Pre-shading is a technique where you paint shadows and depth onto a surface before applying the main base coat. Typically done with dark paint (black, dark brown, or a very dark version of the base color) sprayed into recesses, panel lines, and shadow areas, pre-shading lets the subsequent thin base coat layers reveal this darkness as natural shadow.
This technique is popular in scale modeling, miniature painting, and automotive art because it creates shadow and depth that’s difficult to achieve by layering dark tones over a light base.
Basic process:
- Primer coat (grey or black depending on base color).
- Pre-shade: spray dark color into recesses, panel lines, shadow zones.
- Apply base coat in thin layers, allowing pre-shading to show through.
- Refine shadows and highlights as needed.
Related: Color Modulation · Zenithal Priming · Gradient · Opacity