MINIATURES

RAY LAROSE|MINIATURES

⌕
Or browse: Schemes Recipes Gallery Paints Conversion Chart

New to this? Start here

Gold 4 steps The basecoat, wash, highlight sequence most metal is built on. Ultramarine Armour 4 steps The same idea with an edge highlight, which is what makes armour read as armour. Rust 3 steps Stippling and drybrushing, and hard to get wrong. Ork Flesh 9 steps The whole ladder: a basecoat, two layers, a highlight, then glazes to blend it together.

Every miniature I have painted, with the paints and the steps to paint it again.

Paint Schemes

How I painted each model: the exact paints, the order they went on, and the finish they gave.

What the technique words mean
basecoat
The first solid colour over primer. Two thin coats beat one thick one.
highlight
A lighter colour on the parts that would catch the light.
layer
A slightly lighter colour over part of the coat below, leaving its edges showing.
wash
Thin, watery paint that runs into the recesses and shades the whole area at once.
edge
A highlight along a sharp edge only, painted with the side of the brush.
shade
Darker paint placed deliberately in the shadows rather than left to flow.
glaze
Heavily thinned paint over dry paint, to tint it and soften the join between two colours.
stipple
Dabbed on with the tip of the brush for a broken, rough, mottled surface.
drybrush
Almost-dry paint dragged across raised texture so it catches only the high points.
blend
Two colours worked into each other while both are wet, so there is no visible line.
special
Anything that is not one of the above. The step note says what it is.

Recipes

Methods I reuse across models - skin, metal, armour, cloth and the rest. Each step is one named paint, one technique and a note. Unless a step says otherwise, every recipe here starts on a primed model - the scheme that uses it usually says which colour.

What the technique words mean
basecoat
The first solid colour over primer. Two thin coats beat one thick one.
highlight
A lighter colour on the parts that would catch the light.
layer
A slightly lighter colour over part of the coat below, leaving its edges showing.
wash
Thin, watery paint that runs into the recesses and shades the whole area at once.
edge
A highlight along a sharp edge only, painted with the side of the brush.
shade
Darker paint placed deliberately in the shadows rather than left to flow.
glaze
Heavily thinned paint over dry paint, to tint it and soften the join between two colours.
stipple
Dabbed on with the tip of the brush for a broken, rough, mottled surface.
drybrush
Almost-dry paint dragged across raised texture so it catches only the high points.
blend
Two colours worked into each other while both are wet, so there is no visible line.
special
Anything that is not one of the above. The step note says what it is.

Aged Metal

🔗🖨
Armour
Uses Vallejo Real Metallic Metals range
Paints Used
Aged Metal Base (77.139)VallejoAged Metal Shade (77.159)VallejoAged Metal Air Brush (77.179)VallejoAged Metal Light (77.119)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatAged Metal Base (77.139)Vallejo
    Base metal·Vallejo Detail 2
  2. 2
    highlightAged Metal Shade (77.159)Vallejo
    Shade smoothly·Vallejo Detail 2
  3. 3
    highlightAged Metal Air Brush (77.179)Vallejo
    Bring up the centers·Vallejo Detail 2
  4. 4
    glazeAged Metal Light (77.119)Vallejo
    Brightest highlights·Vallejo Detail
Used in: Ganger, Maulers

Black Armour

🔗🖨
Armour
Used for armour and black vehicles, titans, etc
Paints Used
Coal BlackPro AcrylIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatCoal BlackPro Acryl
    Base all that jazz·Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush ULTRA 2024 Medium
  2. 2
    stippleIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo + Coal BlackPro Acryl (1:2)
    Stipple with torn sponge·Beaky Make-up Sponge Medium
  3. 3
    edgeIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo + Coal BlackPro Acryl (1:1)
    Add more yellow to the black for scratches and chipped in edges·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    highlightIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo + Coal BlackPro Acryl (2:1)
    If you want to dot highlight the corners (optional)·Artis Opus Series S 1
Used in: Ghazghkull Thraka, Dreadnought, Noise Marines, Jump Pack Intercessors, Orruk Warclans Megaboss, Imperial Knights - Knight Questoris, Ardboy Big Boss, Orruk Warclans

Death Guard Armour

🔗🖨
Death GuardArmour
The base armour - for that worn, muted green flavor.
Paints Used
Death Guard GreenCitadelDeath Guard GreenCitadelAthonian CamoshadeCitadelNurgling GreenCitadelKrieg KhakiCitadelScreaming BellCitadelAgrax EarthshadeCitadelNihilakh OxideCitadelRust Streaking EffectVallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatDeath Guard GreenCitadel
    Make your life easy - start with this·Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush ULTRA 2024 Medium
  2. 2
    basecoatDeath Guard GreenCitadel
    Cover primer·Artis Opus Series S 5
  3. 3
    shadeAthonian CamoshadeCitadel
    Get it on everything - watch for pooling·Artis Opus Series S 5
  4. 4
    layerDeath Guard GreenCitadel
    Reestablish base colours·Artis Opus Series S 3
  5. 5
    edgeNurgling GreenCitadel
    Edge everything·Artis Opus Series S 1
  6. 6
    highlightKrieg KhakiCitadel
    Spot highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
  7. 7
    basecoatScreaming BellCitadel
    All copper bits·Vallejo Detail 2
  8. 8
    washAgrax EarthshadeCitadel
    All copper bits·Vallejo Detail 2
  9. 9
    specialNihilakh OxideCitadel
    For some patina weathering·Vallejo Detail
  10. 10
    specialRust Streaking EffectVallejo
    As needed·Vallejo Detail
Used in: Death Guard Infantry

Death Korps Vehicle Armour

🔗🖨
Death Korps of KriegArmour
Quick and easy grey formula for all my Death Korps weapons, vehicles, armour, etc
Paints Used
German Grey (70.995)VallejoDark Sea Green (70.868)VallejoBlack Grey (70.862)VallejoBurnt UmberGamblin Artist OilsEarth (72.062)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatGerman Grey (70.995)Vallejo
    Base armour sections·Artis Opus Series D Large
  2. 2
    layerDark Sea Green (70.868)Vallejo
    Torn sponge weathering·Beaky Make-up Sponge Medium
  3. 3
    layerBlack Grey (70.862)Vallejo
    Torn sponge weathering·Beaky Make-up Sponge Medium
  4. 4
    shadeBurnt UmberGamblin Artist Oils
    Pin line entire vehicle and work into lower half for wear and tear·Vallejo Detail
  5. 5
    highlightEarth (72.062)Vallejo
    Used for mud splash like great coat·Artis Opus Series S 3
Notes
Use the sponge (torn) to work in chips and worn areas across the armour to make the grey interesting.
Wash of oil only used on tanks so far
Used in: Sentinel, Leman Russ Battle Tank, Death Riders, Death Korps Artillery

Flesh Tearers Armour (Red Bits)

🔗🖨
Flesh TearersArmour
Punchy, dark with bright highlights
Paints Used
Khorne RedCitadelCoal BlackPro AcrylMephiston RedCitadelEvil Sunz ScarletCitadelOrange RedPro AcrylIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatKhorne RedCitadel + Coal BlackPro Acryl (60:40)
    Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    highlightKhorne RedCitadel
    High points on light facing bits·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    glazeMephiston RedCitadel
    40% of area·Artis Opus Series S 3
  4. 4
    glazeEvil Sunz ScarletCitadel
    40% of new area·Artis Opus Series S 3
  5. 5
    highlightOrange RedPro Acryl
    10% of new area, few dots, scratches·Artis Opus Series S 1
  6. 6
    highlightOrange RedPro Acryl + Ice Yellow (70.858)Vallejo (60:40)
    Dot highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
Notes
Idea is extreme contrast - dark moody armour with a shaft of light just hitting the high bits
Used in: Flesh Tearers Tactical Squad (Lukas Inspired)

Flesh Tearers Armour - Pro Acryl Version

🔗🖨
Flesh TearersArmour
Same as the other, but swapped out paints
Paints Used
Burnt RedPro AcrylCoal BlackPro AcrylBold Pyrrole RedPro AcrylOrange RedPro Acryl
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatBurnt RedPro Acryl + Coal BlackPro Acryl (2:3)
    Deep base·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    layerBurnt RedPro Acryl
    Blend upwards·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    glazeBurnt RedPro Acryl + Bold Pyrrole RedPro Acryl (1:1)
    Glaze layers·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    layerBold Pyrrole RedPro Acryl
    Blend up with previous mix·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    glazeOrange RedPro Acryl + Bold Pyrrole RedPro Acryl (1:1)
    Glaze layers·Artis Opus Series S 1
  6. 6
    highlightOrange RedPro Acryl
    Blend up with previous mix·Artis Opus Series S 1
Notes
Keep blending / glazing layers for smooth transitions
Used in: Armageddon - Flesh Tearers

Iron Warrior Armour

🔗🖨
Iron WarriorsArmour
Basic armour recipe for IW
Paints Used
LeadbelcherCitadelWyldwoodCitadelShyish PurpleCitadelDoombull BrownCitadelRunelord BrassCitadelAgrax EarthshadeCitadelMechanicus Standard GreyCitadelNihilakh OxideCitadel
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatLeadbelcherCitadel
    Base all armour·Golden Maple WC32 Arrow Point 2
  2. 2
    glazeWyldwoodCitadel
    Thinned and concentrated to base of plates·Golden Maple WC32 Arrow Point 2
  3. 3
    shadeShyish PurpleCitadel
    In the deepest recesses for that oily look·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    shadeDoombull BrownCitadel
    Dirty up some deep recesses·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    basecoatRunelord BrassCitadel
    Base all trim·Artis Opus Series S 1
  6. 6
    washAgrax EarthshadeCitadel
    Wash all brass·Artis Opus Series S 1
  7. 7
    highlightMechanicus Standard GreyCitadel
    Inside all black plates·Artis Opus Series S 1
  8. 8
    shadeDoombull BrownCitadel
    Run into armour seems·Artis Opus Series S 00
  9. 9
    specialNihilakh OxideCitadel
    Few oxide spots on brass·Artis Opus Series S 00
Notes
Use photos of finished models for reference on armour
Used in: Iron Warriors Infantry, Saturnine Praetor

Iron Warrior Hazard Stripes

🔗🖨
Iron WarriorsArmour
New hazard stripe formula
Paints Used
SC00Scale75Deck Tan (70.986)VallejoImperial FistCitadelIce Yellow (70.858)VallejoFuegan OrangeCitadel
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatSC00Scale75
    Base plate·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    basecoatDeck Tan (70.986)Vallejo
    Freehand in stripes·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    shadeImperial FistCitadel
    Use as a wash over Deck Tan·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    layerSC00Scale75
    Touch up if necessary, weather into yellow·Artis Opus Series S 00
  5. 5
    edgeIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo
    Edge all stripes, around weathering too·Artis Opus Series S 00
  6. 6
    washFuegan OrangeCitadel
    Mix with medium, fade up to middle from bottom of stripe·Artis Opus Series S 1
Used in: Iron Warriors Infantry, Saturnine Praetor

Noise Marine Pink

🔗🖨
Emperor’s ChildrenArmour
Going with a deeper, moodier pink. This recipe is a WIP
Paints Used
Dark Hot PinkPro AcrylScreamers PinkCitadelFulgrim PinkCitadel
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatDark Hot PinkPro Acryl
    Base right over black·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    edgeScreamers PinkCitadel
    Chunky edges·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightFulgrim PinkCitadel
    Bright highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
Used in: Noise Marines

Red Armour

🔗🖨
Armour
Pretty much the red weapon recipe
Paints Used
Mephiston RedCitadelEvil Sunz ScarletCitadelWild Rider RedCitadelDeep Orange IntenseAK InteractiveIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatMephiston RedCitadel
    Base armour·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    highlightEvil Sunz ScarletCitadel
    1st chunky highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightWild Rider RedCitadel
    2nd thin highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    highlightDeep Orange IntenseAK Interactive
    3rd highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    highlightIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo
    Dot highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
Used in: Squig Rider, Gouged Eye (Blood Bowl), Maulers, Untamed Troll, Wonka Boyz, Wazdakka Gutsmek, Space Ork Dreadnaught

Squat Helmets

🔗🖨
SquatsArmour
Yellow helmets with blue visors
Paints Used
Surface WhiteVallejoImperial FistCitadelIce Yellow (70.858)VallejoMephiston RedCitadelMoon Yellow (72.005)VallejoElectric Blue (72.023)VallejoBold Titanium WhitePro Acryl
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatSurface WhiteVallejo
    Prime·Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush ULTRA 2024 Medium
  2. 2
    basecoatImperial FistCitadel
    Evenly coat·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    edgeIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo
    Edge helmets·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    layerMephiston RedCitadel
    Red stripes·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    stippleMoon Yellow (72.005)Vallejo
    Weather stripe·Beaky Make-up Sponge Medium
  6. 6
    layerElectric Blue (72.023)Vallejo + Bold Titanium WhitePro Acryl
    Visors - slight reflection·Artis Opus Series S 1
Used in: Ironhead Squat Prospectors, Ironhead Squat Exo-Kyn, Ironhead Squat Svenotar Scout Trikes

Squat White Armour

🔗🖨
SquatsArmour
Recipe for the white version of my armour (as well as the arms, pants, etc)
Paints Used
Surface WhiteVallejoWolf Grey (72.047)VallejoApothecary WhiteCitadelBold Titanium WhitePro AcrylYellow Olive (72.064)VallejoDesert Yellow (72.063)VallejoCoal BlackPro AcrylMechanicus Standard GreyCitadel
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatSurface WhiteVallejo
    Make life easy, primer them white·Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush ULTRA 2024 Medium
  2. 2
    basecoatWolf Grey (72.047)Vallejo
    Cover all armour bits·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    shadeApothecary WhiteCitadel
    Recess shade·Artis Opus Series S 00
  4. 4
    edgeBold Titanium WhitePro Acryl
    Edges to pop·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    basecoatYellow Olive (72.064)Vallejo
    Arms, pants·Artis Opus Series S 3
  6. 6
    highlightDesert Yellow (72.063)Vallejo
    Highlight above·Artis Opus Series S 00
  7. 7
    basecoatCoal BlackPro Acryl
    Boots·Artis Opus Series S 1
  8. 8
    highlightMechanicus Standard GreyCitadel
    Highlight boots·Artis Opus Series S 00
Used in: Ironhead Squat Prospectors, Ironhead Squat Exo-Kyn, Ironhead Squat Svenotar Scout Trikes

Ultramarine Armour

🔗🖨
UltramarinesArmour
This is the recipe I used for all 60+ Ultramarines for Walter's 4th
Paints Used
Macragge Blue (Air)CitadelKantor BlueCitadelBlack TemplarCitadelCalgar BlueCitadelBlue HorrorCitadel
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatMacragge Blue (Air)Citadel
    The whole damned thing·Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush ULTRA 2024 Medium
  2. 2
    shadeKantor BlueCitadel + Black TemplarCitadel (1:1)
    Panel line. Mix with Citadel Black Templar Contrast·Artis Opus Series S 00
  3. 3
    edgeCalgar BlueCitadel
    1st edge·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    highlightBlue HorrorCitadel
    Dot highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
Used in: Ultramarines 4th Company

Paint Inventory

The paints I actually own - every pot on my shelf, not a catalogue of what exists. This is what the schemes and recipes are painted with.

PaintBrandTypeHueUsed in

Paint Conversion Chart

Citadel colours matched to their closest Vallejo, Pro Acryl and Two Thin Coats equivalents, by eye, over time. Nothing here is a measured colour match - the dots say how close each one really is.

How close the match is: near identical usable avoid

CitadelVallejoPro AcrylTwo Thin Coats