Painting Midnight Olive: A Historical Guide

Quick answer

Use The Army Painter's John Blanche Masterclass: Midnight Olive as your base tone for olive drab uniforms, then layer with lighter greens and browns for historical accuracy.

Step-by-step painting guide

1. Prime your miniature: Apply a matte black or dark grey primer. This creates shadows that complement the dark Midnight Olive base. Common mistake: using white primer makes the final color look too bright and less realistic. Check that primer is fully dry before painting.
2. Apply a base coat of Midnight Olive: Thin the paint slightly with water or medium. Apply two thin coats to the uniform areas, letting each dry. Common mistake: applying thick paint obscures detail and creates a glossy finish. Thin coats preserve the sculpted folds of the uniform.
3. Wash with a dark brown or olive wash: Use a wash like Strong Tone or a homemade mix of brown paint and water. Apply to recesses to define shadows. Common mistake: using a black wash makes the olive drab look muddy instead of earthy. Wipe excess wash from raised areas with a damp brush.
4. Highlight the raised areas: Mix Midnight Olive with a small amount of khaki or pale green. Apply to edges, knees, and shoulders. Common mistake: highlighting too much reduces the worn, realistic look. Keep highlights subtle—less is more for historical accuracy.
5. Add weathering and final details: Use a sponge or drybrush with a dark brown to add dirt and wear to boots, cuffs, and backpack straps. Common mistake: over-weathering can make the miniature look messy rather than used. Step back and check the overall balance before finishing.

Product facts

• John Blanche Masterclass: Midnight Olive: Co-created with legendary artist John Blanche, these Masterclass paints are crafted for expressive, gritty, and gothic miniatures. Each colour is built for mood, texture, and story. This paint's moody undertone helps you achieve a realistic, battle-worn olive drab finish rather than a flat, toy-like color.