In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to paint an Imperial Fist Space Marine quickly and effectively to tabletop standard. This tutorial uses an airbrush for the base coats, followed by detailed brushwork for finishing touches.
Video: How to Paint an Imperial Fist Marine to Tabletop Standard
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Materials Needed
- Airbrush
- Vallejo Airbrush Thinner and a small amount of water
- Paints: Games Workshop’s Balor Brown, Yriel Yellow, Flash Gitz Yellow, Corvus Black, Mournfang Brown, Mephiston Red, Wild Rider Red, Cadian Fleshtone, Temple Guard Blue; Vallejo’s German Grey, Neutral Grey, Pale Grey Blue; P3’s Morrow White; AK Interactive’s Ultra Matte Varnish.
- Black primer
- Brushes, including a large stippling brush for future non-airbrushing techniques
- Plastic tray or mixing palette
- Sponge and tweezers for chipping effects
- Fine sand, PVA glue, and weathering powder for basing
Preparation
Prime the Model: Start by priming your Space Marine model black. Assemble the model but leave the backpack and head unglued for easier painting.
Base Coat with Airbrush: Mix Balor Brown with Vallejo airbrush thinner and a small amount of water. Airbrush the model focusing on a top-down angle to simulate natural lighting. Aim for a smooth coat but don’t worry about initial speckling; it will be covered by subsequent layers.
Painting
Layering: Once the Balor Brown layer is dry, airbrush Yriel Yellow over it. This helps brighten the model and prepares it for the next layer of Flash Gitz Yellow, focusing on areas that would catch the light more.
Detailing: Use a brush to paint details such as the weapon in Corvus Black, adding contrast paints for speed on smaller details like the armour’s recesses and the chest eagle.
Chipping Effect: Using a sponge, dab Flash Gitz Yellow on areas prone to wear, like the feet and edges. Follow this with a brush-applied layer of Rhinox Hide to simulate chips and scratches.
Edge Highlights and Weathering: Highlight edges with Flash Gitz Yellow and use Rhinox Hide to deepen shadows and weathering effects, blending with Corvus Black where necessary.
Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) Techniques: For the weapon and any metallic details, use a combination of German Grey, Neutral Grey, and Pale Grey Blue to achieve a worn, metallic look without using metallic paints.
Eyes and Final Touches: Paint the eyes with Temple Guard Blue, layering up to white for brightness. Apply glazes of Yriel Yellow where needed to adjust the overall tone.
Finishing
Basing: Apply PVA glue to the base and dip in fine sand. Once dry, apply a wash of Seraphim Sepia, followed by weathering powder for texture. Seal with AK Interactive’s Ultra Matte Varnish to unify the finish.
Varnishing: Give the entire model a coat of matte varnish to protect your work and to unify the sheen across different paint finishes.
Tips for Success
- Layering: Build up colours gradually, especially when working from a dark base like black. This helps in achieving a more vibrant final colour.
- Weathering: Less is more. Apply weathering effects sparingly to avoid overpowering the base colours.
- Focus Points: Concentrate detail and brighter highlights on areas that naturally catch the light, such as the helmet and shoulders, to create focal points.
- Speed vs Quality: While this guide is designed for speed, taking a little extra time on visible areas like the face can elevate the overall appearance of your model.
This approach to painting Imperial Fists is not only efficient but also allows for a good tabletop standard that can be further refined for higher detail work in the future. Enjoy painting your Space Marine army!
More Space Marine Tutorials!
Space Marines
This tutorial with video will guide you through how to paint an orange Blood Angel Space Marine with a unique orange twist to his armour. Painted as part of Movember for mental health awareness, this model also features a freehand moustache as a quirky homage to the cause. One of the key challenges of this project was working with Troll Slayer Orange—an infamously tricky paint—and blending it into the Blood Angels’ classic aesthetic, reminiscent of their older colour schemes.
Video: How to Paint an Orange Blood Angel
Paints Used
Games Workshop
Mephiston Red
Rhinox Hide
Balor Brown
XV-88
Troll Slayer Orange
Sotek Green
Contrast Medium
Contrast Dark Oath Flesh
Vallejo
Ice Yellow
Black
Neutral Grey
Metal Colour Exhaust Manifold
Game Colour Scarlet Blood
Scale 75
Necro Gold
P3
Morrow White
AK 3rd Gen (Optional)
Golden Brown
Light Brown
Step-By-Step – How to Paint an Orange Blood Angel
1. Basecoat with Mephiston Red
Method: Begin by stippling Mephiston Red over a black-primed model using a small drybrush. This base layer ensures smoother transitions when applying the Troll Slayer Orange later, as orange paint is notoriously translucent over black.
Consistency: Thin the Mephiston Red with a 50/50 mix of water and paint for better flow. Use a damp brush for stippling to achieve a consistent texture.
Tips:
Regularly clean and dry your brush to avoid flooding the model with excess paint.
Use a smaller, chunky brush to fill in hard-to-reach areas to eliminate visible primer in the recesses.
2. Add Scarlet Blood for Vibrancy
Paint: Vallejo Scarlet Blood
Method: Stipple this matte red paint over the basecoat, focusing on areas that catch light, such as the chest, shoulder pads, and helmet. This adds richness to the tone while subtly transitioning towards orange.
Placement: Apply with precision, keeping the brush perpendicular to the model to avoid drybrush streaks.
Alternatives:
Evil Sunz Scarlet can be used instead if you prefer GW paints, but Scarlet Blood offers excellent coverage and vibrancy.
3. Highlight with Troll Slayer Orange
Paint: Troll Slayer Orange
Method: Thin the orange paint (1:1 water to paint) and apply it to the raised areas in multiple thin layers. Its translucency works in your favour, blending naturally with the red beneath.
Technique: Work around the model, allowing sections to dry before returning for additional layers. This prevents muddy transitions and creates a soft gradient.
Pro Tip:
For a less orange look, mix Scarlet Blood with small amounts of white or yellow to lighten highlights without veering too far into orange territory.
4. Shade with Contrast Dark Oath Flesh
Paint: Contrast Dark Oath Flesh + Contrast Medium
Method: Apply a diluted wash of Dark Oath Flesh over the entire model. This acts as a filter, unifying the tones, shading the recesses, and reducing the vibrancy of the orange.
Consistency: Use Contrast Medium instead of water to maintain the wash’s properties. Check for pooling and wick away excess with a clean, damp brush.
5. Painting Details and Metallics
Metallic Paints: Vallejo Metal Colour Exhaust Manifold, Scale 75 Necro Gold (or Viking Gold)
Method: Pick out the trim, weapon details, and any embellishments.
Silver: Use Vallejo Exhaust Manifold for weaponry.
Gold: Apply Necro Gold on selected trims (e.g., shoulder pads). Highlight with a lighter gold for emphasis.
Pro Tip:
To create a weathered look, glaze Dark Oath Flesh over metallics for a patina effect.
6. Adding Glow to the Eyes
Paints: Sotek Green, Ice Yellow, and White
Steps:
Paint the eye lenses with Ice Yellow to create a bright base.
Glaze over with Sotek Green to establish the colour.
Highlight the centre of the lens with Ice Yellow and pure White for the brightest point.
Add Object Source Lighting (OSL): Thin Sotek Green and lightly glaze the surrounding areas to simulate a glow effect.
Tips:
Focus OSL on areas in shadow for the most dramatic effect. If the surrounding armour is well-lit, the glow will appear less intense.
7. The Moustache
As a nod to Movember, the model features a freehand moustache on its faceplate.
Basecoat: Use Golden Brown for the initial design.
Highlight: Build up with Ice Yellow for a metallic gold appearance.
Symmetry: For best results, face the model head-on while painting and use short, confident brush strokes.
Pro Tip:
If you make a mistake, mix Rhinox Hide and Troll Slayer Orange to “erase” errors and blend corrections seamlessly.
8. Final Touches and Base
Decals: Apply transfers with Micro Set to conform them to the armour, then stipple over with basecoat colours for a weathered look.
New to Decals, or need some tips?
Use this handy step by step guide and video!
Watch Now
Base: Keep it simple—sand painted with Agrax Earthshade, finished with a touch of weathering powder.
This project was a fun challenge, blending unconventional colours into a Blood Angels scheme while supporting an important cause. Whether you tackle the freehand mustache or adapt the colour palette for your own chapter, the techniques here can add character and vibrancy to any Space Marine.
If you want to support the Movember mental health campaign, check out the link below: https://movember.com/m/15175299
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This how to paint a Red Techmarine NMM Axe guide aims to help you achieve a realistic non-metallic metal effect on your Techmarine’s axe, with a focus on contrast, texture, and light reflection.
For all of the videos on how to paint a Red Techmarine, follow the link below, or scroll down here for just the axe guide!
Red Techmarine
A series for how to paint a Primaris Techmarine by Games Workshop.
Watch Now
Video: How to Paint a Red Techmarine – NMM Axe
This guide aims to help you achieve a realistic non-metallic metal effect on your Techmarine’s axe, with a focus on contrast, texture, and light reflection.
Materials Needed:
Fine detail brushes for precise application. (I use the Artis Opus range, but any decent quality brush works!)
A wet palette to keep your paints hydrated.
Vallejo and Games Workshop paints: Doombull Brown, Mournfang Brown, Balor Brown, XV-88, Ice Yellow, Pale Grey Blue, and P3 Morrow White (or any white).
Preparing the NMM Axe:
Metal Pole: Begin by painting the metal pole using the same NMM techniques detailed in the previous video. This ensures consistency across metallic elements of the miniature.
Painting the Circular Detail on the NMM Axe:
Base Colour: Start with the darker brown (Doombull Brown), applying it as the base for the small circular detail on the pole. This connects the colour scheme with the axe head, adding warmth and interest.
Highlighting: Gradually build up the highlights transitioning from dark (Doombull Brown) to light (XV-88 to Ice Yellow) from the top to the bottom of the circular detail. Finish with a thin edge highlight at the top for definition.
Painting the NMM Axe Blade:
Vertical Lines: Initially, paint vertical lines across the blade with a mixture of 50:50 water to paint. This underlayer softens the stark contrast between subsequent horizontal lines and the dark primer.
Adding Texture: Apply horizontal lines over the vertical ones to create a cross-hatching effect. This technique adds texture and subtlety to the blade, avoiding harsh contrasts.
Defining Highlights: Focus on creating a diagonal highlight across the axe head, marking the primary light reflection. This line should be brighter at the top edge of the blade, tapering and becoming more subtle as it crosses the blade.
Building Up the Blade’s Texture:
Further Highlights: Use Mournfang Brown to add more texture and depth, emphasizing the top of the blade where the light is strongest. The aim is to make the top appear lighter than the bottom, enhancing the NMM effect.
Ice Yellow Highlights: Progress to Ice Yellow for the highest highlights, concentrating on areas that would catch the most light. Ensure these lines are fine and precise to maintain the textured look.
Detailing the Axe Head:
Base Texturing: With Mournfang Brown, create scribbly, textured marks on the flat of the axe head, focusing on creating a light to dark modulation from one edge to the other.
Enhancing Texture: Progress through Balor Brown and XV-88, adding finer, more controlled highlights to build up the texture. These should be more focused and less extensive than the base texture, adding depth and interest to the surface.
Final Highlights: Use Ice Yellow and Pale Grey Blue for the final highlights, paying particular attention to areas like the skull and the circle on the axe head. These colours should only be applied to the blade for differentiation, so don’t go too crazy with them, adding a cool tone to contrast with the warmer body of the axe head.
Finishing Touches:
Neatening Edges: Go back and tidy up any overspill or overly broad lines with the base colours, ensuring the texture remains coherent and the contrasts sharp.
Evaluation: Step back and review the entire piece, making any necessary adjustments to ensure the NMM effect is convincing and the textures and contrasts work together harmoniously.
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Games Workshop sent me the new Deathwing Assault box as an early review copy. It’s a little rushed but I’ve started to paint a Deathwing Assault Knight with the aim to make him very weathered and rough looking. A video tutorial on how I painted this Deathwing Assault Knight will be on YouTube and here on the website, too, along with my step-by-step guides once I’ve done a bit more.
The most esteemed warriors among the enigmatic and steadfast Dark Angels are those of the Deathwing! Each member, a battle-hardened veteran, is led by legendary champions who have weathered countless conflicts. They don imposing Terminator armour and wield formidable armaments, treasures from the Chapter’s revered armouries.
At the helm of the Deathwing stands Belial, the esteemed Grand Master. His command extends over 15 Terminators. Among them, ten are versatile multi-part Terminators, adorned in the iconic Deathwing style, enhanced with two newly crafted Dark Angels upgrade frames. The remaining five are the formidable Deathwing Knights, unyielding colossi armed with ancestral weapons of great power.
Included in the set is the Codex Supplement: Dark Angels. This 96-page tome provides comprehensive rules and rich lore for the Dark Angels, embellished with a distinctive cover. The package is further enriched with 20 datasheet cards, encompassing every unit described in the Codex Supplement, and two decal sheets, each boasting over 200 transfers.
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This video shows how to paint a Grimdark Grimy Death Guard for the Horus Heresy. The model is a new MKIII plastic marine and is painted in the Grimdark style to try and capture the weight and brutal nature of the armour.
The following paints were used:Games Workshop: Balor Brown, Morghast Bone, Screaming Skull, Mephiston Red, Wildrider Red, Yriel Yellow, Contrast Darkoath Flesh, Contrast Medium, Rhinox Hide, Agrax Earthshade Vallejo: Heavy Blackgreen, Ice Yellow P3: Morrow White (Any white will do) Kimera Colours: Black (Any black will do) Pro Acryl: Light Bronze Metallic, Rich Gold Metallic
Top Grimdark Grimy Death Guard Tips!:
Prepare Your Palette: Utilize a wet palette to maintain paint hydration.For the initial dry brushing, use Balor Brown from Games Workshop on a wet palette.Choose the Right Brush:Select a small dry brush, like the Artis Opus dry brush, for the stippling technique.Stippling Technique:Diverge from traditional dry brushing; instead, stipple the paint onto the model.Aim for a disheveled, grimy, and weathered appearance.Start with Balor Brown, advancing to lighter hues like Morghast Bone, Screaming Skull, and Yriel Yellow for a textured effect.Application Method:Stipple the paint directly onto the model, concentrating on armour panels.Rotate the model as you paint to ensure each section dries before revisiting.Focus on hitting the model face-on with the brush to create a textured, dotty buildup.Chipping Effect:For chipping effects, use Rhinox Hide with a sponge chipping technique.Contemplate hand-painting some scratches for added detail.Accentuating Details:Employ a fine brush for details like scratches and chips.Highlight specific armour panels for added depth.Contrast and Weathering:Apply Darkoath Flesh contrast paint mixed with contrast medium to unify the your Grimdark Grimy Death Guard.Experiment with adding more brightness by layering appropriately watered-down contrast paints.Highlighting and Shadows:
Highlight edges using Morrow White from P3.Contemplate applying washes like Agrax Earthshade to blend highlights and shadows.Use Ice Yellow from Vallejo for specific details, building up the colour gradually.Fine-Tune Highlights:Use a finer brush to refine highlights and correct any over-spill.Introduce Agrax Earthshade for added depth in recessed areas.Final Touches:Experiment with Wildrider Red and Mephiston Red from Games Workshop for added details.Apply a matte varnish to seal the paint job.Consider adding additional details to your Grimdark Grimy Death Guard like basing with textures and powders.
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How to freehand ribs on the new Terminator Chaplain that Games Workshop sent me for review. I know some people were disappointed that it didn’t have sculpted on ribs, so this should fix it! This guide should help you add a striking rib detail to your Chaplain Terminator, enhancing its visual impact and bringing it closer to the iconic Chaplain imagery.
Video: How to Paint Chaplain Ribs Freehand
Materials Required:
Paints: Games Workshop XV-88, Morghast Bone, Screaming Skull, Rhinox Hide; Vallejo Neutral Grey; P3 Morrow White; Kimera Colours Black
Brushes: A variety of sizes for detailed work
Milliput or Sprew Glue: For filling and smoothing the chest area
Sandpaper: For sanding down the filled areas
Palette and Water: For paint mixing and brush cleaning
Steps for Freehanding Ribs:
1. Preparation:
Fill the chest holes with Milliput or Sprew Glue.
Sand down to create a smooth surface. Be patient and allow adequate drying time to avoid issues.
2. Base Painting:
Begin with a base coat of XV-88. This will be your primary rib colour.
Ensure the background remains a flat black for high contrast. Chimera Black is recommended for its matte finish and good coverage.
3. Adding the Ribs:
With XV-88, sketch out the shape of the ribs. Remember, space is limited, so it’s more about suggesting ribs rather than anatomical accuracy.
For human-like ribs, remember that Space Marines are portrayed with fused ribs, but standard human ribs are usually depicted on Chaplains for visual impact.
4. Shading and Detailing:
Use Rhinox Hide to create shadows and define the separation between ribs and sternum.
This paint can be applied translucently to allow underlying colours to show through, adding depth.
5. Highlighting:
Progressively add highlights with Morghast Bone. Focus on the front of the ribs, gradually reducing intensity towards the sides.
Add fine details and further highlights with Screaming Skull, but use sparingly to avoid excessive brightness.
6. Refining:
Use Neutral Grey and Morrow White for subtle colour variations and additional highlights.
Keep refining the details until you achieve the desired level of depth and realism.
Use black paint to clean up any errors and sharpen the edges of the ribs.
7. Finishing Touches:
For the sternum, devise a suitable design that complements the ribs. This might include fused elements or socket-like features.
Tips:
Asymmetry: Deliberately make the ribs asymmetric for ease of painting and to avoid the challenge of perfect symmetry.
Light Source: Consider the model’s overall lighting when placing highlights to maintain consistency.
Take Your Time: With freehanding, patience is key. Build up layers gradually and refine as needed.
By following my “How to Paint Chaplain” guide, you’ve now mastered the art of freehanding rib details, enhancing the iconic look of your miniature. Check out more of my freehand tutorials, below, for more ideas for your next project.
More Freehand Videos
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This video looks at how to paint a Deathwing Terminator from the new Leviathan boxed set, which Games Workshop sent to me as an early review copy.
Video – How to Paint a Deathwing Terminator
The following paints were used
Games Workshop: Black Templar (Contrast), Darkoath Flesh (Contrast), Contrast Medium, XV-88, Morghast Bone, Ushabti Bone, Screaming Skull, Mephiston Red, Evil Sunz Scarlet, Wild Rider Red, Yriel Yellow
Vallejo: Game Colour Dark Green, Neutral Grey, German Grey, Black, Gunmetal Grey (Metallic), Chrome (Metallic)
P3: Morrow White
Step by Step Guide
Preparation and Priming:
Assemble the Deathwing Terminator, modifying as desired (e.g., swapping weapons).
Prime the model in black.
Base Coat and Airbrush Highlighting:
Apply a base coat of XV-88.
Highlight with Morghast Bone using an airbrush, focusing on natural light areas.
Applying Contrast Paint:
Mix Darkoath Flesh with Contrast Medium and cover the Deathwing Terminator, emphasising recesses over large, smooth areas.
Highlighting and Texturing:
Hand apply highlights and textures using Ushabti Bone and Screaming Skull, targeting brighter airbrushed areas.
Detailing with Black Paint:
Paint areas destined for other colours (metal, red, green) with Black Templar Contrast or thinned black paint.
Metallic Parts:
Apply Vallejo Gunmetal Grey to metal parts.
Use Agrax Earthshade for a matte effect.
Add highlights with Chrome.
Red Areas (Eyes, Lenses, Purity Seals):
Base with Mephiston Red mixed with a small amount of black.
Progressively highlight with Mephiston Red, Evil Sunz Scarlet, and Wild Rider Red.
Green Areas (Chest Eagle):
Base in Vallejo Game Colour Dark Green.
Add highlights by progressively mixing in white.
Bone Armour Texturing and Detailing:
Further texture and scratch effects using Morghast Bone, Ushabti Bone, and Screaming Skull.
Mix Morghast Bone with a bit of Mournfang Brown for shadows.
Chest Eagle and Purity Seal Text:
Use fine brushwork for text effects on purity seals with black paint.
Final Highlights and Details:
Apply final highlights with Screaming Skull or white, focusing on areas for maximum contrast.
Blend and soften with Neutral Grey glazing.
Basing:
Base the Deathwing Terminator as preferred, employing sand texturing, painting rocks in German Grey and Neutral Grey, and adding grass tufts.
Finishing Touches:
Add chips and scratches across the armour with Rhinox Hide and Screaming Skull.
Enhance details and edge highlights to complete your Deathwing Terminator!
Show it off!
As you progress, feel free to adapt and tweak techniques to suit your style. Good luck! When you’ve finished, why not pop into our Discord and show it off to other website members? 🙂
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Richard was sent the new Warhammer 40,000 Leviathan box set from Games Workshop, and of course had to pick out his favourite model to paint up for a tutorial video for you guys. This is up on the website, ad free for freebie members and above, but also on Youtube – follow the link below or click in the embed to watch:
The following paints were used: Games Workshop: Black Templar (Contrast), Darkoath Flesh (Contrast), Contrast Medium, XV-88, Morghast Bone, Ushabti Bone, Screaming Skull, Mephiston Red, Evil Sunz Scarlet, Wild Rider Red, Yriel Yellow Vallejo: Game Colour Dark Green, Neutral Grey, German Grey, Black, Gunmetal Grey (Metallic), Chrome (Metallic) P3: Morrow White
About the Leviathan box set – (Review by Rebecca)
The “launch box” contains two armies (Space Marines and Tyranids), a limited edition book, and lots of other treats. However, if you’re a newbie to this hobby, brace yourself for a slightly steeper learning curve. Unlike some dedicated starter sets, Leviathan skips the dice, measuring tools, and handy “get started” guide.
The box also contains a set of transfers covering a host of Space Marine Chapters.In the video Richard says that there are no Dark Angel ones, but there are, (sorry).
In addition to this, while the rules for every Warhammer 40k unit will be available for free download from Warhammer Community, be aware that the box itself does not include physical cards. Instead, you’ll find basic profiles tucked away in the back of the instruction manual.
Richard enjoyed painting a Terminator for the video above, and was impressed by the level of detail. They’ve managed to retain the classic charm of their predecessors while seamlessly blending into the ranks of the latest Space Marine models.
In this new edition, the Terminators boast some nifty tricks up their power-armoured sleeves. Imagine being able to plant a teleport marker anywhere on the battlefield right from the get-go, courtesy of these bad boys. And the best part? You can use Rapid Ingress without spending a single resource to appear right next to that marker. Finally, they give a resounding “no thanks” to any negative hit modifiers. That means they’re practically unstoppable in combat.
For beginners and those who stick themselves together more than their miniatures, the models in the Leviathan box set are push fit, requiring no glue. Despite their easy assembly, they stand strong against intricate multi-part kits, however and still boast a great level of detail and good customisability.
I, personally, love the books that comes with the sets, especially when they are as full of background information as the rule book that comes with the Leviathan set.This exclusive book encompasses a whopping 200 pages of background information, hobby details, and lore. Not only does it provide insights into every Combat Patrol available, but it also showcases stunning images of painted models.
In short, the Leviathan box set is a great set if you are looking to get a lot of very cool models plus some great lore!
Rebecca Gray
This website showcases lots of Warhammer tutorial videos by Richard Gray! If you don’t have an account on the website, please sign up here! In total, the website currently has over 350 video tutorials with steps and tips, plus a selection of PDFs. If you are not sure about joining, you can explore the free videos with a free membership, or take the plunge and become a full subscriber for full access.
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This video tutorial and step-by-step guide shows how to paint a Desolation Dark Angel, one of the new Desolation Marines from the Strike Force Agastus, which was sent to me by Games Workshop. Read on for a full video, lots of tips and full materials and paints list.
Video Tutorial – Desolation Dark Angel
Materials:
Vallejo Model Colour (New): Angel Green, Charcoal, Toxic Yellow, Black, Turquoise, Aquamarine, Grunge Brown, Orange Fire, Nocturnal Red, Scarlet Blood
Games Workshop: Darkoath Flesh (Contrast), Contrast Medium
Two Thin Coats: Plate Armour, Dragon’s Gold
P3: Morrow White
Steps:
Base Coat:Mix Angel Green and Charcoal (50:50 ratio).Apply this mix over the entire model using a large dry brush or makeup brush.Water the paint down slightly for a smoother application, aiming for a 50:50 water-to-paint ratio.
Layering:Apply straight Angel Green on top, using a kitchen roll to dab off excess paint for a thin layer.Focus on light volumes, covering flat surfaces more than edges.
Metallics:Paint metallic areas using Two Thin Coats’ Plate Armour and Dragon’s Gold.Thin these slightly for better flow and coverage.
Red Details:Use Nocturnal Red and Scarlet Blood for red areas, like the gun.Mix them for a base layer, then use Scarlet Blood mixed with a bit of white for highlights.
Adding Depth:Use Vallejo Black for shading and defining darker areas.
Highlighting Armour:Create three mixes on your palette: pure Angel Green, a 50:50 mix of Angel Green and Toxic Yellow, and a majority Toxic Yellow with a small amount of Angel Green.Apply these mixes progressively, starting with the darkest and moving to the lightest for highlights. Use a brush control technique similar to edge highlighting.
Contrast and Washes:Apply Darkoath Flesh (Contrast) selectively, followed by Contrast Medium for dilution in specific areas.Use Nuln Oil for metallic parts to create depth.
Detailing Metallics:Add highlights to metallic areas using a mix of Plate Armour and white.
Eyes and Lenses:Paint eyes with a base of Nocturnal Red, adding highlights with a mix of Scarlet Blood and white.Use a small white dot for reflection. For lenses, use Turquoise mixed with Charcoal, then highlight with Aquamarine and pure white.
Final Touches:Add fine scratches and details using lighter shades of the base colours.For the belt, use Grunge Brown base and Orange Fire for highlights.
Basing:Apply PVA glue and sand.Once dry, wash with Agrax Earthshade and apply weathering powder.
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If you don’t have an account, please sign up here! The website currently has over 350 video tutorials, plus step by step guides and PDFs. You can explore more free videos with a free “freebies” membership, or take the plunge and become a full subscriber for full access.
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In this guide you will be shown how to paint Imperial Fists with Heavy Bolters without the need for an Airbrush or Oil Paints!
Video – How to Paint Imperial Fists with Heavy Bolters
Paints and Materials Used
Games Workshop: Mournfang Brown, Zamesi Desert, Yriel Yellow, Mephiston Red, Wild Rider Red, Sotek Green, Forge World Weathering Powder Dark Sand, Darkoath Flesh (Contrast), Contrast Medium
Vallejo: German Grey, Neutral Grey, Black
Vallejo: Mecha Varnish Gloss, Mecha Varnish Matt, Metal Exhaust Manifold
P3: Morrow White (Any White will do)
Micro Set
Step by Step Guide on How to Paint Imperial Fists with Heavy Bolters
Preparing the Base
Begin by applying Mournfang Brown, heavily watered down with a ratio of about two or three parts water to one part paint. Patience is key here; you’ll need to apply multiple coats. Ensure each layer is thin to avoid a bumpy finish. This step is time-consuming compared to airbrushing but results in a more weathered, textured look.
Applying the Base Yellow
Next, use Zamesi Desert for the base yellow. Don’t be alarmed if it appears desaturated and pale; this is merely the foundation for a cleaner yellow. This stage might require up to four coats due to the paint being heavily watered down. Though initially patchy, the paint evens out as it dries.
Highlighting with Yriel Yellow
Once the base layers are dry, start highlighting with Yriel Yellow. Focus on areas where light naturally falls, like the chest, head, and forward-facing elements of the armour. The contrast created by less yellow paint in shadowed areas will add depth and make the highlighted sections pop.
Detailing the Black Elements
For the black elements, like the gun and eyes, Vallejo Black is a suitable choice. Paint a black stripe on the head to denote a heavy weapon marine. Keep in mind, sergeants may have different helmet colours, but for practicality and ease, you can rely on the red plume to indicate the sergeant’s status.
Metallic Trims
The metallic trims, especially on Mark III shoulder pads, add considerable painting time. Use Vallejo Metal Colour Exhaust Manifold for these areas. Pay special attention to highlighting as it requires neat painting around the trim, increasing time spent on each marine.
Applying Decals
After painting the trims, apply a layer of Vallejo Mecha Gloss Varnish to the shoulder pads for a smooth surface. This helps in applying decals neatly. Use Micro Set for decal application. Ensure to add another layer of gloss varnish after the decals to blend them seamlessly with the surface.
Creating Shadows and Depth
For creating shadows and depth, use Darkoath Flesh contrast paint mixed with Contrast Medium. Apply it quickly and efficiently as it dries faster than oils. Focus on the brighter areas and remove any excess to avoid losing detail in crevices.
Final Yellow Glazing
Post the contrast application and a layer of matte varnish, begin the final yellow glazing. Use the thinned down Yriel Yellow, focusing on the model’s focal points. The matte varnish’s texture aids in a smoother application of this glaze, highlighting the model’s prominent features.
Heavy Bolter Detailing
For the heavy bolter, start with German Grey and gradually transition to Neutral Grey. The paint should be thinned down for smoother blending. Focus on the upward-facing surfaces and sides for a realistic effect. Highlight edges with pure Neutral Grey for a more three-dimensional look.
Plume and Eye Details
The plume is initially painted with Mephiston Red, followed by highlights using Wild Rider Red. For the eyes, start with Sotek Green, adding P3 Morrow White for subsequent highlights. Ensure the brightest part of the eye is off-centre for a more natural look.
Chipping and Weathering
Use Rhinox Hide for chipping effects, focusing on edges and high-wear areas. Highlight the lower edges of these chips with a mix of Yriel Yellow and Morrow White for a realistic worn look. For the metal parts, return to Exhaust Manifold for highlights, focusing on areas where light naturally hits.
Final Touches with Weathering Powder
Finish off with Forge World Weathering Powder Dark Sand, particularly on the lower parts of the armour and base. This adds a realistic, battle-worn effect. Seal with a matte varnish to fix the powder in place.
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In this guide you will be shown how to paint a Plastic Contemptor Dreadnought in Imperial First colours from the new Horus Heresy boxed game. Many of you were asking for help painting a model in this style without using an airbrush or oils – so here he is!
Video: How to Paint a Plastic Contemptor Dreadnought
All videos are recorded in HD 1080p or higher – use full screen for the full effect and let the video load completely. You can also click the little “cog” and change the speed of the video, if I am going too fast (or slow!).
The following paints were used:
Games Workshop: Mournfang Brown, Yriel Yellow, Darkoath Flesh (Contrast), Contrast Medium, Sotek Green, Forge World Weathering Powder Dark Sand. Vallejo: Black, Mecha Varnish Gloss, Mecha Varnish Matt, Metal Colour Burnt Iron P3: Morrow White (Any White will do)
Step by Step Guide: How to Paint a Plastic Contemptor Dreadnought
Initial Preparation
Begin with assembling the Plastic Contemptor Dreadnought. Keep arms and backpack separate for easier painting. Prime your Plastic Contemptor Dreadnought in black to set the stage for the upcoming colours.
Base Coating with Mournfang Brown Start with Mournfang Brown, heavily diluted with water for a translucent effect. Using a large brush, apply the paint in a stippling motion. This technique creates a mottled, weathered look on the model. Multiple thin coats are needed, around three or four, to achieve the desired coverage.
Creating Highlights Mix P3 Morrow White (or any available white paint) with Mournfang Brown. This mixture is used for creating highlights on the model. Apply with a smaller dry brush for more controlled and precise placement of highlights, especially on areas like the chest and upper stomach.
Adding Layers and Textures Progress with the painting by layering and texturing the model. Focus on building up colours gradually. Use the stippling method to apply these layers, which enhances the weathered and battle-worn appearance.
Incorporating Uriel Yellow Uriel Yellow, diluted in a similar fashion to Mournfang Brown, is used next. It’s important to keep the brush damp, not wet, to avoid the paint running. Apply in a dabbing motion, focusing on areas where light naturally falls. This stage is crucial for developing the yellow hue characteristic of the Imperial Fist.
Glazing and Fine Details Move to glazing layers using Uriel Yellow. This involves a thinner consistency and focuses on the model’s focal points like the head and chest. Pay attention to edges and hard lines, using a fine brush for precise application.
Weathering and Final Touches For weathering effects, employ Rhinox Hide for chipping and damage marks. Apply these strategically across the model to create a realistic battle-damaged effect. Focus on edges and areas likely to receive wear.
Enhancing Eyes and Metal Details Sotek Green is used for the eyes, creating a layered effect with a transition from green-blue to pure white. For metal parts, use Vallejo Metal Color Exhaust Manifold and Copper, applying carefully due to their fluid nature.
Applying Transfers and Final Varnishing After applying decals or transfers, coat them with gloss varnish to blend them seamlessly into the model. Use Micro Set for applying and setting the transfers.
Base Details Finish by creating a cohesive base using Forge World Weathering Powder Dark Sand. Apply multiple layers, interspersed with matte varnish, to build up a textured, grimy effect that complements your Contemptor Dreadnought
Show it off!
As you progress, feel free to adapt and tweak techniques to suit your style. Good luck! When you’ve finished, why not pop into our Discord and show it off to other website members? 🙂
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