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RAY LAROSE|MINIATURES

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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.

Before you start, and what the technique words mean
Thin your paint
Almost everything here goes on thinner than it comes out of the pot. Neat paint dries thick and fills in the detail you paid for. Add water a drop at a time on a palette until it runs somewhere between milk and heavy cream, depending on the brand, then build the colour up in two or three coats rather than one.
Start on a primed model
Unless a step says otherwise, every recipe here begins on a model that has already been primed - paint will not sit properly on bare plastic. Black unless the scheme says otherwise, which is what most of these were painted over.
The same words mean two things
Wash, shade and layer are both things you do and names Citadel puts on pots. The badge on a step is the action. The Type column in the paint list is which range the pot came from. A step badged "layer" is often painted with a Base paint, and that is not a mistake.
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.

Lion El'Johnson

🔗
Dark AngelsOctober 2026
FinishClean and polished - all eyes on the primarch
PrimaryBlack-green armour with Gold
ContrastSplashes of red
Technique30 freaking hours
NOTE
Details still to come
BASE
PrimeMatte Black
ARMOUR
BaseCoal Black
EdgeCoal Black + Heavy Blackgreen 50/50
EdgeBlackgreen
EdgeBlackgreen + Dark Ivory 75/25
EdgeBlackgreen + Dark Ivory 50/50
DotDark Ivory
GOLD
RecipeGold
LEATHERS
RecipeBrown Leather
RecipeBrown Leather - Alternate Version
SEALS
RecipePurity Seal
RecipeBrown Leather
  1. 1
    basecoatRhinox HideCitadel
    Base all leather·Artis Opus Series S 1
  2. 2
    basecoatAbaddon BlackCitadel + Lahmian MediumCitadel (1:2)
    Shade all leather recesses·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightDoombull BrownCitadel
    Chunky·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    highlightSkrag BrownCitadel
    Scratchy damage highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    edgeXV-88 (Deep Ochre)Citadel
    Shakey - edge and scratch·Artis Opus Series S 00
  6. 6
    highlightUshabti BoneCitadel
    Dot highlight sparingly·Artis Opus Series S 00
RecipeBrown Leather - Alternate Version
  1. 1
    basecoatBlack BrownPro Acryl
    Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    edgeDark Golden BrownPro Acryl
    Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightLight UmberPro Acryl
    Artis Opus Series S 1
RecipeGold
  1. 1
    basecoatRetributor ArmourCitadel
    Base gold·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    washReikland FleshshadeCitadel
    Light wash·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    highlightRetributor ArmourCitadel
    Bring back the edges·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    basecoatSilver (72.052)Vallejo
    Dot highlights·Artis Opus Series S 1
RecipePurity Seal
  1. 1
    basecoatWraithboneCitadel
    Base all of seal parchment·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    basecoatScreamers PinkCitadel
    Base seal·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    highlightPink HorrorCitadel
    Subtle highlight on seal·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    washReikland FleshshadeCitadel
    Wash seal and parchment·Vallejo Pro Modeler 2
  5. 5
    edgeWraithboneCitadel
    Re-establish some highlights
Other Paints
Deck Tan (70.986)Vallejo⇆Dark IvoryPro AcrylCoal BlackPro Acryl⇆Heavy Blackgreen (72.147)Vallejo⇆GreenPro Acryl⇆BurgundyPro AcrylKhorne RedCitadel⇆Bright GoldPro Acryl⇆Nuln OilCitadel⇆Agrax EarthshadeCitadel⇆Off White (71.270)Vallejo⇆Biel-Tan GreenCitadel⇆Adminstratum GreyCitadelZandri DustCitadel⇆BonePro AcrylZamesi DesertCitadelDawnstoneCitadel⇆Mechanicus Standard GreyCitadel⇆Eshin GreyCitadel⇆Turquoise (72.024)Vallejo⇆Sotek GreenCitadel⇆Temple Guard BlueCitadel⇆Burnt SiennaPro Acryl⇆German Beige (70.821)Vallejo

Orruk Warclans

🔗
OrruksAoSSeptember 2026
FinishHeavy battle-worn, blood-splattered, and chipped armor
PrimaryDeep black-grey armor with vibrant purple accent plates
ContrastSickly green ork skin, bone trophies, and a rust-streaked cleaver
TechniqueStippled edge highlighting, sponged chipping, and blood splatter effects
BASE
PrimeMatte Black
SKIN
RecipeOrk Flesh
LIPS
RecipeLips
SKULLS / TEETH
BaseBone
WashAgrax
BLACK BITS
RecipeBlack Armour
PURPLE ARMOUR
BaseDark Purple
EdgeRoyal Purple
HEAD
BaseRakarth Flesh
WashReikland Fleshshade
BloodSee below
BLOOD
RecipeBlood Splatter
HighlightPurple
PANTS
BaseBlack Brown
EdgeDark Golden Brown
CHAINS / AXE
BaseLeadbelcher
WashNuln Oil
EdgeStormhost Silver
RecipeBlack Armour
  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
RecipeBlood Splatter
  1. 1
    washBlood for the Blood GodCitadel + Lahmian MediumCitadel (2:1)
    Mix with medium·Artis Opus Series S 5
RecipeLips
  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
RecipeOrk Flesh
  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
Other Paints
Agrax EarthshadeCitadel⇆LeadbelcherCitadel⇆Nuln OilCitadel⇆Stormhost SilverCitadel⇆Black BrownPro Acryl⇆BonePro AcrylBright Neutral GreyPro Acryl⇆Dark Golden BrownPro Acryl⇆Dark PurplePro Acryl⇆Dark Warm GreyPro Acryl⇆MahoganyPro Acryl⇆Neutral GreyPro Acryl⇆PurplePro Acryl⇆Royal PurplePro AcrylWarm GreyPro Acryl⇆Rakarth FleshCitadel⇆Reikland FleshshadeCitadel⇆

Gruntled Greens

🔗
HumansBlood BowlSeptember 2026 · 7 models
FinishMuted greens and greys, heavily chipped
PrimaryMuted greens dominate
ContrastBright white striping
TechniqueSoft layering, no washes
BASE
PrimeBlack
SKIN
RecipeBasic White Flesh
RecipeDark Skin
NoteVary the tones with different shades - Black Brown, Dark Golden Brown, Light Umber, Warm Flesh. Olive Flesh and all with in-between blends
GREENS (Armour)
BaseDark Camo Green
EdgeDark Camo Green + Warm Grey mix 1:1
UNDER ARMOUR / SOCKS
BaseDark Yellow Green
TROUSERS
BaseWarm Grey
METALS
BaseLeadbelcher
WashNuln Oil
STRIPES
BaseBold Titanium White
BASE:
RecipeBlood Bowl Bases
RecipeBasic White Flesh
  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
RecipeBlood Bowl Bases
  1. 1
    basecoatBlackVallejo
    Primer over sand·Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush ULTRA 2024 Medium
  2. 2
    highlightGoblin Green (72.030)Vallejo
    Light touch·Artis Opus Series D Medium
  3. 3
    highlightMoon Yellow (72.005)Vallejo
    Even lighter touch·Artis Opus Series D Medium
  4. 4
    basecoatBold Titanium WhitePro Acryl
    White stripe
  5. 5
    layerSC00 (Matte Black)Scale75
    Rim the base
RecipeBrown Leather - Alternate Version
  1. 1
    basecoatBlack BrownPro Acryl
    Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    edgeDark Golden BrownPro Acryl
    Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightLight UmberPro Acryl
    Artis Opus Series S 1
RecipeDark Skin
  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
Other Paints
Coal BlackPro Acryl⇆Eshin GreyCitadel⇆Warm GreyPro Acryl⇆Dark Camo GreenPro Acryl⇆IvoryPro Acryl⇆Dark Yellow GreenPro AcrylDoombull BrownCitadel⇆Nuln OilCitadel⇆Agrax EarthshadeCitadel⇆Dark UmberPro Acryl⇆Warm FleshPro AcrylOlive FleshPro Acryl

Beast Snagga Boyz

🔗
Orks40kSeptember 2026 · 5 models
FinishBrighter armour, worn leathers
PrimaryMuted greens with some cyber punk splashes
ContrastRed to orange flare
TechniqueSoft layering, no washes
BASE
PrimeMatte Black
SKIN
BaseCamo Green
HighlightYellow Green + Camo Green
HighlightYellow Green
HighlightBright Yellow Green + Yellow Green
HighlightBright Yellow Green
KnucklesTan Flesh
LIPS
RecipeLips
SCARS:
BaseBurgundy
EdgeTan Flesh
LEATHER
RecipeBrown Leather
SKULL / ARMOUR
BaseBright Warm Grey
Recess ShadeApothecary White
HighlightBright Warm Grey + Bold Titanium White
WEAPONS
BaseLeadbelcher
WashNuln
HighlightStormhost
BaseBronze
WashAgrax
HighlightLight Bronze
BLACK BITS
BaseCoal Black
EdgeEshin Grey
EdgeMechanicus Standard
DotBold Titanium
PANTS
BaseGo nuts with Wizard's Butt colours
RED BITS
BaseOrange Red
HighlightDeep Orange
DotIce Yellow
PELT
BaseDark Turquoise
HighlightTurquoise
RecipeBlack Weapons
  1. 1
    basecoatCoal BlackPro Acryl
    Base weapon·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    edgeMechanicus Standard GreyCitadel
    Edge all panels·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightWolf Grey (72.047)Vallejo
    Dot highlights·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    basecoatLeadbelcherCitadel
    Barrels, clips·Vallejo Detail 2
  5. 5
    washNuln OilCitadel
    Barrels, clips·Vallejo Detail 2
RecipeBrown Leather
  1. 1
    basecoatRhinox HideCitadel
    Base all leather·Artis Opus Series S 1
  2. 2
    basecoatAbaddon BlackCitadel + Lahmian MediumCitadel (1:2)
    Shade all leather recesses·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightDoombull BrownCitadel
    Chunky·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    highlightSkrag BrownCitadel
    Scratchy damage highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    edgeXV-88 (Deep Ochre)Citadel
    Shakey - edge and scratch·Artis Opus Series S 00
  6. 6
    highlightUshabti BoneCitadel
    Dot highlight sparingly·Artis Opus Series S 00
RecipeLips
  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
RecipeOrk Flesh - ProAcryl Version
  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
Other Paints
Camo GreenPro Acryl⇆BurgundyPro AcrylBonePro AcrylTan FleshPro Acryl⇆OrangePro Acryl⇆Orange RedPro Acryl⇆Bold Pyrrole RedPro Acryl⇆Dark TurquoisePro AcrylTurquoise (72.024)Vallejo⇆KhakiPro Acryl⇆Bright Warm GreyPro AcrylApothecary WhiteCitadel⇆Eshin GreyCitadel⇆Emperor’s ChildrenCitadel⇆Bold Titanium WhitePro Acryl⇆Deep Orange IntenseAK InteractiveTurquoisePro AcrylPurplePro Acryl⇆Faded PlumPro Acryl⇆PinkPro Acryl⇆Wizard's Butt #1Pro AcrylWizard's Butt #2Pro AcrylDark Hot PinkPro Acryl⇆Pale PinkPro AcrylBronzePro Acryl⇆Light BronzePro Acryl⇆Agrax EarthshadeCitadel⇆Stormhost SilverCitadel⇆Dark PurplePro Acryl⇆Royal PurplePro AcrylRed GreyPro AcrylBright Neutral GreyPro Acryl⇆Wizard's Butt #3Pro AcrylWizard's Butt #4Pro AcrylWizard's Butt #6Pro AcrylWizard's Butt #5Pro AcrylCopperPro Acryl⇆MahoganyPro Acryl⇆

Catachan Jungle Fighters

🔗
Astra Militarum40kSeptember 2026 · 3 models
FinishVietnam jungle feel | greens on greens
PrimaryMuted greens dominate
ContrastRed bandanas
TechniqueSoft layering, no washes
BASE
PrimeMatte Black
FLESH
Follow various flesh recipes
UNIFORM
BaseCam. Dark Green
HighlightCam. Dark Green + Sunny Skin Tone
T-ShirtGreen Grey
HighlightGreen Grey + Sunny Skin Tone
HeadbandsScarlet Red
HighlightScarlet Red + Sunny Skin Tone
BACKPACK | POUCHES;
BaseOlive Grey
HighlightOlive Grey + Sunny Skin Tone
BELT | BOOTS:
BaseCoal Black
HighlightEshin Gren
WEAPONS
RecipeBlack Weapons
RecipeBasic White Flesh
  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
RecipeBlack Weapons
  1. 1
    basecoatCoal BlackPro Acryl
    Base weapon·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    edgeMechanicus Standard GreyCitadel
    Edge all panels·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightWolf Grey (72.047)Vallejo
    Dot highlights·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    basecoatLeadbelcherCitadel
    Barrels, clips·Vallejo Detail 2
  5. 5
    washNuln OilCitadel
    Barrels, clips·Vallejo Detail 2
RecipeDark Skin
  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
RecipeLips
  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
Other Paints
Olive Grey (70.888)Vallejo⇆Green Grey (70.886)VallejoScarlett Red (72.012)Vallejo⇆Cam. Dark Green (70.979)VallejoEshin GreyCitadel⇆

Ardboy Big Boss

🔗
OrruksAoSSeptember 2026
FinishHeavy battle-worn, blood-splattered, and chipped armor
PrimaryDeep black-grey armor with vibrant purple accent plates
ContrastSickly green ork skin, bone trophies, and a rust-streaked swords
TechniqueStippled edge highlighting, sponged chipping, and blood splatter effects
BASE
PrimeMatte Black
SKIN
RecipeOrk Flesh
EARS / KNUCKLES
RecipeLips
SKULLS / TEETH
BaseBone
WashAgrax
BLACK BITS
RecipeBlack Armour
PURPLE ARMOUR
BaseDark Purple
EdgeRoyal Purple
DotRoyal Purple + Warm Neutral Grey
PANTS
BaseBlack Brown
EdgeDark Golden Brown
LEATHERS
BaseMahogany
EdgeGolden Brown
CHAINS / SWORDS
BaseLeadbelcher
WashNuln Oil
EdgeStormhost Silver
RecipeBlack Armour
  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
RecipeLips
  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
RecipeOrk Flesh
  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
Other Paints
MahoganyPro Acryl⇆Golden BrownPro Acryl⇆Nuln OilCitadel⇆Agrax EarthshadeCitadel⇆LeadbelcherCitadel⇆Dark Warm GreyPro Acryl⇆Warm GreyPro Acryl⇆Bright Neutral GreyPro Acryl⇆Neutral GreyPro Acryl⇆Mechanicus Standard GreyCitadel⇆Eshin GreyCitadel⇆BonePro AcrylDark PurplePro Acryl⇆Royal PurplePro AcrylPurplePro Acryl⇆Black BrownPro Acryl⇆Stormhost SilverCitadel⇆

Imperial Knights - Knight Questoris

🔗
Free BladeOtherAugust 2026
FinishAncient veteran, battle worn
PrimaryMuted greys and oils
ContrastGreen armour highlights
TechniqueGlazing, edge wear, pigment weathering
BASE
PrimeMatte Black
METAL BODY
BaseGunmetal
Wash 1Nuln oil
Wash 2Agrax (lower half)
Wash 3Shylish Purple (joints)
GREY ARMOUR
BaseDark Warm Grey
Edge warm Grey
Edge 2Bright Warm Grey
Oil WashBurnt Umber
GREEN PANEL ARMOUR
BaseFaded Green
Oil WashBurnt Umber
BLACK TRIM
BaseCoal Black
Edge 1Dark Warm Grey
Edge 1Warm Grey
WEATHERING
Rust BaseDryad Bark
Rust LayerTyphus Corrosion
Rust HighlightsRyza Rust - uber light touch
GLOWY BUTTONS AND EYES
BaseEvil Sunz or Orange Red or Warpstone Green
HighlightOrange Red
DotWhite
RecipeBlack Armour
  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
RecipeBlack Weapons
  1. 1
    basecoatCoal BlackPro Acryl
    Base weapon·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    edgeMechanicus Standard GreyCitadel
    Edge all panels·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightWolf Grey (72.047)Vallejo
    Dot highlights·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    basecoatLeadbelcherCitadel
    Barrels, clips·Vallejo Detail 2
  5. 5
    washNuln OilCitadel
    Barrels, clips·Vallejo Detail 2
RecipeRust
  1. 1
    basecoatDark UmberPro Acryl
    Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    stippleTyphus CorrosionCitadel
    Vallejo Detail 2
  3. 3
    drybrushRyza RustCitadel
    As light as possible·Artis Opus Series D Small
Other Paints
Agrax EarthshadeCitadel⇆Warm GreyPro Acryl⇆Dark Warm GreyPro Acryl⇆Bright Warm GreyPro AcrylRunelord BrassCitadel⇆Faded GreenPro AcrylKhorne RedCitadel⇆Evil Sunz ScarletCitadel⇆Bold Pyrrole RedPro Acryl⇆Warpstone GlowCitadel⇆GunmetalVallejoShyish PurpleCitadel⇆Orange RedPro Acryl⇆Bold Titanium WhitePro Acryl⇆Dryad BarkCitadel⇆

Orruk Warclans Megaboss

🔗
OrruksAoSAugust 2026
FinishHeavy battle-worn, blood-splattered, and chipped armor
PrimaryDeep black-grey armor with vibrant purple accent plates
ContrastSickly green ork skin, bone trophies, and a rust-streaked cleaver
TechniqueStippled edge highlighting, sponged chipping, and blood splatter effects
BASE
PrimeMatte Black
SKIN
RecipeOrk Flesh
LIPS
RecipeLips
SKULLS / TEETH
BaseBone
WashAgrax
BLACK BITS
RecipeBlack Armour
PURPLE ARMOUR
BaseDark Purple
EdgeRoyal Purple
BLOOD
RecipeBlood Splatter
HighlightPurple
PANTS
BaseBlack Brown
EdgeDark Golden Brown
CHAINS / AXE
BaseLeadbelcher
WashNuln Oil
EdgeStormhost Silver
RecipeBlack Armour
  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
RecipeBlood Splatter
  1. 1
    washBlood for the Blood GodCitadel + Lahmian MediumCitadel (2:1)
    Mix with medium·Artis Opus Series S 5
RecipeLips
  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
RecipeOrk Flesh
  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
Other Paints
Dark Warm GreyPro Acryl⇆Warm GreyPro Acryl⇆Neutral GreyPro Acryl⇆Bright Neutral GreyPro Acryl⇆BonePro AcrylDark PurplePro Acryl⇆Royal PurplePro AcrylPurplePro Acryl⇆MahoganyPro Acryl⇆Black BrownPro Acryl⇆Dark Golden BrownPro Acryl⇆Stormhost SilverCitadel⇆LeadbelcherCitadel⇆Nuln OilCitadel⇆Agrax EarthshadeCitadel⇆

Armageddon - Flesh Tearers

🔗
Blood Angels40kAugust 2026
FinishVery dark with splashes of light
PrimaryDeep reds with hot orange highlight
ContrastFlashes of purple
TechniqueSeveral layers for armour highlights
BASE
PrimeMatte Black
RED ARMOUR
RecipeFlesh Tearers Armour - Pro Acryl Version
BLACK ARMOUR / BOLTER / BACKPACK
BaseCharcoal
EdgeEshin Grey
EdgeMechanicus Standard Grey
DotWolf Grey
CAPE
BaseCoal Black
LayerDark to Bright warm greys (Pro Acryl)
FLESH
BaseRakarth Flesh
WashReikland Fleshshade
ROPES
BaseDark Purple
HighlightPurple
HighlightPlum
PURITY SEALS
RecipePurity Seal
DICK TARP
BaseCorvus Black
EdgeWarm Grey
EYES
BaseWolf Grey
WashStriking Scorpion Contrast
SWORD
BaseDark Silver
EdgeBlends of Purple
SHIELD
BaseCoal Black
EdgeEshin Grey
HighlightMechanicus Standard Grey
BannerWarm Grey
EdgeBright Warm Grey
GOLD
RecipeGold
RecipeFlesh Tearers Armour - Pro Acryl Version
  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
RecipeGold
  1. 1
    basecoatRetributor ArmourCitadel
    Base gold·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    washReikland FleshshadeCitadel
    Light wash·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    highlightRetributor ArmourCitadel
    Bring back the edges·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    basecoatSilver (72.052)Vallejo
    Dot highlights·Artis Opus Series S 1
RecipePurity Seal
  1. 1
    basecoatWraithboneCitadel
    Base all of seal parchment·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    basecoatScreamers PinkCitadel
    Base seal·Artis Opus Series S 3
  3. 3
    highlightPink HorrorCitadel
    Subtle highlight on seal·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    washReikland FleshshadeCitadel
    Wash seal and parchment·Vallejo Pro Modeler 2
  5. 5
    edgeWraithboneCitadel
    Re-establish some highlights
Other Paints
BurgundyPro AcrylDark PurplePro Acryl⇆PurplePro Acryl⇆BonePro AcrylBright Neutral GreyPro Acryl⇆Neutral GreyPro Acryl⇆Dark Warm GreyPro Acryl⇆Bright GoldPro Acryl⇆Dark SilverPro AcrylRich GoldPro Acryl⇆CopperPro Acryl⇆Faded PlumPro Acryl⇆PlumPro AcrylRakarth FleshCitadel⇆Eshin GreyCitadel⇆Mechanicus Standard GreyCitadel⇆Bright Warm GreyPro AcrylAgrax EarthshadeCitadel⇆Corvus BlackCitadel⇆

Cadien Shock Troops

🔗
Astra Militarum40kAugust 2026 · 6 models
FinishClean field-service finish with subtle weathering on boots and cuffs
PrimaryOlive drab armor plates paired with khaki fatigues
ContrastDark metallic gun casings and brown leather straps
TechniqueLayered shading with smooth highlights on the fatigues and armor edges
Notes to come...
RecipeBasic White Flesh
  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
RecipeBlack Weapons
  1. 1
    basecoatCoal BlackPro Acryl
    Base weapon·Artis Opus Series S 3
  2. 2
    edgeMechanicus Standard GreyCitadel
    Edge all panels·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightWolf Grey (72.047)Vallejo
    Dot highlights·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    basecoatLeadbelcherCitadel
    Barrels, clips·Vallejo Detail 2
  5. 5
    washNuln OilCitadel
    Barrels, clips·Vallejo Detail 2
RecipeBrown Leather
  1. 1
    basecoatRhinox HideCitadel
    Base all leather·Artis Opus Series S 1
  2. 2
    basecoatAbaddon BlackCitadel + Lahmian MediumCitadel (1:2)
    Shade all leather recesses·Artis Opus Series S 1
  3. 3
    highlightDoombull BrownCitadel
    Chunky·Artis Opus Series S 1
  4. 4
    highlightSkrag BrownCitadel
    Scratchy damage highlight·Artis Opus Series S 1
  5. 5
    edgeXV-88 (Deep Ochre)Citadel
    Shakey - edge and scratch·Artis Opus Series S 00
  6. 6
    highlightUshabti BoneCitadel
    Dot highlight sparingly·Artis Opus Series S 00
RecipeDark Skin
  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
Other Paints
Earth (72.062)VallejoDeck Tan (70.986)Vallejo⇆Yellow Olive (72.064)Vallejo⇆Golden BrownPro Acryl⇆Dark FleshPro Acryl⇆German Beige (70.821)VallejoGreen Grey (70.886)VallejoZandri DustCitadel⇆Zandri DustCitadel⇆Retributor ArmourCitadel⇆Royal Purple (72.016)Vallejo

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.

Before you start, and what the technique words mean
Thin your paint
Almost everything here goes on thinner than it comes out of the pot. Neat paint dries thick and fills in the detail you paid for. Add water a drop at a time on a palette until it runs somewhere between milk and heavy cream, depending on the brand, then build the colour up in two or three coats rather than one.
Start on a primed model
Unless a step says otherwise, every recipe here begins on a model that has already been primed - paint will not sit properly on bare plastic. Black unless the scheme says otherwise, which is what most of these were painted over.
The same words mean two things
Wash, shade and layer are both things you do and names Citadel puts on pots. The badge on a step is the action. The Type column in the paint list is which range the pot came from. A step badged "layer" is often painted with a Base paint, and that is not a mistake.
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.

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.

Still filling this in: 8 of the 108 colours used in the recipes here have no row yet. Mostly Vallejo. A blank means not mapped, not that no equivalent exists.

How close the match is: near identical usable avoid

CitadelVallejoPro AcrylTwo Thin Coats