How to Paint Warhammer 40k Miniatures: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Want to learn how to paint your Warhammer 40k miniatures to the point you're proud to march them into battle? Follow our step-by-step tutorial and discover the best painting techniques and color schemes for your army.

Painting Warhammer 40k miniatures is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the hobby. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, painting your army can bring your miniatures to life and add a personal touch to your collection - not to mention, make them look awesome when playing. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to paint your Warhammer 40k miniatures to tabletop quality using a step-by-step process that covers everything from base coating to weathering effects. So, grab your brushes and let's get started!

 Step 1: Prepare your models

Before you begin painting your Warhammer 40k miniatures, it's important to prepare your models properly. This includes cleaning any mold lines or flash, priming your models with a base coat, and assembling your models using glues as needed. We recommend using a primer spray to ensure that your paint adheres properly to your models. Once your models are assembled and primed, you're ready to start painting.

Step 2: Base coat

The base coat is the foundation of your model's color scheme. Choose the base color for your Warhammer 40K miniatures and apply it to all the areas that will be painted with that color. We recommend using a medium-sized brush, like the Games Workshop medium base brush, and applying two thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next one.

Step 3: Shade

Shading helps add depth and contrast to your model's colors. Choose a darker shade of your base color or a complementary color and apply it to the areas that will have shadows or recesses. We recommend using a small brush and applying the shade in thin layers, gradually building up the darkness. You can also use a wash to apply the shade more quickly and easily. Games Workshop's Citadel Shade paints are a great choice.

Step 4: Highlight

Highlighting helps add highlights and brightness to your model's colors. Just like your shade paint, choose a lighter shade of your base color or a complementary color and apply it to the areas that will have highlights or raised edges. We recommend using a small brush and applying the highlight in thin layers, gradually building up the brightness. 

Step 5: Details

Adding details is where your model can really come to life. Choose a contrasting color and apply it to the areas that will have details, such as weapons, helmets, or backpacks. We recommend using a small brush and applying the color in thin layers, building up the detail gradually. You can also use a fine-tip brush for extra precision.

Step 6: Weathering

Weathering helps add realism and character to your model's appearance. Choose a weathering effect, such as rust, grime, or battle damage, and apply it to the areas that would realistically be affected by that effect. We recommend using a small brush and applying the weathering effect in thin layers, gradually building up the effect until you achieve the desired look for your miniatures.

Painting your Warhammer 40k miniatures is a fun and rewarding aspect of the hobby. By following this step-by-step tutorial, you can achieve tabletop quality results and add a personal touch to your collection, and have your miniatures looking battle-ready in no time! Remember to experiment with different color schemes, techniques, and weathering effects to make your models truly unique. Happy painting!