Detailed Painting Guides
Step 1: Priming Your Miniature
Priming provides a base coat that helps paint adhere to the model and enhances color vibrancy. Always apply primer in thin, even coats to avoid obscuring details.
Recommended Citadel Primers:
- Corax White – For bright, vibrant colors and easy layering.
- Chaos Black – Ideal for darker schemes or to add natural shading.
- Grey Seer – A neutral grey, good for balanced base coats.
Tip: Use a spray primer for a smooth, consistent coat, holding the spray 6-12 inches away and moving steadily.
Step 2: Base Coating
This is the foundational layer of color that defines the overall look of your model. Use Citadel base paints for excellent pigmentation and coverage.
Popular Citadel Base Paints:
- Mephiston Red – Rich, deep red perfect for Blood Angels or Khorne forces.
- Macragge Blue – Classic Ultramarines blue.
- Abaddon Black – Deep black for dark armor and details.
- Bugman's Glow – Warm brown for skin tones and leather.
- Death Guard Green – Pale green ideal for Nurgle and decay themes.
Thin your paints slightly with water for smooth application and avoid clogging details.
Step 3: Layering
Layering builds up highlights and adds depth by applying progressively lighter colors to raised areas.
Recommended Citadel Layer Paints:
- Wild Rider Red – For layering over Mephiston Red.
- Calgar Blue – For brightening Macragge Blue.
- Eshin Grey – Subtle lighter tones for shadows and clothing.
- Rhinox Hide – For layering on brown and leather textures.
Use thin coats and build up multiple layers for smooth transitions.
Step 4: Shading and Washing
Applying washes or shades adds shadows, enhances details, and enriches color contrast.
Popular Citadel Shades:
- Nuln Oil – Black wash, great for armor and metallics.
- Agrax Earthshade – Brown wash, perfect for weathering and earthy tones.
- Druchii Violet – Purple wash for shadows on skin and cloth.
- Reikland Fleshshade – Reddish brown for flesh and leather.
Apply washes liberally and let them settle in recesses; remove excess with a clean brush if needed.
Step 5: Highlighting
Highlight edges and raised details to simulate light reflecting off surfaces.
Citadel Technicals and Layer Paints for Highlights:
- Fenrisian Grey – Sharp highlights for armor and clothing.
- White Scar – Pure white for extreme edge highlights.
- Skull White – Clean white for skin and details.
Use a fine brush and steady hand. Dry brushing is a quick way for rough textures but for smooth areas, paint highlights carefully.
Step 6: Weathering & Special Effects
Add battle damage, rust, and grime to bring realism and character to your miniatures.
Citadel Technical Paints and Effects:
- Typhus Corrosion – Textured paint for rust and decay.
- Ryza Rust – Bright rust color for scratches and chipped paint.
- Agrellan Earth – Cracked earth effect for bases and terrain.
- Blood for the Blood God – Simulates fresh blood splatter.
Apply sparingly and layer effects for subtlety. Experiment with sponges or stippling brushes for realistic textures.
Final Tips for Miniature Painting
- Always thin your paints slightly with water to avoid clogging detail.
- Work in good lighting, ideally daylight or full-spectrum bulbs.
- Use a wet palette to keep paints workable for longer.
- Practice patience: multiple thin coats always beat one thick coat.
- Seal your finished model with a matte varnish for durability.
Remember, every painter starts somewhere — enjoy the process and have fun bringing your miniatures to life!