Have you ever wondered how other hobbyists paint their miniatures? Are you about to start your hobby? Then this basic beginner’s guide is perfect for you!
I will show you everything you need to know as a beginner, from buying and assembling to painting the miniatures.
What is the best board game you can buy?
If you don’t have figures yet, you should think about buying a suitable set now at the latest. Paintable characters can be found in board games such as Warhammer 40k.
Board games like Warhammer 40k have the advantage over tabletop games in that they are a closed system. The reason? You can stop playing today to continue the next day. For a board game, you need players who want to play the game for a longer period of time and spend absorbent cotton on it.
How to paint Warhammer 40k miniatures in 5 steps
To paint miniatures, you first require a table, a comfortable chair and a large mat. After all, the table should not get splashes of paint. In addition, the room should be well lit, especially in the dark season. That’s all you need to get started.
If you want to go a step further, you can think about a painting station. A painting station is a mobile workstation in which colors and figures can be transported safely.
Warhammer 40k miniatures must be painted with acrylic paints. Paints and brushes are expensive, there is nothing to sweeten. For example, the Warhammer 40k mega paint set costs 150 euros. Mind you, you will have access to 43 basic colors, 5 metallic colors, 7 quick washes and 5 effect colors. In addition, Art-W Studio puts a painting guide and 100 mixing balls on top – with this set you’ve got everything covered for years to come!
That said, here’s a five-step guide to painting miniatures:
1. Priming of the miniature
Beginners often make the mistake of painting a miniature without primer. If you start this way, the paint will peel off the figure. Spray primer creates a thin, rough coat of paint that adheres well to subsequent coats.
The spray primer should be used outdoors and with disposable gloves. Shake the can well for several minutes before use. Then apply the paint to the miniatures with short bursts of spray.
2. Apply the base colors
Due to their high opacity, the base colors form the first layer of colored paint on the figure. They are spread with a larger brush.
It is important not to apply the colors from the paint can directly onto the miniature. Otherwise, unsightly irregularities will result. First mix the paint with a drop of water on a palette or in an empty yogurt pot. Then apply the colors in several thin layers.
3. Add shading
When painting Warhammer 40k miniatures, it is essential to darken the depths of the figure. For this purpose, there are so-called shadows. Spread this thin paint generously with a brush, and it will drip into the depressions almost by itself. Work from top to bottom and try not to create too many puddles.
You can change the shading result in two ways:
- Apply several coats in a row, for a rust effect on metal parts.
- Apply touches of other colors to wet shadows to make weathering effects appear more realistic.
4. Add reflections
While shadows enhance the lows, highlights bring out the highs. A touch of light skin color on the nose, an accent of bright color on a rim… All can be considered highlighting.
Dry brushing is a simple technique for adding highlights. To do this, take some color with a wide dry brush and smear most of it on a paper towel. When there is very little paint left on the brush, carefully run it over the raised areas of the figure.
5. Seal the figure with protective lacquer
Warhammer 40k metal figures in particular need a protective lacquer coating at the end of the painting process. This protects the figure from external influences, such as chipped fingers or rough landings on the playing field.
While spray primers are the non plus ultra, the use of canned matte lacquer is a controversial issue. If the temperature or humidity is not right, the paint can dry milky. You can then discolor your miniature and start over from step 1.
Therefore, we suggest that you apply the protective varnish with a brush. After applying the varnish you can also put a glass over the Warhammer 40k miniature. This will prevent dust particles from getting trapped in the paint.
Why paint your Warhammer 40k miniatures?
First of all, painting Warhammer 40k miniatures is a creative form of expression. Players have the opportunity to capture their artistic vision on each figure, choosing colors, patterns and details that represent them. Painting becomes a form of visual storytelling, allowing each miniature to tell its own story on the battlefield. This creative process provides great personal satisfaction and allows painters to explore and develop their unique artistic style.
In addition, painting Warhammer 40k miniatures is a relaxing and therapeutic activity. It requires concentration and attention to detail, which helps to disconnect from everyday worries and immerse oneself in a state of flow. The focus on small details and the precision required to paint miniatures can have a calming and meditative effect, providing a sense of tranquility and mental well-being.
Another highlight is the community and sense of belonging found in the world of Warhammer 40k. The hobby often brings people with similar interests together, whether at local events, conventions or online. Sharing and discussing painting techniques, exchanging tips, and showing off the latest creations fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection among players. Miniature painting becomes a meeting point and a way to establish lasting relationships with people from all over the world.
Finally, painting Warhammer 40k miniatures extends the experience of the game itself. By customizing and embellishing the figures, it creates a deeper connection to the armies and stories they represent and brings a visually stunning dimension to Warhammer 40k games.
