How to Paint a Krieg Commissar

How to Paint a Krieg Commissar

Right, let’s get into it. This is the first part of a two-part tutorial on how to paint at Krieg Commissar to a high standard. If you’ve watched my videos before, you’ll know I don’t tend to follow a strict step-by-step process—this is more about building up layers, adjusting as I go, and letting things develop naturally.

I’ll be using a size 4 brush for the entire model—not because I have to, just because I feel like making life difficult for myself. “If you push too hard with a big brush, you will deposit a massive amount of paint on the model. Ask me how I know.”

This tutorial will take you through the early painting stages, including basecoats, first highlights, and some weathering to capture that grim, battle-worn look that suits the Krieg aesthetic so well. You don’t have to follow my exact colour choices, but the process will work with any scheme.

“I’ll paint a little area, almost finish it, move on to another, and then go back and tweak things.” That’s just how I work—so if that sounds familiar, you’re in good company.

Video : How to Paint a Krieg Commissar

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How to Paint a Krieg Commissar – Paints Used

Games Workshop:

  • Mephiston Red
  • Evil Sunz Scarlet
  • Wild Rider Red
  • Mournfang Brown
  • Morghast Bone
  • XV-88

Vallejo:

  • Neutral Grey

Two Thin Coats:

  • Dark Sun Yellow

P3:

  • Morrow White

AK Interactive:

  • Grey Green
  • Very Dark Brown
  • Camouflage Green
  • Sky Grey
  • Wine Red
  • Black
  • Anthracite Grey
  • Sand Yellow
  • Volcanic Yellow
  • Deep Orange

How to Paint a Krieg Commissar – Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Preparing the Model

  1. Assembly & Cleaning: The Commissar is fully assembled and primed. Any minor mould lines should be scraped off where possible.
  2. Priming: A dark primer is used as a base to help with contrast and depth.

Step 2: Base Coating the Model

  1. Overall Base Colour:
    • Cover the entire model with AK Very Dark Brown. This serves as a foundation for later layers.
    • Apply using a size 4 brush for speed. Alternatively, use a sponge or airbrush for even coverage.
  2. Adding Camouflage Green:
    • Apply AK Camouflage Green loosely over the brown base. This should be blended in while the base is still slightly wet.
    • Focus on a grimy, weathered effect, rather than full coverage.

Step 3: Painting the Clothing

  1. Main Coat (Greatcoat)
    • Base coat using AK Anthracite Grey.
    • Apply loose, textured highlights using AK Sky Grey + P3 Morrow White.
    • Scratchy brush strokes add a worn fabric appearance.
  2. Inside Lining & Trim
    • Base coat with Mephiston Red.
    • Highlight using Evil Sunz Scarlet, then further highlight with Wild Rider Red.
    • Use Wild Rider Red sparingly to avoid the coat looking too pink.
  3. Gold Trim (Non-Metallic Gold – NMM)
    • Base coat with XV-88.
    • Build highlights with Two Thin Coats Dark Sun Yellow, then AK Sand Yellow.
    • Add selective P3 Morrow White highlights on raised areas.
    • Use bounce highlights for a reflective effect on buttons.

Step 4: Painting the Rope & Accessories

  1. Rope Details:
    • Base coat all rope elements with XV-88.
    • Add highlights using AK Sand Yellow.
    • Use P3 Morrow White sparingly for final bright accents.
  2. Waist Sash (Scarf-like cloth)
    • Base coat with AK Grey Green.
    • Highlight using AK Sky Grey, blended softly.

Step 5: Painting the Faceplate & Tubing

  1. Faceplate (Skull-like mask)
    • Base coat with AK Grey Green.
    • Highlight using Morghast Bone.
    • Further highlights with P3 Morrow White to make it stand out.
  2. Tubing (Non-Metallic Metal – NMM Steel Effect)
    • Base coat with Vallejo Neutral Grey.
    • First highlight with AK Sky Grey.
    • Final highlight using P3 Morrow White for the brightest reflections.

Step 6: Painting Leather Elements

  1. Gun Holster & Belt
    • Base coat using Mournfang Brown.
    • Highlight by mixing Mournfang Brown + P3 Morrow White, progressively lightening.
    • Use Rhinox Hide as a glaze to deepen shadows if needed.
    • Use scratchy texture to simulate worn leather.

Step 7: Painting the Gun Handle (Non-Metallic Metal – NMM)

  1. Handle NMM Effect
    • Base coat with Vallejo Neutral Grey.
    • First highlight with AK Sky Grey.
    • Apply P3 Morrow White only for extreme shine spots.
    • Ensure black remains in the deepest areas for contrast.

Final Thoughts

At this stage, the Death Korps of Krieg Commissar is well on its way to completion. The next part of this tutorial will cover additional details such as the weapon, final highlights, weathering, and finishing touches.

Key takeaways:

  • Use a size 4 brush where possible, but switch to a smaller brush for finer details.
  • Layer translucently over the base coat to build depth naturally.
  • Texture and variation make materials more believable.
  • Use different tones for reds and browns to create richness in the colour scheme.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we finish the Commissar with extra refinements and battle-worn effects!

More Krieg Tutorials? Oh, go on, then.

Krieg

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