Painting is a huge part of the Warhammer hobby, whether you’re preparing an entire army, outfitting a crack team of operatives, entering a prestigious competition like Golden Demon, or just sprucing up your favourite miniatures for the fun of it.
There are also lots of myths around painting, little ideas that can gain momentum and become truths. Then suddenly it’s 38,000 years in the future, and drybrushing is somehow the preserve of the heretic…
Luckily, Adam Langton, Lizzie Ward, and Emma Robinson from the Warhammer TV Painting Team are a kind of Inquisition for the third millennium, and they’re here to put a few of the myths to rest.
You are never too old to start painting.
TRUE- Emma: No matter your age, you can enjoy painting Warhammer. There is no time limit on your imagination and talents, whether you’re 14, 40, or as old as the Emperor himself.
You have to have talent to be a good painter.
FALSE- Lizzie: Some people may pick up painting more easily than others, but like with any skill, investing time and effort will give you great results. It doesn’t matter how long it takes either!
You have to undercoat your miniatures with a spray can.
FALSE- Lizzie: Spray cans are certainly the best way to prime your models because they are a quick and easy way to get a base layer down, and are the most effective bedrock to apply your paints on top of. But if you don't have access to them, then undercoating using a Base paint is a possible alternative. It’ll take a few thin layers of paint and a little more effort, but it will still work.
If you leave Blood Angels unpainted for too long, you’ll start to hear “Why Horus? Why?!” from your painting desk.
TRUE- Adam: To avoid suffering the consequences of the Black Rage, remember to undercoat your Blood Angels with Mephiston Red Spray!*
You have to paint the models just like the box art, codex, or battletome.
FALSE- Emma: You can paint your models however you like. We just show you how to paint the standard colours, so you get an idea of how painting works, but you can choose whatever colours you want. Create your Chapters, Craftworlds, Stormhosts, and more – let your imagination run wild!
You should only enter painting competitions if you have a good chance of winning.
FALSE- Adam: This could not be more false! If you decide that painting to a high standard is what you want to do, don’t be afraid to enter into competitions as soon as you are happy to do so. You will gain invaluable experience at events that will help you on your painting journey, whether that is the process itself, talking to other hobbyists, seeing other people's miniatures at the event, or getting feedback. All of it will help to further your painting knowledge.
Licking your brush makes your painting better.
FALSE- Emma: Don’t lick your brushes, you never know where Nurgle lurks! To get the point back on your brushes after cleaning them, use your fingers and gently pull your brush through them to get that precise tip back, helping keep your highlights super sharp.
That’s seven long-standing painting myths sent scarpering back to the Golden Demon’s niche in the Warp.
If you have any more questions or want to set the record straight on some other myths you’ve heard, you can ask our presenters when Hang out and Paint Live returns in the new year, and share your own painting with #PaintingWarhammer on Twitter.
*Or a suitable shade of red from your paint collection. Remember myth #1… it doesn't have to be a spray undercoat!