Iflameon Miniatures: NMM Gold Painting Guide

Hey guys! Ever wanted to make your Iflameon miniatures look like they're gleaming with real gold, but without using actual metallic paints? That's where Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) painting comes in, and we're diving deep into how to achieve that stunning gold effect on your minis. This guide will walk you through the techniques, color choices, and steps needed to create that amazing NMM gold finish. Let’s get started and turn your miniatures into golden masterpieces!

Understanding Non-Metallic Metal (NMM)

Before we jump into the specifics of painting gold NMM, let's quickly cover what NMM is all about. NMM is a painting technique where you use regular acrylic paints to simulate the look of metal. Instead of relying on metallic pigments to create shine and reflection, you use careful blends of highlights and shadows to trick the eye into seeing metallic surfaces. This technique can seem challenging at first, but with practice, it opens up a whole new level of realism and artistry in your miniature painting.

When we talk about NMM, we're essentially talking about recreating how light interacts with metal. Real metal reflects light in a very specific way, with bright highlights and dark shadows defining its shape and texture. To replicate this, you'll be using a range of non-metallic colors to mimic these light effects. The key is to understand where the light would naturally hit the metal and to paint accordingly. Think of it as sculpting with paint, using light and shadow to define the form and create the illusion of metallic shine. This involves a smooth transition between contrasting colors, which gives the final piece a reflective, metallic appearance. It's all about the strategic placement of highlights and shadows, ensuring that they blend seamlessly to create a realistic metallic illusion. The beauty of NMM is that it allows for a greater level of control over the final look, giving your miniatures a unique and artistic flair that traditional metallic paints sometimes can't achieve. This method requires patience and a keen eye, but the results are well worth the effort.

Choosing the Right Colors for NMM Gold

Okay, so you're ready to paint some gold, but what colors do you actually need? The secret to convincing NMM gold lies in the right color palette. Forget metallic paints for this – we're going for a non-metallic approach! You'll want to gather a selection of yellows, browns, and whites. Think of it as building up the gold effect layer by layer. A good starting point is a dark brown or even a dark reddish-brown as your base coat. This will act as the darkest shadow areas of your gold. Then you'll need a range of yellows, from a mid-tone yellow to a very bright, almost lemon yellow. These yellows will form the mid-tones and highlights of your gold. Finally, white is essential for the brightest highlights, giving your gold that final pop of shine.

Let's break it down a bit further. For your darkest shadows, consider colors like Burnt Umber, Rhinox Hide (from Citadel), or even a dark, desaturated red like a dark Burnt Sienna. These colors will add depth and richness to your gold. For the mid-tones, a good base yellow is essential. Think Golden Yellow or a similar vibrant yellow. You’ll also want a slightly lighter yellow, like a Lemon Yellow or a Pale Yellow, to start building up the highlights. For the brightest highlights, pure white is your go-to. However, you can also mix a tiny amount of yellow into your white to keep the color harmony consistent. Experimenting with mixes of these colors can also create unique shades of gold. For instance, adding a touch of orange to your mid-tone yellow can create a warmer, more antique gold look. Remember, the key is to have a smooth transition between these colors to create the illusion of a reflective surface. Also, it’s helpful to keep a wet palette handy, as this will prevent your paints from drying out too quickly and help with blending. Don't be afraid to test out different combinations on a spare piece of plastic or paper before applying them to your miniature. This way, you can ensure you achieve the perfect gold tone for your project.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting NMM Gold

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of painting NMM gold. This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to creating stunning gold effects on your Iflameon miniatures. Remember, patience is key, and practice makes perfect. So, don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless. Just keep at it!

1. Base Coat: Start by applying a smooth, even base coat of your darkest color. As we discussed earlier, this could be a dark brown, reddish-brown, or even a dark desaturated red. The base coat acts as the foundation for your gold, representing the deepest shadows. Make sure the coat is thin and even to avoid obscuring any details on your miniature. Two thin coats are better than one thick one, as they will dry more evenly and prevent any pooling or texture buildup. Ensure the base coat is completely dry before moving on to the next step, as this will prevent any unwanted mixing of colors and ensure a smooth transition in later layers. Take your time with this step; a solid base coat sets the stage for the rest of the painting process. It provides the necessary depth and contrast that will make the gold effect pop. Consider the direction of the light source at this stage, as the base coat will primarily be visible in the areas furthest from the light. This foundational layer is crucial for achieving a convincing NMM gold effect.
2. Mid-tones: Once your base coat is dry, it's time to start building up the mid-tones. Using your mid-tone yellow, begin layering the areas where the light would naturally hit the gold. This doesn't mean painting the entire surface yellow. Instead, focus on the larger, flatter areas and any raised sections that would catch the light. Apply the paint in thin layers, gradually increasing the intensity of the yellow. This technique, known as layering, allows you to build up smooth transitions between colors. If the mid-tone yellow is too bright initially, you can mix it with a touch of your base coat color to soften it and create a more gradual transition. Remember to leave some of the dark base coat visible in the recesses and shadowed areas. This contrast between the dark base and the mid-tones is what begins to create the illusion of a metallic surface. As you build up the mid-tones, consider the overall shape of the object you're painting and how light would naturally reflect off it. This understanding of light and shadow is essential for successful NMM painting. Don't be afraid to go back and forth between layers, adjusting the tones as needed to achieve the desired effect. This step is crucial for defining the form and creating a sense of dimension.
3. Highlights: Now it's time to make your gold shine! Using your lighter yellow, start adding highlights to the areas where the light would hit most strongly. This includes the edges of the object, the highest points, and any areas that are directly facing the light source. Again, apply the paint in thin layers, focusing on building up the intensity gradually. You can use a technique called edge highlighting, where you apply a thin line of paint along the edges of the object to create a sharp, defined highlight. For even brighter highlights, mix a small amount of white into your light yellow. This will create a very bright, almost reflective highlight that will really make the gold pop. Remember, the placement of highlights is crucial for creating the illusion of metal. Think about how light reflects off a metallic surface – it tends to be brightest in the areas that are most directly exposed to the light. Also, consider the size and shape of the highlights. Smaller, more focused highlights will create a sharper, more polished look, while larger, more diffuse highlights will create a softer, more weathered look. Experiment with different highlight placements and intensities to achieve the desired effect. This step is where your gold really starts to come to life, so take your time and be precise with your application.
4. Brightest Highlights: For the final touch, add your brightest highlights using pure white or a very light yellow mixed with white. These highlights should be small and focused, placed on the very edges and highest points of the gold. Think of them as the specular highlights – the tiny, intense reflections that give metal its shine. The key here is restraint. Too many bright highlights can make your gold look unnatural and overly shiny. Instead, focus on a few key areas where the light would be most intense. A small dot of white on the corner of a raised area or a thin line along a sharp edge can make a huge difference. These brightest highlights create the illusion of a highly reflective surface, adding depth and realism to your NMM gold. As with the other layers, apply the paint in thin, controlled layers to avoid any unwanted texture. You can use a fine-tipped brush for this step to ensure precise placement. Step back and look at your miniature from different angles to assess the effect of the highlights. Adjust them as needed to achieve the desired level of shine and reflection. This final step is what truly sells the metallic illusion, so take your time and make sure it's just right.
5. Glazing (Optional): If you want to further smooth the transitions between your colors and create a more blended look, you can use a technique called glazing. Glazing involves applying very thin, transparent layers of paint over your existing layers to subtly adjust the tones. For example, if you feel the transition between your mid-tones and highlights is too harsh, you can apply a thin glaze of a color in between those tones to smooth it out. To make a glaze, simply thin your paint down with a lot of water or a glaze medium. The consistency should be almost like a wash, very translucent. Apply the glaze in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Glazing can also be used to add subtle color variations to your gold. For instance, a thin glaze of a warm brown can add a touch of richness, while a thin glaze of a cool yellow can brighten the highlights. This technique is particularly useful for creating a more realistic and weathered look. However, glazing is an optional step, and it's not necessary for achieving a good NMM gold effect. If you're new to NMM painting, you may want to skip glazing until you're more comfortable with the basic techniques. But if you're looking to take your painting to the next level, glazing can be a powerful tool. It allows you to refine the tones and transitions, creating a more polished and professional finish. Remember, the key to successful glazing is thin layers and patience. Don't try to do too much at once, and always let each layer dry completely before applying the next. This will prevent any unwanted texture or pooling of the paint.

Tips and Tricks for NMM Gold

Alright, guys, let’s talk about some extra tips and tricks that can really elevate your NMM gold painting. These are the little things that can make a big difference in the final result, helping you achieve a truly stunning metallic effect. So, grab your brushes and let’s dive in!

• Smooth Transitions are Key: The secret to convincing NMM lies in smooth transitions between your colors. Harsh lines and abrupt changes in tone will ruin the illusion of metal. Take your time to blend the colors seamlessly, using layering and feathering techniques. Layering, as we discussed earlier, involves applying thin layers of paint gradually, building up the color intensity. Feathering is a technique where you use a damp brush to soften the edges of a painted area, creating a smooth transition. Both techniques are essential for NMM painting. Don't be afraid to go back and forth between layers, adjusting the tones as needed to achieve a smooth blend. A wet palette can be incredibly helpful for this, as it keeps your paints moist and prevents them from drying out too quickly. This allows you to blend colors more easily and create smoother transitions. Also, consider the direction of your brushstrokes. Painting in the direction of the light source can help to create a more natural-looking highlight. Smooth transitions are the foundation of successful NMM painting, so mastering these techniques is crucial.
• Consider the Light Source: Understanding where your light source is coming from is crucial for NMM. The placement of your highlights and shadows should be consistent with the direction of the light. Imagine a spotlight shining on your miniature, and think about how the light would reflect off the gold surfaces. The areas that are directly facing the light will be the brightest, while the areas that are facing away from the light will be the darkest. This means that your highlights should be concentrated on the areas that are most exposed to the light, and your shadows should be deepest in the recesses and areas that are shielded from the light. You can even practice by shining a real light on your miniature and observing how the light reflects off the different surfaces. This will give you a better understanding of how to place your highlights and shadows. Consistency in your light source is key. If your highlights are placed inconsistently, the metallic illusion will be broken. So, before you start painting, take a moment to visualize the light source and plan your highlights and shadows accordingly. This will help you create a more realistic and convincing NMM gold effect.
• Use a Wet Palette: A wet palette is a game-changer for miniature painting, especially when it comes to NMM. It keeps your paints moist for longer, preventing them from drying out on the palette. This is essential for blending and creating smooth transitions. A wet palette consists of a container with a damp sponge or paper towel at the bottom, covered with a layer of parchment paper. The moisture from the sponge keeps the paints hydrated, allowing them to stay wet and workable for hours. This is particularly helpful for NMM, where you need to blend colors seamlessly. With a wet palette, you don't have to worry about your paints drying out mid-blend, which can save you a lot of frustration. You can easily make your own wet palette using a plastic container, a sponge, and some parchment paper. Or, you can purchase a pre-made wet palette from most hobby stores. Either way, investing in a wet palette is a smart move for any miniature painter, especially those who are interested in NMM. It will make your painting sessions more enjoyable and help you achieve better results. The consistent moisture level of the paints allows for more controlled blending and layering, which are crucial for creating the illusion of metal.
• Practice Makes Perfect: NMM is a challenging technique, so don't get discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. The key is to practice, practice, practice! The more you paint, the better you'll become at blending, highlighting, and creating the illusion of metal. Start with simple shapes and gradually work your way up to more complex models. You can practice on spare bits of plastic or even on paper. Experiment with different color combinations and blending techniques. Watch tutorials and study the work of other NMM painters. Pay attention to how they place their highlights and shadows, and try to replicate their techniques. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong and try to improve on your next attempt. NMM takes time and patience to master, but the results are well worth the effort. The satisfaction of creating a stunning NMM gold effect on your miniature is immense. So, keep practicing, keep experimenting, and keep pushing yourself to improve. With enough practice, you'll be painting NMM gold like a pro in no time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now, let’s talk about some common pitfalls in NMM gold painting. Avoiding these mistakes will save you time and frustration, and help you achieve a more professional-looking result. Trust me, we've all been there!

• Harsh Lines and Transitions: As we mentioned earlier, harsh lines and abrupt transitions are the enemy of NMM. They break the illusion of a smooth, reflective surface. Make sure you blend your colors seamlessly, using layering and feathering techniques. If you do end up with harsh lines, don't worry! You can often fix them by glazing over the area with a thinned-down color. Glazing, as we discussed earlier, involves applying very thin, transparent layers of paint to subtly adjust the tones. This can help to smooth out transitions and blend colors more effectively. But the best way to avoid harsh lines is to prevent them in the first place. This means taking your time with your blending, using a wet palette, and applying your paints in thin, controlled layers. Remember, smooth transitions are the key to convincing NMM. So, focus on blending your colors seamlessly, and you'll be well on your way to achieving a stunning metallic effect.
• Incorrect Highlight Placement: Placing your highlights in the wrong areas can ruin the illusion of metal. Remember to consider your light source and place your highlights where the light would naturally hit the gold. Incorrect highlight placement can make your miniature look flat and unnatural. It can also create a confusing and inconsistent look, breaking the metallic illusion. So, before you start painting, take a moment to visualize the light source and plan your highlights accordingly. Use reference images of real gold objects to get a better understanding of how light reflects off metallic surfaces. Pay attention to the shape and size of the highlights, as well as their placement. Smaller, more focused highlights will create a sharper, more polished look, while larger, more diffuse highlights will create a softer, more weathered look. Experiment with different highlight placements and intensities to achieve the desired effect. The key is to be consistent with your light source and to place your highlights in a way that makes sense. This will help you create a more realistic and convincing NMM gold effect.
• Using Too Much Paint: Applying too much paint can obscure details and create a textured surface, which is the opposite of what you want for NMM. NMM requires smooth, even layers of paint. If you apply too much paint, it can pool in the recesses and create unwanted texture. This will make your gold look uneven and unnatural. The key is to apply your paints in thin, controlled layers. This allows you to build up the color intensity gradually and create smooth transitions. It also prevents the paint from pooling and obscuring details. If you're using acrylic paints, you may need to thin them down with a bit of water or a thinner medium. This will make them flow more smoothly and prevent them from drying too quickly. Don't be afraid to apply multiple thin layers to achieve the desired effect. It's better to apply several thin layers than one thick layer. Thick layers of paint can also take longer to dry, which can slow down your painting process. So, remember, thin layers are the key to smooth, even NMM. This will help you create a more realistic and convincing metallic effect.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to painting NMM gold on your Iflameon miniatures. It might seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you can achieve incredible results. Remember to focus on smooth transitions, consistent light source, and thin layers. And most importantly, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! NMM gold can truly bring your miniatures to life, adding a touch of realism and artistry that metallic paints simply can't match. Now, grab your brushes and get painting. I can't wait to see what golden masterpieces you create!