Painting Warhammer 40K Miniatures: A Hobbyist’s Guide

Welcome, fellow hobbyists, to the vibrant and endlessly creative world of painting Warhammer 40K miniatures! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran with a growing army or a curious newcomer just opening your first box, this guide will walk you through the essentials of turning gray plastic into tabletop-ready masterpieces.

Why Paint Miniatures?

Painting miniatures is more than a step in the wargaming process—it’s an art form. You get to:

Personalize your army with unique colors and details.
Showcase your artistic skills and creativity.
Immerse yourself in the lore of the Warhammer 40K universe.
Enjoy a relaxing, hands-on hobby that gives you a break from screens and stress.

Getting Started: The Essentials

Before you can paint your first model, you’ll need some basic tools and supplies. Here’s a beginner-friendly list with Micro-Mark favorites to set you up for success:

Miniatures
- Choose a squad or hero model that excites you. Starting small helps you learn faster without feeling overwhelmed.
Paints
- Acrylic paints are the standard for miniatures. The Micro-Mark Basic Acrylic Paint Set (#29269) is an excellent beginner option, with a versatile color range designed for hobby projects.
Brushes
- Invest in a mix of detail and larger brushes. Micro-Mark’s Micron Detailer Paint Brush Set (#86319) is perfect for eyes, insignias, and fine lines, while the Micron Paint Brush Set (#90304) covers broader strokes.
Primer
- A good primer ensures paint adhesion. Micro-Mark’s Micro-Mark Acrylic Primer Value Package (#29274K) gives you black, white, and gray options to suit any scheme.
Other Tools
- Palette: A wet palette (#90222) keeps paints workable longer.
- Cutting & Prep Tools: Use Precision Sprue Cutters (#88288) and a Hobby Knife (#14349X2) to clean up mold lines.
- Varnish: Seal your work with Micro-Mark Acrylic Matte Varnish (#29365.

Preparation: Setting the Stage

Cleaning and Assembling

Remove Mold Lines: Carefully scrape seams with a hobby knife or smooth with Micro-Mark Mini Needle Files (#82248).
Assembly: Test-fit pieces before gluing. For tricky joints, Micro-Mark’s Super Glue with Precision Tip (#80879) gives a strong hold.

Priming Your Models

Priming ensures smooth paint coverage.

Black Primer: Best for darker, moody armies like Chaos Marines.
White Primer: Brightens vibrant schemes like Eldar or Ultramarines.
Gray Primer: A balanced choice if you’re undecided.

Spray or airbrush in thin, even coats about 12" away.

Painting Techniques

Base Coating
- Lay down solid color layers with thin, even coats. Build up coverage instead of globbing on paint.
Shading & Washing
- Apply a wash to recesses for instant depth. For custom effects, thin Micro-Mark acrylics into washes.
Dry Brushing
- Lightly drag a nearly dry brush across raised surfaces to highlight armor edges, fur, or metallics.
Layering & Blending
- Progressively add lighter tones for smooth gradients. Blending takes patience but creates professional-looking results.
Detailing
- Use fine brushes for insignias, lenses, weapons, and facial details. This is where your models really come to life.

Advanced Techniques: Taking It Further

Edge Highlighting: Run a fine brush along armor edges with a lighter shade for sharp contrast.
Freehand Designs: Paint banners, chapter insignias, or custom symbols. Start small—dots, stripes, or chevrons—then work up to complex designs.
Weathering Effects: Try sponging metallic paint for battle damage or stippling browns for mud splatter. Micro-Mark’s Weathering Pigments (#29391) are great for rust, soot, and dirt.

Finishing Touches

Sealing Your Model

Protect your paint job with a varnish coat—matte for realism, satin for a slight sheen, or gloss for shiny armor plates.

Basing

Bases tell the story of your army. Create scenic effects with:

Tips for Success

Patience is Key: Thin coats beat rushing every time.
Practice Regularly: Improvement comes with repetition.
Learn from Others: Join online painting communities or watch tutorials.
Experiment: Try new techniques—mistakes often lead to breakthroughs.

Conclusion

Painting Warhammer 40K miniatures is both a craft and a journey. With the right Micro-Mark tools, paints, and brushes, you’ll be well-equipped to bring your army to life. Remember—each model is a blank canvas, and the best part of the hobby is having fun while creating something uniquely yours.

So grab your paints, prime those minis, and let your Warhammer 40K masterpiece unfold!

Happy painting,
The Micro-Mark Team