This video shows the whole process of how to paint a Grimdark Imperial Fist for Warhammer 40,000, plus a step by step text guide.
Tool and Paints
The following paints were used:
Games Workshop: Mephiston Red, Wild Rider Red, Cadian Fleshtone, Ushabti Bone, Yriel Yellow, Sotek Green, Balor Brown, XV-88
Vallejo: Neutral Grey, Ice Yellow, Black, (Metal Colour Magnesium)
P3: Morrow White (Any brand of white is fine)
Scale 75: Dwarven Gold, Neco Gold
Winsor & Newton: Oil Colour: Burnt Sienna, Black, Sansodoor solvent
Step by Step Guide : How to Paint a Grimdark Imperial Fist
Step 1: Base Coating with XV-88
- Start with a model primed in black and assembled (except for head and backpack).
- Use XV88 paint directly from the pot and scrunch it onto a piece of paper towel.
- Stipple the paint onto the model with a large brush to cover all armour panels.
- Stab the marine harshly with the stippling brush to create texture.
- Don’t worry about getting paint on other parts; focus on covering armour panels thoroughly.
Step 2: Adding Baylor Brown Highlights
- Switch to a smaller brush for precision.
- Use Balor Brown paint and continue stippling, focusing on areas with prominent curves (shoulder pads, backpack, head).
- Highlight the model by emphasizing the curves for a top-down lighting effect.
Step 3: Airbrushing with Yriel Yellow and Ice Yellow
- Thin Yriel Yellow paint with airbrush thinner in a wet palette.
- Apply a thin coat with an airbrush, blending and smoothing the texture.
- Use Ice Yellow with the airbrush to highlight specific metal areas (gun, joints, recesses).
Step 4: Red Trim with Mephiston Red
- Paint the trim on the marine in red using Mephiston Red paint.
- Avoid painting directly from the pot; thin the paint with water to achieve the right consistency.
- Focus on essential highlights rather than painting every edge.
Step 5: Final Highlights and Stippling
- Use worn-out brushes for final highlights, adding details to areas with texture or leftover stippling.
- Stipple lightly to blend and enhance highlights.
Step 6: Weathering with Sotek Green and Verdigris
- Apply Sotek Green for verdigris weathering on the chest piece.
- Water down the paint and run it into recesses for a weathered effect.
Step 7: Apply Decals and Micro Set
- Glue the head on to avoid wobbly head issues.
- Apply decals using Micro Set for adhesion.
- Skip Micro Sol; Micro Set alone is sufficient for shaping decals.
Step 8: Oil Wash with Agrax Earthshade
- Thin Agrax Earthshade with some Sansodor to create a wash.
- Apply the wash generously over the model, allowing it to settle in recesses.
- Wipe off excess if needed.
Step 9: Final Touches and Stippling
- Stipple over highlights again to clean up and enhance contrast.
- Use Metal Colour Magnesium paint on lower areas (shin, foot) for a dirty, textured effect.
- Focus on making the knee pad stand out and eliminating unwanted highlights.
Step 10: Eyes and Final Details
- Paint eyes with a mix of Sotek Green and Metal Colour Magnesium for a glowing effect.
- Add final details as needed, keeping the overall grimy and weathered appearance.
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