The Art of NMM
Techniques, Palettes, and Comparisons
Pros & Cons: NMM vs TMM
Pros of NMM
- Camera Friendly: No metallic flake glare in photos.
- Artistic Freedom: Place highlights for dramatic storytelling.
- Skill Expression: Highly valued in painting competitions.
Cons of NMM
- Execution Time: Glazing takes significantly longer.
- Angle Lock: Highlights are static and don't "move."
- Steep Curve: Requires deep understanding of light theory.
Gold NMM Roadmap
LEVEL 1: Beginner Recipes
Vallejo (MC)
- Flat Brown (Base)
- Ochre Brown (Mid)
- Ice Yellow (High)
Games Workshop
- Rhinox Hide
- Balor Brown
- Dorn Yellow
Army Painter
- Oak Brown
- Desert Yellow
- Arid Earth
LEVEL 3: Expert Chromatic Depth
To achieve "saturated" gold, you must introduce secondary hues to the shadows and midtones.
- Shadow: Glaze Magenta into the Brown.
- Mid: Introduce Skrag Brown for a warm glow.
- Specular: Pure White at the sharpest points.
Pro Tip: Use a warm Khaki on the bottom edges of panels to simulate "bounce light" from the ground. This makes the gold look truly 3D.
Silver & Steel NMM
LEVEL 1: Standard Steel Recipes
Vallejo
- Dark Grey
- Neutral Grey
- White
Citadel
- Eshin Grey
- Dawnstone
- White Scar
Army Painter
- Dungeon Grey
- Ash Grey
- Matt White
LEVEL 3: "Sky-Earth" Reflections
THE SKY
Use Dark Sea Blue. Blend to Sky Blue then White at the top of curves.
THE HORIZON
A sharp black "cut" line. Place the brightest highlight immediately above it.
THE EARTH
Use Rhinox Hide. Blend to Khaki as you reach the bottom of the plate.
● Further Learning & Resources
MUST-WATCH VIDEOS
-
Vince Venturella (Hobby Cheating)
Essential theory on light placement and volumes. -
Richard Gray
Masterclass in high-end display NMM and texture work. -
Flameon Miniatures
Famous for ultra-smooth transitions and high-contrast logic.
DEEP-DIVE ARTICLES
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Putty & Paint
The world's premier gallery for studying award-winning metalwork. -
Volomir's Blog
Great theory articles on color choice and atmosphere. -
Figure Mentors
Step-by-step PDF tutorials and advanced painting theory.
