how to paint death company

3 min read 17-01-2025

Death Company Space Marines are iconic figures in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Their chaotic, blood-soaked appearance makes them a visually striking addition to any army. This guide will walk you through painting these brutal warriors, from prepping miniatures to achieving that signature Death Company look. We'll cover techniques for both beginners and experienced painters.

Getting Started: Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin painting your Death Company, gather the necessary supplies. This will ensure a smooth and efficient painting process.

Essential Supplies:

Death Company miniatures: Obviously! Make sure they are clean and assembled correctly.
Primer: Use a good quality spray-on primer. Chaos Black is a popular choice for Death Company, providing a dark base coat.
Paints: You'll need a selection of paints to achieve the desired look. We'll delve into specific color choices later.
Brushes: Invest in a variety of brushes, including fine detail brushes for intricate work and larger brushes for basecoating.
Palette: A wet palette is recommended to keep your paints from drying out too quickly.
Water pot: For cleaning your brushes.
Paper towels: For blotting your brushes.
Thinners: Use a dedicated paint thinner to clean your brushes properly.
Optional: Airbrush: For a smoother, more even coat, especially for basecoating larger areas.

Prepping Your Miniatures for Painting

Proper preparation is key to a successful paint job. Taking the time to do this will significantly improve your results.

Clean your miniatures: Remove any mold lines or imperfections with a hobby knife or file.
Assemble your miniatures: Carefully assemble your miniatures, ensuring all parts fit snugly. Use plastic glue specifically designed for models.
Prime your miniatures: Apply an even coat of primer. This will help the paint adhere properly and provide a consistent base.

Painting Your Death Company Space Marines: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide will focus on a classic Death Company color scheme, but feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking.

Step 1: Basecoating

Black Basecoat: Apply a thin, even coat of Chaos Black spray primer to your miniatures. Let it dry completely.

Step 2: The Blood Splatter Effect

This is where the Death Company truly come alive. There are several techniques you can use:

Drybrushing: Use a dry brush (meaning very little paint on the brush) with a reddish-brown like Khorne Red or Blood Angels Red to create a splatter effect. Lightly brush over raised areas to highlight the texture.
Sponge Dabbing: Use a small sponge dabbed in thinned-down red paint to create a splattered effect. Experiment with varying levels of paint thickness to achieve different intensities.
Stippling: This technique involves dabbing a brush with thinned-down paint onto the miniature to create a textured, splatter-like effect.

Step 3: Adding Detail

Edge Highlighting: Use a brighter red (like Evil Sunz Scarlet) to highlight the edges of your miniatures. This adds depth and dimension.
Metallic Accents: Paint metallic details (weapons, trim) with appropriate metallic paints. Leadbelcher is a common choice for bolters and other weapons.
Blood for the Blood God: Add additional blood effects using washes or inks. Blood for the Blood God is a popular choice for achieving that gory Death Company look.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Washing: Use a dark wash (like Agrax Earthshade) in the recesses to add depth and shadows.
Highlighting: Apply further highlights to bring out the details and create a sense of depth.
Basing: Once everything else is dry, add basing materials to your miniature to complete the look.

Advanced Techniques for Experienced Painters

Oils: For a truly realistic blood effect, try using oil paints. These offer greater blending capabilities.
Airbrushing: An airbrush can create incredibly smooth gradients and transitions.
Advanced layering: More precise layering allows for subtle variations in color and shading.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Chaos

Painting Death Company Space Marines is a rewarding experience. By following this guide and experimenting with different techniques, you can create truly terrifying and visually stunning miniatures for your Warhammer 40,000 army. Remember to have fun and embrace the chaos! The more blood, the better! Don't be afraid to try new things and develop your own unique style. Happy painting!