How to Use Speedpaint Grim Black for Miniature Shadows
By The Army Painter: all you need for miniature painting | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to apply Speedpaint Grim Black to create deep, realistic shadows on your miniatures. Step-by-step guide with common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Use Speedpaint Grim Black directly over a light base coat to create instant, deep shadows. For tighter control, apply it selectively into recesses with a fine brush.
Why Grim Black works for shadows
Grim Black is a one-coat painting solution that flows consistently across all colours. Its intense contrast and built-in shading effect let you create deep shadows without mixing or layering multiple paints. This saves time and keeps your workflow simple.
Because it is a speedpaint, it settles naturally into recesses while leaving raised areas lighter. This self-shading property is ideal for miniature shadows, but it also means you need a light undercoat to get the full contrast effect.
When to avoid Grim Black for shadows
If your miniature has very large flat panels, the speedpaint can pool unevenly and create blotchy shadows. In those cases, use a traditional wash or glaze instead. Also, avoid applying it over dark base coats — the contrast will be too weak to read as a shadow.
How to apply Speedpaint Grim Black for shadows
- 1. Prime with a light undercoat: Apply a white, off-white, or light grey primer. The light base is essential because Grim Black is translucent and relies on the undercoat to create contrast. A dark primer will make the shadow effect almost invisible. Stick to light tones.
- 2. Load your brush correctly: Dip your brush into the Speedpaint Grim Black and wipe the tip against the rim of the dropper bottle to remove excess. You want a loaded brush that is not dripping. Too much paint will flood the model and obscure details. Less is more.
- 3. Apply into recesses first: Touch the tip of the brush into the deepest creases — armour joints, eye sockets, under the chin. The paint will flow into the recess by capillary action. If you paint flat areas first, the recesses may not get enough paint. Always start with the deepest shadows.
- 4. Pull paint outward for gradients: While the paint is still wet, use a clean damp brush to pull the edge outward. This softens the transition from shadow to midtone. Work quickly — Speedpaint dries fast. You have about 10–15 seconds to blend.
- 5. Let it dry completely before next layers: Wait until the Grim Black is fully dry before applying any other paint over it. If you apply a layer too soon, you risk reactivating the speedpaint and muddying the colours. Speedpaints are rewettable. Give each layer 5–10 minutes of drying time.
Product details
- Speedpaint: Grim Black: One-coat painting solution with perfect contrast and intense shading and highlighting effect. You get deep shadows in a single application, which speeds up your painting without sacrificing quality.
Speedpaint: Grim Black
