E is for Edge Highlighting

For the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge this month, I'm going to be tackling topics relating to the wild world of miniature painting - by that I mean tiny models used in board games, tabletop roleplaying games and wargames. Stop by every day to learn a little about my newest hobby and obsession!

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Edge highlighting is a technique that is used to achieve an effect sometimes similar to dry brushing (see yesterday), albeit in a more controlled manner. Basically what you’re doing is adding a brighter colour (highlights) to the very edges of your model, to accentuate and increase - you guessed it - CONTRAST (this is going to be a continued, running theme through most of these posts, so get used to it). 

Sharp-dressed edged (soldier) man.

Source: The Army Painter

The way to achieve edge highlighting is with the flat edge of your paint brush. Drag the side of your paintbrush across the raised edges of your model LIGHTLY at about a 90-degree angle. The highlight will start off pretty subtle, but you can build it by adding additional coats. You don’t have to add highlighting to every edge of the model, either. Ideally, you want the highlights to appear only in the direction of your imaginary light source. For example, if the light is coming from above, then the highlights should be concentrated on the “top” surfaces of the model.

This is one of mine. You can most clearly see the edge highlights on her hair, cloak and leaves. I like these Chibi-style models, I need to get more of these. Model designed by TitanForge Miniatures

A neat trick is to look at your model from the direction you want the light to come from, pretending your eye is the light source. The parts of the model you can see are going to be brightest parts, and thus receive the most pronounced highlights.

You can see from this picture how the "light" shining straight down leaves highlights on the top surfaces, and shadows on lower sections.

Source: From the Warp

Had enough about light/shadow/contrast yet? I'm sure there'll be more later this month (seriously, it's a MAJOR thing with miniature painting). But what are we talking about tomorrow? You'll have to drop back to find out!

Hugs & Kisses,
-CDGK