How to Paint Ghostly, Spectral Figures (3 Easy Methods)

Meta Description: Want to paint ethereal, glowing ghosts and spirits? Learn 3 simple methods using drybrushing, inks, and oils to create phantom miniatures that will haunt your tabletop.

https://i.imgur.com/placeholder.png Turn your ordinary undead into terrifying apparitions with these simple techniques that require no advanced skills.

There’s something incredibly cool about a well-painted ghost miniature. It doesn’t just sit on the table; it seems to float above it, whispering of forgotten battles and lost souls.

But how do you capture that eerie, translucent, and glowing effect with paint? It’s easier than you think. You don't need an airbrush or years of experience. Whether you’re painting Nighthaunts for Age of Sigmar, spirits for D&D, or customizing your own phantom, these three methods will give you stunning results.

The Core Principle: The "Ethereal" Recipe

All ghostly effects follow the same basic recipe, regardless of the method:

1. A White Core: Start with a bright, pure white base.

2. A Color Glaze: Add your ghostly color (green, blue, purple) but keep it translucent.

3. Dark Recesses: Paradoxically, adding dark shades to the deepest areas enhances the illusion of brightness and glow.

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Method 1: The Drybrush Method (Easiest & Fastest)

This is the perfect method for painting large units of spectral infantry quickly and effectively.

Steps:

1. Prime White: Prime the entire model pure white. This is your brightest light.

2. Heavy Drybrush Mid-Tone: Choose your main ghostly color (e.g., a light green). Heavily drybrush the entire model, leaving the deepest recesses white.

3. Targeted Drybrush Shadow: Use a darker version of your color (e.g., a dark green) to drybrush only the mid-areas, avoiding the highest points.

4. Deepen the Recesses: Use a very thin, dark wash (like diluted black or dark green ink) and carefully apply it only to the very deepest recesses of the model. This creates contrast and makes the raised areas pop.

5. Highlight the Tips: Finish with a light drybrush of a very pale color (e.g., Off-White) on the very tips of the wisps, hair, and tatters.

Best for: Beginners, painting large hordes, Nighthaunt Chainrasps.

Method 2: The Ink/Contrast Paint Method (Best for Glow)

This method uses translucent paints to create beautiful color gradients and a deep, glowing effect.

Steps:

1. Prime White: Again, start with a pure white primer.

2. Apply a Dark Ink Wash: This is the secret step. Use a dark wash (e.g., Darkoath Flesh, Nuln Oil, or a diluted black ink) all over the model. This will instantly define all the shadows and recesses.

3. Color Glaze: Now, apply a translucent ink or Contrast Paint (e.g., Hexwraith Flame, Nighthaunt Gloom, Aethermatic Blue) over the entire model. The dark wash underneath will show through, creating instant depth, while the color will tint the white areas.

4. Re-White the Tips: Use a thin white paint to carefully highlight the very ends of the spectral wisps and the most raised edges. This makes it look like the spirit is materializing and at its most intense at these points.

Best for: Creating a deep, glowing, ethereal look, centerpiece models.

Method 3: The Object Source Lighting (OSL) Method (Most Advanced)

For the ghost that is its own light source, illuminating the base and itself.

Steps:

1. Prime Black: Start with a black primer to represent the darkness.

2. Define the Light Source: Decide where the ghost’s light is coming from (usually from within).

3. Drybrush Upwards: Drybrush your entire model with a mid-tone grey, then a light grey, focusing on areas the light would hit.

4. Apply the Ghost Color: Using a highly translucent ink or thinned paint, glaze your ghostly color over the grey areas. The intensity of the color should be strongest near the imagined light source (e.g., the chest, eyes) and fade out towards the extremities.

5. Paint the Base: Use the same color to paint the ground immediately around the ghost’s feet, showing the light spilling onto the base. Keep this faint and faded at the edges.

Best for: Display pieces, dioramas, advanced painters wanting a challenge.

Pro Tip: The Base is Key

A ghost shouldn’t look like it’s standing on the ground. Paint the base dark and muted (dark browns, greys) so all the visual focus is on the bright, ethereal figure. You can even drill a small hole in the bottom of the foot and use a clear acrylic rod to make it look like it’s actually floating.

The Thrifty Painter's Final Verdict

You don’t need special paints or supernatural skill to paint a fantastic ghost. Method 2 (The Ink Wash Method) is my top recommendation for most painters. It’s relatively simple but produces a complex, glowing result that looks like it took far more effort than it did.

So grab that old bottle of green wash and a white primer, and get ready to unleash some spirits onto your tabletop.

Which method will you try first? Share your spooky results in the comments below!

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