Zenithal Priming Explained: A Beginner's Guide (The #1 Trick for Better Miniatures)
Zenithal Priming Explained: A Beginner's Guide (The #1 Trick for Better Miniatures)
Meta Description: What is zenithal priming and why do all the pros use it? This simple guide breaks down this easy technique to instantly add depth, shadows, and realism to your painted models.
https://i.imgur.com/placeholder.png This single trick, done before you even open a paint pot, will make your next miniature look professionally shaded.
You’ve spent hours carefully painting a miniature. The colors are clean, the details are neat... but it looks flat. The volumes are missing. The shadows you painted on look unnatural.
The problem isn’t your painting—it’s your starting point.
Professional painters use a secret weapon called zenithal priming to map out light and shadow before they apply a single drop of color. It sounds complex, but it’s one of the easiest techniques to learn, and it will revolutionize your results.
Let’s break it down.
What is Zenithal Priming?
Zenithal priming (or “zenithal highlighting”) is the process of priming a model with different values of primer—typically black, gray, and white—to simulate how light falls on it from a single light source directly above (the “zenith”).
In short: You trick your eye into seeing shadows and highlights through the layers of paint you apply over top.
Why Bother? The Benefits are Massive
A Pre-Shaded Guide: It acts like a roadmap, showing you exactly where to place your highlights and shadows.
Instant Depth: Colors applied over a zenithal base will automatically have more volume and depth. Thinner paints will show the gradient underneath.
Better Contrast: It creates a foundation of high contrast that makes your model “pop” on the tabletop.
It’s Fast and Forgiving: It takes only minutes and is much easier than trying to paint perfect blends.
How to Do It: The Step-by-Step Guide
You don't need an airbrush! Here are two methods:
Method 1: The Rattlecan / Spray Can Method (Easiest)
This is the most accessible method for everyone.
What You Need:
Spray Primer (Black)
Spray Primer (White or Light Gray)
Your miniature
The Process:
Prime Black: Give the entire model a solid coat of black primer. This represents the deepest shadows. Let it dry completely.
Spray Gray from a 45-Degree Angle: Hold the model at a 45-degree angle and give it a light, pass-over coat of gray primer. This hits the upper-facing surfaces, leaving the undersides black.
Dust with White from Above: Hold the model upright and spray a very light dusting of white primer directly from the top. This should only catch the very highest edges, like the top of the head, shoulders, and knees.
Method 2: The "Drybrush" Method (No Spray Required!)
No sprays? No problem. You can achieve a similar effect with brushes.
What You Need:
Black Primer (brush-on or spray)
A large, soft Makeup Brush or Drybrush
White Acrylic Paint
The Process:
Prime Black: Prime the entire model black and let it dry.
Heavy Drybrush Gray: Use a large drybrush to heavily drybrush a mid-gray over the entire model, focusing on all areas that would catch light.
Light Drybrush White: Use a clean drybrush to lightly drybrush pure white onto only the very highest points of the model.
How to Paint Over Your Zenithal Prime
This is the magic part. Your painting approach changes based on the paint you use:
With Contrast / Speed Paints: These paints are translucent. Simply apply them directly over the zenithal prime! The pre-shading will show through perfectly, doing the work for you.
With Traditional Acrylics: You will use the zenithal as a guide. Thin your paints more than usual. Apply them in thin layers, allowing the light and dark values underneath to influence the final color. You’ll instinctively know where to place brighter highlights and deeper shadows.
The Thrifty Painter's Final Verdict
Zenithal priming is the biggest “bang for your buck” technique in miniature painting. It takes less than 5 extra minutes but fundamentally improves your final result.
It’s not a complex art form; it’s a simple, practical tool. Whether you use rattle cans or a drybrush, start your next model with a zenithal prime. You will be shocked at how much more professional your paint job looks with barely any extra effort.
Will you try zenithal priming on your next model? Show us your results in the comments below!
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