Learn how to paint a Custodian Guard with NMM (Non-Metallic Metal), with my comprehensive video tutorial and step by step guide.
Video: How to Paint a Custodian Guard (NMM Gold)
This method emphasises building up from a dark base to bright highlights, creating a rich, impactful non-metallic metal effect. Each step builds on the previous, gradually enhancing the model’s detail and contrast.
Materials and Paints
- Primer: Black
- Base Coat for Armour: Doombull Brown (Airbrushing is optional but hand painting is recommended for precision)
- Main Paints:
- Vallejo Heavy Goldbrown (alternative: Games Workshop’s Balor Brown with a dab of Mournfang Brown for warmth)
- Vallejo Ice Yellow
- Games Workshop Mournfang Brown, Ahriman Blue, Xereus Purple, Fulgrim Pink, Bugman’s Glow, Cadian Fleshtone, Ushabti Bone
- Vallejo White, Pale Blue Grey, Neutral Grey, Black
- Brushes: Various sizes for detail work
- Palette: Wet palette recommended
Step-by-Step Guide
Armour
Prime the model in black. Optionally, airbrush or hand paint Doombull Brown focusing on the armoured panels to establish a base layer. Hand painting allows for more control and avoids covering unwanted areas.
Base Layer: Apply Vallejo Heavy Goldbrown across the armour. This requires multiple layers to achieve an opaque finish. Let each layer dry before applying the next to build a solid base.
Highlighting: Start adding highlights by mixing Heavy Goldbrown with Vallejo Ice Yellow for a mid-tone highlight. Focus these highlights where the light naturally hits based on a top-left light source. This creates a dramatic high contrast look.
Final Highlights: Pure Ice Yellow is used for the brightest points of the armour. This step significantly brightens the gold but reduces the yellow warmth. To counteract this, apply a thin glaze of Mournfang Brown over the mid-tones to reintroduce warmth.
Details: Use the NMM technique to highlight finer details like filigree and crevices, maintaining the light direction consistency. The key is to leave dark areas and create a sharp contrast between light and shadow for a metallic effect.
Hair
Base Coat: Apply Xereus Purple, followed by layers of Fulgrim Pink mixed with a bit of Ahriman Blue for a vibrant purple shade.
Highlights: Gradually lighten the purple with more Fulgrim Pink towards the edges and raised areas to simulate light reflection.
Leather and Gloves
Base Coat: Start with Bugman’s Glow, adding texture by applying in a scratchy manner.
Shading and Highlights: Layer up with Cadian Fleshtone and Ushabti Bone, focusing on creating texture and volume without making the material look metallic.
Gems and Eyes
Base Coat: Use Ahriman Blue, diluting slightly for a smooth application.
Highlights: Add small amounts of white to Ahriman Blue for higher highlights, finishing with a dot of pure white for the sparkle effect.
Spear Blade
Base Coat: Neutral Grey, applied to mimic light reflections.
Highlights: Gradually lighten with Ice Yellow, focusing on edges and areas where light would naturally hit, finishing with pure white for the sharpest highlights.
A PDF version of this How to Paint a Custodian Guard tutorial is at:
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