Bronze Armour Recipes

For bronze shields I use Vallejo Brass (70.801) thinned with water.  Three or four thin coats produce the smooth, highly polished look I want.

I paint helmets and greaves slightly differently using the following recipe over a black undercoat:

• Base layer, DecoArt Crafter's Acrylic Burnt Umber (DCA16).
• Base metallic, Vallejo Brass (70.801).
• Metallic highlight, Pebeo Studio Acrylics Gold (352).
• Relining, if required, Vallejo Burnt Umber (70.941).
• Armour wash (see below).

DecoArt paint isn't ideal for lining hence the switch to the Vallejo equivalent.

The burnt umber base provides the dark lining colour and requires just one coat of brass whereas painting directly on black often requires two: not ideal for detailed work.

The armour wash was made in small batches prior to use:

• 1 part Vallejo Game Color Flesh Wash (73.204).
• 1 part Vallejo Game Wash Sepia (73.200).
• 2 parts water.

The paints deliver the contrast whilst the wash gives an aged look to the bronze and evens out the contrast just a touch.