Drybrushing: What is it?

Drybrushing is a quick and effective way of highlighting a model. It works best on areas of raised detail and not so well on smooth surfaces. The following is a simple guide to applying highlights by drybrushing.

1. When you have mixed the highlight colour with an old brush, wipe it backwards and forwards on some tissue paper until there is only a trace of paint left on the bristles. Make sure that you use an old brush, as this technique is very hard on the bristles and will quickly ruin a good brush.

2. The next step is to quickly drag the tip of the brush backwards and forwards over the area you are highlighting. The raised surface texture will pick up the paint from the bristles and the highlights will build up. Be as gentle as possible when you are drybrushing. If you are heavy-handed, the paint will build up too thickly and the texture or detail will become obscured.

3. When you have applied the first coat lighten the colour and repeat the process.