My First Warhammer Model: A Painting Journey

Hey guys! I'm so stoked to finally share my first fully painted Warhammer model with you all. It's been quite the journey, and I've learned so much along the way. From the initial excitement of unboxing the kit to the final, satisfying moment of adding the finishing touches, every step has been a blast. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's dive into the wonderful world of miniature painting!

The Allure of Warhammer and Miniature Painting

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of my painting process, let's talk a bit about why I got into Warhammer and miniature painting in the first place. For me, it's a combination of factors. First and foremost, the Warhammer universe is incredibly rich and immersive. The lore, the characters, and the epic battles all captured my imagination from the moment I first encountered them. There's something truly special about being able to bring these fantastical elements to life on your tabletop.

But beyond the lore, there's also the sheer joy of the creative process itself. Taking a gray plastic miniature and transforming it into a vibrant, battle-ready warrior is an incredibly rewarding experience. It's a chance to express your artistic side, to experiment with different techniques, and to create something truly unique. And let's be honest, there's a certain satisfaction that comes from meticulously painting tiny details that most people will never even notice!

Miniature painting is also a fantastic way to unwind and de-stress. In our increasingly digital world, it's nice to have a hobby that requires you to slow down, focus on the present moment, and engage with something tangible. There's a meditative quality to painting that I find incredibly calming, and it's a great way to escape the pressures of everyday life. Plus, the Warhammer community is incredibly welcoming and supportive, so you're sure to find plenty of fellow hobbyists to share your passion with. So, whether you're drawn to the epic stories, the creative outlet, or the sense of community, there are countless reasons to fall in love with Warhammer and miniature painting.

Choosing My First Model: A Daunting Task

Okay, so I was hooked on the idea of painting my own Warhammer model, but where to start? The sheer variety of miniatures available can be overwhelming, especially for a beginner. There are so many different factions, units, and characters to choose from, each with their own unique aesthetic and lore. I spent hours browsing online stores, flipping through rulebooks, and watching painting tutorials, trying to figure out the perfect first project.

I knew I wanted something that I found visually appealing, but I also wanted a model that wouldn't be too intimidating to paint. Some miniatures are incredibly intricate, with tons of tiny details and complex poses. While those models look amazing when they're finished, they can be a bit daunting for a newbie. I also wanted to choose a model from a faction that I felt a connection to. The Warhammer universe is vast and diverse, and each faction has its own unique history, fighting style, and overall vibe.

Ultimately, I decided to go with a Space Marine Intercessor. The Space Marines are the iconic poster boys of Warhammer 40,000, and their power armor is just plain cool. The Intercessor specifically seemed like a good choice because they have a relatively straightforward design, with clean lines and not too many fiddly bits. Plus, I liked the idea of painting a model that felt like a classic representation of the Warhammer universe. It felt like a solid foundation to start my painting journey. I knew I could always branch out into more complex models and factions later on, but for my first project, I wanted something manageable and iconic. The Intercessor ticked all the boxes, and I was excited to get started!

Gathering My Supplies: The Essential Toolkit

With my model chosen, it was time to assemble my painting arsenal. Now, you don't need to spend a fortune to get started with miniature painting, but there are a few essential supplies that will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. I did a ton of research online and watched countless videos to figure out what I needed, and here's a rundown of the basics I gathered:

• Clippers: These are used to carefully remove the plastic pieces from the sprue (the plastic frame that the model parts come attached to). You want to use clippers designed for model making, as regular clippers can damage the plastic.
• Hobby Knife: A sharp hobby knife is essential for cleaning up any mold lines (the thin lines of plastic that remain after the molding process) and for fine-tuning the fit of the model pieces.
• Plastic Glue: This type of glue is designed specifically for bonding plastic model parts together. It actually melts the plastic slightly, creating a strong and permanent bond.
• Paintbrushes: You'll need a variety of brushes in different sizes and shapes. A fine detail brush is crucial for painting small areas, while a larger brush is good for base coating. I also got a drybrush for a specific technique I wanted to try.
• Paints: Acrylic paints are the most commonly used type of paint for miniature painting. There are many different brands to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. I went with a set of paints from a reputable brand that offered a good range of colors.
• Primer: Primer is a crucial step in the painting process. It creates a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to and helps to prevent the paint from chipping or rubbing off. I used a spray-on primer for convenience.
• Palette: A palette is simply a surface to put your paints on while you're working. You can use a dedicated painting palette, a ceramic tile, or even just a piece of wax paper.
• Water Pot: You'll need a pot of clean water to rinse your brushes in between colors and to thin your paints.
• Wet Palette: This is a game-changer for miniature painting! A wet palette keeps your paints moist and workable for much longer, preventing them from drying out on your palette. This will save your paints from drying out.

This list might seem a little daunting, but trust me, these supplies will set you up for success. You can always add more tools and materials to your collection as you gain experience and experiment with different techniques. The most important thing is to start with the basics and have fun!

The Assembly Process: Bringing the Model to Life

With my supplies gathered, it was time to dive into the assembly process. This is where the model really starts to take shape, and it's an important step to get right. I carefully clipped the pieces from the sprue, making sure to leave a little bit of the sprue attached to each piece so that I could clean it up later.

Next, I used my hobby knife to carefully remove any mold lines from the plastic. Mold lines are those thin ridges that are left over from the molding process, and they can be quite noticeable if you don't remove them. I gently scraped the blade along the mold lines, being careful not to gouge the plastic. It's a bit of a tedious process, but it's worth the effort to get a clean finish.

Once the pieces were cleaned up, I started to assemble the model according to the instructions. The instructions that come with Warhammer models are usually pretty clear and easy to follow, but it's still important to take your time and make sure you're putting the pieces together correctly. I used a small amount of plastic glue to bond the pieces together, holding them firmly in place until the glue had set. It's worth noting that Plastic glue melts the parts together, and super glue is just a bond between surfaces, so plastic glue is a better choice.

Assembling the model was a lot of fun, but it also required a bit of patience and precision. There were some small and fiddly bits that were challenging to work with, but I persevered, and eventually, the Intercessor began to take shape. It was really cool to see the model come to life in my hands, and I started to feel a real sense of connection to it. This was my first Warhammer model, and I was determined to do it justice!

Priming and Base Coating: Setting the Stage for Color

With the model fully assembled, it was time to move on to the painting stage. The first step in any miniature painting project is priming. Priming is essential because it creates a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. It also helps the paint to bond to the plastic, which prevents chipping and rubbing. Without a primer coat, the paint will easily rub off the model, which you don't want to happen after spending hours painting it!

I used a spray-on primer for my Intercessor, as it's the quickest and easiest way to get an even coat. I chose a gray primer, as it's a good neutral color that works well with most paint schemes. I took the model outside, gave the can a good shake, and sprayed the model in short, even bursts, making sure to cover all the surfaces. It's important to avoid spraying too much primer at once, as this can cause it to pool and obscure the details of the model. Several thin coats are better than one thick one.

Once the primer was dry, it was time for the base coat. The base coat is the first layer of paint that you apply to the model, and it provides the foundation for all the subsequent layers. I chose a dark blue color for my Intercessor's base coat, as I wanted to paint him as an Ultramarine, one of the most iconic Space Marine chapters. I used a large brush to apply the base coat, making sure to cover all the areas that would be blue. Again, I applied several thin coats rather than one thick coat, as this gives a smoother and more even finish.

Applying the primer and base coat might seem like a simple task, but it's a crucial step in the painting process. A good base coat will make the subsequent layers of paint look much better, and it will also help to protect the model from damage. With the base coat in place, I felt like I was really making progress, and I was excited to start adding more colors and details.

Layering and Highlighting: Adding Depth and Dimension

With the base coat applied, it was time to start adding some depth and dimension to the model. This is where the magic really happens, and you can begin to see your miniature come to life. The techniques I used for this stage were layering and highlighting, which are essential for creating a realistic and visually appealing paint job.

Layering involves applying thin layers of paint over the base coat, gradually building up the color and creating smooth transitions. I used a slightly lighter shade of blue than my base coat, and I applied it to the raised areas of the model, leaving the darker base coat visible in the recesses. This creates a subtle contrast that adds depth to the model. I built up the layers gradually, applying multiple thin coats to achieve a smooth and even transition.

Highlighting takes this process a step further by adding even brighter colors to the edges and corners of the model. This creates the illusion of light reflecting off the surface, making the model look more three-dimensional. I used an even lighter shade of blue for my highlights, and I applied it sparingly to the most prominent edges and corners. It's important to use a very fine detail brush for highlighting, and to apply the paint in thin, controlled strokes. A common technique for highlighting is called edge highlighting, where the side of the brush applies paint to only the very edges of the model.

Layering and highlighting can be a bit time-consuming, but they're worth the effort. These techniques add so much visual interest to the model, and they really make it pop. As I worked on the layering and highlighting, I could see my Intercessor starting to look less like a flat, blue figure and more like a battle-hardened warrior. It was a very rewarding experience!

Details and Finishing Touches: Bringing It All Together

With the main colors and highlights in place, it was time to focus on the details and finishing touches. This is where you can really add your personal flair to the model and make it your own. I spent a lot of time on this stage, carefully painting the smaller details and adding some extra touches to bring the model to life.

I started by painting the metal areas of the model, such as the gun and the armor trim. I used a metallic silver paint, and I applied it in thin coats to avoid obscuring the details. Once the metal areas were dry, I applied a wash – a thin, watery paint that flows into the recesses and adds shadows and depth. I used a black wash for the metal areas, which gave them a grimy, battle-worn look.

Next, I moved on to the other details, such as the purity seals (the parchment scrolls attached to the armor) and the chapter markings. I painted the purity seals in a bone color, and I added some small details with a fine detail brush, such as the wax seals and the text on the parchment. For the chapter markings, I carefully painted the Ultramarines symbol onto the shoulder pad, using a stencil for accuracy.

Finally, I added some weathering effects to the model to make it look like it had seen some action. I used a sponge to dab on some brown and black paint to simulate dirt and grime, and I drybrushed some silver paint onto the edges of the armor to simulate chipped paint. This added a lot of character to the model, and it made it look like it had been through countless battles.

Adding the details and finishing touches was a lot of fun, and it really brought the model together. It's amazing how much of a difference these small details can make. With the painting complete, it was time for the final step: basing.

Basing: Creating a Scenic Base

The base is the part of the model that it stands on, and it's an important part of the overall presentation. A well-based model looks much more impressive than one that's just standing on a plain plastic base. Basing is also a great way to tie the model into the Warhammer universe and to create a sense of narrative.

For my Intercessor's base, I wanted to create a simple but effective scenic base that would look good on the tabletop. I started by applying some textured paint to the base, which created a rough, uneven surface. This gave the base a more natural and realistic look. I then added some small rocks and sand to the base, using PVA glue to hold them in place.

Once the glue was dry, I painted the base in a dark brown color. I then drybrushed it with a lighter brown to highlight the texture and the details. I also added some static grass to the base, which is a type of artificial grass that comes in small fibers. This added some color and visual interest to the base. Static grass is applied by covering the area with PVA glue, then an applicator (or even just shaking) can be used to add the static grass, which will stick to the glue.

Finally, I glued the Intercessor onto the base. I used super glue for this, as it creates a strong and permanent bond. I made sure to position the model in a dynamic pose, so that it looked like it was striding purposefully across the battlefield. The last step to basing is usually to paint the rim of the base with a solid color. Black is a popular choice as it creates a border for the model and helps it to stand out on the table.

Basing might seem like a minor detail, but it really completes the model. A well-based model looks much more professional and polished, and it adds to the overall enjoyment of the hobby. With the basing complete, my Intercessor was finally finished!

The Final Result: A Proud Moment

And there you have it! My first fully painted Warhammer model is complete, and I couldn't be prouder of the result. It was a long and challenging process, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I learned so much along the way, and I discovered a new passion for miniature painting.

Seeing the finished model standing on my desk, I felt a real sense of accomplishment. It's amazing to think that I took a gray plastic miniature and transformed it into this vibrant, battle-ready warrior. Every brushstroke, every detail, was a labor of love, and the result is something that I'm truly proud of. It really feels like I've taken a character from the stories in the Warhammer universe and brought him to life in the real world.

This project has also given me a much greater appreciation for the artistry and skill that goes into miniature painting. I've seen so many amazing painted models online, and now I have a better understanding of the time and effort that it takes to create them. It's a true art form, and I'm excited to continue learning and improving my skills.

More than anything, this experience has shown me the joy of the hobby. Miniature painting is a fantastic way to relax, express your creativity, and connect with other like-minded people. I've already started planning my next project, and I can't wait to see what I can create. If you're thinking about getting into miniature painting, I highly recommend it. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding hobby, and it's something that you can enjoy for years to come. So grab a brush, pick a model, and start painting! You might just surprise yourself with what you can create.