3 WAYS TO PAINT SWORDS!!!! Magma! Crystalline! Energized! | Duncan Rhodes

Ever wanted to add a cool sword to a character or to try a new technique for your favourite general? In this tutorial, we show you how to paint three different sword blade effects, perfect for all types of miniature painting! From a hot Magma blade to a Crystalline sword as well as an energised blade, there are blades for every hero. Although some of the techniques used are considered 'advanced', we break it down into easy, simple-to-follow stages so that your favourite character will have an epic-looking sword in no time at all.
If you enjoyed this video feel free to leave a Like and a Comment as well as Subscribe to the channel for more painting and hobby related videos.
Duncan Rhodes
Miniature Painting
Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy
1:07 Magma Blade
17:41 Crystalline Blade
30:21 Energized Blade
Join the Academy - www.duncanrhodes.com/
Instagram: duncanjrhod...
Facebook: / twothincoats
Equipment used:
Regiment Brush (Army Painter)
Artis Opus S Size 1
Artis Opus S Size0
Wet Palette (RedGrass Games)
Paints Used:
Evil Sunz Scarlet(Citadel)
Troll Slayer Orange (Citadel)
Flash Gitz Yellow (Citadel)
Matt White (Army Painter)
Rhinox Hide (Citadel)
Incubi Darkness (Citadel)
Cabalite Green (Citadel)
Sybarite Green (Citadel)
Gauss Blaster Green (Citadel)
Matt Black (Army Painter)
Steggadon Scale Green (Citadel)
Thousand Sons Blue (Citadel)
Ahriman Blue (Citadel)
Baharroth Blue (Citadel)
#duncanrhodes
#miniaturepainting
#paintingeffects

[@H0urg1ass]

You're like the Bob Ross of mini painting. So calming, so reassuring... makes me feel like I could do any of these on my first try!

[@AskZch]

same, these vids are my therapy. I could watch him paint for hours.

[@nayr9494]

Ii

[@nayr9494]

iiiii

[@nayr9494]

Iiiiiiii

[@nayr9494]

@@AskZch uh II

[@RevanR]

Time stamp for those who need it: 1:07 Magma Blade 17:41 Crystalline Blade 30:21 Energized Blade

[@Dracobyte]

Thank you so much for the timestamps!

[@arexz1231]

Mega. The days we living in when you can watch pros painting on videos rather then looking at magazine pics and poorly try to work out how its been done haha. Thank you

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

OUr pleasure

[@newtpondskipper]

Two thin coats is the new Happy Accidents. Great mantra.

[@medugal]

Absolutely love the extended videos detailing advanced techniques. This is what I always wanted from Duncan and felt that he was teaching with one hand tied behind his back due to some production requirements.

[@jossypoo]

Totally agreed. Something beautiful about refining skills. A good habit to get into

[@Dracobyte]

Me too!

[@hvincent1106]

Duncan , I just love your tutorials! You go so much in depth and explaining each step ! This really help me understand how to get the effects that I always wanted and where I did wrong ! Thanks Duncan!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

You are so welcome! That's what we aim to do, teach ☺

[@miguelengelhardt4687]

This is hands down the very first genuinely good tutorial on how to paint glowing hot weapons.

[@hvincent1106]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA Duncan, can we have more tutorials like this ? I feel like we really need these kinds of in depth tutorials. In particular, I hope you might be able to consider a video on how to paint good female skin. It's something that I have struggled much on , and couldn't find good sources on how to do this

[@Mantoisful]

What is Duncan's favorite paint to put in his paint water to make it tasty? I haven't found a particularly tasty combination yet.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Still searching.....

[@grumpycup4762]

Absolutely phenomenal tutorial. I feel like I've leveled up just from watching this.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the kind words.

[@Supraman145]

And there you have it. 6 months and 735 thin coats later your sword is done!

[@MattAfoster]

Thanks for the vid Duncan!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Any time!

[@Grumpf34]

Exceptional video. As a beginner painter, I thank you.

[@Dracobyte]

Welcome to the hobby!

[@projectcreations4820]

I love the magma blade! Though all of the are absolutely amazing. Great work Dunc!

[@artemiscrimson]

I really appreciate how you explain why you’re painting something and how it will grant the wanted effect, it’s really useful for applying your techniques to different things!

[@firestarr5812]

This was perfect timing- I had just gotten my first Primaris Lieutenant and wanted to paint his Power Sword, but I had no idea where to start- this video helped a ton!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Awesome! Glad it helped.

[@_Gondor44_]

Thank you for this video, Dunc! You just handed me the perfect way to make my Salamanders Primaris Ancient really stand out on the tabletop.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad we could help! 😊

[@Dracobyte]

Indeef!

[@lonstrickland6571]

Yo!! I’m about to start a squad of Salamander Blade Guard. Was gonna try my hand at molten blades. Thanks for the timely video!!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Any time!

[@finnishfatman]

This is just so well put together tutorial for these types of swords 👍 That magma in particular is something I'll be using on most of the swords for my marines, because it just looks damn good and if done properly like shown here, it looks realistically hot too. Like something you would subconsciously avoid touching. And if your hand ever had made contact with red hot iron or steel, even looking at something done this way will make you hesitate a bit 😂

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you. The magma sword is our favourite too. It turned out better than expected 😊

[@Dracobyte]

It would look incredinle on Salamamders, Ultramarines, Howling Griffins or even Dark Angels!

[@TheStoicArmyPainter]

ah man, i got a shipping delay on my Artist Opus series S Size 1. Now i will have to wait 3 weeks to move onto step 3 >_>

[@BernardWalter]

Best video ever. I return to it frequently. Very universal, impressive effects and enough choice for everyone

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Wow, thank you so much for the kind words. Glad it has helped 😊

[@user-go8fx1zi6c]

Thank you for another great tip! I will try my best to follow your instructions! Keep up the good work!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

You are welcome!

[@olusmiserablus5110]

I can't believe how well someone can paint. Gj👏

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you. But the techniques shown here aren't too difficult. Just requires a little practice ☺

[@squidcultist0022]

I love these longer videos where you explain fully what you're doing and show the process

[@philliam81]

This is perfect timing. I'm painting Archaon now. I'll paint his slayer of kings sword with the nice magma effect!

[@lesliestevenson5261]

This should be on tv.

[@renekowalski4514]

you are such a beast wtf wow, its insane how easy it looks on your hands

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Anyone can do it. Just takes a little practice and patience.

[@renekowalski4514]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA yes and I am very happy to see there are you who are making these amazing tutorials In past at the videos of GW it though it's insane, that was at the start of mine inside the hobby But with these videos with your explanation I think everyone with time can get it with you It's amazing, thank you

[@olikum]

Great Video. This is exactly what I need and I am happy that you show us more techniques than base, wash, highlight - the stuff you can find anywhere.

[@andrewmoore4413]

Thanks so much for the magma sword! It looks great on my minis!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

That's fantastic! Glad we could help.

[@Lifelover992011]

Thank you for this video, I've stolen all three techniques and was super happy with the outcome every time. The key really is patience, which surprised me because I was sure I wouldn't be skilled enough but skill isn't actually that much of an issue when you take your time. Thanks again, you're the best!

[@timfrank1262]

Just in time for the Harlequins I picked up in anticipation of the Kill Team update in the next WD! Awesome video.

[@jonbauml225]

Sick swords bro

[@soap9277]

My favorite army is the Custodes. I'm DEFINITELY gonna be giving that molten sword a spin when I get around to painting a Blade Champion.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Awesome

[@Apollomasque]

Love this video. I recently used the magma tutorial to paint up a Stannis Baratheon mini wielding Lightbringer. Thanks for all the terrific guides!

[@ltjamescoopermason8685]

Well I've learned some important tips thank you! 😎👍

[@nurglemonkie]

Been painting 40k since I was young back in 2004, Your tutorials have upped my confidence 10 fold in last few months. Much love & thanks my dude 👍🏽

[@mattbuckley6928]

It's not often I think 'I can do this!' but this has really helped give me direction to push my skills. Thank you :)

[@pjoiceman7994]

you think you can do a sequel video explaining other blade types like ice and lava??

[@MentoliptusBanko]

Beautiful results! Bravo Duncan! 😍

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Corvoreviews]

I've seems various tutorials on how to paint swords, but your duncan is by far the best one, and I'm not bad mouthing the other creators, far from it, just the level of care and explanation you do in your videos are so much in detail that helps a lot, one thing you've shown us that usually you don't see anywere is the brush strokes, and your handling of the painting on the pallet makes us even see the consistency of the paint we have to achieve wich helps a lot, thanks duncanyou are saving my life since your last job before this one

[@russbrewer2778]

Thanks for these vids. I customize 1/18th figures, and your tips and tricks have helped me a lot! Keep up the great work

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad to help and thank you.

[@chrisb8041]

Link to wear i can buy?

[@dekai7992]

@@chrisb8041 Buy what?

[@irishwristwatch2487]

That howling banshee's sword is gorgeoua. Love those colours!

[@dickjohnson8983]

please duncan i come to you on my hands and knees. every day when i paint i religiously speak the holy words "two thin coats... two thin coats...." as i meticulously use my most sacred weapon the brush to cut down the grey hordes of my pile of shame. i need you to paint belakor. i am a loyal disiple of this academy and i humbly request from the bottom of my soul which was painted in two thin coats that you do a video on him. praise be duncan in his holy and painted name

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

You'll be pleased to know we have a full, in-depth guide on our Academy website (duncanrhodes.com) covering that amazing miniature ☺

[@happylion1859]

Never before has a randomly suggested video so perfectly given the solution to exactly what I needed. Those jade weapons are perfect for what I was struggling to achieve, thank you!

[@glengeyer7294]

Thank you so much for the video Duncan! I've always wanted to make a powersword, but I could never found such a digestible guide.

[@Kaiyanwang82]

This is great. BTW Duncan I really appreciate your "multiple" approach.

[@dantejrl]

the best for painting tutorials for ever ^^

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you so much 😀

[@geoffok]

Without people like you, this hobby would be impossible for people like me.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

What kind word. Thank you. We hope that the tutorial helped you :-)

[@stevepickering5978]

all 3 Brilliant

[@emg4912]

Thanks so much Duncan! Learnt some great stuff on glazing there! Your tutorials really are superb!

[@ramblingbadger]

Awesome stuff. Finally beggining to understand glazes!

[@stefanovisentin5306]

other 3 pearls of art!

[@KabinMiniatures]

Great tutorial as always, love the reference image for heated steel - a smart idea to try to mimic something like that to add realism to the effect.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , DRPA . 🐺

[@atreus4842]

wow this looks crazy, thanks for your sharing your skills.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ricsoda5108]

Hi! First time in the channel! Just wanted to know that I loved the video format. As a beginner in the hobby, these very well detailed and step-by-step videos are incredible to help me step up my game. Keep on the good work!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Dracobyte]

Welcome to the hobby!

[@drzoidberg7767]

Maybe it’s just me but I’m finding how you explain your process much easier to follow than most other videos from other content creators I’ve been watching. Great video, keep it up

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thanks you. 😊

[@MrBkatt]

Amazing and thorough videos Duncan, very detailed and helpful. I don't paint much these past few years. But i still follow your vids, and I find by doing that, I'm a better painter every time I get back into it. So thank you, and keep up the great job! 👍😀

[@nurengoy_875]

Ооо, то чего так долго не хватало!

[@bluekermit2622]

Painting Abaddon the despoiler this weekend. Just watched your black legion video and now this. Perfect timing

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

It's like we knew...🤫

[@alphaleigpyne]

The Cystalline blade guide is useful to me so I can paint my Autarch Star Glaive. I've just assembled it from the Eldritch Omens battle boxset and about to undercoat it very soon.

[@Milkdud81]

Great video, these are very informative!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad it was helpful and thank you 😊

[@Milkdud81]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA these long form videos are rly great, this is some top notch paint quality also.

[@nickweinz6112]

Thank you this is exactly what I was looking for

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad to hear!

[@ThijsSchrijnemakers]

an excellent guide, thanks Duncan. My Eldar weapons turned out looking nice

[@chuck-n-debtaylor7553]

This is going to be fun to practice each style 👍🏻 Thank you very much for your quality instruction!

[@dannyboy5514]

I love these technique videos! Keep up the great work Duncan and Rog!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thanks! Will do!

[@NicholasVernem-GroovyNickyLee]

Thanks for the excellent tutorial! I'm painting some crystals on a portal to the Abyss d&d terrain piece with your magma blade scheme. Very excited about it!

[@Martericwill]

The Methods work for Lightning Claws from the Space Marines, too, right? I recently bought a Tartaros Terminator Squad and have to paint such claws for the first time

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Absolutely! ☺

[@EverianKalim]

I Imagine so since they claws are just "small Swords"

[@k2229]

Outstanding.

[@seanstevenson9891]

Great tutorial. That heat sword is..um..er..fire. Subscribed. 😁

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@rjabad3264]

Duncan, Any suggestions on paints to use for a blue crystalline blade? Much appreciated if you can answer! Love your stuff

[@darkseidofapokolips9796]

These citadel guys paint some impressive stuff.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Independent now 👍 (www.duncanrhodes.com)

[@dominicbenson3246]

Such a good tutorial thanks!

Great content! Highly recommanded!!!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you enjoyed it and much appreciated 😊

[@smc873]

Love these advanced videos! Keep it up!

[@kungpochopedtuna]

Those 90's power weapons are interesting for sure haha

[@Varys01]

Glad i saved that video. My newly aquired Custodes will definitly get those magma-weapons!

[@8-bite393]

Very good introduction!!! Thank you so much!

[@dustinzaccaria7644]

Fantastic stuff Duncan.

[@DigitalOrigami]

For months I've been saying to myself I have to join DRPA and kept putting it off - I'll get around to it, I thought. Watched this video. Got around to it and joined today. 😎

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

Thanks Duncan. Great vid as ever.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@anarky4203]

You do a really good job of explaining the techniques. I really learned a lot from this video. Thank you.

[@toothlessrick3970]

Excellent narration of your painting techniques. I like how you actually show every step of the way. I'm getting back into model painting and these tips will ease my way back. Liked and subbed.

[@lostmyslippas808]

Great tutorial. Ty for your vids

[@danielgranda896]

Thank you Duncan! This was a great video. I have always been a slow painter and it is encouraging to see how that helps using these build-up techniques. I think the pace of this video is excellent and I approached you having the color and brush details on the screen. I just received the first two waves of your paint line and I am excited to paint some minis. Cheers!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

You're very welcome! And we hope you enjoy using the paints

[@Dracobyte]

Thank you for another awesome tutorial!!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

My pleasure!

[@GameplayCasts]

Just found your channel a few months ago after getting back into the hobby 👌 Great content and some really useful tips and tricks! I used your molten sword method to create a ghostly green blade for my OG Demon prince, came out spot on! Thank you man! 👍

[@Pers0n97]

AMAZING video, love it.

[@mazubahtender]

This is gonna be very useful for me. I'm gonna try the magma effect for my Skulltaker's sword.

[@benitokiri]

Just the tip! Duncan, you’re the man.

[@Leviticushateford]

Thank you this great content! 👍 helped me out a ton for step by step.

[@stevenrussell8820]

Amazing tutorial I’m going to try on my mini s. Thanks

[@calvinbauch366]

Just watched this wonderful tutorial and it turned out really well absolutely wonderful guide for blades

[@thelonepainter4760]

Amazing job always!👍🏽

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@dwarrenmsp]

I look forward to using some of these methods when I'm painting sabers that are not made out of light.

[@crazynnaf]

impressive!

[@G_Pain]

this helped me great, thanks a lot.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

You're welcome!

[@Perkustin]

Glad to have a good guide on the Crystalline style blade, was trying to do it just from guesswork from pictures but the sword i'm doing has some annoying runes on it so it's been a nightmare. Now i've got this guide i can give it another shot. Glad to also have the Magma blade guide as it seems a bit easier, hope it works in blue...

[@timothysmith7364]

Duncan, thank you once again for fantastic tutorials :)

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

It's our pleasure 😊

[@Strider181]

Dude so many beginner tutorials talk about layering and thinning and show them doing it but don't show how to add water properly to the paints on the palette to thin them. It's so simple of course but as a newby it's still a valuable tip so thank you. Great tutorial i subscribed half way through.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Awesome! Glad it helped and thanks for the sub 😊

[@Dracobyte]

Yes, these tips are very useful

[@SuperGardenator]

I can imagine these flourescent effects would look great for sci-fi or neon lighting or reflections. Do you have any recommendations for cyberpunk-style painting?

[@star_wars_miniatures]

Fantastic video as always!!!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you! Cheers!