Lead Figures

NMM or Non-Metallic Metal is a painting technique to reproduce the look of shiny metal without using metallic paints. In order to do this you need to mimic the reflective properties of the metal and the way the metal imparts its own colouration to the objects reflected within in.

The NMM technique can also be applied to gemstones and glass materials as the painting techniques are essentially the same, although the reflective properties are different since with glass and (to a much lesser extent) gems you can see through to the objects on the other side.

Some animal’s eyes could be considered to be very like jet (lignite). Keep it black for small animals like guinea pigs and hamsters; a touch of brown for deer or horses; green or red for various dungeon dwelling monsters.


Check out Angela’s site on NMM painting techniques, including examples of her painted works having this technique applied.


Also take a look Elfwood’s Fantasy Art Resource Project for tips from the artist perspective.


This video also shows the technique being performed on a miniature’s sword.