Painting Guide for Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats Wave 2 Paints

Quick answer

The Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats Wave 2 paint set offers 60 vibrant acrylics in a full-colour paint rack. This guide walks you through setting up the rack, thinning paints, layering, and avoiding common beginner mistakes.

Step-by-step painting guide

1. Set up your paint rack and palette: Unpack the full-colour paint rack and arrange the 60 pots by colour family. Place a small amount of each colour you plan to use on your palette. Close the pots immediately to prevent drying. Common mistake: leaving pots open causes the paint to thicken or skin over. Always reseal after dispensing.
2. Thin your paint to a milk-like consistency: Dip your brush in clean water, then mix a small amount of water into the paint on your palette. The paint should flow off the brush like milk, not pool or run. Test on your thumbnail. Checkpoint: if the paint beads up, it's too thin; if it leaves ridges, it's too thick. Adjust with a drop of water or more paint.
3. Apply the first thin coat: Load your brush with thinned paint and wipe off excess on the palette. Apply a smooth, even layer over the primed area. Let it dry completely (about 30–60 seconds). Common mistake: applying too much paint in one coat leads to loss of detail. Two thin coats are better than one thick one.
4. Apply the second thin coat: Once the first coat is dry, apply a second thin layer in the same manner. This builds opacity and smooth coverage without obscuring fine details. Checkpoint: if the first coat looks patchy, wait for it to dry fully before applying the second coat. Patience prevents tearing the paint film.
5. Layer and highlight: Mix a lighter shade of your base colour (or use a lighter pot from the set) and thin it slightly more. Apply it to raised areas or edges to create highlights. Repeat with progressively lighter mixes for deeper contrast. Common mistake: using undiluted paint for highlights creates harsh lines. Always thin highlight layers too.
6. Clean and store your paints: Rinse your brush thoroughly in water and shape the tip. Wipe the rim of each paint pot before closing to ensure a tight seal. Return pots to the rack in their colour order. Checkpoint: dried paint on the rim prevents a proper seal and shortens the paint's life. Clean rims every time.

Product facts

• Full Set (60 pots) of Duncan Rhodes - Two Thin Coats Wave 2 Paints plus Paint Rack: This full set includes 60 colours (Wave 2) and a full-colour paint rack. Colour charts are not included. You get a complete palette in one purchase, and the rack keeps your paints sorted by colour for quick access during painting sessions.