Dark Violet is a near-black violet – so dark it barely separates from black on the palette, yet on a figure it still carries colour. It is the best black substitute in the whole range: the shadow stays readable, the area does not read as a hole and the figure gains depth.
| Range | Smart Colors |
| Colour family | Purple |
| Type | water-based acrylic paint |
| Finish | matt |
| Packaging | 20 ml jar with one-handed lid and steel agitator ball |
| Manufacturer code | IONIC-0074 |
| EAN | 8432074900740 |
| Manufacturer | Ionic Smart Colors (MIG Jimenez) |
| Country of origin | Spain |
Build shadows with Black, transitions and highlights with Octopus Purple and Malicious Violet.
Why not just use black?
Black is dead on a figure – it reflects no light and the surface loses its shape. Dark Violet is just as dark but keeps a colour tone, so the shadow reads as space rather than as a hole.
How do I paint black cloth?
Base with Dark Violet, shade with black only in the deepest points and build highlights through Misty Grey to Smoke Grey. Black cloth is really a grey with dark folds.
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.