Metal / 1.0

NMM value study

Establish light and dark shapes before refining blends.

ColorCraft · 2026-09-04

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Fix a viewing angle

Choose a simple shield or blade and a primary display angle. Photograph clear lighting, then plan three regions: darkest, midtone and brightest.

Shapes before blends

Block in the lighting with solid paints. Step back to check the metallic impression before adding intermediate tones. Do not blend every region into the same midtone.

Choose the right use

NMM lighting is painted onto the surface; it does not move with the light as metallic paint reflections do. True metallic paint may better suit quick completion or viewing from many angles.

Before calling it done

Test the paint system on a spare part. Review at normal viewing distance. Record colors and save a comparison photo.

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Edited from our internal learning themes. Original transcripts and third-party illustrations are not included.