Skål! How to paint a Viking Warrior ⚔

"Fear not death for the hour of your doom is set and none may escape it." The Vikings were both fierce warriors and brave explorers and wanted nothing more than to dine in the great hall of Valhalla with the warrior ancestors. In this video we show you how to paint one of these extraordinary warriors from start to finish including how to add variety to your army as well as how to add the awesome-looking decal on his shield. If you have ever wanted to get into historical wargaming then these miniatures from Victrix Limited are a great option.
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Paints used:
Zandri Dust Spray
Wraithbone Spray
Iron Hands Steel
Macragge Blue
Gorthor Brown
Retributor Armour
Steel Legion Drab
Doombull Brown
Agrax Earthshade
Bugmans Glow
Reikland Fleshshade
Cadian Fleshtone
Kislev Flesh
Zandri Dust
Seraphim Sepia
Ushabti Bone
Matt White (Army Painter)
Calgar Blue
Baneblade Brown
Stormhost Silver
Tuskgor Fur
Liberator Gold
Khorne Red
Evil Sunz Scarlet
#duncanrhodes
#paintingminiatures
#vikings

[@georgemasonsghost4062]

Victrix is producing some of the best miniatures out there. Their Republican Romans and Carthaginians are great. Their Saxon, Viking, and Norman models have motivated me to dust off my old copy of Pig Wars and jump back into some Dark Ages gaming!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

They really are good and great value for money too being hard plastic.

[@MCDrB-wq8ed]

Their Napoleonics too. Same price as Warlord or Perry for twice the model count.

[@colonelburton8451]

I am setting up a Norsca-style army from Victrix "Vikings", "Dark Age Archers" and "Norman Cavalry" which I will be using as a proxy army either for Kislev or Dwarf / Chaos Dwarf Codex in our Warhammer battles. Still need inspiration for some other options such as horseback archers, siege, flying, etc. but I'll come up with something, I'm sure. At first, I was put off by the idea of cutting, scraping, gluing my own miniatures, but the price convinced me to give it a try. I was surprised to find out that the crafting of the individual miniature setups actually turns out to be part of the joy of developing my army.

[@kelisoccan9095]

Victrix create marvellous figurins like... dark age, medieval, napoleonic. The problem for me is the price of the decals...a box viking = 60 warriors for 50.95€..but you must pay 30 € for 60 decals...I dislike this process..

[@KabinMiniatures]

As a Swede, I approve of this Viking painting. Skål på er!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Amazing period of European history

[@KabinMiniatures]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA I totally agree. Lately a lot of games and shows have popularised the period, like The Last Kingdom, Assassin's Creed Valhalla and of course Vikings. But I'm also happy to have grown up learning about Norse myhology in school and at home 👍

[@miniatureswede]

@@KabinMiniatures Second this as a Swede who crossed the sea, to the land of the USA. Also no horns! Makes me happy.

[@alfaalle]

Bra sagt! Skål! :D

[@thatjohnkydd]

I didn't start watching Duncan until he started this channel but I've learned so much from his videos and I just want to say thank you.

[@WoofyMcDoodle]

I really like the victrix models. I bought their Norman Knights a couple of months ago and I had lots of fun painting them.

[@jaelee1996]

I love historical models. Fire Forge has some really cool new line of models like the Byzantines. Wargame Atlantic's new Conquistadors can proxy as Warhammer Empire models. I love to see more historicals.

[@AzraelThanatos]

I've been using chunks of their Crusader foot sergeants for conversion parts with Reapers Anhurians because I like their spears more than the Anhurian Cavalry's lances which tend to be badly bent.

[@marvinveeder5623]

Name a period and I can direct you to multiple lines of miniatures in 28mm, 15mm or 6mm.

[@alphaleigpyne]

I like how the shield turn out with some of the weathering on the lower part of it. Your Skål Viking warrior made me think of the Stormcloaks from the Elder Scroll game you painted a while ago. This is very good.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Cool, thank you

[@cerethpainting6606]

Duncan, you’re so good. Would love to see you branch out into different scales.

[@neckripperoni]

Ah yes. Victrix. Or "How about buying an entire army by paying up the equivalent of one (1) primaris character"

[@e.mailissimo2146]

Yes... and you can easily use V&V Miniatures to complement them... aka "How i buy a pack of four as excellent character models for the price of one (1) primaris character".

[@skull9674]

I bought the Victrix Vikings and Saxons. They make great miniatures and Little Big Men Studios make great shield transfers.

[@TheLunchBreakPainter]

Fantastic! Super characterful models. The Victrix range is great for dark age battles, lord of the rings battles and anything in between! And the parts mix with loads of other kits for the conversion lovers out there! I’ll be getting some for my Oathmark army 👍

[@KyussSpeed-sg5je]

I had never heard of Victrix Limited, thankyou genuinely for introducing me to such a cool range of models

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Our pleasure 😊

[@blakelivesay]

Looks great! Now I really want to buy the Victrix Saxon, Viking, and Norman sets, but I have some warriors of Minas Tirith and a bunch of orcs saying, "don't you dare even think about it."

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

🤣🤣🤣

[@joeokabayashi8669]

I greatly appreciate your format in which you zoom in on the figure to show in detail how to paint the details. Thank you!

[@colonelburton8451]

Hey mate. I have a crazy challenge for you.. do a similar miniature of a Viking but give him blue & white checkered (or better yet, rhombus checkered) pants. Like the legendary Alrik Immerdar, or the Bavarian flag. I really need to paint one of my minifigs like that, but the pattern is a challenge with all the folds in the pants. Great video, btw, look forward to painting my Victrix Vikings soon, will be using a lot of insights from this video!!

[@rubenmahrla9800]

I am finding it hard enough to give them striped-pants, constantly correcting, re-correcting and un-correcting my mistakes. It's particularly hard to get the folds right.

[@MaskedRiderChris]

Great, another company for me to be throwing money at! That mini looks great, however, and for what you pay you get a crazy amount of options in their kits, it appears, so it may be a worthy investment at some point.

[@andrewamann2821]

On the plus side, Victrix minis are cheap as chips... On the minus side, a couple of bags (yes, bags) will swell your pile of shame really, really quick. At least I think Victrix does bags... I could be misremembering...

[@blandedgear9704]

I've still got a few of my Victrix huscarls to paint- so thanks so much for the advice!

[@troubadour1562]

Thanks for sharing. You've really inspired me to start painting again. 👏

[@stepugh2571]

Great video. Been looking forward to you doing a guide on one of Victrix's Dark Age models.

[@gingergandalf4869]

When ye done the beard that tied the whole miniature together for me. I'm 100% gonna be using that technique in the future.

[@warriordynamics5496]

You may not remember Duncan, but a while ago I showed you a Victrix Roman legionnaire that I painted on Twitter which I bought and painted due to your painting video. This vid is fantastic and I’m now waiting on the delivery of some new victrix Vikings! Thank you so much for branching out into painting tutorials of historical miniatures, they’ve been a great help and I’d love to see more in the future :)

[@dagonet81]

So happy you did that video. Hubby and I are playing Saga. I have the Vitrix vikings, hubby the normans 😁. Hello from Switzerland!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Hello!! That sounds awesome Susanne. 😊

[@Lord_Revan89]

Had me sold on Vikings

[@warpaintjj]

Great work, I always learn something from these videos even after 45 years of painting! Many thanks.

[@jaysonstewart3537]

Your work never ceases to amaze!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you 😊

[@IsaacSchubert]

These models are amazing, I found them incredibly easy to paint (admittedly using contrast) However, there are SO MANY in the kit! I was losing my mind by the time I finished the whole bag

[@2007bing]

Victrix miniatures makes great Vikings and Normans!!!

[@andrewbeasley]

Great result - would love to see a ginger beard as I cannot get a good colour for this. One way of handling the shield is to use a small post of blue tack on the rear of the shield (in the dint of the boss) or a small dowel applied with UHU glue. UHU smells bad (esp the clear version) but normally cleans well - PVA can be used but is harder due to longer drying time. Either can be applied direct to the plastic before undercoating as they come off the better than paint and leave less grease BUT can lift the edges any paint touching them so it can be better to apply after undercoating - seems to depend on drying time rather than colour. Very handy as they can be pushed into blue tack on a spare pallet or plate to hold them while drying 😀

[@AceTaxiaGaming]

Love the historical accuracy "vikings would really take care of their gear"

[@MrJoshuakirk85]

Little Big Man Studios makes the best decals. Victrix is also a top of the line miniature maker.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

They are great aren't they?

[@ramza813]

duncanrhodes painting academy sub for over a year now. great content from Sir Dunc and Rog!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Awesome, thank you so much for supporting us and the kind words

[@theunrelentingbrush]

Just painting up some of my own, cheers Duncan! Did you glue this chap on to a base at the end at all? If so, what size? Cheers pal.

[@bigtroll8295]

A great paint for a great warrior ! Björn Grungsson is now ready to mighty clashes !

[@dannyboy5514]

Great video as always guys!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ollep9142]

If I were to paint this model for wargaming I'd make some changes to make it look significantly more historical: 1. The tunic (that you opted to make blue). Tunics were trimmed by a tablet woven ribbon in contrasting colours. The more luxurious the more intricate pattern, wider ribbon and expensive threads used. In this case I'd go for a warm metallic red to simulate a pattern of red and gold threads. (Instead of your light blue highlighting.) 2. The leg wraps should also be brightly coloured (and patterned) tablet weaving. 3. The scabbard could benefit from some brass detailing. 4. Fixing the shield (most in-your-face flaw)! The shield you've done would be good for the funeral of this guy, or possibly for show in his long house. Totally unsuitable for combat(*), so here's how to fix that: i) (Before any priming.) Both sides of the shield should be smooth since they were covered by raw hide. (The wooden plate was just to provide the shape when the shield was made. Strength and durability came from the hide.) So first add a thin layer of putty to the back of the shield and then sand down to remove the grain pattern. The edges of the shield should also be smooth and round without any metal trimming. If one wants some detail at the edge it should be a simple sinew stitching going through the shield near the edge. ii) The painting: Leave the handle in its wooden brown. (Not metal!) The boss is (unpainted) steel. The front surface should have a fairly simple painted pattern (1-3 colours) for recognition. One of the pattern colours could also be applied to the rear. 5. Weathering by adding some dirt/dust to the feet and lower legs as would be fit for the terrain and weather. (*) The shield as done would be expensive and suitable for show-off. Regular shields were cheap! Since you were expected to use several shields per battle (having a new shield handed to you when the former was broken) it was no use to make them look fancy.

[@AzraelThanatos]

A more elaborate shield for wargaming tends to have a more practical purpose for making it, also, easy to identify different minis. I tend to do more of Ravensfeast size wise for forces, where you have more individuals...at least when dealing with the Viking type for it, at least when using decals or transfers which are more common there for it.

[@thelonepainter4760]

Awesome! Your painting videos have taught me a lot with taking my painting skills to the next level. Very high quality content as always brotha.😁👍🏽

[@user-ci2sq6ue1m]

Thank you for your guidance. I would like to ask whether it is necessary to apply a layer of Mod Podge or protective coating after completing the painting. Would it have any adverse effects if applied? Thank you.

[@JC.Denton.]

Duncan, a lot of people say that the citadel undercoat sprays are not suitable to be applied directly to the plastic but instead you should use a primer first. What are your thoughts on this and what do you think about brush-on primer ?

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

We've never ever had an issue with priming our miniatures with Citadel sprays. In fact, every video we make, we use they spray 😊

[@JC.Denton.]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA Thanks for your answer

[@PavelThorsonos]

Far as I know, some confusion here comes from there having been two generations of Citadel Sprays: Citadel scenery paint (old, no longer in use, not a primer) and the citadel model paint range currently on sale (all primers). A lot of people are still convinced due to the old sprays that they spread the claim you need another undercoat. The currently sold sprays all work as primer, though. I've used them extensively (though not quite as much as Duncan ;) )

[@rubenmahrla9800]

​ @Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy May I ask you a question, I am using black primer and I am finding it hard to get the chainmail to not look like a loose-knit pullover made of silver wool with a black T-Shirt underneath.. Do I need to use more watered-down paint for the job? Even then, the "bubbles" don't seem to have enough paint material to fill the holes when they pop. Is a lighter shade of primer generally a "must" when painting chain-mail? Am I using the wrong brush? Thanks for any tips

[@brunocanilho9336]

Would love to see this with contrast paints!!!

[@evilaard]

I checked the little big men site out because of the transfer, those banners transfers look awesome for my Bretonnians 😀

[@acornacademy]

Hi, great video. Where do you prefer to get your bases from please?

[@andrewlinnik9724]

Very cool tutorial! Thank you very much! 👍👍👍

[@PadraicSmith]

That you mentioned that the vikings took care of their gear really pleases me as an amateur history enthusiast, so many people thought they treated their weapons and armour as if it were disposable but the truth couldn't be more opposite! They quite literally venerated swords and chainmail.

[@v0dka885]

You have earned the right of passage for your craftsmen ship and artistic detail. when you arrive to valhalla Odin will welcome you with open arms into the feasting hall Skål sheild brother

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Skål

[@bellsknell3297]

Hey, was wondering if you know any way to make some good ocean floor bases? It seems like it's a very uncommon way of basing minis, and as such, there are sadly very few tutorials on how to do so. It would also be interesting to see how to greenstuff things like barnacles. Regardless, great video!

[@HyperEwok1]

Man, how did Duncan know I was considering getting the Victrix kit?

[@SinglemSolis]

Being used to WHFB and 40k "heroic scale" it feels weird when the models weapons don't seem to weigh 20-30 kilos each lol

[@maskedbreadsticks7602]

Another incredible model Duncan keep up the great work😃

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you so much 😀

[@gustavakerman2566]

Skål till er också! As a swede myself, I very much approve.

[@chrisstabile3243]

Great vid, but one question: Why aren't you using your paints?

[@410adelson]

Probally a noob question, but i notice Duncan never use a primer or atleast a paint labelled as such, do you "prime" your models with the Citadel Spray Cans? Does it work as a primer? I ask this because in their website it states us a "undercoat" paint

[@410adelson]

@@FrozenThrog Thanks, just starting and was a bit confused.

[@mattymaple1976]

I cannot watch this. I work tonight. And Duncan inspires we to slop paint on my HINT minis.

[@psycosanches589]

It’s a little thing, but if you intend to relayer the drab back onto the axe handles completely, why not just wait to paint it the first time after the all over wash?

[@milliman4]

Wow I was just about to start painting my SAGA warband. Are you psychic?

[@mattschaning9697]

What do you use to fill your bases for the Victrix minis? Specifically making the base meet the base already attached to the body of the mini.

[@troymabbett2127]

I'm wondering the same thing.

[@kennethmacgregor-Gregorach]

As I live in Norway, I can definitely say the locals have very minimal shading and highlighting, and in winter they only use 1 thick coat!

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , DRPA . 🐺

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Anytime 😊

[@scoticvsgossage9378]

How long is the 20 percent off coupon usable? Indefinite or is there a time limit?

[@monochromeboi267]

13:00 “we’re then going to wash the hair, and for this we’re gonna use some Seraphim Sepia” I think shampoo would work better Dunc but you do you.

[@joegkushner]

Is there a timeline of when you'll be using the new paints in the video's? I was hoping to see how they worked before they get here.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

As soon as they are in peoples hands and they can paint along we'll start using them for sure 😊

[@edwindrood2816]

Great video!!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thanks!

[@neilevans9412]

Very nice but no metal rims on shields they would make the shield too heavy during combat

[@oldben5363]

Always love Duncan with my morning Coffee... See what I did there? Ok I'll leave

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

🤣🤣🤣

[@paulgibbons2320]

If you die with sword in your hand you go to Valhalah. Where do you go if you die with a paint brush in your hand ? Nice clear guide as always. Slightly disappointed you did not grow a beard for this one. Maybe when you paint some dwarves you might commit to it 😉

[@antigrav6004]

I just so happen to have a bunch of these primed

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

It's destiny!

[@Kryakyen]

Should I use primer before applying zandri dust?

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Nope, Zandri Dust spray is perfect as a primer and is designed as one ☺

[@Kryakyen]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA Thank you!)

[@MrTrenttness]

Sweet! 🔥🎸🔥

[@torros1839]

Nice paint work. The mail on Victrix figures unfortunately I think is way to big

[@maedwes]

Aye, the mail for the older sets (Imperial Romans, Celts, Vikings, Saxons) leave large gaps, their newer sets (Normans, Late Romans, etc) fixed the mail problem, they do mail much better now I think, particularly with those Normans

[@DinoWasHere]

Paint a Hoplite up next!

[@williammountfield8508]

Great video. As much as I love victrix it is a shame they gave the Vikings Gjermundbu helmets the historical accuracy of which is hotly contested (I’m of the opinion that they probably weren’t used).

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

At least they dont have horns 😀

[@williammountfield8508]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA that’s true

[@KrystianKomosa]

How you build this wet palette?

[@fortesqueca]

Hope you and Rog are feeling better. Nurgle has no business in interfering our painting vids!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

We are, thank you 😀

[@Moondog-wc4vm]

Rust is the bane of any armoured warrior from history.

[@elibarker201]

Anyone have any game recommendations to use these Vikings in?

[@borna1231]

Number 1 is definitely SAGA: Dark Ages. Fantastic skirmish game with a pretty unique mechanic of allocating special abilites for each faction! My favourite historical skirmish system by far. One pack of Victrix figures is enough to build one warband. (with a couple of packs you can cover most factions though) 2. Lion Rampant from Ospray Games. a good system, albeit a bit generic. 3. Ravenfeast: a super simple little set of FREE rules by Little Wars TV. Not meant to be a robust system, but a simple and quick "introduction" game into the world of historical wargaming. The rules graphic design is great btw, and the pdf even has a guide to dark age terrain building! 4. Hail Caesar. Rank and flank game, large armies (200 models+). Fantastic set of rules, cheap, easy to learn, fun to play. 5. You can use the models as proxies for all sorts of games. 6. Some other historical systems I heavn´t played yet: DBA, Clash of Spears, Impetus, Swordpoint, To The Strongest

[@AceTaxiaGaming]

Grab a drink before you toast!

[@RickardLejonhjarta]

VLKA FENR- oh wait Alla ombord på långskeppen! Think thats better. Nice to see the anglos accepting Viking superiority once more.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Skol!

[@sandwichgaming2002]

I used to be like an arrow like you until I took a knee to my adventurer

[@Filthyanimal9]

Thx for video- i’ll be tackling the minis from. Blood Rage board game soon so will channel your Viking vibes! Curious, is there a size that the medium layer and small layer Citadel brushes align to, for example a size 2 may correspond to the medium layer brush?