Vallejo True Metallic Metal: BSL System

Using True Metallic Metal with the BSL System by Angel Giraldez with Autographed Bookmark Vallejo Master Vallejo True Metallic Metal with the BSL System guide. Learn Base, Shade and Light techniques for realistic metallic finishes on miniatures

Painting convincing metallics can be one of the biggest challenges in miniature painting. Vallejo True Metallic Metal: BSL System removes the guesswork by introducing a straightforward approach to creating rich, realistic metal finishes using the Base, Shade, Light (BSL) method.

Created by renowned miniature artists Pedro Gonzalez and Angel Giraldez, this guide breaks down the process into easy to follow steps that help painters understand not just what colours to use, but why each stage matters. Instead of relying on complicated techniques, the BSL System teaches you how to build natural-looking shadows, reflections, and highlights that make armour, weapons, machinery, and decorative details stand out.

Whether you're painting your first gaming miniature or working on a competition display piece, this book provides practical instruction that you can apply immediately. The lessons are supported by full-colour photography and detailed examples that make each technique easy to understand and recreate.

Designed to work alongside the Vallejo True Metallic Metal paint range, this guide is an excellent reference for painters looking to achieve consistent, professional-quality results across fantasy, science fiction, historical, military, and scale modelling projects.

Features

• Official guide to the Vallejo True Metallic Metal painting system
• Developed by Pedro González and Angel Giraldez
• Learn the Base, Shade, Light (BSL) workflow step by step
• Understand how light affects real metallic surfaces
• Create realistic reflections, shadows, and highlights
• Includes detailed photographs and practical painting demonstrations
• Suitable for beginners through to experienced miniature painters
• Perfect companion to the Vallejo True Metallic Metal paint range

Suggested Applications

• Warhammer and tabletop miniatures
• Dungeons & Dragons characters and monsters
• Historical miniatures
• Scale models and military models
• Busts and display pieces
• Science fiction and fantasy figures
• Painters looking to improve metallic painting techniques

Tips

• Read through an entire project before beginning to better understand the painting sequence.
• Keep metallic paint layers thin to preserve fine sculpted details.
• Use the BSL method consistently across a model to create a natural, cohesive metallic finish.
• Experiment with different light directions to add depth and realism to your miniatures.

Whether you're looking to improve your tabletop army or create a showcase quality display model, Vallejo True Metallic Metal: BSL System provides a practical, easy-to-follow roadmap for achieving metallic finishes that look realistic, balanced, and full of depth.