How to paint ultramarines
Painting miniatures can be a rewarding hobby, especially when it comes to creating stunning color schemes for your models. One of the most popular color schemes in the Warhammer 40,000 universe is that of the Ultramarines, known for their vibrant blue armor and gold accents. In this guide, we will show you how to paint your Ultramarines to a high standard, bringing them to life on the tabletop.
Before you begin painting your Ultramarines, it is important to gather the necessary materials. You will need a selection of brushes, acrylic paints, a palette for mixing colors, and a water pot for cleaning your brushes. It is also helpful to have a reference image or painting guide to assist you with color placement and shading.
Start by preparing your miniature by cleaning any mold lines or excess plastic using a file or hobby knife. Once your miniature is clean, apply a thin base coat of blue paint to the armor using a large brush. It is important to thin your paints with a small amount of water to achieve a smooth, even coverage. Apply multiple thin coats if necessary, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.
To add depth and definition to your Ultramarines, use a smaller brush to apply a darker shade of blue to the recessed areas, such as the joints and crevices. This technique, known as washing, will create shadows and make the armor appear more realistic. For a more advanced technique, you can also dry brush a lighter shade of blue onto the raised areas of the armor to create highlights.
Next, focus on painting the additional details of the miniature, such as the gold trim and insignia. Use a small brush and apply a base coat of metallic gold paint to these areas. Once the base coat is dry, carefully highlight the edges and raised areas with a brighter shade of gold. This will add depth and make the details pop.
Preparing to paint ultramarines
Before you begin painting your ultramarines, it’s important to prepare your workspace and gather all the necessary materials. This will ensure that you have everything you need for a successful painting session and help to keep everything organized.
Here is a checklist of what you will need:
- Clean and well-lit workspace
- Ultramarines miniature models
- Paint brushes of various sizes
- Palette for mixing paints
- Water cups for cleaning brushes
- Primer or base coat for the models
- Ultramarines color scheme reference
- Selection of paints
- Thinners or mediums (if necessary)
- Masking tape or other painting accessories (optional)
Once you have gathered all your materials, make sure to prepare your ultramarines miniature models by removing any mold lines or excess flash with the help of a hobby knife or file. This will ensure that your models have a smooth and clean surface to paint on.
Additionally, you may want to consider using a primer or base coat before applying the main paint colors. This will help with paint adhesion and provide a better surface for the paint to adhere to. You can choose a primer or base coat that matches the color scheme of the Ultramarines or use a neutral color such as black or white.
Having everything ready and set up before you start painting will help streamline the process and ensure that you have a enjoyable painting experience.
Gathering Materials and Tools
Before you begin painting your Ultramarines, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
- Paints: Ultramarine Blue, White, Black, Metallic Silver, Silver Metallic, Gold Metallic, Red, Yellow, and any other colors you would like to use for detailing.
- Brushes of different sizes: a small brush for details and a larger brush for basecoating and layering.
- Primer: a good quality primer in either gray or black to create a smooth surface for painting.
- Palette: a palette or mixing surface to mix and thin your paints.
- Water container: a container of water for rinsing your brushes.
- Painting surface: you can paint on a variety of surfaces such as plastic, resin, or metal miniature models.
- Painting handle or holder: a holder to securely hold your miniature while you paint it.
- Masking tape or putty: for masking off areas you don’t want to get paint on.
- Plastic wrap or ziplock bags: to protect your brushes and keep them moist between painting sessions.
- Sandpaper or emery board: for smoothing and fixing any imperfections on your miniature before priming.
- Reference materials: gather any reference materials such as pictures or artwork of Ultramarines to help guide your painting process.
Once you have all of these materials and tools ready, you’ll be well-prepared to start painting your Ultramarines with precision and attention to detail.
Priming and Basecoating
Priming and basecoating are essential steps in painting Ultramarines to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Properly priming the model creates an ideal surface for the paint to adhere to and helps prevent chipping or flaking. Here is a step-by-step guide on priming and basecoating your Ultramarines:
1. Clean the model: Before priming, make sure the model is clean and free from any dust, oils, or debris. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently remove any loose particles.
2. Primer selection: Using a spray primer designed for miniatures is recommended as it provides better coverage and adheres well to plastic or metal surfaces. Choose a primer color that complements the colors you plan to use for your Ultramarines.
3. Priming the model: Set up a well-ventilated area with newspaper or cardboard to protect your working surface. Holding the spray can at a distance of about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm), apply a thin and even coat of primer to the entire model. Avoid spraying too close or using a heavy hand as it can obscure the details of the model.
4. Drying time: Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 1-2 hours, but it may vary depending on the brand and environmental conditions. Avoid touching the model until it is fully dry.
5. Basecoating with the main color: Once the primer is dry, it’s time to basecoat the model with the main color of your Ultramarines. Thin the paint with a small amount of water or acrylic medium to achieve a smooth consistency. Using a brush, apply thin layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. This will help avoid any streaks or brush marks.
6. Building up layers: Depending on the desired intensity of color, you may need to apply multiple layers of the basecoat. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next one. Thin layers provide better control and minimize the risk of obscuring details.
By following these steps, you will ensure a solid foundation for painting your Ultramarines. Remember to take your time, practice patience, and enjoy the process of bringing your miniatures to life!
Applying Paint and Details
Once you have prepared your models and primed them, it’s time to start applying paint and adding details to bring your Ultramarines to life. Here are the steps you can follow:
1. Base Coating
Start by applying a base coat to your models. Using a large brush, apply a thin and even layer of your chosen base color, such as Macragge Blue or Calgar Blue, to the areas you want to paint. This coat should cover the entire surface and provide a smooth foundation for subsequent layers.
2. Layering
Once the base coat is dry, use a smaller brush to apply thin layers of paint in a lighter shade to create highlights and depth. Focus on areas that would naturally catch light, such as raised edges, muscles, and edges of armor plates. Gradually build up the layers, adding more highlights with each subsequent layer.
3. Washing
To enhance the shadows and add definition to the recessed areas, apply a wash. Use a wash color such as Nuln Oil or Drakenhof Nightshade and apply it to the areas where shadows would naturally accumulate, such as joints, creases, and recessed details. Be careful not to apply too much wash, as it can darken the model excessively.
4. Drybrushing
Drybrushing is a technique used to bring out the texture and details of the model. Dip a dry brush into a lighter shade of your base color, then wipe off most of the paint onto a tissue or palette. Lightly brush the bristles over the raised areas of the model, allowing the paint to catch only on the prominent surfaces. This will create a highlight effect and bring out the details of the model.
5.
Finishing Touches and Sealing
Once you have completed painting your Ultramarines, it’s time to add those finishing touches that will really make them stand out on the tabletop. Adding highlights and shadows to certain areas can add depth and definition to your models.
Start by using a lighter shade of blue to highlight the edges and raised areas of the armor. This will help create a sense of light hitting the model and make it look more three-dimensional.
You can also use a darker blue shade to add shadows to recessed areas or areas that would naturally be in shadow. This will further enhance the depth and realism of your models.
Another important step to consider is sealing your painted models. Sealing not only protects the paintjob but also helps preserve the colors and prevent them from fading over time. You can use either a brush-on sealer or a spray-on sealer, depending on your personal preference.
Brush-on Sealer
If you choose to use a brush-on sealer, make sure to apply it evenly and in thin coats. This will prevent any unwanted clumps or brushstrokes from appearing on your models. Allow each coat to fully dry before applying additional coats.
It’s also a good idea to give your models a final gentle brush with a clean, dry brush after applying the sealer. This will help remove any dust or hair that may have stuck to the model during the sealing process.
Spray-on Sealer
If you prefer to use a spray-on sealer, make sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling any fumes. Hold the can approximately 12 inches away from the models and apply the sealer in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry before applying additional coats.
After sealing your models, you can also consider adding some final touches such as decals or transfers to add extra details. These can include chapter symbols, unit markings, or squad numbers to further customize your Ultramarines.
Final Thoughts
Finishing touches and sealing are crucial steps in the process of painting your Ultramarines. Taking the time to add highlights and shadows will greatly enhance the visual appeal of your models, while sealing will protect your hard work and ensure its longevity.
When it comes to finishing touches, don’t be afraid to experiment and find techniques that you personally enjoy and that suit your painting style. This will help make your Ultramarines truly unique and showcase your creativity as a painter.
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