Pros of Using Enamels In Miniature Painting

Hey everyone, you may have heard that we are hosting a Streaking Grime and Enamels Class here at Wandering Adventures.

To get more details, check out this link: Enamels Class

We think it's going to be great fun and a perfect introduction to another tool in your hobby belt.

I wanted to dive a little deeper into some of the pros of using enamels in your miniature painting. This might give you some insight as to why they are useful, and the little push you might need if you want to try them out:

1. Durability: Enamel paints are known for their durability and resilience once they have cured. This makes them suitable for miniatures that may be handled frequently or exposed to wear and tear.
2. Smooth Finish: Enamels tend to dry to a smooth, glossy finish. This quality can enhance the appearance of miniatures, giving them a polished and professional look.
3. Vibrant Colors: Enamels often produce vibrant and vivid colors, which can be especially appealing for miniatures where you want eye-catching details.
4. Excellent Coverage: Enamels typically offer excellent coverage, so you may need fewer coats to achieve the desired color and finish.
5. Smooth Blending: Enamels can be thinned with enamel thinner, which allows for smooth blending of colors. This is particularly useful when creating gradients or transitioning between different colors.
6. Long Drying Time: Enamels have a longer drying time compared to some other paints like acrylics. This extended drying time can be advantageous for miniature artists who need more time to work on fine details or complex techniques.
7. Adherence to Various Surfaces: Enamel paints can adhere well to various surfaces, including metal, plastic, and resin, which are common materials for miniature figurines and models.
8. Decal Application: Enamels are often used for applying decals to miniatures. The slow drying time allows you to position and adjust decals accurately before they set.
9. Weather Resistance: Once cured, enamels are generally more resistant to environmental factors like moisture and temperature changes compared to other types of paints.
10. Traditional Look: Enamels have been used in miniature painting for a long time, so they can provide a traditional or classic look to your miniatures if that's the aesthetic you're aiming for.
11. Thin Layers: Enamel paints can be applied in thin layers without losing their color intensity, which can be useful for creating subtle shading and highlighting effects.
    
    

There are some drawbacks to consider as well such as longer drying times, the need for proper ventilation due to solvent fumes, and the necessity of using specific enamel thinners and cleaning agents. However these are easy workarounds and the pros greatly outweigh the cons.

We will soon be carrying AK Interactive's full liquid pigments, which will provide a great variety of enamels from Fluorescents to Washes.