Warhammer 40K Painting Guide for Beginners: Your First Miniatures

Citadel Golden Griffon paint jar for Warhammer 40K Painting Guide for Beginners: Your First Miniatures.

Warhammer 40K Painting Guide for Beginners: Your First Miniatures

Painting your first Warhammer 40,000 miniatures can feel intimidating, but with the right approach and techniques, you'll create tabletop-ready models you'll be proud of. This comprehensive UK beginner's guide walks you through every step from priming to basing, with practical tips that deliver great results without requiring years of experience. Transform grey plastic into painted armies!

Warhammer Age of Sigmar Storm cast Eternals Paint Set

Getting Started: Essential Supplies

Complete Starter Sets:

Essential Citadel Paints:

Step 1: Assembly and Preparation

Clean Your Models:

  • Remove from sprue carefully
  • Trim away excess plastic
  • File down mold lines
  • Wash in warm soapy water
  • Dry completely before priming

Assembly Tips:

  • Use plastic glue for plastic models
  • Apply small amounts
  • Hold pieces until set
  • Consider painting sub-assemblies
  • Leave some parts separate for easier painting

Step 2: Priming

Why Prime:

  • Helps paint adhere
  • Provides uniform base color
  • Shows detail clearly
  • Essential first step
  • Never skip priming

Priming Technique:

  • Use Citadel spray primer
  • Spray in well-ventilated area
  • Hold 20-30cm from model
  • Light, even coats
  • Let dry completely (30+ minutes)
  • Black primer for dark schemes
  • White/grey for bright colors

Step 3: Base Coating

Warhammer Paint Set

Apply Base Paints:

Base Coating Tips:

  • Always thin your paints
  • Two thin coats minimum
  • Let each coat dry
  • Cover all areas evenly
  • Don't worry about perfection

Step 4: Shading (Washes)

Apply Shade Paints:

Shading Technique:

  • Load brush with shade
  • Apply to entire area
  • Let gravity do the work
  • Pools in recesses naturally
  • Don't touch while drying
  • Transforms flat colors instantly

Step 5: Layer Painting (Highlights)

Layer Paints:

Highlighting Technique:

  • Use lighter shade of base color
  • Paint raised surfaces only
  • Thin paint slightly
  • Build up gradually
  • Leave shade in recesses

Step 6: Drybrushing (Quick Highlights)

Drybrushing Paints:

Drybrushing Technique:

  • Load brush with paint
  • Wipe most off on paper towel
  • Brush lightly over model
  • Catches raised details
  • Quick, effective results

Step 7: Details and Special Effects

Contrast Paints (Beginner-Friendly):

Technical Paints (Special Effects):

Step 8: Basing

Simple Basing:

  • Paint base rim black
  • Apply texture paint or sand
  • Paint base color
  • Drybrush lighter color
  • Add static grass or tufts
  • Completes the model

Common Beginner Mistakes

Avoid:

  • Thick paint (always thin!)
  • Skipping primer
  • Rushing between coats
  • Too much paint on brush
  • Comparing to experts
  • Giving up too soon

Do:

  • Thin your paints
  • Practice patience
  • Start simple
  • Learn from mistakes
  • Enjoy the process
  • Celebrate progress

Your First Army: Which to Choose

Space Marines (Easiest):

  • Large, forgiving models
  • Simple color schemes work well
  • Lots of flat surfaces
  • Perfect for beginners

Death Guard (Forgiving):

  • Weathered look hides mistakes
  • Texture adds interest
  • Unique aesthetic
  • Great for learning

Building Your Paint Collection

Essential Colors:

  • Black, white, grey
  • Primary colors (red, blue, yellow)
  • Flesh tones
  • Metallics (silver, gold)
  • Brown for leather/wood

Expand Gradually:

  • Buy paints as needed
  • Build collection over time
  • Focus on your army colors
  • Add special effects later

Brush Care

Maintain Your Brushes:

  • Rinse frequently while painting
  • Never let paint dry on brush
  • Clean thoroughly after use
  • Reshape tip when wet
  • Store tip-up
  • Good brushes last years

Practice and Improvement

Get Better:

  • Paint regularly
  • Watch tutorial videos
  • Join painting communities
  • Ask for feedback
  • Try new techniques
  • Compare to your old work, not others

Start Painting Today

Painting Warhammer miniatures is a rewarding hobby that combines creativity, skill development, and the satisfaction of bringing your army to life. Start with a paint set, follow these steps, and remember that every master painter started exactly where you are now. Your first models won't be perfect, but they'll be yours, and that's what matters!

Get your Warhammer painting supplies at www.theimaginationshop.co.uk and start your painting journey! From complete paint sets to individual Citadel paints, find everything you need to create tabletop-ready armies. ⚔️🎨