first miniature wearing the mitre? That thing is awesome

Do you use a varnish when you use enamels? I get a weird wet look when I don't use a varnish.

Is there any way to do the filtering without an airbrush, or is that pretty much required?

Any chance of selling this product through some European online retailer? Would LOVE to buy them all but the shipping per bottle from US kills me 😢

Why would one choose enamel over oil wash or oil over enamel?

I was always was under the impression that enamels are going away and acrylics and lacquers were going to take over as a replacement. At least that is what some of the gundam hobbiest were saying.

coooooooooool

6:50 Where do I find this model or stl?

When it comes to miniature painting, both washing techniques and the use of mineral spirits have their place, but there are compelling reasons why washing techniques might be preferred, especially for beginners or those looking to avoid heavy chemicals: Advantages of Washing Techniques: Enhances Details: Washes settle into recesses, grooves, and textures, emphasizing details and making them more visible Creates Depth and Contrast: By darkening recessed areas, washes provide contrast between raised surfaces and recesses Subtle Color Variations: Washes can blend colors, create gradients, and add tonal variations Improves Realism: They can create a natural, weathered look, adding to the miniature’s lifelike appearance Accessibility: Washing is a technique that is easy to learn and apply, making it ideal for beginners Tradition: It’s a time-honored method that resonates with the fine arts community due to its historical use Concerns with Mineral Spirits: Chemical Exposure: Mineral spirits are a petroleum distillate and can be harsher to work with, requiring proper ventilation and safety precautions Potential for Damage: They can strip or damage surfaces if not used carefully Environmental Impact: Disposal of mineral spirits must be done with care due to their chemical nature In summary, washing techniques offer a safer, more accessible, and historically traditional approach to miniature painting that can achieve excellent results without the need for harsh chemicals. This makes it a friendly option for beginners and those sensitive to solvents. While mineral spirits can be effective, especially for thinning paints and cleaning, they come with a set of challenges that might not be suitable for all painters. Ultimately, the choice depends on the painter’s skill level, goals, and personal preference for working conditions.

Are the paints going to be affordable

Honestly , painting GW style with multiple manually painted highlights looks rather cartoony and takes forever. The only thing I dislike about the grimdark technique is that it smells. Even when I use a mask, the problem I have is that the house stinks afterward of solvents which cannot be healthy. I now do my deductive step in the garden XD

>it is preposterous. You don't need two of those colors or two of those steps. Indeed. But then GW wouldn't sell as many paints would they?

I think it’s pretty obvious why acrylic paints and washes are the industry standard. They’re way way more accessible, especially for younger hobbyists. They’re non-toxic, they generally don’t smell too bad, and only require water to work with them effectively. As you showed in your video, you have to use unpleasant thinners like white/mineral spirits to be able to work with enamels, which is fine if you’re deep in the hobby. You’re obviously getting good results with enamels but I much prefer the convenience of not having to wear a mask, and being able to just fill up a cup of water from the tap to paint.

Algorithmic support

RIP Rotten Factory :(

Emanels is how citadel painters started.

I will stay on non toxic acrylics.

Lol just gotta post a video with an "EASIER THAN SLAPCHOP??!?!?!" thumbnail/title (maybe with someone making a slackjawed bugeyed face on it for good measure) and just start printing money with all your new views and subs.

i’ll never do anything a youtube thumbnail tells me

very cool and effective technique, but I think it's kinda disingenuous to say it's a superior technique to any other. There's many approaches to mini painting, this works very well for your style, others work well for other styles. Of course not to mention that acrylics are water solvent and don't require use of harmful chemicals

Suspicious why GW pushes water-based washes ? Very simple ! First reason : safety ! I wouldn’t let a 10 year old play with mineral spirits. If he drinks the whole bottle of Cœlia wash, he will just sh1t green for 2 days. Second reason is money of course.

I don't understand why you keep wondering and say you don't get why people don't just wash with enamel. Most people hobby inside their home or office and no one wants volatile dangerous stinky ass substances or paint for hours upon hours with a mask on. I can just chill with washes and make grimdark without a problem. Ofc layers are needed, this is not something GW invented. I am an actual artist and graphic designer with a degree in arts and this is a basic principle of painting since forever. You layer because you want to create a gradiant of colors, or to "glaze". If you paint red then wash it then remove some of it, it won't look realistic. You need several shades of red to create realistic light. There are incredible painters on youtube that make literal works of art and they don't do it with enamel for a reason. Most grim dark stuff you guys put on this channel looks so washed and depressed that it will look horrible on a tabletop. No one gives a crap about Mordheim lol. Most people that look this stuff up are warhammer players. An army of brown, black, and dark tone greens will look like a depressed pile of poop and you miss out on many great things like heraldry and so on which give a lot of life to a medieval army, for example. Myself..as a fan of grimdark, created a medium between the 2 worlds. I have bright colors but destroyed by weathering and such. Good content otherwise. Just feels like you are flaming the standard tech just to sell your own inks. I guess you are aware you cannot compete with the big boys in the paint industry, no?