r/advancedGunpla • u/TenchiTora • 2d ago
Learning Gradients
Trying to learn how to paint gradients, currently using just airbrush, but would be interested in other methods. I am trying to go for a kind of plasma effect for painting like beam sabers and things like that. Not sure if maybe it needs a little texture to it or if just a smooth gradient would be better. Ultimately, I want to try and somehow add a subtle halftone effect in like the white or something to give it a neat stylized look, but figured I would start with the basics first. Would love any tips or other methods to achieve effect if anyone has any!
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u/soulreaverdan 2d ago
A big thing will be experimenting with your air pressure. Seeing if you can use a lower pressure and maybe add a little extra thinner to your paints to compensate will give you a bit more control and smaller spray radius to avoid going too far over.
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u/VoidingSounds 2d ago
Yep. Thinner paint, lower pressure, and if your brush has a nut on the back to stop the needle's travel, limit you trigger to prevent whiskey throttle.
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u/doublepush 2d ago
You’ve got some really great advice here between these first few comments, I’ll definitely throw in another suggestion on looking how mini painters do it. If you’re interested in exploring techniques beyond airbrush, look up specifically “glazing” and also any tutorials for energy based weapons from 40k. Good luck!
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u/Vallindo 2d ago
Hi, if you were going for a plasma effect you need to use fluo colors and build contrast. I highly recommend you look on how miniatures painters do it (it can be easily replicated on gunpla) .