Transparent or opaque? Controlling how a pigment behaves
- Techniques
A pigment does not have only one look. The same colour can create a soft transparent layer or a bold, opaque surface.
The difference often lies mainly in the concentration of the pigment and the way it is applied.
A transparent layer
With a smaller amount of pigment and suitable thinning, you can create a more transparent layer through which the ground stays visible.
This way of working suits, for example:
- layering colours,
- soft transitions,
- glazes,
- shading,
- building depth.
Transparent layers let you build the final shade step by step.
An opaque application
A higher concentration of pigment creates a more intense and more opaque result. The ground is less visible and the colour reads more strongly.
Opaque applications suit places where you want a strong colour accent or a clearly defined area.
Experiment
You do not have to choose only one approach. Try the same pigment at several concentrations and watch how its character changes.
Experimenting with concentration is one of the most interesting aspects of working with powder paints.