How to Dry Brush Miniatures & 3D Prints: Beginner Guide
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Dry brushing is one of the fastest ways to make a miniature or 3D print look more detailed. The technique catches raised edges and texture with a small amount of paint, creating highlights without having to paint every detail by hand.
The #1 rule: less paint than you think
The brush should look almost dry before it touches the model. If paint immediately fills recesses or leaves wet streaks, there is too much paint on the brush.
What you need
A dry brush or soft round brush, acrylic miniature paint, a paper towel or textured palette, and a fully dry model. A primer and base coat are strongly recommended.
1. Prime and base coat the model
Start with a clean, primed model and apply your main base colors. Let them dry completely before dry brushing. A darker base color usually makes the highlight easier to see.
2. Choose your highlight color
Use a lighter version of the base color for a natural highlight. For stone, bone, metal, terrain and weathered surfaces, you can also use an off-white, light gray, tan or another color that fits the material.
3. Load the brush—then remove most of the paint
Work a small amount of paint into the bristles. Wipe the brush repeatedly on a paper towel or textured surface until it appears that almost no paint is coming off. Test the brush before touching the model.
4. Brush lightly across the raised details
Move the brush across the surface rather than pushing it into recesses. Raised edges, scales, armor, hair, stone texture, cloth and layer details will catch the remaining pigment.
5. Build the highlight slowly
Several light passes are easier to control than one heavy pass. Add more pressure only where you want a stronger highlight. For an even brighter final highlight, repeat the process with a lighter color and use it only on the highest points.
Direction matters
For general texture, brush from several angles so raised details catch paint naturally. For directional lighting, concentrate the brightest dry brushing on upward-facing and light-facing surfaces.
Common dry-brushing mistakes
Chalky finish: Too much paint, overly dry paint, or excessive pressure can create a dusty appearance.
Wet streaks: There is still too much paint in the brush.
No visible highlight: Add a little more paint or choose a color with more contrast.
Paint in the recesses: Use less pressure and keep the brush moving across the raised surface.
Dry brushing 3D prints
Dry brushing works especially well on highly textured FDM and resin prints because it naturally catches raised geometry. It is useful for statues, miniatures, terrain, armor, dragons, stone, wood grain, mechanical parts and weathered props.
Simple 3-step recipe
1. Dark base coat.
2. Medium-color dry brush over the raised details.
3. Very light dry brush on the highest edges.
That simple progression can turn a flat-looking print into a model with much more visible depth.
PEWgilist tip
When you're learning, stop before you think you're finished. You can always add another light pass. Removing an overly heavy dry brush is much harder.
PEWgilist Supply Co. carries hobby supplies for makers and 3D-printing projects, including Green Stuff World paints and painting products.