Non Metallic Metal explained in 5 minutes

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the Non Metallic Metal (NMM) painting technique, a popular method among miniature painters. NMM allows you to achieve a metallic look without using actual metallic paints, providing you with greater control over reflections and colors. This technique is especially useful for painting miniatures in games like Warhammer and Marvel: Crisis Protocol.

Step 1: Understand the Principles of NMM

Before you start painting, familiarize yourself with the core principles of Non Metallic Metal:

• High Contrast: Use a range of light and dark shades to create depth.
• Smooth Reflections: Ensure reflections have a gradient without hard edges.
• Counter Reflections: Include secondary reflections that are less intense and placed behind main reflections.

Step 2: Prepare Your Miniature

• Base Layer: Start with a black base layer to help identify light reflections.
• Lighting: Position your miniature against a light source to observe where the light hits.

Step 3: Identify Reflection Areas

• Take a photo of your miniature at different angles to better understand where reflections will be applied.
• Mark the areas where you see highlights and plan to paint them white for the main reflections.

Step 4: Apply Base Colors

• White Layer: Apply multiple thin coats of white paint to the identified reflection areas.
• Dark Sea Blue: Mix a color ratio of 9 parts white to 1 part dark sea blue and apply it to the remaining areas, excluding recesses.

Step 5: Create Midtones

• Prepare three midtone mixes:
  • 7 parts dark sea blue to 3 parts white
  • 1 part dark sea blue to 1 part white
  • 3 parts dark sea blue to 7 parts white
• Apply these midtones progressively to blend between the white highlights and dark sea blue base.

Step 6: Smooth Transitions

• Use a glazing technique by lightly brushing over the transitions where midtones meet.
• Apply the glaze with a very light touch to ensure a smooth blend.

Step 7: Add Counter Reflections

• For counter reflections, start with a midtone mix of 7 parts white to 3 parts dark sea blue.
• Place these reflections strategically, leaving space between them and the main reflections.

Step 8: Final Touches

• Highlight the edges of your painted areas using the same paint as your main reflections.
• Blackline any recesses to enhance contrast and depth.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively paint non-metallic metal on your miniatures, achieving a realistic metallic appearance. Remember to practice and adjust your technique as needed. As you become more comfortable with NMM, experiment with different blending methods and color combinations. Happy painting!