Tutorial – Death Guard painting guide

Posted by Jerre in Hobby, News and Updates, Painting | 115 comments

The following is a step-by-step guide on how I paint my 30k death guard. The color scheme was based on this picture from the Forgeworld website. I recommend using an airbrush for some of these steps but you can use a brush as well.

 

 

 

 

After cleaning and assembling the model, airbrush (or use a spray can) the model in a black undercoat. You can cover the entire model but make sure you spray the model while holding it upside down as this step is just for preshading. Also apply the black undercoat to any crevasses on the model. I used Vallejo Surface Primer Black (74602).

Step 1 : Vallejo Surface Primer Black

Next undercoat the model only in a 45° angle from the top with a grey primer. I used Vallejo Surface Primer Grey (74601).

Step 2 : Vallejo Surface Primer Grey

Then basecoat the model with a brownish white. I used Vallejo Model Air Aged White (71132).

Step 3 : Vallejo Model Air Aged White

Now that the main color has been applied to the model it’s time to start adding the other basecoats. First apply an olive green color to the inside of the shoulder pads. I used Vallejo Game Color Cayman Green (72067).

Step 4 : Vallejo Game Color Cayman Green

Next paint the armour ridges and shoulder pads in a bronze color. I used Vallejo Game Color Brassy Brass (72508).

Step 5 : Vallejo Game Color Brassy Brass

Basecoat the death guard logo next. I used Vallejo Game Color Black (72501) and Vallejo Game Color Off White (72101).

Step 6 : Vallejo Game Color Black & Vallejo Game Color Off White

Finally basecoat the eye lenses red. I used Games Workshop Mephiston Red.

Step 7 : Games Workshop Mephiston Red

Let the model dry completely. After it is dry, varnish the model with a satin coat. I used Vallejo Satin Varnish (70522) which I deluted with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner (71061) in a 7:3 ratio. I usually let the model dry overnight before continuing.

Step 8 : 7:3 Vallejo Satin Varnish & Vallejo Airbrush Thinner

After the satin varnish is dry, apply a brown oilwash over the model. After the oilwash has been drying for a few hours, you can use some mineral spirits to clean up any excess or pooling.

Step 9 : Brown Oil Wash

After the oil wash is fully dry, apply a black undercoat to metal parts on the armour. I used Vallejo Game Color Black (72501).

Step 10 : Vallejo Game Color Black

Basecoat the weapon with a dark metal. I used a 1:1 mix of Games Workshop Leadbelcher & Vallejo Game Color Black (72501).

Step 11 : 1:1 Games Workshop Leadbelcher and Vallejo Game Color Black

Next wetbrush (similar to a drybrush but leaving more paint on the brush) the black areas on the armour with a metal color leaving some of the black in the recesses. I used Games Workshop Leadbelcher.

Step 12 : Games Workshop Leadbelcher

Layer on a brighter metal on some of the details on the weapon. I used Vallejo Model Color Silver (70997) and Vallejo Game Color Bright Bronze (72057).

Step 13 : Vallejo Model Color Silver and Valley Game Color Bright Bronze

After the metal parts on the weapon have dried, wash the weapon with a black wash. I used Vallejo Wash Black Shade (73201).

Step 14 : Vallejo Wash Black Shade

To make the death guard chapter symbol pop a bit more, highlight the black first with a dark grey. I used Games Workshop Eshin Grey.

Step 15 : Games Workshop Eshin Grey

Next apply an extreme highlight using a brighter grey. I used Games Workshop Dawnstone.

Step 16 : Games Workshop Dawnstone

Finally layer on a bright white on the skull, but let some of the current color in the recesses. I used Vallejo Game Color Off White (72101).

Step 17 : Vallejo Game Color Off White

The model is now finished. You only need to base it!

If you have any questions, thoughts or comments, feel free to post them below!