How to Use Foundry Paints


Foundry Paints are made for miniature painting and can be used straight from the bottle or thinned for different techniques. Here are a few simple tips to help you get the best results from every color.

Before You Start Painting

Shake Well: Give the bottle a good shake before painting. Each bottle includes two 5 mm mixing balls to help redistribute any pigment that settles over time.

Use a Palette: Add a small amount of paint to a wet palette. This makes it easier to control, thin, and mix your paint.

Slightly Dampen Your Brush: Start with a clean, slightly damp brush, not a soaking wet one. This helps the paint flow smoothly and gives you better control.

  • Basecoating

    Start with a slightly damp brush. Use the paint straight from the bottle or add a little water if needed. Build coverage with thin coats, letting each one dry before adding the next.





  • Layering

    Add a little more water so the previous color still shows through. Apply controlled layers to gradually build highlights, shadows, and transitions.

  • Glazing

    Thin the paint until it leaves a light, transparent layer of color. Remove excess paint from your brush and build the effect gradually with multiple glazes.

Getting the Best from Every Color

Every pigment behaves a little differently. Some colors cover quickly, while others look best when built up in thin layers. Here are a few combinations and tips we have found useful while painting with the Foundry Set.

  • Lighter Colors: Titanium White, Ancient Bone, and Light Skin cover well, even over black primer. If most of your miniature will be light or white, starting with a light primer will simply make the process faster.

  • Golden Ochre over Herald Red: Golden Ochre covers well on its own, but applying it over Herald Red creates a warmer, richer ochre. For a brighter result, try applying it over Ancient Bone instead.

  • Rich Colors: Herald Red, Imperial Blue, and Royal Violet deliver strong, saturated color. Use them on their own or build them in thin layers to create smoother transitions and richer tones.

  • Natural and Earthy Colors: Goblin Green and Oak Umber work especially well for foliage, leather, clothing, and weathered details. For Goblin Green, mix in Ancient Bone for softer highlights or Oak Umber for deeper, natural shadows. When painting leather with Oak Umber, add Ancient Bone for lighter worn areas or a small amount of Void Black for deeper shadows.

  • Muted Colors: Sage Blue and Castle Gray work well for armor, stone, cloth, and weathered surfaces. Use them alongside stronger colors when you want a softer, more subdued palette.

  • A Note on Void Black: Void Black is great for deep shadows, but a little goes a long way when mixing. Add it gradually to avoid overpowering the original color.

The Power of Multiple Thin Coats

A few thin coats will usually give you a smoother finish than one thick coat. Let each layer dry before adding the next so you keep the details sharp and the coverage even.

  • Drybrushing

    Work most of the paint off your brush on a drybrush palette or any textured surface you do not mind painting. Then lightly brush across raised details to build highlights.

  • Stippling

    Tap the tip of your brush against the surface to build texture, weathering, or smooth transitions. Use less paint for more control.

  • Edge Highlighting

    Use a fine brush with a small amount of paint to carefully trace raised edges and make details stand out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Paint Separation

Some settling during storage is normal. Give the bottle a good shake until the paint looks evenly mixed. Each bottle includes two mixing balls to help.

Paint Too Thick

Add a small amount of water on your palette and mix. Start with less than you think, you can always add more.

Low Coverage

Make sure your miniature is primed and avoid thinning the paint too much. Let the first coat dry, then build coverage with another thin coat.

Visible Brush Marks

Use a slightly damp brush and thin the paint a little if needed. Avoid going back over paint once it starts to dry.

Crafted in Texas

Foundry Paints are developed, mixed, tested, and bottled by us here in Texas. We make every batch with the same care we put into everything at Gilded Goblin, and we are proud to finally share them with other miniature painters.