When you’re scrolling and looking for hobby inspiration, you've probably seen glowing swords, fiery torches, eerie green eyes, or crackling plasma weapons. Achieving that result on miniatures often involves Object Source Lighting (OSL).
But what does that actually mean? Let's shine a light on it.
What Is Object Source Lighting (OSL)?
Object Source Lighting, usually shortened to OSL, is a miniature painting technique that creates the illusion that an object on the miniature is emitting light.
The light source might be:
- A torch or lantern
- A magical weapon or spell effect
- Glowing eyes
- Plasma coils
- Even something on the base, like molten lava
It’s not only about painting the object to look bright; it’s painting the light that the object casts onto the surrounding surfaces.
In DipIt's Own Words
Picture a knight carrying a glowing blue sword. If only the sword is bright blue, it looks like... a bright blue sword. But if the knight's hand, armour, and nearby cloak all have a subtle blue glow, it suddenly looks like the sword is actually giving off light.
That's OSL. You're painting the effect of the light, not just the light source itself.
Why Miniature Painters Use OSL
OSL can build atmosphere on the miniature and create a story.
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It Creates Drama
A single glowing object can completely change the mood of a miniature, whether it's a magical relic, a plasma weapon, or a lantern in a dark cave. -
It Draws Attention
Because our eyes naturally follow bright areas, OSL can help guide the viewer towards the focal point of the miniature. -
It Adds Realism
When painted convincingly, OSL helps sell the illusion that the miniature exists in a real, lit environment rather than simply being painted with different colours.
Object Source Lighting vs Glow Effects
It’s easy to mix up OSL with glow effects, but they’re not quite interchangeable.
A glow effect usually refers to making an object itself appear bright or glowing. For example, a glowing plasma coil isn’t necessarily OSL. Object Source Lighting goes one step further by showing that light falling onto nearby surfaces. So if that glowing plasma coil casts light onto the areas around it, that’s OSL.
Common OSL Beginner Mistakes
Painting light is challenging because you're trying to create an illusion. Here are a few common pitfalls.
- Only painting the light source – OSL needs light to reach nearby surfaces.
- Making the glow spread too far – Light becomes weaker as it moves away from its source.
- Forgetting shadows – Areas that aren't reached by the light should stay darker.
- Making the surrounding glow brighter than the light source – The light-emitting object should usually be the brightest part of the effect.
Do You Need OSL?
Not at all. It's generally considered a more advanced painting technique because it relies on understanding where light naturally falls. But if you enjoy painting magical effects, science-fiction weapons, or dramatic display pieces, it's a skill worth exploring.
Where OSL Fits in the Painting Process
Most painters leave OSL until the miniature is nearly finished, though it's helpful to think about where the light will fall before you begin painting. Once the main colours, highlights, and shading are complete, the lighting effect can be added on top to tie everything together.
If you'd like to try it out, check out our guide on how to paint Object Source Lighting.
DipIt's Final Take
Object Source Lighting isn't about making everything glow; it's about convincing the viewer that a miniature has its own light source. When it works, it can completely change the atmosphere of a model and turn an already cool paint job into a real eye-catcher. Which, if you ask me, is a pretty bright idea.
Paint That Makes OSL Easier
Try our bundle of Warpaints Fanatic Effects fluorescent colours to make your OSL pop!
