Leo Martínez
There are several types of paint that can be used for altering MTG cards. The most popular option is fluid acrylic paint, which can be easily thinned with water and applied in thin layers to the card. Miniature paints, such as those used for Warhammer, can also work well, but they may need to be diluted with water to achieve the desired consistency. Other options include Golden Acrylics, which are known for their high quality, and Citadel paints, which offer rich colours but dry very quickly. When choosing a paint, it is important to consider the thickness, opacity, and drying time to ensure that the paint adheres well to the card and does not add too much weight, which could affect tournament legality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Fluid acrylics, water-based acrylics, miniature paints, Golden Fluid Acrylics, Model Air, Liquitex paints, Citadel paints, Warhammer paint |
| Paint consistency | Thin layers to avoid adding weight to the card |
| Brush type | Any type of brush can be used |
| Brush size | Size 6 and 4 for priming and mixing colours, size 2 for colour blocking and shape design, size 3/0 for fine lining and detailing |
| Other tools | Paper, jars, wet palette, toothpicks, masking tape, eraser, varnish |
| Techniques | Priming, colour blocking, shape design, fine lining, detailing, dry brush technique |
| Considerations | Card recognisability, legality for tournaments, offensive content |
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What You'll Learn
Thin layers of paint
When applying paint to the card, it is important to work in multiple thin layers rather than one thick layer. This allows for better control over the paint and helps achieve a smooth, bump-free surface. It is advisable to wait for each layer to dry before applying the next, as this prevents the paint from becoming too thick or messy. The number of layers required will depend on the desired colour and the quality of the paint, with higher-quality paints needing fewer layers due to their higher pigment content.
While thin layers are important, it is also crucial to ensure that the paint is not overly diluted. Finding the right ratio of paint to water is key, as too much water can make the paint difficult to work with and may affect its adhesion to the card. It may take some experimentation to find the ideal ratio for the specific paint being used. Additionally, when mixing colours, it is important to blend them thoroughly to create natural-looking hues.
To create a smooth gradient from dark to light, it is recommended to start with the darkest colours and gradually build up to the lightest shades. This technique adds depth and dimension to the artwork. Patience is crucial when working with thin layers, as it takes time for each layer to dry and for the colours to blend seamlessly. Additionally, thin layers can be used to create fine details and highlights, adding complexity and realism to the painting.
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Priming the card
Firstly, clean the surface varnish on your card with a soft eraser. This will allow the paint to stick better.
Next, choose a primer colour. The tone of the primer will depend on the overall darkness or lightness of the card. For example, if you are altering a red card, you might want to prime with a darker shade of grey.
Then, apply several thin layers of primer. The layers should be as thin as possible without any bumps or texture. The more thin layers you apply, the more vivid the colour will be.
After priming, you can start to paint. Remember to keep the paint thin, especially if you want your altered card to be tournament legal.
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Brushes
When it comes to brushes for altering MTG cards, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the brush is important. Smaller brushes are generally recommended for more precise detailing and fine lining work. For example, size 0 brushes are commonly used for fine detailing, while sizes 2 and 3/0 are used for colour blocking and lining respectively. It is also recommended to have a range of brush sizes for priming and mixing colours, such as sizes 6 and 4.
The type of brush is also a factor, and while there is no strict specification, synthetic brushes are often preferred due to their durability and ability to hold a point. Additionally, the quality of the brush can vary, with some artists preferring higher-end brands, while others opt for more affordable options like the Artist's Loft brand or dollar store finds.
Brush care is essential when altering MTG cards. It is important to clean brushes thoroughly between colours and when starting a new area of the card. This can be done using paper or a wet palette, which helps prevent paint from drying out too quickly. It is also suggested to have a designated old brush for techniques like dry brushing to avoid damaging finer brushes.
When it comes to cost, brush prices can vary depending on the brand and size. Smaller brushes can range from $2 to $5, while larger tubes of paint may be more cost-effective in the long run. Ultimately, the choice of brushes depends on personal preference and the level of detail desired in the card alterations.
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Paint types
When it comes to altering MTG cards, the type of paint you use is important. The paint should be thin and easy to apply, with a high pigment content to ensure that the card doesn't become too heavy and remains tournament legal. Here are some of the best types of paint to use:
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are a popular choice for altering MTG cards. They dry quickly and are water-soluble, making them easy to work with. When using acrylics, it's important to thin them down with water to ensure that the paint remains thin and doesn't add too much weight to the card. Golden Fluid Acrylics and Citadel paints are commonly recommended brands, with the former being described as the "gold standard". Vallejo Model Color paints are another option, but they require quite a lot of water to thin them down.
Miniature Paints
Miniature paints, such as those used for Warhammer miniatures, can also be used for altering MTG cards. These paints have a high pigment content, which means you may need fewer layers to achieve the desired colour. The Vallejo Model Air series is a good option for MTG card altering.
Inks
Some artists use inks, such as Citadel inks, for altering MTG cards. However, these inks tend to be thick and may need to be diluted with water, which can make them less economical. High-opacity inks are not suitable for wet blending but work well with progressive layer blending.
Markers and Coloured Pencils
While not paints, markers (such as fineliners) and coloured pencils can also be used for altering MTG cards. Markers with pigmented ink, such as Pitt art pens, Sakura Pigma Pens, Copic, and Letraset, are recommended. Coloured pencils are less commonly used but can be useful in certain applications.
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Varnishing
Acrylic varnish is a popular choice for protecting altered MTG cards. It can be applied directly to the card once your paintwork is complete and dry. It is important to note that not all artists use varnish, and it is optional. However, if you choose to use it, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is essential to let the paint dry completely before applying varnish. This ensures that the colours do not mix or smudge. Secondly, when using acrylic varnish, it is recommended to use thin layers and build them up gradually. This helps achieve a smooth and even finish. It is also important to let each layer of varnish dry before applying the next one.
Another option for varnishing is to use a spray varnish. Spray varnishes come in different finishes, such as matt, gloss, or satin. They can be a quick and easy way to protect your altered MTG cards. Similar to brush-on varnishes, it is important to apply thin, even coats and allow adequate drying time between coats.
The choice between brush-on and spray varnishes depends on personal preference and the finish you want to achieve. It is always a good idea to test the varnish on a small area of the card first to ensure that it does not smudge the paint or react negatively with the card surface.
Additionally, when using varnish, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Follow the safety instructions on the varnish container, and always clean your brushes or spray nozzles after use for easy maintenance and to prevent clogs.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use fluid acrylics, but water them down to keep the paint thin. Miniature paints for Warhammer and other games have a high pigment content and work well. Golden Fluid Acrylics, Vallejo Model Air, and Citadel paints are all popular options.
Aside from paint, you will need brushes, paper, jars, a wet palette, and toothpicks. For brushes, you can use anything you like, as there is no specification. However, keep in mind that you will need different sizes for priming, colour blocking, detailing, and fine lining.
First, clean the surface varnish on your card with a soft eraser. Then, prime the card with a light or dark tone, depending on the overall darkness or lightness of the card. You can also try it without priming to see which method you prefer. Next, start painting, building your painting from darkest to lightest. Apply several thin layers of paint to avoid adding too much weight to the card. Finally, clean the edges with a toothpick and apply varnish.
If you plan to use the altered cards in tournaments, note that the card's name, mana cost, and power/toughness or loyalty must be visible. The card should be recognisable at first glance, shouldn't contain offensive content, and shouldn't provide misleading or game-relevant information.
