Why Primer Colour Decision Matters

Making a primer colour decision can feel impossible! After Choosing Primer Brand earlier this year we dived into priming and wrestled with the gorgeous array of colour options from Colour Forge. It wasn't easy to decide! A primer isn’t just a base coat, it’s the canvas on which you build your miniature’s personality. It determines how your paints settle, how light and shadow play across your model and even how easy or challenging it will be to bring out fine details. Whether you’re going for dramatic contrasts or subtle gradients, your primer sets the stage for everything that follows.

Whilst a solid dark prime can be hard work on its own and and challenging to build upon, its natural ability to deepen shadows makes it a classic choice for techniques like zenithal lighting and metallic finishing. In contrast, a light solid prime brightens the palette by infusing overlaid colours and glazes with vibrancy. However, achieving a flawless finish over a light solid prime can demand a high level of expertise.

For many miniature painters, a grey solid prime offers the perfect compromise, defining details with just the right amount of contrast even if its neutral tone feels rather uninspiring. We craved primers that burst with potential for vibrant hues. Colours that invite us in and promote creativity. In our view, painting should be an exhilarating journey of imagination, where each step sparks fresh ideas and breathes life into a miniature. This journey of imagination extends even to the priming process.

Primer Colours for Zenithal Priming

In contrast to solid priming, traditional zenithal techniques use three different primers - dark, mid and light tones. Carefully layered to highlight raised areas, simulate overhead light and add natural depth.

Nine Colour Forge Finals

1. MATT BLACK - Matte finish for rich shadowy depths. Ideal for dark-themed miniatures and classic zenithal undershading.
   
2. MATT WHITE - Clean, crisp base for colours to pop. Perfect for high contrast painting, it allows for vibrant hues, though it demands a careful hand to cover every spot.
   
3. GHOUL GREY - Versatile, well-balanced mid-tone that provides contrast without overwhelming the palette.
   
4. TRENCH BROWN - Earthy, perfect for war torn or organic themed miniatures.
   
5. TEMPEST BLUE - Cool & dramatic base. Dynamic starting point for a range of creative colour schemes.
   
6. DESERT SAND - Warm, light tan for a natural, sandy tone. Ideal for desert and terrain
   
7. DEAD ANIMAL BITS - With a name as intriguing as its tone how could we resist!
   
8. SIEGE ARMOUR - Engineered for models that demand a metallic armoured look. Robust base that’s perfect for weathering and metallic effects. 
   
9. RELIQUAEY RED - We just wanted it!
   

Final Thoughts

Choosing your primer colour isn’t just about picking a colour, it’s about selecting the palette to support your own creative process. We recommend beginners start with the essential trio (black, grey, white)to cover a broad range of scenarios. Once you're comfortable, experiment with more specialised hues. Let your project’s needs guide your choices.

What to Read Next

Want to take your priming game even further? Explore these related guides:

Choosing a Primer for Miniature Painting
Understand types, spray vs. brush and what makes a good primer.
Spray Can Cap Cleaning and Maintenance
Avoid splatter disasters and get smoother coats every time.