Using Contrast Luxion Purple: A Beginner's Painting Guide

Contrast paints have revolutionized miniature painting, offering a quick and easy way to achieve depth and shading in a single coat. Among the most striking colors in the range is Luxion Purple, a vibrant, rich purple that can bring a regal or magical feel to your models. Whether you're painting Warhammer miniatures, Space Marines, or even a fantasy wizard, this guide will walk you through the basics of using Contrast Luxion Purple effectively.

In this beginner-friendly tutorial, we'll cover the essential techniques, from preparing your miniatures to applying the paint for smooth, even results. We'll also share some pro tips on layering and highlighting to make your purple pop, and recommend a few products from GUNNZO to help you get started.

Why Choose Contrast Paints?

Contrast paints are specially formulated to flow into recesses and settle on raised areas, creating natural highlights and shadows. This makes them ideal for beginners who want to achieve a professional-looking finish without extensive blending or layering. Luxion Purple, in particular, is a versatile color that can be used for cloaks, armor panels, or even alien skin.

One of the biggest advantages of Contrast paints is their speed. You can basecoat and shade in one step, cutting your painting time in half. This is especially useful for army painting, where you need to get many models tabletop-ready quickly. With a little practice, you'll be amazed at the results you can achieve with just a single coat.

• One-coat application for basecoat and shade
• Water-based and easy to clean up
• Works well over light primers for vibrant results

Preparing Your Miniature for Contrast Paints

Before you start painting, it's crucial to prepare your miniature properly. Contrast paints work best over a smooth, light-colored primer. A white or light grey primer will give the brightest and most vibrant results, while a darker primer will produce a more muted, shadowed effect. For Luxion Purple, we recommend a light primer to showcase its full brilliance.

Ensure your model is clean and free of any mold release residue. A quick wash in warm soapy water, followed by a rinse, will do the trick. Once dry, you can apply the primer. If you're using an airbrush, a smooth coat of primer will give you the best surface. Alternatively, a rattle can primer works just as well for beginners.

• Use a light grey or white primer for vibrant colors
• Clean your miniatures before priming
• Apply primer in thin, even coats

Applying Contrast Luxion Purple: Step-by-Step

Start by shaking the pot well to ensure the pigment is fully mixed. Using a medium-sized brush, load it with a generous amount of Contrast paint. Apply the paint to the model in smooth, even strokes, working from the center of each area outward. The paint will naturally flow into the recesses, creating shadows, while leaving highlights on the raised areas.

For best results, work in small sections. If you apply too much paint, it can pool and leave unsightly marks. Use a damp brush to wick away any excess paint if needed. Once you've covered the entire model, let it dry completely. You can then add additional layers for more intensity or apply highlights to enhance the contrast.

• Apply a generous amount but control pooling
• Work in small sections for even coverage
• Let each layer dry before adding more

Layering and Highlighting with Luxion Purple

While Contrast paint gives you a great base, you can take your miniature to the next level with some additional layering and highlighting. For a richer purple, you can apply a second coat of Luxion Purple to the shadowed areas, or mix it with a little medium to create a glaze for smoother transitions.

For highlighting, mix a small amount of white or a lighter purple into the Contrast paint and apply it to the raised edges. This will make the details pop and give your model a more dynamic look. Alternatively, you can drybrush a lighter purple over the top to bring out the textures.

• Mix with white for highlights
• Use a glaze for smoother transitions
• Drybrush for quick texture enhancement

Recommended Products from GUNNZO

To get started with Contrast painting, you'll need a few essential tools. A good quality brush is crucial for precise application. The Mr. Basic Nipper MT101 is perfect for removing parts from sprues, and while it's not directly used in painting, it's a must-have for building your miniatures. For painting, a fine detail brush will help you get into those tight spots.

If you're painting Warhammer miniatures, you might also want to consider adding some texture to your bases. The Citadel Technical: Agrellan Earth is a fantastic product that creates a cracked earth effect when dry, adding realism to your models. And for sealing your finished work, a matte varnish will protect your paint job.

• Mr. Basic Nipper MT101 for clean part removal
• Citadel Technical: Agrellan Earth for base effects
• Use a matte varnish to protect your paint

With the techniques outlined in this guide, you'll be able to paint stunning purple miniatures using Contrast Luxion Purple. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. For all your painting needs, visit GUNNZO and explore a wide range of Citadel paints and hobby tools. Start your next project today with the Citadel Layer: Emperor's Children 12ml to add even more depth to your purple palette. Happy painting!