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Frostgrave’s frozen ruins and gritty aesthetic demand miniatures that look battle-worn and weather-beaten. Whether you’re painting wizards, cultists, or warriors for your games, a weathered finish brings the frozen city to life. This guide covers the tools, techniques, and tips to achieve that perfect worn-down look—ideal for the harsh world of Frostgrave: Second Edition.
Materials and Tools for Painting Frostgrave Miniatures
Weathering Frostgrave miniatures starts with the right supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Acrylic Paints: A mix of matte and metallic paints. Vallejo Model Color and Citadel’s range work well for base coats.
- Weathering Pigments: Products like MIG or AK Interactive pigments simulate frost, dirt, and rust.
- Washes and Inks: Dark washes (e.g., Nuln Oil) deepen recesses, while brown inks (Agrax Earthshade) add grime.
- Dry Brushes: Stiff-bristle brushes for highlighting textured surfaces.
- Sponges or Foam: For chipping effects (more on this below).
- Varnish: Matte varnish seals layers; satin can add a subtle frozen sheen.
For Frostgrave’s cultists and wizards, consider pairing your paints with the Frostgrave: Cultists III set—their tattered robes and armor are perfect for weathering experiments.
Step-by-Step Weathering Techniques for Frostgrave
1. Base Coating
Start with a dark base (e.g., gray or brown for stone, metallic for armor). Thin your paints to avoid obscuring details.
2. Washes for Depth
Apply a heavy wash to recesses. For icy grime, mix a blue-gray wash and streak it downward.
3. Dry Brushing
Lightly dry-brush highlights with a lighter color (e.g., pale gray for frost, silver for metal edges).
4. Sponge Weathering (Optional)
Dab a torn sponge in dark brown or black paint, then lightly press it onto armor or cloth to simulate chipped paint. Focus on edges and raised areas.
5. Pigments for Frost and Grime
Dust snow pigments (like Valhallan Blizzard) onto cloaks or bases. For mud, apply brown pigments mixed with water or fixer.
Tips for Achieving a Gritty Look on Frostgrave Miniatures
- Layering is Key: Build up grime gradually. Start subtle, then intensify shadows and wear.
- Focus on Storytelling: A wizard’s robe might be frayed at the hem, while a warrior’s armor shows rust near joints.
- Mix Textures: Combine matte cloth with glossy ice effects for contrast.
- Reference Real Weathering: Study how frost and dirt accumulate on surfaces in cold climates.
For more Frostgrave inspiration, check out Frostgrave: Advanced Spellcraft, which delves deeper into the game’s lore and aesthetics.
With these techniques, your Frostgrave miniatures will look like they’ve survived the frozen city’s harsh trials—ready for the tabletop.