Black Brown is a near-black brown – the deepest point of the brown ladder that still carries colour. It is the best black substitute in warm schemes: on leather, wood and rust it gives the shadow depth without turning it into a hole.
| Range | Smart Colors |
| Colour family | Brown |
| Type | water-based acrylic paint |
| Finish | matt |
| Packaging | 20 ml jar with one-handed lid and steel agitator ball |
| Manufacturer code | IONIC-0160 |
| EAN | 8432074901600 |
| Manufacturer | Ionic Smart Colors (MIG Jimenez) |
| Country of origin | Spain |
Build shadows with Dark Violet and Black, transitions and highlights with Vermin Brown and Graveyard Earth.
Why not use black for black boots?
Because black reflects no light and the boot loses its shape. Black Brown is just as dark, but highlighting it towards brown turns it into leather – black only ever becomes grey plastic.
How does it differ from Burnt Umber?
Black Brown is darker and redder, Burnt Umber lighter and more neutral. Black Brown is a shadow, Burnt Umber still a usable base.
How do I thin this paint?
With water or an Ionic thinner. The formula is self-hydrating, so it stays workable on the palette far longer than ordinary acrylics – a drop is enough for brush work, and roughly 1 : 1 for airbrush.
Is the finish really matt?
Yes, it dries matt with no shiny patches. If the figure is going on the gaming table, seal it with a matt varnish at the end.
The full range is in the Ionic Smart Colors category.