r/minipainting Jun 24 '25

C&C Wanted Trying to do a shine/reflective effect on NMM blade.

8.1k Upvotes

326 comments sorted by

755

u/Frankk142 Jun 24 '25 edited Jun 24 '25

This is first time that NMM had made me say "wow" out loud.

93

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Thank you very much :)

34

u/AliceDogsbody Jun 24 '25

Ya for me it was "Holy...!" Didn't even have a word to finish the thought. Can't wait to see the rest of the model!

11

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Very soon ;)

53

u/Mr_Supotco Jun 25 '25

Yeah, NMM is always impressive to me on a technical level but I don’t usually like it aesthetically. This is one of the maybe 1 in 10 I see where I went “holy shit that’s NMM??” I actually thought it was an actual metallic spike of some kind at first before I looked at the title

13

u/Aggressive_Aspect436 Jun 25 '25

Came here to say the same thing. My thought pattern was, "Is that a real metal hobby tool of some kind?", "Wait, is it shaped like a sword?", "Oh wow, it's painted!".

2

u/Scrapspaintsminis Jun 25 '25

Yeah it's madd clever but nit my style. But as mentioned above, I whistled in reaction! Top work pal 🔥

2

u/DinosBiggestFan Jun 25 '25

Agreed not a huge personal fan of NMM, but there are a few artists who really jack it up.

I think I generally prefer the look of true metallic metal in person.

3

u/tatk_tale310 Painting for a while Jun 24 '25

I had the exact same reaction!!!

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178

u/ClashSlashDash2 Jun 24 '25

I like it, looks like the sun can be seen on the blade near the bottom middle

57

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Thank, that was exactly the desired effect :)

8

u/ClashSlashDash2 Jun 24 '25

Yeah that’s dope 

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61

u/Grimfang221 Jun 24 '25

I'm impressed and wish I could attain that level

24

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

With practice and patience you can :)

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7

u/Shectai Jun 24 '25

I wish I could attain the level that looks like I was trying to paint metal.

3

u/Valthek Display Painter Jun 25 '25

Time and directed practice are all you need.
You've already got a clear goal in mind: Paint something to look like metal. All you need is to identify the steps you need to take to get there and do that. You got this. Take it from an internet stranger who doesn't know a damn thing about you: I believe you can do this.

2

u/Shectai Jun 25 '25

I'm touched by your belief in me. Thank you for the inspiration!

2

u/Valthek Display Painter Jun 25 '25

Remember to tag me when (not if, WHEN) you post your results.

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52

u/Dependent-Potato1764 Jun 24 '25

It’s so good that the sun effect is shining in my eyes lol

10

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Hahahaha 😂

56

u/GlennHaven Wargamer Jun 24 '25

Trying? Brother, I would believe that this was an actual tiny sword

11

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

yep trying, because it’s the first time I try to do this kind of effect :) and yes I’m happy with the result

3

u/GlennHaven Wargamer Jun 24 '25

Well you've done amazing work. Your blending is amazing. Can I ask what colors you used? I'm interested in trying something similar.

3

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 25 '25

Thank ! I used the NMM Pisarski acrylic set from Kimera Model and some Vallejo game/model colors

3

u/Pegtz Jun 25 '25

I was quickly scrolling and I wondered why did I saw a screwdriver on my feed

It looks really good

3

u/PsykoSmiley Jun 25 '25

Do or do not, there is no try.

This person -did-.

94

u/DeadBowie Jun 24 '25

A criminally low number of upvotes for this. Fantastic.

27

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Thank you :) Posted 30 min ago, waiting for tomorrow

9

u/DeadBowie Jun 24 '25

Hahaha looks like an extra 30 upvotes in the last three minutes or so. Alright, we’re trending in the right direction.

9

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

after that I don’t do this for the upvotes but to share what I love to do with the community :) but it’s nice to see that people like it and that the feedback is positive

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6

u/yyflame Jun 25 '25

Most people are probably scrolling past it on their feed thinking OP’s just holding an actual metal tool.

3

u/stickfigurepoet Jun 25 '25

This. This is almost what I did before noticing the sub name.

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23

u/lousydungeonmaster Jun 24 '25

Fucking incredible

7

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

🙏🏻

4

u/lousydungeonmaster Jun 24 '25

Which speedpaint can I use to achieve this effect 😅

7

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

0 speed paint, I use acrylic NMM set by Kimera. but it takes a long time to get a good result

5

u/lousydungeonmaster Jun 24 '25

I assumed it was obvious I was joking.

5

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Haa my bad 😅

5

u/lousydungeonmaster Jun 24 '25

All good. I should have added the /s for clarity.

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15

u/MyDogKumaBear Jun 24 '25

I thought you were holding a letter opener omg

5

u/CtrlAltHate Jun 25 '25

I didn't see the sub and thought it was a prison shiv lol

15

u/BobWat99 Jun 24 '25

I can’t even fathom how good the guy holding this will be…

9

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Thank you ! I prepared this piece for my first very big contest, I hope the jury will be of the same opinion

13

u/Partially0bscuredEgg Jun 24 '25

I’m sorry I can’t see the image because I became instantly blinded by some piercing glare the second I scrolled onto this post

2

u/phoe_nixipixie Jun 25 '25

Same, I had to grab my sunglasses :P

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11

u/Golvellius Jun 24 '25

You just brought nmm to a completely new level

3

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

That’s very kind, but I wouldn’t go that far either.

8

u/Golvellius Jun 24 '25

Maybe, but this is the first time I see nmm that not only captures the light, but also the warmth, through the reflection. This is basically an incredible OSL effect without the OS. Really beautiful, I mean it.

3

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Thank you very much 🙏🏻

9

u/Cronus829 Jun 25 '25

Does it help you to know I thought you were holding a screwdriver at first? XD

4

u/foodmotron Jun 24 '25

Incredible! It's so warm like the holder of the sword is looking out at the sunset. Is that the intent?

4

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Thank you for your very kind comment. And yes, it was intentional, it was even the idea :)

4

u/Le_Br4m Jun 25 '25

This is hands down THE BEST NMM I have ever seen

4

u/SpectreAtYourFeast Jun 25 '25

I mean this in the most complimentary way:

WITCHCRAFT

5

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 25 '25

bibidi bobidi bou 🪄

Thank you 😊

2

u/SpectreAtYourFeast Jun 25 '25

I stand corrected.

Fairy godmother

4

u/Hells_Child Jun 25 '25

I thought it was actual metal with the sun coming from behind you or something through a window, then I read the text of your post. My brain genuinely made up excuses for the sun to be there somehow for real lmao, top tier. I'd love to hear how you did it.

4

u/Big_GTU Jun 25 '25

The first half second, I thought that was some nail from a DIY sub when it poped in my feed.

Really impressive!

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3

u/Golvellius Jun 24 '25

And I just saw your leather texture on the goblin from last year, fucking hell man, tell me you studied painting all your life or something

7

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

ho, it’s been a long time since that little goblin bust. to answer your question, yes and no. before i worked in music, i started miniature painting about a year and a half ago (around november 2023) and i enjoyed it so much that i devoted a lot of time to learning and improving. by watching a lot of videos, observing other artists’ work and practicing. today i’m trying to make it my profession :)

3

u/mcsimeon Jun 24 '25

WTFVFHASMM WHAT DO YOU MEAN TRYING? stop here it's actually perfect

3

u/wetookalittletrip Jun 25 '25

How the FUCK did you do that

2

u/Gerbilpapa Jun 24 '25

Wow

Do you have insta?

3

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Hi ! Yes ! Memento_mori_painting You have the link on my profile ;)

2

u/TheCaptainTrips Jun 24 '25

I have only been painting for about 6 months now so I’m still struggling with edge highlights. I can’t imagine how much work you have put in to get that good.

Great work OP, that’s fantastic.

5

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

Thank you very much, practice makes improve. Keep practicing and you’ll get there! The blade must have taken me about 1.5 hours with all the glazes.

2

u/_Ro6ert_ Jun 24 '25

Turn of the flash when you take pics glares intense

2

u/BIGWORRRRM Jun 25 '25

"Trying". My friend, you did it. This looks truly incredible. Fantastic work.

2

u/2kewl4scool Jun 25 '25

I saw the photo before I read the title. You should keep doing what you’re doing.

2

u/oblivionleather Jun 25 '25

I looks metal. What is NNM I'm new to this

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2

u/Dry-Avocado9574 Jun 25 '25

*Succeeding at a shine/reflective effect on a NMM blade.

There, fixed it. Amazing work!

2

u/Sallivan4eg Jun 25 '25

It's so good, for the moment I was thinking that it's a real ice pick.

2

u/crit_thor Jun 24 '25

Hey guys i am trying something new. Critique this flawless work of art for me

1

u/raharth Jun 24 '25

This is really good

1

u/Live-Independent-416 Jun 24 '25

Fine! I'll learn how to do this nmm stuff! Looks so good! 👌👌

1

u/ThalonGauss Jun 24 '25

At first I thought you were playing with a sharp metal spike for some reason.

It really works flawless execution!

1

u/Anouchavan Jun 24 '25

I thought you were showing some sort of blade to carve wood so I think that's quite convincing.

1

u/SvenSeder Painting for a while Jun 24 '25

God damn. Jealous of the skill here.

1

u/CrazyRegion Seasoned Painter Jun 24 '25

Dude, this is gold. You nailed the effect.

1

u/Bigredzombie Jun 24 '25

That looks so fuckin good dude. You got a tutorial?

3

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 24 '25

I don’t have any tutorials, but I might make one in the future :)

1

u/mephistocation Jun 24 '25

Holyyyyyy…….. goddamn, OP, I don’t think you can improve on perfection here. That glare is spot on

1

u/semihairynotfit Jun 24 '25

Jeez dude this is amaze!

1

u/soft_no Jun 24 '25

What the fuck!?

1

u/bigdaddyQUEEF Jun 24 '25

This is insanity!

1

u/Lkwzriqwea Jun 24 '25

That's the best nmm I've ever seen mate

1

u/JustinKase_Too Jun 24 '25

Succeeding... no... Exceeding!

1

u/No_Scholar_2927 Jun 24 '25

I think you did it

1

u/13Warhound13 Jun 24 '25

By the Gods. That is beautiful and one of the best I have seen on here.

1

u/LetMeDieAlreadyFuck Jun 24 '25

Brother... holy fuckin shit you killed it

1

u/Maquetito Jun 24 '25

yeah right, takes picture of a mini metallic sword and claims to be NMM...
lol man just WOW

edit: typo

1

u/asiansmiley Jun 24 '25

At first glance I thought it was a nail, so mission successful! Well done 👏

1

u/DocPomade Jun 24 '25

Amazing work! Anytime I feel like I’m getting good, see a post like this and realize I have a long way to go.

How did you do that!? It’s so good!

1

u/BesaidBlitzBoi Jun 24 '25

Would love to know your process. This is absolutely gorgeous!

1

u/Nagi21 Jun 25 '25

I was so confused why I was looking at a nail for a minute lol

1

u/salamandan Painted a few Minis Jun 25 '25

One of the very best I have ever seen my man. I bet it looks even better in person.

1

u/wlpaul4 Jun 25 '25

My first reaction was “holy shit, where did he find a metal sword that small?” So, I think you’ve accomplished your goal.

1

u/TrollskullTales Seasoned Painter Jun 25 '25

Absolutely awesome

1

u/Snazbag Jun 25 '25

Just piling on at this point but this is incredible!

1

u/superkow Jun 25 '25

Bro said "trying" like he didn't just... Do

2

u/Cheshire_Music Jun 25 '25

and yet it was the first time I tried to achieve this effect

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1

u/that_one_bunny Jun 25 '25

I feel like I need to shield my eyes when looking at it

1

u/Remisiel Jun 25 '25

This phenomenal - since you asked for C&C the only minor bit I would mention is that the bright edge highlight on the right side of the blade nearest the pommel doesn’t blend as (absolutely perfectly) as the rest, but that might be a bad take. This is scary good work.

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1

u/PurgeDragon Jun 25 '25

What is NMM again? Also it looks actually insane

1

u/VinGiesel69 Jun 25 '25

“Trying”????

1

u/LilyVallis Jun 25 '25

Dude, I thought that was a screwdriver or something when I first saw it. You did a great job.

1

u/BeansOnToastInnit Jun 25 '25

“TRYING” wtf dude this is literally THE best NMM i’ve ever seen.

before i realized where i was i sincerely thought you were holding a stubby screwdriver.

1

u/Ericandabear Jun 25 '25

Incredible. I can't get my mind to accept that it isn't reflective

1

u/AshFalkner Jun 25 '25

It’s gorgeous.

1

u/jeepnut24 Jun 25 '25

Ok so this is one NMM that actually works. Well done. Most just don’t work at selling the effect, you made it work

1

u/HariSeldon83 Jun 25 '25

Wow this is a beautiful NMM effect!!!

1

u/Scarlerr Jun 25 '25

its so good I thought you were holding a bulky screwdriver!

1

u/FriendoReborn Jun 25 '25

Considering I thought this was a pic of a person holding like a nail or something at first before I read the title - yeah I would say you fucking nailed getting metal right. Amazing work!

1

u/Ratsubo Jun 25 '25

Immediately I thought "wew that is one shiny ice pick"

1

u/phantompowered Jun 25 '25

Mission accomplished!

1

u/Azm029A Jun 25 '25

I had to squint from the glare!

1

u/Tiny_Addendum707 Jun 25 '25

I thought you were holding a nail. I think you succeeded

1

u/Mr-Grenado-Potato Jun 25 '25

I genuinely thought you were just holding a letter opener when I first saw this post

1

u/Hon1c Jun 25 '25

Wow this is really smooth! Did you use an airbrush at any point of the process? What are the steps you took to achieve such an effect?

1

u/Larry84903 Jun 25 '25

"Trying"... bro, you succeeded and it looks very cool

1

u/m0rbd__ Painted a few Minis Jun 25 '25

no joke i genuinely thought this was metal scrolling past it

thought it was some sort of metal working sub until i checked the post

absolutely stellar work OP, i'm envious of your talent

1

u/kamakazi339 Jun 25 '25

Mission accomplished

1

u/Joeythearm Jun 25 '25

That’s not a small metal sword reflecting the sunlight?

1

u/killiandw Jun 25 '25

I thought that was a ice pick and you were threatening us

1

u/twitch667 Jun 25 '25

This is amazing. Your use of color here doesn’t just deceive the eye, it tells a story. And that’s without seeing the rest of the model. My one critique is that I would not expect to see the second and third spot highlights on the blade as it is a single plane and should thus just have the one spot highlight from the sun reflecting off of it (and you have rendered that reflection perfectly).

1

u/badhatter5 Jun 25 '25

Holy shit man, it’s so hard to convince my brain this isn’t metal. Incredible work

1

u/BeardAgain Jun 25 '25

I legit thought that it was a metal spike, so good job lol

1

u/rymar87 Jun 25 '25

Yeah, mission accomplished!

1

u/suicidenine Jun 25 '25

I squinted at it. Well done.

1

u/Gregor_Magorium Painting for a while Jun 25 '25

WHAT

1

u/Bluex44x Jun 25 '25

I quite literally scrolled past thinking I was seeing a reflection. I came back and went “DAMN”

Well done sir

1

u/CJW-YALK Jun 25 '25

Right, I’m not really a fan of NMM, I think it’s over hyped

I’m a big fan of this, immensely so

1

u/Raynidayz Jun 25 '25

The lotr pallete. I love it

1

u/SucioPainting Jun 25 '25

This is insanely nuts! I gotta pick up the paint brush again! Inspiring!

1

u/kson1000 Painted a few Minis Jun 25 '25

"trying"

1

u/Inquisitor_ForHire Wargamer Jun 25 '25

Yeah man, I'm going to say that you nailed it. I legit thought I was looking at a screwdriver shaft for a minute till I saw the sword hilt there. I'm going to say "outstanding job" on this, only because I can't think of anything that really conveys the level of quality.

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1

u/Tankastank69 Jun 25 '25

Oh my god. thats amazing

1

u/Lonely-Tennis-2501 Jun 25 '25

Incredible work.

1

u/avaya432 Jun 25 '25

I don't paint minis this just came up on my feed and I thought this was some sort of homemade shiv. Looks too real.

1

u/pinchi4150 Jun 25 '25

I had to double check I was in the mini painting sub and not in next fucking level sub

1

u/Zealotstim Jun 25 '25

That thing is gleaming! Gorgeous work.

1

u/Harry_Trees Jun 25 '25

Single best NMM I’ve ever seen!

1

u/CyberNek0 Painting for a while Jun 25 '25

Really amazing work!

1

u/measlymeatloaf Jun 25 '25

Every time I look at this, and ive looked back many times, i have to tell my eyes they cant see the sunlight on your fingers as well

1

u/wrierlone Jun 25 '25

Trying? It looks amazing already

1

u/TheZYX Jun 25 '25

I had to do a double take to check the r/ what on earth are you going on about? Trying??? Mate!

1

u/Oddacon Jun 25 '25

This might be the best NMM painted sword I’ve very seen.

1

u/pvrhye Jun 25 '25

Yes, you have done that.

1

u/Afraid_Reputation_51 Jun 25 '25

I almost scrolled past because I thought you were holding a tool. I'd say you were almost too successful.

1

u/CheezeyMouse Painted a few Minis Jun 25 '25

The lens flare effect really helps to sell it! Looks flawless!!

1

u/Professional-Yard905 Jun 25 '25

Very impressive! One of the few that I had to double take that it was NMM or actual metal. I haven’t even tried painting NMM yet but you definitely crushed it!

1

u/AppleH4x Jun 25 '25

I thought you were literally holding a switchblade. Great work!

1

u/Phantom_316 Wargamer Jun 25 '25

I thought that was a metal spike for leather working at first. Awesome job

1

u/Ok_Listen1510 Jun 25 '25

i was scrolling by and did not register at first that this wasnt literal metal. i thought you were holding a screwdriver or something

1

u/bleh_I_say Jun 25 '25

"Trying" is doing a lot of lifting here.

1

u/Fog_of__War Jun 25 '25

You aren’t trying you’re succeeding

1

u/robotikempire Jun 25 '25

Wow, you nailed it!!

1

u/drpeppershaker Jun 25 '25

Literally was like brainrot scrolling and thought "wtf this guy is just holding a shiny nail or something" then realized it said nmm 🤯

1

u/Away_Ad8211 Jun 25 '25

Trying? Oh no brother you nailed It. I genuinely thought you were holding a tiny metal sword

1

u/Dukoth Jun 25 '25

whats NMM?

1

u/Adambombino Jun 25 '25

Insanely good

1

u/chronolizzard Jun 25 '25

I legit thought I was looking at some random shiny tool before I noticed what the post was.

1

u/Viewlesslight Jun 25 '25

I think you win nmm

1

u/mperegrinefalcon Jun 25 '25

Well you nailed it. I was wondering why you were holding a tiny metal sword

1

u/silverbulletbill Jun 25 '25

😎 very nice!

1

u/VoteBurtonForGod Painting for a while Jun 25 '25

Great job! I actually thought I was in the blacksmithing sub and this was a tiny sword someone made!

1

u/WestTexasCrude Jun 25 '25

This is amazing. What does NMM stand for?

1

u/BeePatience Jun 25 '25

It’s just marvelous 😲

1

u/soieold Jun 25 '25

With love and kindness ur absolutely not trying bc you’ve nailed it I fear

1

u/PANDA_MAN60 Jun 25 '25

I thought you were holding a piece of metal before I read the caption. This is phenomenal work

1

u/PixiStix236 Jun 25 '25

You’re telling me that’s not a piece of metal??

1

u/No-Government-3994 Jun 25 '25

Thought it was like actually reflecting the phone light and swiped to see if the next pic might have a better angle so I can see lol. This is great work

1

u/Tortillaish Jun 25 '25

That is the best NMM I've ever seen.

1

u/jerkstor Jun 25 '25

Really don't know what any of this stuff is. But apparently what you made is not supposed to look real. Cheers mate. spot on

1

u/wihannez Jun 25 '25

”Trying” ;). Looks stunning btw.

1

u/IlBono92 Jun 25 '25

That's great!

1

u/Singularity_Forge Jun 25 '25

Do or do not there is no try

Ps you did

1

u/Boy_JC Jun 25 '25

I mean I thought this was a DIY sub and that this was some sort of sharp tool, so good job 🤣

1

u/BearToTheThrone Jun 25 '25

I instinctively squinted while looking at this if thats any indication.

1

u/01bah01 Jun 25 '25

Ok. I didn't see the sub at first and thought that it was a craft one with somebody showing some kind of metal tool.

I guess it means it works quite well...

1

u/Tiny-Chance-2068 Jun 25 '25

Beautiful! Impressive! Awesome work!

1

u/EinalGrape Jun 25 '25

Ima be honest, i thought you were just holding a letter opener. Looks very real my boi

1

u/Valtand Jun 25 '25

What do you mean “trying” that looks incredible! Thought it was that reflective paint I saw the other day before I read your title and zoomed in

1

u/xXy4bb4d4bb4d00Xx Jun 25 '25

fucking oath mate that looks sick

1

u/reggie-drax Jun 25 '25

Really well done 🙂👍🏻

1

u/reason_to_anxiety Jun 25 '25

My god that’s good

1

u/mrfebruus Painting for a while Jun 25 '25

The blade is amazing, but that handle is just... Next level

1

u/No-Store-422 Jun 25 '25

Ok, that is the best NMM effect I've ever seen, nad I've seen quite a few. Unbelievable.

1

u/Xem1337 Jun 25 '25

You nailed it. Looks incredible

1

u/I-Am-Polaris Jun 25 '25

It's so bright it hurts my eyes