Ready, Set, Paint: A Fun and Detailed Guide for Warhammer 40k Newbies
Welcome to the incredibly fun, slightly messy, but oh-so-rewarding world of Warhammer 40k miniature painting. Starting out, the whole thing can seem as tricky as navigating an Ork Waaagh! But never fear, we're here to break it all down with some detailed tips and tricks that will help you wield your paintbrush like a pro.
Easy Does It: Start Small
Jumping right into the big, complex models might sound exciting, but trust us, it's better to cut your teeth on simpler models. Think about painting a group of Astra Militarum infantrymen before you graduate to the ornate bling of a Primaris Captain. This way, you'll master the basics and gain confidence without getting overwhelmed.
Gearing Up: Quality Tools and Paints
Before you start splashing paint around, you're gonna need some quality tools. A set of different-sized brushes (small detail ones are crucial!), a reliable hobby knife, and sprue cutters should be your starting toolkit. As for paints, begin with a basic palette. Citadel paints are specially made for Warhammer miniatures and have a smorgasbord of color options to choose from.
The Four Horsemen of Painting: Priming, Base Coating, Washing, and Dry Brushing
Priming: Think of priming like prepping your canvas. It gives your paint something to stick to and can make your colors stand out more. Spray primers are typically the go-to, offering an even, quick coat.
Base Coating: This is where the fun really begins. You're laying down the primary colors of your model. Pro tip: thin your paints with a bit of water for a smoother application. Thick, unthinned paint can obscure those intricate model details you'll want to show off later.
Washing: A wash is like magic sauce for your models. It sinks into the recesses, highlighting the little details, and adds depth and complexity. Citadel's washes are pretty much tailor-made for this.
Dry Brushing: Your last step in the process is to take a brush with very little paint (hence, "dry") and lightly brush over the raised surfaces. This technique highlights those edges and makes the details pop.
Mastering Patience: Slow and Steady
Painting miniatures isn't a sprint; it's more like a really, really detailed marathon. Apply thin layers of paint and give each one time to dry. You'll avoid blotchy, clumpy paintwork, and the end result will be smoother and more professional-looking.
Shadows and Lights: Highlighting and Shading
Adding highlights (lighter shades of your base color) and shades (darker tones and washes) gives your model a 3D effect. It's the difference between a flat, 2-dimensional Space Marine and a grizzled veteran who's seen countless battles.
Learning by Doing: Practice and Experiment
In this hobby, nothing beats practice. Made a mess of your first few models? No problem! Every painted model, every mistake, is a step forward. Feel free to experiment with different color schemes, techniques, or even inventing your own.
Taking Care of Your Lifeline: Your Brushes
Your brushes are your comrades in arms in this painting journey. Don't leave them to soak in water (it damages the bristles), and do give them a good clean with brush soap after every painting session. Keeping your brushes in good condition means they'll give you better results and last longer.
Join the Warhammer Family: Engage with the Community
You're not alone in this! The Warhammer community is an amazingly supportive bunch. There are forums to join, YouTube tutorials to watch, and countless blogs to read. Chatting with other hobbyists can open up new ideas and techniques you'd never have thought of on your own. You can follow me on Tiktok as I share my own journey learning this new hobby!
Well, that's it for now! These tips should give you a solid starting point for your foray into Warhammer 40k miniature painting. Remember, this hobby is about creativity, patience, and most importantly, having fun. So, grab that brush, let your imagination fly, and start bringing your miniatures to life! Trust me, the first time you field an army painted by your own hand is a moment you won't forget.
