⚔️ Learn to Paint an NMM Sword with Vallejo

Want to achieve a brutal metallic effect without using metallic paint? 💥
In this tutorial we show you step by step how to paint an NMM (Non Metallic Metal) sword with a professional finish, using the Model Color, Game Air and Game Color ranges from Vallejo.

The NMM technique aims to imitate the shine of metal using only grey tones, whites and cold shadows. In this case, artist Jon Gómez (Pintureando) uses an energy sword from a Warhammer 40K Space Marine, demonstrating how to achieve a perfect contrast between highlights and shadows with an airbrush and brush.

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⚫ Step 1: Primer and Base Color

Start with a miniature primed with Primers Black 70.602.
Then apply an even coat of Model Color Dark Sea Blue 70.898 over the entire sword.
This tone will serve as a cool, deep base for building up the metallic reflections.

✏️ Step 2: Initial Sketch

Using a mix of Model Color Dark Sea Blue (70.898) and Game Color Neutral Grey (72.050), sketch the main volumes of the sword with a brush.
This step defines the light and shadow areas.

To add initial highlights, mix Game Color Neutral Grey (72.050) with Stonewall Grey (72.049), then add a touch of Skull White (72.001) for the most intense reflections.

🌫️ Step 3: Airbrushing and Blending

This is where the NMM magic begins ⚡
Use Game Air Neutral Grey (76.050) to soften the transition between the shadows and mid-tones.
You can mask the surrounding areas to avoid losing definition.

Then, apply Game Air Wall Grey (76.049) in the transition zone with the most intense highlights.
If the white is partially covered, that's fine: in the next steps you'll bring it back.

💡 Step 4: Maximum highlights

Create a 1:1 mix of Game Air Wall Grey (76.049) and Skull White (76.001), applying it to the centre of the sword.
Then, using Game Air Skull White (76.001) thinned with Airbrush Thinner (71.261), carefully reinforce the brightest areas.

This step delivers the characteristic shine of metal without the need for metallic paints.

⚔️ Step 5: Deep shadows

To add contrast, apply a mix of Game Air Shadow Grey (76.048) and Black (76.051) to the darkest points.
This creates a sense of depth and volume along the blade's edge.

🖌️ Step 6: Final details

Using a mix of Game Color Wall Grey (72.049) and Skull White (72.001), outline the edges of the sword with a brush to accentuate the reflections.

Simulate small nicks and wear with Wall Grey (72.049), and finish with dots of Skull White (72.001) on the brightest areas and sharpest edges.

🏁 Final result

And that's it! ⚡
Your NMM sword will shine with a flawless metallic gleam without a single drop of metallic paint.
The contrast between cool highlights and deep shadows will give it a professional, highly realistic look.

👉 Want to try this technique? Discover all Vallejo paints at Mr Resin

✨ Happy Printing! 🚀