Warhammer Painting Guide for Beginners

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter looking to get back in touch with the basics, this essential advice will help bring your miniatures to life.

From base coating to advanced highlighting, discover tips that will enhance your skills and transform your tabletop army into stunning masterpieces.

Introduction to Warhammer Painting

Warhammer painting is not just a hobby; it’s an art form that brings your miniature armies to life.

Whether you’re assembling a squad of Space Marines or a horde of Orcs, the painting process allows you to express your creativity and immerse yourself in the rich lore of the Warhammer universe.

From mastering basic techniques to exploring advanced methods, every brushstroke helps tell a story. This page will serve to help beginners or those just starting their Warhammer collections to understand the painting fundamentals for your armies.

Essential Tools and Materials for Beginners

To embark on your Warhammer painting journey, you’ll need a few essential tools and materials. Start with high-quality brushes in various sizes; a fine detail brush is crucial for intricate work, while a larger brush is ideal for base coating.

Invest in a wet palette to keep your paints workable and prevent drying out, though this is not essential.

A sturdy cutting mat and hobby knife are essential for model assembly, while clippers help remove parts from sprues.

Additionally, choose a selection of Citadel paints or your preferred brand, including base, layer, wash, and contrast paints.

Finally, don’t forget a reliable varnish to protect your finished models!

Preparing Your Miniatures (Step-by-Step)

Remove Parts from Sprues: Use clippers or a hobby knife to carefully detach the plastic components, avoiding damage to delicate pieces.
Clean Mold Lines: After assembling the miniatures, inspect each part for mold lines or excess plastic. Use a hobby knife or sanding file to smooth these areas for a clean finish.
Wash Miniatures: Rinse the assembled miniatures in warm, soapy water to remove any grime or oils. This step is crucial for ensuring paint adhesion.
Rinse and Dry: Thoroughly rinse the miniatures to remove soap residue and allow them to dry completely, ensuring no moisture remains.
Apply Primer: Use a suitable primer (spray or brush-on) to coat the miniatures. This helps the paint adhere better and enhances color vibrancy.
Inspect and Prepare for Painting: Once the primer is dry, inspect each miniature to ensure it’s ready for painting, making any final adjustments as needed.

Base Coating Techniques

Base coating is the foundational step in painting your Warhammer miniatures, setting the stage for all subsequent layers and details.

Here are some effective techniques to achieve a smooth and vibrant base coat:

Choose the Right Base Color: Select a color that represents the primary hue of your model. Consider your chosen faction’s color scheme and the overall theme you want to convey.
Thin Your Paint: For smoother application, thin your paint with a little water or medium. This helps prevent clumping and allows for better flow. Aim for a consistency similar to milk.
Apply Even Coats: Use a larger brush to apply your base coat evenly over the entire model. Work in thin layers, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. This prevents obscuring details and creates a solid foundation.
Use Multiple Coats if Necessary: Depending on the color and coverage, you may need two or more coats to achieve a uniform appearance. Always ensure the previous layer is fully dry before adding more paint.
Inspect for Coverage: Once the base coat is applied, inspect your miniature for any missed spots or uneven areas. Touch up as needed to ensure a solid, consistent base before moving on to layering and detailing.

Layering and Highlighting

Layering and highlighting are essential techniques that add depth and dimension to your Warhammer miniatures, making them visually striking on the battlefield.

Here’s how to effectively apply these techniques:

Choose Your Layer Colors: Select a lighter shade of your base color for layering and highlighting. This will help create a smooth transition and enhance the three-dimensionality of your model.
Thin Your Paint: Just like with base coating, thin your layer paint to ensure smooth application. This helps avoid a thick, clumpy appearance and allows for better control.
Apply Layering: Use a medium-sized brush to apply the lighter color to raised areas and prominent features of your miniature. Focus on edges, ridges, and details, gradually building up the color in thin layers.
Blend Carefully: To achieve a smooth transition between colors, blend the layer of paint into the base coat. You can do this by lightly feathering the edges where the two colors meet.
Highlighting: For highlighting, switch to a fine detail brush and use an even lighter shade or white. Apply this to the very edges and highest points of your model, such as armor edges or tips of weapons.
Use a Gentle Touch: Highlight sparingly; less is often more. A gentle touch will create a subtle effect that enhances detail without overpowering the original colors.
Final Inspection: Step back and inspect your miniature. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure highlights and layers are smooth and cohesive, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Dry Brushing for Texture

Dry brushing is a fantastic technique for adding texture and depth to your Warhammer miniatures, especially for highlighting raised surfaces and creating a weathered look.

Here’s how to effectively use dry brushing in your painting process:

Select Your Dry Brush: Choose a stiff-bristled brush that you don’t mind damaging. A dedicated dry brush works best, but an old or worn-out brush can also be effective.
Choose Your Highlight Color: Pick a lighter color that complements your base coat. This could be a lighter shade of your main color or even a contrasting color for more dramatic effects.
Prepare Your Paint: Dip the brush into your paint, then wipe most of it off on a paper towel or cloth. The bristles should be barely damp, with only a small amount of paint left.
Apply the Dry Brush: Lightly sweep the brush across the raised areas of your miniature. Use a gentle, sweeping motion, allowing the paint to catch on the texture and edges. Focus on features such as armor plates, fur, or weapon details.
Build Up Gradually: Start with a light touch and build up the effect gradually. It’s easier to add more layers than to correct over-application. If necessary, you can always go back and apply another layer for more intensity.
Inspect and Adjust: Step back and evaluate the effect. Adjust as needed, focusing on areas needing more definition or texture. Avoid using too much paint; the goal is to enhance, not overwhelm.

Using Washes and Shades

Washes and shades are vital tools in your Warhammer painting arsenal, designed to enhance detail and add depth to your miniatures. Here’s how to effectively use these techniques:

Choose the Right Wash or Shade: Select a wash or shade that complements your base colors. Popular options include Agrax Earthshade for earthy tones and Nuln Oil for a darker, more dramatic effect. Contrast paints can also serve as washes for vibrant colors.
Thin Your Wash (If Needed): Depending on the product, you may want to thin your wash with water or medium to achieve a smoother application. This helps prevent pooling and ensures an even spread.
Apply Generously: Using a large brush, apply the wash liberally over the areas you want to enhance. Focus on recesses, crevices, and detailed areas where shadows would naturally fall. The wash will flow into these spaces, adding depth.
Control Excess: If the wash pools too much in certain areas, use a clean brush or a paper towel to absorb the excess. This ensures a more balanced appearance and prevents overly dark patches.
Allow to Dry: Let the wash dry completely before proceeding. This may take some time, but it’s essential for achieving the desired effect. Drying time can vary based on the thickness of the application.
Inspect and Touch Up: Once dry, inspect your miniature for any areas needing additional washes or touch-ups. You can apply a second layer for more intensity if desired.
Layering with Highlights: After washing, you may want to reapply highlights to restore brightness to raised areas. This will create a beautiful contrast between the shadows and highlights, enhancing the overall depth of your model.

How to Paint Specific Factions

As a beginner, you often want to gather small collections from different armies as you find out which suits your preference. Each Warhammer faction boasts unique aesthetics and color schemes that reflect their lore and character.

Here’s a guide to painting some popular factions, highlighting key techniques and tips for each:

Adeptus Astartes (Space Marines)

Color Scheme: Typically features bold, bright colors like blue, red, or green, often with contrasting trim.
Techniques: Layering and edge highlighting emphasize the armor’s contours. Consider using washes to deepen the recesses, especially around details like insignia and purity seals.

Adepta Sororitas (Sisters of Battle)

Color Scheme: Commonly includes white or red armor, adorned with gold details.
Techniques: Priming with a white base coat is crucial for achieving a clean finish. Use dry brushing for the white areas, and apply gold highlights carefully to maintain their brilliance.

Orcs (Greenskins)

Color Scheme: Bright greens with earthy browns and vibrant accents like red or blue.
Techniques: Use dry brushing to create texture on rough surfaces like skin and clothing. Layering with different shades of green can provide depth, while washes help define the more intricate details.

Chaos (Various Factions)

Color Scheme: Often dark and chaotic, utilizing colors like black, purple, and red, with metallic accents.
Techniques: A mix of layering and washes work well here, emphasizing the grungy, war-torn look. Consider using sponge techniques for weathering effects on armor and weapons.

Death Factions (e.g., Nighthaunt, Legions of Nagash)

Color Scheme: Ethereal colors like ghostly greens, blues, and whites, often accentuated with dark tones.
Techniques: Use glazes to achieve a translucent effect on ghostly models. Layering with soft colors helps create a haunting appearance, while washes can deepen shadows.

Order Factions (e.g., Stormcast Eternals)

Color Scheme: Bright golds and silvers, often paired with vibrant colors representing their stormy origins.
Techniques: Focus on metallic paints for armor, using washes to bring out details. Bright highlights will make the armor pop while contrasting colors should be used sparingly to maintain the overall brightness.

Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid

As you embark on your Warhammer painting journey, being aware of common pitfalls can help you achieve better results and enhance your skills.

Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping Primer: Failing to prime your miniatures can lead to poor paint adhesion and uneven coverage. Always apply a suitable primer to prepare your models for painting.
Using Thick Paint: Applying paint too thickly can obscure details and lead to a clumpy finish. Thin your paints for smoother application and better control.
Neglecting to Thin Washes: Using washes straight from the pot can result in excessive pooling and harsh lines. Always thin them down for a more controlled application.
Overlooking Cleanliness: Allowing dust, oils, or residue to build up on your miniatures can affect paint adhesion. Keep your workspace clean and handle models with care.
Rushing the Process: Painting in haste often leads to mistakes and a lack of detail. Take your time, allowing each layer to dry fully before moving on to avoid smudging and uneven finishes.
Ignoring Color Theory: Failing to consider complementary colors can result in unappealing models. Study color theory to create harmonious and visually striking schemes.
Inconsistent Brush Care: Not cleaning your brushes properly can lead to damaged bristles and poor application. Always clean brushes immediately after use and store them correctly.
Neglecting Final Touches: Skipping final highlights or varnishing can leave your miniatures looking flat or unprotected. Always apply finishing touches to enhance details and ensure longevity.

Tips for Maintaining Your Brushes

Proper brush maintenance is essential for achieving the best results in your Warhammer painting and ensuring your tools last for many projects.

Here are some key tips to keep your brushes in prime condition:

Clean Immediately After Use: Rinse your brushes in clean water right after painting. This prevents paint from drying in the bristles, which can ruin their shape and effectiveness.
Use Mild Soap: For stubborn paint, use a gentle soap or brush cleaner. Lather the bristles carefully, working from the ferrule (the metal part) to the tip to avoid damaging the shape.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of strong solvents or abrasive cleaners, as they can degrade the bristles or remove the glue holding them in place.
Shape the Bristles: After cleaning, reshape the bristles with your fingers to maintain their original form. This helps prevent splaying and ensures better control for detailed painting.
Store Properly: Store brushes upright in a holder or flat in a case. Avoid leaving them in water or standing on their bristles, as this can damage the ferrule and alter their shape.
Rotate Your Brushes: Use multiple brushes for different techniques (base coating, detail work, dry brushing) to reduce wear on any single brush. This rotation helps extend their lifespan.
Check for Damage: Regularly inspect your brushes for signs of wear, such as frayed bristles or a bent ferrule. Replace damaged brushes promptly to maintain the quality of your work.
Use Brush Soap: Consider investing in a specialized brush soap for deep cleaning. This can help restore and condition your brushes, keeping them in optimal shape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do You Need a Primer to Paint Warhammer Models?

A: Using a primer is essential for painting Warhammer models. It enhances paint adhesion, ensures even coverage, and helps bring out the details. A proper primer creates a smooth surface, allowing subsequent layers to apply more easily and vibrantly, ultimately improving the overall finish of your miniatures.

Q: What Is the Hardest Faction to Paint in Warhammer 40K?

A: The hardest faction to paint in Warhammer 40K is often considered to be the Death Guard. Their intricate details, including weathering effects and organic textures, demand advanced techniques. Additionally, achieving a cohesive look with their muted color palette and contrasting highlights can be challenging for many painters.

Q: Should You Water Down Warhammer Paint?

A: Watering down Warhammer paint is recommended for a smoother application. Thinning paint improves flow, reduces brush marks, and prevents clumping, especially when layering. Aim for a consistency similar to milk, allowing for better control and more even coverage, ultimately enhancing the overall finish of your miniatures.

Q: Should You Paint Miniatures Before or After Basing?

A: It’s generally best to paint miniatures before basing. This allows for easier access to detail areas without worrying about damaging the base. Once the painting is complete, you can focus on adding textures, foliage, and other elements to the base, enhancing the overall presentation of your finished model.

Q: What Is a Wet Palette?

A: A wet palette is a painting tool that helps keep acrylic paints moist and workable for longer periods. It typically consists of a shallow container, a damp sponge or paper towel, and a sheet of parchment paper on top. This setup prevents the paint from drying out, allowing for smoother application.