Lena Rivera
Applying Army Painter Strong Tone is a popular technique among miniature painters and hobbyists to enhance the details and shading of their models. This quickshade product is designed to add depth and richness to your miniatures by pooling in recesses and creating natural shadows. To apply it effectively, start by ensuring your model is fully painted and sealed with a matte varnish to prevent the paint from lifting. Shake the Strong Tone bottle well to mix the pigment and then apply a generous, even coat using a large brush, making sure to cover all areas. Allow the shade to settle into the crevices for a few minutes, and then gently tilt the model to remove any excess, wiping away pools with a clean brush or cloth. Once dry, you can highlight raised areas to further define the details and achieve a professional finish. With practice, Army Painter Strong Tone can significantly streamline your painting process while delivering impressive results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Enhance miniature details by shading recesses and adding depth. |
| Application Method | Dip brush into the shade, wipe excess on a cloth, and apply in thin layers. |
| Drying Time | 20-30 minutes per layer; 1-2 hours for complete drying. |
| Layering | Apply multiple thin layers for deeper shading; avoid thick applications. |
| Clean-Up | Use water or Army Painter Brush Cleaner for quick brush cleaning. |
| Compatibility | Works best on acrylic paints; test on non-acrylic surfaces first. |
| Effect | Creates a dark, natural shadow in recesses; highlights raised areas. |
| Consistency | Thick, viscous; dilute with water if needed for lighter shading. |
| Surface Preparation | Ensure miniature is primed and base-coated before applying. |
| Post-Application | Seal with a matte varnish to protect the finish. |
| Common Mistakes | Overloading the brush, applying too thickly, or skipping primer. |
| Recommended Tools | Army Painter shading brush, cloth for wiping excess, and a palette. |
| Storage | Store tightly sealed, away from direct sunlight, and at room temperature. |
| Environmental Impact | Water-based and non-toxic; dispose of responsibly. |
| Skill Level | Beginner-friendly but practice recommended for consistent results. |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare Miniatures: Clean, prime, and base coat miniatures before applying Army Painter Strong Tone
- Thin Consistency: Shake well, use a thin layer for best results and even shading
- Application Technique: Apply with a large brush, focusing on recesses and details for depth
- Drying Time: Allow 24 hours to dry completely; avoid touching or moving miniatures
- Clean Up: Use water or lacquer thinner to clean brushes and tools immediately after use
Prepare Miniatures: Clean, prime, and base coat miniatures before applying Army Painter Strong Tone
Before applying Army Painter Strong Tone, proper preparation of your miniatures is crucial for achieving a professional finish. The first step is to clean your miniatures thoroughly. Remove any mold lines, flash, or imperfections using a hobby knife, needle file, or mold line remover tool. These imperfections can detract from the final look, so take your time to ensure the surface is smooth. Additionally, wash the miniatures with warm, soapy water to remove any grease, dust, or residue from the manufacturing process. This step ensures that the primer adheres properly, creating a solid foundation for the paint and shade.
Once your miniatures are clean, the next step is to prime them. Priming is essential as it helps the paint adhere better and provides a uniform surface for your base coat. Choose a primer color that complements your desired final look—grey or black primers are great for darker tones, while white or light grey primers enhance brighter colors. Apply the primer in thin, even coats using a spray primer, holding the can 6-8 inches away from the miniature. Avoid over-spraying, as this can lead to a thick, uneven surface. Allow the primer to dry completely, which typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the primer and environmental conditions.
After priming, it’s time to apply the base coat. The base coat is the foundational color for your miniature and will significantly influence how the Army Painter Strong Tone interacts with the surface. Use high-quality acrylic paints and apply them in thin, even layers, allowing each coat to dry before adding another. Focus on smooth, consistent coverage, and avoid overloading your brush to prevent pooling or obscuring details. For areas with different colors, ensure each section is fully painted before moving on. The base coat should be opaque and evenly applied, as it will determine how the shade settles into the recesses and highlights the raised areas.
When applying the base coat, consider the color choice in relation to the Strong Tone shade. Lighter base colors will result in a more contrasted look, while darker base colors will create a subtler, more muted effect. For example, a white base coat will make the Strong Tone appear very dark and dramatic, while a dark grey base coat will yield a more natural, shadowed look. Plan your color scheme accordingly to achieve the desired effect. Once the base coat is complete and fully dry, your miniatures are ready for the application of Army Painter Strong Tone.
Finally, before moving on to shading, inspect your miniatures to ensure the base coat is flawless. Any missed spots or inconsistencies will be amplified by the shade, so take the time to touch up any areas as needed. Allow the base coat ample time to dry—at least 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the paint and humidity. Properly prepared miniatures will not only make the shading process smoother but also enhance the overall quality and durability of your finished piece. With clean, primed, and base-coated miniatures, you’re now ready to apply Army Painter Strong Tone for stunning results.
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Thin Consistency: Shake well, use a thin layer for best results and even shading
When applying Army Painter Strong Tone, achieving a thin consistency is crucial for optimal results. The first step is to shake the bottle vigorously before use. This ensures that the pigment and medium are thoroughly mixed, preventing uneven application and clumping. Strong Tone is a water-based shade, and its components can separate over time, so shaking is not just a recommendation—it’s essential. A well-shaken bottle will deliver a smooth, consistent flow, allowing you to apply the shade evenly across your miniature.
Once the bottle is shaken, focus on using a thin layer of Strong Tone. Dip your brush into the shade and gently wipe off excess on the bottle’s rim to avoid overloading. Apply the shade in a controlled manner, letting it flow into the recesses of the model naturally. A thin layer dries faster and reduces the risk of pooling or obscuring fine details. This approach enhances the shading effect while preserving the crispness of the miniature’s features, ensuring that the highlights and textures remain visible.
The key to even shading lies in the consistency and application technique. Work in sections, applying the shade gradually and allowing it to settle into the crevices. Avoid brushing back and forth excessively, as this can disturb the flow and create streaks. Instead, let the shade do the work, using gravity to guide it into the desired areas. If you notice any pooling, gently tilt the miniature to let the excess run off, or carefully wick it away with a clean brush.
For best results, apply Strong Tone in a well-ventilated area and maintain a steady hand. The thin consistency dries relatively quickly, but proper airflow helps speed up the process and prevents dust particles from settling on the wet surface. If you’re working on multiple miniatures, apply the shade to all of them before moving on to the next step, ensuring consistency across your batch. This method also allows you to maintain a rhythm and avoid overworking any single model.
Finally, remember that less is often more when using Army Painter Strong Tone. A thin, carefully applied layer will provide deep, natural shading without overwhelming the miniature. If you feel the effect isn’t strong enough, allow the first layer to dry completely and then apply a second thin coat. This builds up the shade gradually, giving you more control over the final look. By prioritizing thin consistency, you’ll achieve professional-looking results with even shading and minimal effort.
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Application Technique: Apply with a large brush, focusing on recesses and details for depth
When applying Army Painter Strong Tone, the technique of using a large brush to focus on recesses and details is key to achieving depth and realism in your miniatures. Start by loading a generous amount of the shade onto your brush, ensuring the bristles are well-saturated but not dripping. A large brush, such as a size 2 or 3, is ideal for this step as it allows you to cover larger areas quickly and maintain control over the application. Begin by gently sweeping the brush over the surface of the model, allowing the shade to naturally settle into the recesses and crevices. This initial application should be light and even, focusing on letting the shade do the work rather than forcing it into place.
As you continue, pay close attention to the details and recessed areas of the miniature. Tilt your brush slightly to direct the flow of the shade into these areas, enhancing the natural shadows and adding depth. The goal is to create a smooth transition between the shaded recesses and the highlighted surfaces, so avoid overloading the brush or applying too much pressure, which can lead to pooling or uneven coverage. Work methodically, section by section, to ensure consistent results and allow the shade to flow naturally into the desired areas.
For intricate details or hard-to-reach areas, you may need to adjust your brush angle or use the tip of the bristles to carefully apply the shade. Keep a light touch and focus on precision, ensuring the shade enhances the details without obscuring them. If you accidentally apply too much shade, you can gently wick away the excess with a clean brush or a piece of absorbent paper, but it’s best to work carefully to avoid this step. Remember, the shade will dry darker than it appears when wet, so err on the side of caution and build up layers gradually if needed.
After applying the shade, allow it ample time to dry completely before assessing the results. Depending on the humidity and thickness of application, this can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Once dry, inspect the miniature under good lighting to ensure the shading has achieved the desired depth and contrast. If certain areas need more definition, you can repeat the process with a lighter touch, focusing only on the specific recesses or details that require additional shading.
Finally, practice and patience are essential when mastering this technique. Experiment with different brush pressures, angles, and amounts of shade to understand how they affect the final result. Over time, you’ll develop a feel for how the shade flows and settles, allowing you to achieve consistent and professional-looking results. By focusing on recesses and details with a large brush, you’ll enhance the overall depth and realism of your miniatures, making Army Painter Strong Tone an invaluable tool in your painting arsenal.
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Drying Time: Allow 24 hours to dry completely; avoid touching or moving miniatures
When applying Army Painter Strong Tone, one of the most critical steps is ensuring proper drying time. Allow 24 hours for the shade to dry completely. This might seem like a long wait, but rushing this process can ruin your hard work. Strong Tone is a water-based product, but it still requires ample time to cure fully. During this period, the shade settles into the recesses of your miniature, enhancing the details and creating a smooth, even finish. Cutting this time short can result in a tacky surface, smudges, or uneven coverage, which will detract from the overall appearance of your model.
During the drying process, avoid touching or moving the miniatures. Even the slightest contact can leave fingerprints or disrupt the shade’s flow, especially if it hasn’t fully set. Place your miniatures in a secure, dust-free area where they won’t be disturbed. A drying rack or a designated workspace with good ventilation is ideal. If you’re working on multiple miniatures, ensure they are spaced apart to prevent accidental knocking or smudging. Patience is key here—resist the temptation to check the dryness by touching the surface, as this can leave marks.
Humidity and temperature can also affect drying time. In humid conditions, the shade may take longer to dry, so consider using a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the process. Conversely, in very dry or warm environments, the shade might dry too quickly, leading to a patchy finish. Aim for a moderate room temperature (around 20-25°C or 68-77°F) for optimal results. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and allow the full 24 hours, regardless of the conditions.
Once the 24-hour mark has passed, gently inspect the miniatures to ensure they are fully dry. The surface should feel smooth and non-sticky to the touch. If any areas still feel tacky, give them additional time to dry. After confirming the miniatures are completely dry, you can proceed with any additional steps, such as applying a protective varnish or adding further details. Proper drying ensures the longevity and durability of your work, so don’t skip this crucial step.
Finally, remember that proper drying time is as important as the application itself. Skipping or shortening this step can undo the effort you’ve put into shading your miniatures. By allowing a full 24 hours for drying and avoiding any contact during this period, you’ll achieve a professional, high-quality finish with Army Painter Strong Tone. This patience will pay off in the form of beautifully shaded miniatures that are ready for the tabletop or display.
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Clean Up: Use water or lacquer thinner to clean brushes and tools immediately after use
Proper cleanup is essential when working with Army Painter Strong Tone or any other quickshade product to ensure the longevity of your brushes and tools. Immediately after applying the shade, it’s crucial to clean your brushes and tools thoroughly to prevent the pigment and varnish from drying and hardening on them. The primary cleaning agents for this task are water or lacquer thinner, depending on the type of brush and the extent of buildup. For most synthetic brushes used with water-based products like Army Painter Strong Tone, water is sufficient for initial cleanup. However, if the shade has started to dry or if you’re using natural hair brushes, lacquer thinner may be necessary to dissolve the varnish effectively.
To clean your brushes with water, start by rinsing them under warm running water, gently working the bristles to remove as much of the shade as possible. Follow this by lathering the brush with a mild soap or brush shampoo, ensuring the soap penetrates deep into the bristles. Rinse again until the water runs clear, and repeat the process if any residue remains. After cleaning, reshape the brush head with your fingers and allow it to dry naturally, lying flat or with the bristles pointing downward to prevent water from pooling at the ferrule and causing rust or bristle damage. This method is effective for routine cleanup and helps maintain the brush’s shape and softness.
For more stubborn residue or when using natural hair brushes, lacquer thinner is a more potent cleaning solution. Dip the brush into a small container of lacquer thinner, swish it around, and then use a brush cleaning tool or the palm of your hand to work out the dried shade. Be cautious when using lacquer thinner, as it is a harsh chemical that can damage brush bristles if left on for too long. After removing the majority of the residue, rinse the brush thoroughly with water and follow up with a gentle soap wash to remove any chemical traces. Proper ventilation is essential when working with lacquer thinner to avoid inhaling fumes.
Cleaning your tools, such as palettes or stirring sticks, is equally important. For palettes, scrape off excess shade with a palette knife or scraper, then wash with warm, soapy water. If the shade has dried, soaking the palette in water for a few minutes can help loosen the residue before scrubbing it clean. Stirring sticks or applicators can be wiped clean with a paper towel immediately after use and then washed with soap and water. For dried residue, soaking in water or lacquer thinner may be necessary, depending on the material of the tool.
Finally, establish a routine for cleanup to make the process efficient and consistent. Keep a container of water and a small jar of lacquer thinner (if needed) within reach while working, along with paper towels, soap, and a brush cleaning tool. Cleaning your brushes and tools immediately after use not only preserves their quality but also ensures they are ready for your next painting session. Neglecting cleanup can lead to hardened bristles, clogged ferrules, and ruined tools, which can be costly and frustrating to replace. By prioritizing cleanup, you’ll maintain the performance and lifespan of your painting equipment, making the application of Army Painter Strong Tone a smoother and more enjoyable process.
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Frequently asked questions
Clean your miniatures with warm soapy water to remove any mold release agents, let them dry completely, and then prime them with a suitable primer (e.g., grey, black, or white) to ensure the paint and shade adhere properly.
Shake the bottle well, then apply a generous but controlled amount of Strong Tone into the recesses and details of the miniature using a large brush. Allow it to flow naturally into the crevices, and wipe off any excess from raised areas with a clean brush or cloth.
Strong Tone typically takes 24 hours to fully dry, depending on humidity and thickness of application. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers, as they can cause bubbling or uneven drying. Instead, ensure good ventilation to aid the drying process.
