Getting Started With Warhammer 40k Painting Guide For Absolute Beginners

Painting Warhammer 40k miniatures isn’t just about making models look good—it’s part of the hobby’s soul. For newcomers, the idea of turning a box of gray plastic into a vibrant, battle-ready army can feel overwhelming. But every expert painter started where you are now: holding a tiny Space Marine in one hand and a brush that feels too small in the other. The truth is, with the right approach, anyone can learn to paint these miniatures well. This guide breaks down the process into clear, manageable steps, using accessible tools and techniques designed specifically for beginners.

What You’ll Need: Your First Painting Kit

Before you pick up a brush, gather the essentials. You don’t need an expensive setup—just a few reliable tools to get started. Games Workshop’s Citadel range is beginner-friendly and widely available, but third-party brands like Army Painter or Vallejo also offer excellent entry-level products.

Tip: Start with a basic kit: a #2 round brush, black primer, two or three base colors, and a varnish. Expand as you go.

Here’s what belongs on your workbench:

• Miniature(s): Start with a single model or a starter set like the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book boxed set.
• Plastic glue (or super glue): For assembling parts securely.
• Clippers or sprue cutters: To remove pieces from the frame without damaging them.
• File or sandpaper: Smooth rough edges after clipping.
• Primer (black or grey): A spray primer creates an even surface for paint to adhere.
• Paints: Acrylic paints formulated for miniatures. Citadel’s “Layer” paints are ideal for beginners.
• Brushes: One fine-tipped round brush (#1 or #2) and a slightly larger one for base coating.
• Water pot and paper towels: For cleaning brushes between colors.
• Palette: A ceramic plate, plastic tray, or disposable palette works for mixing.
• Varnish (matte or satin): Protects your finished model from wear and fingerprints.

The Step-by-Step Painting Process

Follow this sequence to transform a raw model into a painted miniature. Each stage builds on the last, minimizing mistakes and maximizing visual impact—even with limited technique.

1. Assemble the Model: Clip the parts from the sprue, clean the edges, and glue them together. Let it dry completely before moving on.
2. Prime the Model: Spray a thin, even coat of black or grey primer in a well-ventilated area. Hold the can 8–10 inches away. Two light coats are better than one thick one.
3. Base Coat: Apply your first color to large areas—armor, weapons, robes. Use a steady hand and thin your paint slightly with water (about 1:1 ratio).
4. Shade (Wash): Apply a wash—a thinned, translucent paint—to recessed areas. It settles into crevices, creating instant depth. Citadel Shade paints like Agrax Earthshade work well on most colors.
5. Highlight: Add lighter shades to raised surfaces. Start subtle; you can build up brightness over time.
6. Details: Paint eyes, insignias, weapon emitters, or trim. Use the finest brush tip you have.
7. Seal with Varnish: Once fully dry (wait 24 hours), apply a matte varnish to protect your work and even out the finish.

Tip: Work in a bright, clutter-free space. Natural daylight or a daylight lamp makes color accuracy much easier.

Essential Techniques Made Simple

You don’t need advanced skills to make your miniatures look great. Focus on mastering three core techniques that deliver maximum results with minimal effort.

1. One-Stroke Base Coating

Load your brush with paint, touch it to the edge of the palette to remove excess, then drag it across the surface in a smooth motion. If the paint looks patchy, let it dry and apply a second coat. Avoid going back over wet paint—it lifts the layer beneath.

2. Applying Washes Correctly

A wash enhances shadows automatically. Pour a small amount into a container, dip your brush, and apply it directly over a painted area. Gravity pulls it into cracks. Wipe excess from raised surfaces with a dry brush if needed.

3. Dry Brushing for Armor Highlights

Dip the tip of a flat or slightly worn brush into a light color, wipe most of it off on a paper towel, then lightly drag it over raised textures like armor plates or chains. Only the highest points catch the paint, creating instant dimension.

“Beginners often try to do too much too soon. Focus on consistency, not perfection. A uniformly painted squad beats five showpieces and ten unfinished ones.” — Daniel Ruiz, Miniature Painting Instructor at HobbyCon

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced painters make errors. Knowing what to watch for helps you improve faster.

Mistake	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Paint clumping in joints	Too much paint or not priming deeply enough	Thin paint with water; use a smaller brush for tight spots
Brush strokes visible on smooth surfaces	Thick paint or uneven application	Thin paint and apply multiple thin layers
Wash covers too much detail	Over-application or wrong shade color	Use less wash; blot excess with tissue; choose color-matched tones
Chipped paint after handling	No varnish or premature handling	Always seal with varnish; wait 24 hours before touching
Colors look dull	Dirty brush or water, or old paint	Clean brush between colors; replace dried paints

Tip: Label your brushes by size and purpose. A dedicated \"wash brush\" stays cleaner and performs better over time.

Real Example: Sarah’s First Space Marine

Sarah bought her first Warhammer 40k box—a Blood Angels Strike Squad—after seeing a friend’s painted models. She had never painted anything detailed before. Her initial instinct was to start with red armor, but she quickly realized how hard it was to keep lines sharp and coverage even.

She switched tactics: she painted one model completely—from assembly to varnish—before touching the others. She used Citadel’s Abaddon Black primer, then Mephiston Red for the base. After drying, she applied Carroburg Crimson wash to deepen the folds and joints. For highlights, she used a mix of Mephiston Red and Fenrisian Grey, carefully brushing it onto raised edges.

The result wasn’t gallery-worthy, but it was consistent, durable, and something she was proud to display. More importantly, the second and third models came out noticeably better. By focusing on process over perfection, Sarah built confidence with each miniature.

Beginner Checklist: Your First Miniature Project

Follow this checklist to stay organized and avoid missed steps:

• ☐ Assemble the model cleanly; file any flash or mold lines
• ☐ Prime evenly; allow 1–2 hours to dry completely
• ☐ Thin paints slightly with water (or use a proper medium)
• ☐ Paint large areas first, then smaller details
• ☐ Apply wash only after the base coat is fully dry (at least 1 hour)
• ☐ Use a separate brush for washes to prevent contamination
• ☐ Wait 2–4 hours after washing before highlighting
• ☐ Seal with varnish after 24 hours of drying
• ☐ Store finished models upright in a dust-free case

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need expensive paints to start?

No. Citadel’s starter sets include decent quality paints perfect for learning. Alternatively, brands like Army Painter or Vallejo Game Color offer affordable entry packs. Focus on mastering technique before investing in premium pigments.

How long does it take to paint one model?

A simple infantry model takes 3–5 hours spread over several days when factoring in drying time. Rushing leads to smudges and poor results. Break it into stages: assemble and prime one day, paint the next, wash and varnish later.

Can I use regular acrylic craft paint?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Craft paints are thicker, less pigmented, and may not adhere well to plastic. Miniature-specific paints are formulated for fine detail, adhesion, and layering. They’re worth the small extra cost.

Building Confidence Through Practice

The biggest hurdle for new painters isn’t skill—it’s fear of failure. Many abandon projects after their first attempt because the model doesn’t look like the ones in official photos. But those images often feature airbrushing, advanced layering, and hours of refinement.

Your goal as a beginner should be progress, not perfection. Paint one model. Then another. Compare them side by side after five are done. You’ll see improvement. Save your first model as a benchmark—it will amaze you how far you’ve come in just a few weeks.

Join online communities like r/minipainting on Reddit or local hobby groups. Sharing your work invites constructive feedback and encouragement. Most veteran painters remember their shaky first brushstrokes and are eager to help.

Tip: Dedicate 20 minutes a day to painting. Short, consistent sessions build muscle memory faster than occasional marathons.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Finish Strong

Painting Warhammer 40k miniatures is a journey of patience, practice, and personal expression. You don’t need talent—just willingness to learn. Begin with a single model, follow a proven method, and celebrate small victories. That first completed Space Marine, Ork Boy, or Necron Warrior represents more than plastic and paint; it’s proof you showed up and created something tangible.

The battlefield awaits. Your army doesn’t need to be perfect—just painted, assembled, and ready. Pick up your brush, prime your model, and take that first stroke. Every master was once a beginner who decided to start.

💬 Share your first painted model story in the comments. What color was your first army? What surprised you most about the process?