How to Paint Space Marines: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Starting Your Space Marine Army

So, you’ve taken the plunge into the grim darkness of the far future, and you’ve chosen the Emperor’s finest. Space Marines are the iconic poster boys of Warhammer 40,000, and for very good reason. Their broad, curved ceramite armour panels make them an excellent starting point for new hobbyists learning brush control, edge highlighting, and wash application. Plus, there’s something undeniably brilliant about fielding a squad of genetically modified super-soldiers on a rainy Sunday afternoon in the UK.

Step 1: The Basecoat (Two Thin Coats!)

For a classic Ultramarine, start with a solid spray of Macragge Blue primer. If you prefer traditional brushing, thin your Macragge Blue base paint with a little water on your palette. Remember the golden rule: apply two thin coats to ensure a beautifully smooth finish without obscuring the model’s intricate details, like the Imperial Aquila on their chests.

Step 2: Shading the Recesses

Once your basecoat is fully dry (go make a cup of tea while you wait), it’s time for shading. Apply Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade directly into the panel lines, vents, and joints of the armour. This technique, known as pin-washing or recess shading, creates stark contrast and defines the separate armour plates without dirtying up the flat surfaces of the blue ceramite.

Step 3: Crisp Edge Highlighting

Using the side of a fine detail brush, carefully run Calgar Blue along the sharpest, upward-facing edges of the armour. This simulates light catching the edges. For an extra pop that will make your Marines stand out on the tabletop, add a tiny dot of Fenrisian Grey to the most prominent corners (like the toes and shoulder pad rims).

Get all the supplies you need to build your Adeptus Astartes force in our Space Marines section. We dispatch from our UK warehouse swiftly, so you can start painting before the weekend.

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