Model figures – making black clothing interesting?

Question by Repairman Jack: Model figures – making black clothing interesting?
I enjoy building model kits of various movie characters and due to my choice of subject matter, they often seem to be wearing black clothing (Batman, Darth Vader, Terminator, various monsters). My question is how one makes black clothing look real or interesting since it’s too dark to do a wash or dry-brush on. Thanks in advance!

Best answer:

Answer by Arbiter
I like building figure kits as well – here’s a few tips I’ve discovered. It is possible to dry-brush black clothing, just keep it dark. Try charcoal grey or midnight blue on Batman just to pick out the wrinkles and highlights in his outfit. Depending which kit you own, the Terminators clothes are likely scuffed up and damaged, try various shades of brown to give that worn black leather look.
Monsters are the same way – Dracula might need a little charcoal or midnight blue, while someone like Frankenstein could show dirt and grass stains on his boots and clothes. Lastly, Vader is a matter of paying attention his outfit. His helmet, boots, shoulder pads and such are a glossy black, while his cape is matte. The quilted leather parts of his outfit are somewhere between. Try dry-brushing pewter over flat black on Vader’s arms, gloves, legs, codpiece to give that slightly silver leather sheen. Hope this helps.

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