Ready to try some Grimdark Ultramarines? This how to paint a Grimdark Ultramarine tutorial’s got you covered. We’ll be using an airbrush and some cool oil weathering tricks to turn a plain model into a gritty Ultramarine warrior. From slapping on the base colour to adding those fine details, we’re keeping it real and straightforward.
The following paints were used:
Games Workshop: Macragge Blue, Calgar Blue, Blue Horror, Mephiston Red, Wild Rider Red, Ushabti Bone Vallejo: Basalt Grey, Neutral Grey, Pale Grey Blue, Black, (Metal Colour Magnesium, Gold, Chrome)
Scale 75: Dwarven Gold
Winsor & Newton Oil Colour: Burnt Sienna, Black (Burnt Umber!)
Forge World: Dark Sand
How to paint a Grimdark Ultramarine Steps and Tips
Base Coat:
Apply Macragge Blue from Games Workshop using an airbrush.
Use a small arch surface dry brush for a stippling technique to add colour and texture.
Focus on covering all armour panels, avoiding non-blue elements like guns and chainsaws.
Highlighting:
Mix airbrush thinner and water.
Highlight specific areas (shoulders, head, chest, backpack) using the airbrush.
Use Scale 75 Dwarven Gold for golden trim, fixing any mistakes with black paint.
Additional Detailing:
Add scratches and dents using a fine brush.
Apply subtle highlights using blue and blue horror, keeping it restrained.
Avoid excessive highlighting for a balanced appearance.
Purity Seals and Small Details:
Optionally detail purity seals and other small features.
Experiment with paint mixes for variety.
Oil, Transfers and Weathering:
Use micro set to soften transfers and apply them to the model.
Coat with gloss varnish and let it dry.
Apply oil paints for weathering by dabbing or gently rubbing.
Highlight specific areas (knee, shoulder pads, head, hip plate, backpack) with the oil wash.
Final Touches:
Paint the eyes using white and carefully add additional highlights.
Address any mistakes or mishaps.
Reapply highlights using the same colours to make certain areas pop.
Use weathering powder for a grounded look on the base.
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Awesome work! What’s your mix ratio for your sansodor and winton paint? My first mini I tested this with worked really well, but the 2nd, for some reason the oil wash will not dry even after leaving it several days, and when I spray the matte varnish on top, it remains glossy and the wash turns into a sticky residue on the model that peals off.
Hm, that doesn’t sound right. Water down the wash until it’s thinner, as the oil wash should dry a lot quicker than that. Don’t varnish until it’s completely dry. Have you any photos you can send me?