In this tutorial, we’ll cover how to achieve a dynamic heat bloom effect on a Melta Cannon for an Adeptus Titanicus Reaver Titan, specifically for the Legio Gryphonicus, also known as the War Griffins. This effect will simulate the intense heat generated by the weapon, using a gradient of colours to represent the heat bloom.

Video: How to Paint a Melta Cannon Heat Bloom

All videos are recorded in HD 1080p or higher – use full screen for the full effect and let the video load completely.

Materials Needed:

• Airbrush and Thinner: For applying smooth gradients of colour.
• Brushes: A fine detail brush for precise application and a dry brush for highlighting.
• Paints:
  • Vallejo Metal Colour Magnesium (for the metallic base).
  • Vallejo Metal Colour Chrome (for highlighting metallic areas).
  • Scale 75 Victorian Brass (for trim detailing).
  • Games Workshop Contrast Paints: Iyanden Yellow, Magos Purple, Talassar Blue (for the heat effect).
  • Games Workshop Contrast Aggaros Dunes (for additional trim detailing).

Melta Cannon Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Base Coating the Weapon:
   • Begin by airbrushing the Melta weapon’s recesses with Averland Sunset, ensuring the weapon’s holes face directly towards the airbrush to prevent uneven shading. Don’t worry about overspray on the weapon casing; this will be covered later.
2. Adding Initial Heat Glow:
   • Switch to Troll Slayer Orange and apply over the Averland Sunset, creating a gradient effect from the weapon’s recesses outward. Ensure even coverage without tilting the airbrush to maintain consistency across the recesses.
3. Masking for Overspray:
   • To prevent overspray on adjacent yellow armour panels, use masking tape or modelling putty. This step is crucial for maintaining clean lines and avoiding accidental paint transfer.
4. Metallic Base Coat:
   • Paint the metallic parts of the weapon with Vallejo Metal Colour Magnesium, carefully avoiding the recesses to maintain the glow effect. This creates a solid base for subsequent detailing.
5. Trim Detailing:
   • Apply Scale 75 Victorian Brass to the weapon’s trim, followed by a coat of Games Workshop Contrast Aggaros Dunes to add depth and dimension to the detailing.
6. Heat Bloom Effect:
   • Begin the heat bloom effect by airbrushing Iyanden Yellow halfway along the Melta Cannon barrel, avoiding the recesses. Layer Magos Purple over the Iyanden Yellow, leaving some yellow visible for a blended effect. Finish with Talassar Blue, applying it over the Magos Purple but not covering all the previous layers, creating a transition from yellow to deep blue.
7. Highlighting and Finishing Touches:
   • Dry brush Vallejo Metal Colour Chrome on the non-painted metallic areas to enhance the metallic sheen. Carefully highlight the lower edges of the weapon with Chrome using a normal paintbrush, accentuating the heat bloom’s impact.
8. Final Assembly:
   • Once all painting is complete, remove any masking materials and assemble any remaining parts of the Titan, paying attention to aligning the heat bloom effects correctly.

This technique for painting a heat bloom on a Melta Cannon adds a visually striking element to your Adeptus Titanicus Titans, emphasizing the weapon’s power and the heat it generates. The use of contrast paints over a metallic base allows for a vibrant, dynamic effect that stands out on the battlefield

Watch all the tutorials for my War Griffons Warlord!

War Griffons Warlord

A series of quick videos on the different techniques used on this model. These include the marble effect, the stripes, applying decals and weathering.

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