This is a black or dark line separating parts of the miniature, like where the sleeve meets the hand, or where the belt meets the tunic. Darklining is a dark line, just like in comic book drawings. The purpose of this is to give definition to separate details of the miniature that have been painted. Because the miniature is so small, the details and colors end up blending into each other if it's not dark lined. There are a lot or reasons why this is so, but basically, if done properly the paint job just looks better.

The general rule of thumb that I use is to paint "inside out". That means, paint the most recessed details first, then the next layer of detail. Example; paint skin first then clothing, then accessories like belts/pouches followed by cloaks.

The exceptions to this rule is when I will be using the Drybrushing technique or the Combination Drybrushing & Washing technique on Hair, Fur, Feathers or Weapon Blades/Gun Barrels etc.

The problem I have with painting sword blades that are adjoining hair etc. is that both sword blades and hair are types of details that I would normally use the Combination Drybrush & Washing technique on separately. But in cases where they are next to each other, if I drybrush both of them, then one of them is going to get some inappropriate colored paint drybrushed on it. My solution to dealing with this problem is to use the Combination Drybrush & Washing technique on the hair, and then use the Ink Washes technique on the sword blade

Occasionally a miniature has complex details adjoining each other that I would normally use a Drybrushing step to highlight both of them (but usually in different colors). The problem with this is that if I do drybrush both of them, one of them is going to get some inappropriate color drybrushed onto it. My solution to dealing with this problem is to use the Combination Drybrush & Washing technique on one of the details, and then use the Washes and Ink Washes technique on the other detail.