Learn to Paint your first Warhammer miniature | Space Marine | Duncan Rhodes

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

We hope you enjoyed this one. If you want to start learning how to paint miniatures, then you’ve come to the right place. Feel free to leave a comment, a Like and Subscribe to the channel. Have a great weekend everyone. Cheers, Dunc & Rog

[@joelkurowski7129]

Why that first one is pretty chunky. Have you tried thinning your paints?

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

@@joelkurowski7129 never crossed my mind 🤣

[@Dracobyte]

Cool video, greetings from Mexico!

[@GODZILLAmonsoon]

What a coincedence, I've decided to get into the hobby two days ago. Perfect timing.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Yay! Perfect and welcome

[@John-kc4cg]

What army are you planning on getting into? Although you'll probably end up with more than one a year or two from now.

[@Baalur]

Welcome to the hobby! This really is the perfect tutorial for a beginner. Down to the turning of the brush while dragging it over the palette or a paper towel. This is a habit that is rarely taught and that most painters develop over time (while having the problems this little move prevents). Try to follow the tutorial and don't be discouraged if something doesn't work out quite as well for you or if you make mistakes. You can always correct mistakes by painting over them with the color that was supposed to be there. I am sure by following the steps in this tutorial you will achieve results you can be happy with and by practicing the techniques used here you will improve in no time.

[@GODZILLAmonsoon]

@@John-kc4cg I'm more of a collector than a player, so I'm less concerned with _armies_ as much as I am just getting what I like the look of. That said, I bought the Tyranid Combat Patrol, and I'm excited to try some different schemes, including the Xenomorph style that I've also seen at the DRPA!

[@AtheAetheling]

@@GODZILLAmonsoon Tyranids are great for beginners because the organic bug-look is very forgiving for new hobbyists; the tricky parts on models are large flat areas, of which Tyranids have none. I hope you enjoy!

[@Vin_Venture896]

Just a quick extra tip for people at 6:00. When basecoating, go thin AND fast! Don’t keep working over the same area with your brush, as you’ll tear up half dry chunks of paint, which will create lumps of paint and texture on the surface of your miniature. Only work an area for maybe 15-20 seconds with your brush, and if you still haven’t gotten all the spots you want? Don’t worry! Just leave it until your thin coat has dried and fix it with the next coat. A tip I learned from one of Duncan’s videos actually! Also smart move from you guys to make this video, great for new people interested after Space Marine 2, and much better than the ones from GW which appear to be constrained to a video length limit.

[@Joetime90]

Sometimes 3 thin coats are ok, just to get the missing spots. It's ok to spend 3 hours highlighting a single model. It's supposed to be a labor of love. If you're not feeling it at the moment, don't force it.

[@a.gravemistake3061]

Two thin coats? The Codex Astartes supports this action.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

For the Emperor

[@kookooburu]

Been in the hobby for 13 years and I still find something useful in all of these videos. Cheers Duncan!

[@lawrencebianco5855]

I have been self taught painting for three years and the fundamentals make so much more sense after watching this video. I just learned more here than I have in all the other painting “how to’s” put together!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thats awesome, We're glad it helped 😊

[@alphaleigpyne]

With the launch of Space Marine 2 game, people new to the hobby who've played the game would find this guide helpful to paint their Space Marine miniatures.

[@InsertName-v1i]

That's me. Just painted my first little guy... He's sort of ugly, compared to the one in the video, but he's mine, you know? I can see why people love this hobby so much. I can already tell, I'm going to get really addicted to this... LOL.😂

[@commodusleitdorf2726]

You new painters are lucky. Back when many of us old hats started if there wasn't a Games Workshop in town we had to rely on the old GW websites painting instructions. Many of the times the instructions resembled the old meme "Draw two circles...then draw the whole rest of the Owl."

[@chadnine3432]

I use two water cups when working with metallics. That way when I contaiminate the "regular" water with metallic, I have to rinse out both cups. ;)

[@TheBaxterProject0]

Even though I've been in this hobby for 20 years I still love coming back to these types of videos (especially because of Duncan). Such a phenomenal explanation of the core principles of miniature painting.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thank you

[@LuciousDeMorte]

What i love about this video, is that not only does it tell you what to do, it tells you why your doing something.

[@AtheAetheling]

I wouldn't say I was a beginner anymore, but I will say that what I know I learnt from you and this channel, so if you're new, listen to what Duncan says! This is the best tutorial you could hope for.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

I appreciate that! Thank you

[@mysticjason9259]

I’m painting my first miniature tomorrow, this video gave me some confidence for sure

[@williambibens4508]

This takes me back to 2015 or whenever it was that I first watched the how to paint an Ultramarine tactical marine on Warhammer TV. That started my painting journey and since then I've painted something in the realm of 300 minis from a bunch of sources. Kinda changed my life too.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thats awesome!

[@elinoirsmythe224]

Seeing 10 year-old Duncan's "special" space marine gives me such joy!

[@RevanR]

Well its fascinating to be first timer again. Keep that curiosity and openness to new techniques and styles

[@Naddabeht]

This is a great video for new people. Biggest thing I learned in last couple months is brush on primer. Spray primer can be hard to apply due to weather or space. Brush primer is great for doing everything inside at your hobby table.

[@aaronhalford436]

I've been out of WH for about 5 years now, but decided to get back into it thanks to my brother playing the new Space Marines game... i didn't realise how much i had actually missed hearing Duncan 😂

[@mahtimonni97]

Meanwhile I'm over here, painting miniatures, using nothing but ten layers of drybrushing. It works surprisingly great, in my opinion. Kinda like when a game's graphics go for style instead of realism. (In this analogy: my shaky hands are compared to a video card that can't do raytracing)

[@chadnine3432]

I've painted minis just using washes from a very bright/light base coat. Wound up looking a lot like the modern contrast paint techniques.

[@justintran7740]

I love the showing of the first model you painted, can be discouraging as beginners to see experts doing so well, but seeing where you started to where you are now it's super encouraging because we all start somewhere and improve over time.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Exactly that! Its all about practice.

[@stevensanderson2817]

Just got into the hobby and picked Chaos Space Marines as my first army so right on time with the tutorial

[@jobogriff]

I find that chaos space marines are really fun to paint, especially models that get all icky and weird like Possessed marines lol

[@Dakonaton]

Right there with you!

[@heistenberg7471]

1997? You've been painting miniatures for as long as I've been alive. I think I've been at it for a short three years now, give or take. It really puts things into perspective for me.

[@Viewer41]

I love how Duncan actually replies to people in the comments section. 😊 👏 Unlike most KZbinrs who beg like dogs for subscribers, likes, and commets, then ignore everyone in the comments..... 🤦‍♂️

[@SimpleModel-6]

two thin coats should be wrote into the Codex Astartes,the tip saved my first model,god bless Duncan

[@g0nk]

I have been thinking about getting into the hobby and have been watching a ton of painting tutorials before I take the plunge. This video is the absolute best video tutorial I have seen on painting!! Very detailed, perfect examples of how to perform techniques, easy to follow and just down right awesome. Thank you so much for this!! This is the gold standard in miniature painting tutorials right here!! Bravo!

[@Rybear1977]

Perfect timing. I can see that someone else just started getting into the hobby, but I also have been getting a hankering for painting minis myself. I think This video was released on the same day this "hunger for painting" started. Got an introductory set earlier today and wanted to be retaught about thinning paints. You probably released this video just as there was a surge of people wanting to paint Warhammer minis.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

It was meant to be ;-)

[@jobogriff]

Because of Space Marine 2, no doubt. Thats what got me back into it after taking a break from 8th ed, lol

[@kwk9415]

iam painting for about 2 years and this was a really good reminder for all the basics

[@cordial001]

First minis I ever tried to paint were the skeletons from Heroquest. I tried to "undercoat" them black with a permanent marker. Good times.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Good times indeed!

[@67hughman]

Just received my first kit. This video is a great tutorial. Thank you for showing the process.

[@frakillwe123]

Great video wish i had this one when i started i only have one criticism in term of primer and brushes i wish you showed the the other option like vallejo or army painter for the primer. But also brushes GW is the only one to describe their brushes size like they do. showing the number you find on other brushes and compare size could be super helpful for new painter.

[@lilpain1997]

I don't even need this vid as I am 5months in and at the point of doing NMM work, but anytime I see Duncan upload? I have to watch, you along with others made getting into this hobby extremely easy. Its also just relaxing watching others paint

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thanks :-)

[@dggaming7610]

A friend recommended me your videos as i am just now getting into the 40k hobby. I must say I feel overwhelmed but definitely intrigued. It seems I had even more to learn than i thought

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Just have fun with it :-)

[@BiZkWiK87]

I didn't realize this video was from yesterday. I just watched it last night. I just bought my first introductory set right now. I'm painting a Salamander!

[@watts18269]

I’ve been painting warhammer minis for over two decades and still sat and enjoyed this whole vid. Cheers Duncan!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Awesome! Thank you

[@IsThatNaomiOmi]

Honestly, really nice to see something like this broken down, although done before each video is another reinforcement & look into someone's methods. This videos Will hopefully help me get these nids painted sometime before next year.

[@hexeltron8625]

ive been painting minis for about a year now and i can defiantly tell how much better ive gotten

[@EverydayEldrad]

Really refreshing to see your perspective and encouraging to see how much I can still improve!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Happy to help!

[@jonathancali5676]

Great video, simple, useful, 10 out of 10. Thanks for sharing the years of XP

[@coreymillard7201]

This video is absolutely insane. Best tutorial for beginners out there. Thank you!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

You're very welcome! And thank you for the kind words

[@rossbutton4559]

I have decided to get back into it after starting out as a kid. The standard is so good these days, it almost looked impossible. But I look forward to going back over this video step by step and having a good finished product. Cheers!

[@nian89]

Have you studied pedagogy by any chance? I got to meet several future teachers during my university years and I think you would make a better teacher than most of them

[@SynthWaveEx]

This is crazy.. its so effortless. Thanks a ton Duncan, this is beautiful

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you like it!

[@jarrodmunro7749]

Just what the new 40k recruits needed. Thank you, Space Marine 2, and thank you, Duncan. FOR THE EMPEROR

[@BockWurstler]

I dont even know a single bit of warhammer but this was very relaxing to watch ^^

[@joegon6278]

Thank you for this, I have several already assembled minis that I have been too nervous to try and paint for almost a year now. I'm good at assembling the minis but since I'm use to painting larger models the thought of painting something small put me off. Your video has given me enough information and clear instructions that I am going to finally give it a go.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Go for it and have fun

[@tuttifuknfruity]

I don't even do this hobby but now I want to after watching this video. Had to subscribe. Great stuff dude. Genuinely loved this

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ChenFelix-l2m]

OMMMMMGGGGG, thank you sir, I've paint my miniature as same as how you painted it, it looked PERFECT, and its my first time painting this. Liked and subscribed.

[@Ghrifter]

Thank you very much Duncan, your painting tutorials are so great and helpful

[@kevobot9342]

This video will come in handy when I start painting all ten of my intercessor minis along with my captain in gravis armor and ancient

[@stoffeandersson9768]

Excellent video! i wish this video existed when i started the hobby!

[@charleschapman4744]

Excellent job, as always, Duncan. This video reminds me of the first miniature that I ever painted, an Ultramarines tactical marine, although it was far less competently painted than your model here is. I understand that colour schemes move on, but I do miss the red bolters of the 90s and early 2000s Ultramarines. The black boltguns of modern Warhammer 40,000 seem so characterless, and detract from the vibrancy of the paint scheme, however they do look more mature and serious.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Ahhh, the 'RED' years.....

[@amalgam5107]

Jumped in the with 40k ultimate starter set after getting real into Space Marine 2. Slowly getting everything I need to paint and very much appreciate the noobie video. Cant wait to start painting and put on a good Luetin video to chill out to. This video will of course be referenced a lot. Thanks again!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

That is awesome! Enjoy

[@lewisjacksonv]

What a great video, and I’ve only watched the introduction. 25 years ago, I found my elder brothers miniature that looked like this. Got hooked. A few years later did my own. Not amazing but pleased. Took a break, now something has peaked my interest again. A well paid full time job and a new video game release has helped! About to start painting a tactical squad of the Aurora Chapter. Cannot wait to get into it again.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Awesome! Go for it and have fun!

[@lewisjacksonv]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA thanks! following 👍

[@nlupercio1]

Just primed my first 3 Infernus Marines. Great video. Excited to start painting.

[@themysteriousstranger6765]

Bought my first minis literally yesterday so this is very well timed. Don't have all the fancy paint brushes but this is still very useful. Thanks :)

[@pip2therescue754]

I didn’t have Tony Hawk teaching me how to paint Warhammer figures on my 2024 bingo card.

[@dev32]

First painted mini was a Dark Angel infernus marine But with Duncan's method I managed to get quite the thin coat out of it

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Touché

[@minnijawsx9060]

5 thick coats

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

😮 nooooo 🤣

[@ghost_vana46]

"500 thick coats"

[@brandenj6512]

I just got my first Space Wolves miniatures the other day: The Grey Hunters. Looking forward to starting.

[@chomp7927]

this morning I found and watched the last video you did about this, and now this pops out lol, maybe this weekend I'll paint the minis I've been collecting the past 2 weeks lol

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Go for it!

[@rubylion5434]

Duncan/Rog, thank you for always going over the fundamentals and ensuring each generation of hobbyists are better equipped than before and can paint higher quality pieces more consistently. 15+ years of on-and-off painting and I always find comfort in watching your stuff, because it feels like I've always got a home as long as I have a brush, some paint, and water. But...is there any chance to step-by-step into more advanced techniques, ones I'm personally hesitant on, like Non-Metallic Metals? Skin and eyes? Wavy hair? Light sources? Maybe even free handing?

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Hi, thanks for taking the time to comment. We have quite a few subjects covered in our Techniques section over at the Academy (www.duncanrhodes.com) from both silver and gold non-metalic to faces/ skin. We also cover them in some more advanced style tutorials such as the one we did for Fabius Bile. There's a lot covered in that one.

[@Purplemasx]

Tamiya primer works well and the empty can is perfect to hold the mini while painting

[@Real_Mick3y6]

Well this is terrific timing, my first minis just arrived today.

[@kewinowitsch]

I bought a Introductory set today, and it doesn't come with all the tools and paints you used here, so it won't look as good as yours, but this video is very well made, showing everything you need and how to use it detail. Especially how to use the brushes. I'm usually not into painting and all that stuff, Warhammer 40k will be my first contact with that since school, so this will surely be helpful. Thanks!

[@btr9428]

A well made and descripted video. Thanks

[@deadliftyournan3293]

Always a pleasure to see Brother Clarence. Also hi Duncan!

[@Imperial_Buckethead]

Excellent video, my friend! It reminds me of when I first started the hobby. I actually bought a how-to paint book from GW long ago; it even had a dvd in the back. Lo and behold you, and your work was splattered across the entire book. Good times! 😅 Cheers, mate!

[@Lupercal6319]

I'm maybe 4/5ths through painting my first miniatures after putting it off for a very long time(so long in fact that what I'm painting is 10 marines and 3 motorbikes from the old Dark Vengeance set). I think what people underestimate is that if you go into it with humility, caution, and make an effort, your first miniatures can leave you pleasantly surprised. Not because they're good, no doubt I've done terribly by the standards of anyone with experience, but because they'll look good by your own low standards and they're so much better than how you were afraid they'd turn out. Everybody knows painting is hard to master and there's no upper ceiling but what was surprising is there kind of is a floor of pretty satisfying results for a beginner that you'll start from if you just make a moderate effort and accept that it taking as long as it takers. Probably committing cardinal sins with a lack of shading on the main armour though

[@GoufinAround_]

For the new peoples, the one brand that doesn't need a lot of shaking is Vallejo since they've had their new formulation. The new bottles are 100% clear with black tops and they only need like 3 shakes if they've been sitting for a long time. You're really spoiled for choice with paint options, but the one thing I will recommend, from experience, is that you should only buy the colors you absolutely need to get started. No need to go buying multiple sets just to find out that after buying 30 paints from one brand you actually like a different brand significantly more

[@Dracobyte]

Another incredible guide!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you, we hope it helped:-)

[@Neal_Flores]

Mr. Rhodes! I’d love it if you’d cover how to paint some Napoleonics!

[@b.e.654]

Great video Duncan.

[@kod8933]

No lie, just like the other comments, I just decided to give WH 40K a try today. What great timing lol

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Perfect 👍👍

[@DiggingForFacts]

Poor Void Knight, being done dirty like that by his Chapter Master. It's a tale worthy of the Badab War

[@jobogriff]

The kind of stuff that turns people heretic... 😂

[@giret4391]

Hello! Great video as usual - I,m watching your tutorials everyday to learn how to paint. Is there any chance you could make a video for beginners using the getting started with warhammer set or the introductory set?

[@Delveintohobby]

The space marine and channel are different, but this video is much like the one I remember watching in 2017, right before 40k 8th edition was announced, when I was preparing to get my first miniatures.

[@deanm375]

Great tutorial!! Thank you!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Magnicentrabbit]

Your voice is so calming

[@Webb0]

Coming off the back of playing the Warhammer Space Marine 2 game and looking to get my very own Ultramarine army this is going to be amazing to help me learn to paint them. I'm hoping to get some of the paints that you have listed below so I can copy as closely as possible (I'm sure you make it look way easier than it is btw) where can you buy the paints listed from?

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Try Element Games in the UK or check out our stockist list here: www.duncanrhodes.com/paint_stockists/

[@MrLizard08]

Great video. I would only mention conditions for priming, as if it's too wet outside miniature could be ruined even before painting

[@Mrhousethecutie]

Wonderful tutorial I'm a bit into the hobby and I've done many schemes with my ultramarines and non of them seem to be quite easy or good looking like this one, I would love to see a tutorial on how to paint vehicles like dreadnoughts or tanks maybe even a tutorial on robute, defiantly subbing.

[@zieg0r]

Chiming in, when trying to get what the "right" consistency for thinning paints is, I use the following rule: 1. Paint a thin line of paint over the base of your thumb (yes, the finger) 2. If you can see your skin's texture, but also the colour of your skin, the paint is too thin. 3. If you cannot see the skin texture, but the paint is opaque, the paint is too thick. So you still want to see the texture of your skin, but not the colour. I find this much easier to get into proper thinning instead of aiming for a "milky" consistency. Especially because every paint is different. This only applies to regular acrylic (or "Base") colours and painting with a brush, though. Speedpaints and Contrast paints are generally good to go straight from the pot/bottle. Welcome to all you newcomers! And remember, don't compare yourself to the box art of the minis, compare yourself to yourself from yesterday. :)

[@kwest9747]

I use my gw starter brush for pretty much everything. I must have 20 different brushes, but one paint set i bought just had a preternaturally good starter brush which doesn’t seem to die and is super versatile. 😅

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

That's amazing! I had an Army painter regiment brush that was like that, I named her Excalibur!

[@afs101]

And in 27 years time, you'll be able to get a model to look this good

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Noooo....you can do it.

[@jackopferkuch51]

I like that for this one you didn't do 'you could leave it here, but I'm gonna do 50 edge highlights!' Great for more advanced painters to make it scalable, but I think this is an accurate representation of the standard someone could get a model to if they did everything right.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Absolutely. Highlighting is always an extra stage that helps the details 'pop' a bit more. But for most, in order to get minis on a table, this method is perfect and easy to do 👍

[@gregoryfranck6879]

Fantastic video thank you sir

[@poseidon1680]

I would really love to see a Red Corsairs tutorial from you

[@thatbritishguytbg6651]

So amazing he really is the king of painting haha. Question is it easier to paint all the colours on the model then put the things like nul paint on or is it better his way

[@revamp2245]

Hi Duncan, thanks for all the great vids much more than the rushed one coat covers all style that is ever present. If you where to paint this model: Legions Imperialis: Warlord-Sinister Psi-Titan How would you go about it? Many thanks dude..

[@lwo7736]

Yo Dunc, you seem like a cool guy, keep up the good work buddy

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thanks, will do!

[@TiBarrett]

Hey Duncan! First i want to thank you a lot for this tutorial, really helped me out on my first paint! Also i'd like to ask is it possible to make a guide on how to make the best paint jobs possible with as scarce "arsenal" as possible for broke guys like me? XD For example i used 10$ transparent primer, 5 base GW colors (Mephiston Red, Flash Gitz (yellow), Altdorf Guard (blue), White Scar and Abaddon Black) and Seraphim Sepia wash to paint my Imperial Guard units. Was mixing the rest of necessary colors myself. So i'd like to see how pro would do it

[@TM155KANE]

Thanks for this clear guide. I followed this but I find I get a chalky effect when drybrushing the lighter blue. Is there a way to avoid that? What could I be doing wrong? Thanks

[@tomonaldo]

@DuncanRhodesDRPA - same here! I'm finding that when I switch to the lighter blue for drybrushing, I have to repeatedly swipe to catch the edges, which in the process results in a chalky effect on the nearby flatter areas. Looking at your video, I can see very subtle hints of this such as on the shoulder plates, but it's no way near as pronounced as on mine. I've tried wiping the dry brush on my paper towel until there is very little paint left, which reduces the chalkiness, but means the actual edges don't really highlight very well :( Any suggestions? The bristles on my drybrush look a little more fanned out than yours.

[@A_Professional422]

I dont even own a model yet, i just enjoy watching painting, and nerd stuff

[@frostedbutts4340]

If you have a Warhammer store nearby they'll usually give you a freebie and a painting lesson if you ask nicely.

[@BrockAvalanche]

My Girlfriend recently gifted me my first miniatures to get into building and painting, but I'm a bit intimidated since it's a Lion El'Johnson and Azreal. So a lot more detail and fine work for my first models. Would you recommend getting a Dark Angels patrol kit or just some standard space marines to practice on before diving into the more detailed models? I just want to do the Lion proud. Thanks for the great videos, they are giving me the confidence I need to get started!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Yes, I'd get a box of Marines, maybe a Dark Angels or Space Marine Combat patrol set. If you are interested, we do have a full in-depth Fundamentals of miniature painting course over at the Academy (www.duncanrhodes.com) that might help you get started out. If you can get to grip with these, you can paint anything. (plug over) - The best advice we give is just to have fun and don't put pressure on yourself. Remember, its a journey and a fantastic one at that.So just relax and have fun with it. And keep the very first miniature you've painted, that way you can look back at it over time and see how much you've improved.

[@cylondorado4582]

Looks fine to me. Iron within, Iron without 🫡

[@cobracommander6606]

I use sticky tack to hold my models to my priming stick and painting handles.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Perfect

[@mikprankster9283]

LETSGOOOOO

[@Jono793]

Thanks to these videos, I want to direct my mid-life crisis into painting Warhammer. Thank you, I think... Question: regarding stripping old paint, is Isopropyl/isopropanol alcohol okay, or will it damage the detail?

[@t.d.mcintosh]

In a similar vain to this, can you show us how to start doing sub assemblies? Been meaning to do that myself, but I’m not sure how to cover up contact pointsall that sort of thing.

[@r0nii589]

@DuncanRhodesDRPA can you do a detailed video about using a spray can to prime? I watched the old one and the info in it is very useful, however my models always end up with a grainy texture. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong :/

[@odinswolf1969]

Spraying too far from the mini, paints drying before it lands