Free Video Tutorial: How to Paint a Nighthaunt Krulghast Cruciator

This video shows the complete process for How to Paint a Nighthaunt Krulghast Cruciator from Games Workshop including a step by step text guide and full list of colours needed.

Paints and Tools

The following paints were used:
Games Workshop: Warpstone Glow, Yriel Yellow, Sotek Green, Lothern Blue, Blue Horror, XV-88, Balor Brown, Rhinox Hide, Abaddon Black, Mournfang Brown, Mephiston Red, Evil Sunz Scarlet, Wild Rider Red, Fire Dragon Bright, Ushabti Bone
Vallejo: Neutral Grey, Black, Pale Grey Blue, White Grey, Ice Yellow

How to Paint a Nighthaunt Krulghast Cruciator

Step 1: Base Coating with Airbrush

  • Ensure the model is completely built and primed.
  • Separate the model into two sections for easier painting.
  • Use an airbrush with a 0.4 sized nozzle to apply a base coat of red at the top and blue at the bottom.
  • Mask off areas to avoid overspray and focus on highlighting towards the head and shoulders.

Step 2: Adding Highlights with Airbrush

  • Use Mephiston Red for the red sections and Fire Dragon Bright for the blue sections.
  • Be cautious with lighter colours as they can be challenging to airbrush without speckles.
  • Pay attention to angles to avoid overspraying onto other parts of the model.
  • Gradually build up the highlights, especially on the tips of the tendrils.

Step 3: Transitioning Colours

  • Use White or Fire Dragon Bright for highlights, but be mindful not to turn the red into pink.
  • Consider the translucency of the paint and how it interacts with layers.
  • Be strategic in highlighting to maintain the desired colour intensity.

Step 4: Detailing with Brushes

  • Switch to a smaller brush for fine details and lines.
  • Use Vallejo’s White Gray or a similar colour for opaque and solid highlights.
  • Follow the sculpted details and angles on the model for a stylised effect.

Step 5: Creating Contrast and Highlights on the Helmet

  • Apply XV88 and Balor Brown to create contrast and define shapes.
  • Add edge highlights to enhance details and create shine spots.
  • Use Vallejo’s White Gray for additional highlights.

Step 6: Adding Filigree Details

  • Add filigree details to areas like the cross for a shiny effect
  • Reinforce the glare by going over edges with a blob of paint.
  • Ensure consistency and follow the sculpting direction for a polished look.

Step 7: Refining Highlights and Shadows

  • Glaze over the model to blend highlights and shadows.
  • Tidy up and pick out additional details using Blue Horror.
  • Use Wild Rider Red for final touches on certain areas.

Step 8: Painting Wood Effect

  • Cover everything with Rhinox Hide for the wood effect.
  • Be rough and don’t worry about spikes; paint over them and pick them out in black later.
  • Focus on pushing lightness towards the edges of each wood plank.

Step 9: Adding Green Flame

  • Use Warpstone Glow for the green flame.
  • Be aware of the paint’s bad coverage and apply multiple coats for saturation.
  • Add a small bright yellow dot for high contrast.

Step 10: Applying Matte Varnish
Finish by applying a coat of ultra-matte varnish to even out the surface and remove shine.

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