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.

Basic White Flesh

🔗🖨
Flesh
Standard Vallejo mix for tanned skins
Paints Used
Elf Skin Tone (72.004)VallejoBarbarian Skin (72.071)VallejoSunny Skin Tone (70.845)VallejoElfic Flesh (72.098)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatElf Skin Tone (72.004)Vallejo
    Base all skin·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    layerBarbarian Skin (72.071)Vallejo
    Deep shadows·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    highlightSunny Skin Tone (70.845)Vallejo
    Blend in highlights·Artis Opus Series S 3
  4. 4
    layerElfic Flesh (72.098)Vallejo
    Final bright highlights·Artis Opus Series S 3
Used in: Death Korps of Krieg Infantry + Command Squad, Ultramarines 4th Company, Kronus Hegemony Black Scheme, Ironhead Squat Prospectors, Commissar, Death Korps Artillery, Commissar Yarrick, Cadien Shock Troops, Catachan Jungle Fighters

Dark Skin

🔗🖨
Flesh
A darker skin tone recipe used across factions
Paints Used
Dark Flesh Tone (72.044)VallejoCharred Brown (72.045)VallejoTan (72.066)VallejoBugman’s GlowCitadel
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatDark Flesh Tone (72.044)Vallejo
    Base all felsh·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    layerCharred Brown (72.045)Vallejo
    Deepen the shadows·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightTan (72.066)Vallejo
    Lighten the highlights·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    highlightBugman’s GlowCitadel
    Brightest highlights into the pink tones·Artis Opus Series S 1
Notes
Blend 50:50 mixes of all between layers - closer to a glaze
Used in: Death Korps of Krieg Infantry + Command Squad, Ultramarines 4th Company, Ironhead Squat Prospectors, Ironhead Squat Exo-Kyn, Death Korps Artillery, Cadien Shock Troops, Catachan Jungle Fighters

Death Riders' Horses

🔗🖨
Death Korps of KriegFlesh
This one is heavily wash based.
Paints Used
Panzer GreyVallejoRakarth FleshCitadelReikland FleshshadeCitadelDruchii VioletCitadelFlesh Tearers RedCitadelCoal BlackPro AcrylMechanicus Standard GreyCitadel
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatPanzer GreyVallejo
    Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush ULTRA 2024 Medium
  2. 2
    basecoatRakarth FleshCitadel
    3-4 thin coats - want some of the sickly grey to shine through in recesses·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    washReikland FleshshadeCitadel
    Thin wash over all flesh·Artis Opus Series S 5
  4. 4
    highlightRakarth FleshCitadel
    Bring back subtle highlights·Artis Opus Series D Medium
  5. 5
    shadeDruchii VioletCitadel
    Thinned, into muscle shadows·Artis Opus Series S 5
  6. 6
    washFlesh Tearers RedCitadel
    Wash into hooves and blend up into lower legs for blood hooves·Artis Opus Series S 3
  7. 7
    basecoatCoal BlackPro Acryl
    Claws·Artis Opus Series S 1
  8. 8
    highlightMechanicus Standard GreyCitadel
    Edge highlight claws
Used in: Death Riders

Flesh Tubes

🔗🖨
NurgleFlesh
Gross-ass tubes
Paints Used
WraithboneCitadelShyish PurpleCitadelCarroburg CrimsonCitadelBloody Red (72.010)VallejoGloss Varnish (70.510)VallejoNurgle’s RotCitadel
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatWraithboneCitadel
    Base tube·Artis Opus Series S 00
  2. 2
    washShyish PurpleCitadel
    Give it a bruised look on half tube·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    washCarroburg CrimsonCitadel
    Other half of tube - blend in middle·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    highlightBloody Red (72.010)Vallejo
    Around the open sores·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    glazeGloss Varnish (70.510)Vallejo
    Wet makes it look extra gross·Vallejo Detail 2
  6. 6
    specialNurgle’s RotCitadel
    Optional - few slime bits·Vallejo Detail
Notes
Want to go for a rotting, bruised, wet look.
Used in: Death Guard Infantry, Rotters Blood Bowl Team

Lips

🔗🖨
Flesh
This is my basic go-to for most lips
Paints Used
Bugman’s GlowCitadelTuskgor FurCitadelIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatBugman’s GlowCitadel
    Base with this colour·Artis Opus Series S 1
  2. 2
    highlightTuskgor FurCitadel
    20% of lips in this colour·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightIce Yellow (70.858)Vallejo + Tuskgor FurCitadel (1:2)
    Blend to lip cracks·Artis Opus Series S 00
Notes
I try to make the lips have a cracked look on orks, using downward strokes.
Used in: Ganger, Squig Rider, Gouged Eye (Blood Bowl), Ghazghkull Thraka, Kommandos, Underworld Denizens, Wonka Boyz, Wazdakka Gutsmek, Beast Snagga Boyz, Armageddon - Orks, Commissar Yarrick, Orruk Warclans Megaboss, Ardboy Big Boss, Catachan Jungle Fighters, Orruk Warclans

Ork Flesh

🔗🖨
OrksFlesh
My 2025 Scheme for all orks
Paints Used
Dark Green (72.028)VallejoCayman Green (72.067)VallejoLime Green (70.827)VallejoYellow Green (70.954)VallejoTuskgor FurCitadelIncubi DarknessCitadelWolf GreyTwo Thin Coats
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatDark Green (72.028)Vallejo
    Base all skin·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    layerCayman Green (72.067)Vallejo
    80% of upward facing flesh·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    layerLime Green (70.827)Vallejo
    40% of Cayman layer·Artis Opus Series S 3
  4. 4
    highlightYellow Green (70.954)Vallejo
    10% of Lime layer·Artis Opus Series S 3
  5. 5
    glazeTuskgor FurCitadel
    1 part paint to 4 parts thinner·Artis Opus Series S 3
  6. 6
    basecoatIncubi DarknessCitadel
    Fingernails Base·Artis Opus Series S 00
  7. 7
    highlightWolf GreyTwo Thin Coats + Incubi DarknessCitadel (1:2)
    Fingernail highlights·Artis Opus Series S 00
  8. 8
    highlightWolf GreyTwo Thin Coats + Incubi DarknessCitadel (2:1)
    Fingernail bright highlight·Artis Opus Series S 00
  9. 9
    highlightWolf GreyTwo Thin Coats
    Fingernail dot highlight·Artis Opus Series S 00
Notes
Once all these rough steps are in - use 50-50 glazes of each layer to blend.
Final glaze of Tuskgor us used on knuckles, elbows, and parts of the face to bring some pinks to the surface.
Used in: Squig Rider, Gouged Eye (Blood Bowl), Ghazghkull Thraka, Kommandos, Underworld Denizens, Untamed Troll, Wonka Boyz, Wazdakka Gutsmek, Armageddon - Orks, Orruk Warclans Megaboss, Ardboy Big Boss, Orruk Warclans

Ork Flesh - ProAcryl Version

🔗🖨
OrksFlesh
Alternate ork skin using ProAcryl rather than Vallejo - a more "realistic"- if you will - flesh.
Paints Used
Black GreenPro AcrylYellow GreenPro AcrylBright Yellow GreenPro AcrylTuskgor FurCitadelLahmian MediumCitadelIncubi DarknessCitadelWolf Grey (72.047)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatBlack GreenPro Acryl
    Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    layerYellow GreenPro Acryl
    80% upward facing flesh·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    layerBright Yellow GreenPro Acryl
    40% of Yellow Green layer·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    glazeTuskgor FurCitadel + Lahmian MediumCitadel (1:4)
    Elbows and knuckles·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    basecoatIncubi DarknessCitadel
    Fingernails·Artis Opus Series S 00
  6. 6
    highlightIncubi DarknessCitadel + Wolf Grey (72.047)Vallejo (2:1)
    Fingernail highlights·Artis Opus Series S 00
  7. 7
    highlightIncubi DarknessCitadel + Wolf Grey (72.047)Vallejo (1:2)
    Fingernail highlights·Artis Opus Series S 00
  8. 8
    highlightWolf Grey (72.047)Vallejo
    Dot highlight·Artis Opus Series S 00
Notes
Once all these rough steps are in - use 50-50 glazes of each layer to blend. Final glaze of Tuskgor us used on knuckles, elbows, and parts of the face to bring some pinks to the surface.
Used in: Beast Snagga Boyz

Rotting Flesh

🔗🖨
NurgleFlesh
Just plain gross
Paints Used
Rakarth FleshCitadelAthonian CamoshadeCitadelDruchii VioletCitadelCarroburg CrimsonCitadelNurgle’s RotCitadelBloody Red (72.010)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatRakarth FleshCitadel
    Base all skin·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    washAthonian CamoshadeCitadel
    Wash all skin - thinned with water or medium·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    layerRakarth FleshCitadel
    Bring back the highlights·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    washDruchii VioletCitadel
    Wash into recesses·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    washCarroburg CrimsonCitadel
    Into some of the more irritated looking bits - but use sparingly·Artis Opus Series S 00
  6. 6
    basecoatNurgle’s RotCitadel
    Optional: in open sores, oozing out·Artis Opus Series S 00
  7. 7
    edgeBloody Red (72.010)Vallejo
    Optional: edge a couple sores·Artis Opus Series S 1
Used in: Death Guard Infantry, Rotters Blood Bowl Team

Skaven Flesh

🔗🖨
SkavenFlesh
Ratty looking pinkish-brown
Paints Used
Skrag BrownCitadelElf Skin Tone (72.004)VallejoElfic Flesh (72.098)Vallejo
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatSkrag BrownCitadel
    Evenly coat the flesh·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    basecoatSkrag BrownCitadel + Elf Skin Tone (72.004)Vallejo (3:1)
    Create a highlight mix·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    highlightElfic Flesh (72.098)Vallejo
    Blend into brightest pinkish highlights·Artis Opus Series S 3
Notes
Use 1:1 mixes for blending the layers - pure Elfic Flesh for brightest highlights
Used in: Underworld Denizens

Squig Flesh

🔗🖨
OrksFlesh
2026 recipe for my squigs
Paints Used
PurplePro AcrylBold Pyrrole RedPro AcrylOrange RedPro AcrylWarm YellowPro Acryl
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatPurplePro Acryl
    Base entire squig·Beaky Make-up Sponge Medium
  2. 2
    basecoatBold Pyrrole RedPro Acryl
    All light source facing surfaces- leaving purples inside of folds·Beaky Make-up Sponge Medium
  3. 3
    basecoatOrange RedPro Acryl
    Wet blend into previous layer at about 50% coverage·Beaky Make-up Sponge Medium
  4. 4
    basecoatWarm YellowPro Acryl
    Wet blend into previous, very small area·Beaky Make-up Sponge Medium
Notes
Begin with black primer.
Used in: Squig Rider, Squigs, Kommandos, Wonka Boyz

Troll Flesh

🔗🖨
TrollsFlesh
This is from memory of how I did this
Paints Used
Matte BlackPro AcrylWizard's Butt #1Pro AcrylWizard's Butt #2Pro AcrylWizard's Butt #3Pro AcrylPale YellowPro AcrylPurplePro AcrylSky BluePro Acryl
Steps
  1. 1
    basecoatMatte BlackPro Acryl
    Basic primer
  2. 2
    basecoatWizard's Butt #1Pro Acryl
    Belly / under arms - darkest version·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    layerWizard's Butt #2Pro Acryl
    Belly / under arms - brighter·Artis Opus Series S 3
  4. 4
    layerWizard's Butt #3Pro Acryl
    Belly / under arms - brightest version·Artis Opus Series S 3
  5. 5
    layerPale YellowPro Acryl
    Belly / under arms - blend in towards this colour·Artis Opus Series S 3
  6. 6
    highlightPale YellowPro Acryl
    Brightest bits, pure·Artis Opus Series S 3
  7. 7
    basecoatPurplePro Acryl
    Back, legs, top of arms·Artis Opus Series S 3
  8. 8
    layerPale YellowPro Acryl
    Blend with purple for highlights·Artis Opus Series S 3
  9. 9
    highlightSky BluePro Acryl
    Back spike tips, subtle highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
Notes
Colours need a 50-50 blend between layers - glaze is best.
Used in: Untamed Troll

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