Opposite of: Transparency What it means: How much a paint layer covers what’s beneath it
Opacity is the degree to which a paint layer hides the surface or paint underneath it. A fully opaque paint completely obscures whatever is beneath it. A transparent or translucent paint allows the underlying color to show through and influence the final result.
Why it matters for airbrushing: Most airbrushing is done in thin, translucent layers that build gradually. This allows for smooth gradients and subtle color shifts. Understanding opacity lets you control how colors interact: layering transparent colors creates depth and richness; using opaque colors lets you correct mistakes or create hard color transitions.
Pigment matters: Opacity varies by pigment, not by brand. Titanium white is very opaque; phthalo blue is very transparent. Check the manufacturer’s pigment index or opacity rating on the paint label.
Related: Transparency · Pigment · Gradient