How I Paint Things - Death Guard Plague Marines

The Death Guard are Chaos Space Marines with the dubious blessings of Nurgle, impervious to pain and carrying every deadly and disgusting disease imaginable... and they're great fun to paint up! READ MORE:
In this video I cover the basics of getting your Death Guard ready for the tabletop, from start to finish, detailing each of the techniques used along the way.
How I Paint Things is a series of simple instructional videos designed to help the newcomer through some of the basics and demonstrate how the very simplest techniques can still give you some great results that're easily replicated. Aimed at the beginner to painting miniatures, there might be one or two tips or tricks that help even you old hands!
Remember you can follow/reach me at the following places:
/ sonicsledgeh. .
/ sonicsledge
If you like what I'm doing and you'd like to chip in, why not check out my Ko-Fi? How I Paint Things will never be behind a pay wall, but anything dropped in the tip jar is greatly appreciated and really helps.
ko-fi.com/docw...

[@creepandpeeps]

Stumbling across your video inspired me to go and buy some miniatures after years of walking past the store on my way to work. I bought the easy build Plague Marines and followed your video exactly. I was so pleased with the result, I've just gone out and bought the Plague marine boxed set...Thank you for making the video.

[@rukouJJ]

creepandpeeps hows your army going so far , mate?

[@kylejohnson8670]

I know this video is old enough that you wont see this comment, but Id like to say that this video is so amazing. Iv been searching for a proper tutorial on painting the death guard. You gave so much more. amazing explanations.Thank you.

[@Vortagh]

"I've spent a bit of time to make sure I haven't missed any of those bone-y protrusions." *puts finger right next to the one on the foot he missed* :D Great video! Currently painting this exact model! :-)

[@bellycuda]

Simple and more effective than nearly all the more complicated videos I've seen, great work. I'm going to follow this step by step!

[@Chapterhouse86]

I'm a brand new painter here, and I've watched a lot of guides on how to paint Plague Marines/Ultramarines, and this one is the best I've seen. As a total noob, some of the other videos didn't break it down Barney style like you did. I was spending way too much effort trying not to get my base coat on any of the spots that were going to be gold/silver, because that's how Duncan did it in his WH TV videos. Mistake. He is a professional, and I have zero brush control yet haha. This method is infinitely easier for me. Thanks again!

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I think there can be a tendency to try to get things looking like they do on the box, which is a bit of a mission! Easier to start with something a little more impressionist and get brush control and paint flow and all those little bits under control, so you have the experience to tackle all the fancy stuff later. Plus this way's a bunch faster than being fussy and careful with your brush strokes, I think. ;D

[@andy7666]

Great guide! I love that all this is available for people online nowadays. I remember learning painting techniques from White Dwarf magazine a couple of times, dry brushing, black lining (guides really weren't that common back in the day) - they were really useful at the time but learning was really just trial and error.. I could get so much more from just *one* of these videos nowadays, its great to see all the different methods people use!

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I was just chatting with a friend about this the other day, as it happens. How cool is it that there's so much of this available to just cruise online and check out? If you don't like one way of doing things, try another - chances are good there's a dozen or so potential methods out there, and most folks are happy to share their work! It's one of the best things about the internet. :D

[@voidstate]

I’ve not seen black lining mentioned for a long time. Does anyone do this any more?

[@matdunster9942]

I remember trying to paint Heroquest minis as a kid and it just being a mess, same with warhammer in my teens. Now, thanks in no small part to your how to vids, i am having relative success with dark angels vs deathguard. Sent my bro a pic of my WiP and he was impressed. As another commenter said, if only this online malarkey was available to us as younger gamers. Love your work, thank you.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Tell me about it! I often think about how lucky we are to have the whole world's worth of knowledge accessible online these days. It's a far cry from having to find local clubs or stores where you could talk hobby tips. Death Guard are a lot of fun to just make a mess of. :D Glad this could help!

[@MrLegrooveth]

I just came back to this video to see how you painted the boils, as they aren't on any of the plague marines I'd painted before. Thanks!

[@Fox01313]

Looks great! These minis were fun to paint except for all the repetitive times of what details missed in the last step. Every DG mini I found were different as the sculptors went crazy on the details, it was tiring sometimes on what gets missed.

[@kulvetaroth5985]

Taking a spin on my very first mini with your help was an awesome journey. That mini being this grotesque little nurgle boy. you gave the best guidance, tips and advice I've ever seen and I just want too thank you for the help.

[@salimosman8188]

Coming back to painting..lovely refresher guide..ty

[@stevebuk100]

That was really great, straight talking, no bloody music and clear and precise, thank you....

[@Bassmunchkin1]

The more of your videos I watch, the more I'm so grateful for your sharing of your experience. You really do help to build my confidence and in-still that "I can do this" in myself, so thanks millions for yet another brilliant tutorial and BTW... I think you've really made him look excellent

[@leongrieve81]

Just started my death guard army and I always like to browse KZbin for inspiration for painting. I found your videos to be very easy to follow and very inspiring. Very much geared up for my painting blitz lol. Well done for the great video 👍

[@adamfox1669]

Nice ( and Nurgle-y). I’ve actually just now purchased my first plague marines! This is really helpful. Thanks for the tips & your time.

[@Fluffykeith]

These slimy buggers are the reason I'm now really getting into painting. They showed me it could be fun

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I think it helps that they're so patchy and gross that you can just go ham on them and they'll come out looking like the grotty maniacs they're meant to be! They're a great spot to practice new techniques, I've found. :D

[@douglasreynolds76]

Stonking video. There are so many guides for these guys, but I love your way. Keep it up and I love the video layouts and explanations. You Sir are a star.

[@stigolumpy]

Yeah dude, what he said ^^ :)

[@stevepickering5978]

Smashing job, brilliant love it

[@padraigmcconnell7015]

Great video, just got some Plague Marines. I don't have as many colours but I'm certainly going to try

[@scroggie_mini_painting3983]

Loved the guide and used it to complete my first ever painting project. Thanks for the great content 🙌🏼👍🏼

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Great to hear!

[@adamfox1669]

Love your posts- it’s my ‘go to’ reference catalog! Much appreciated sir! Thank you. I’ve recently been building up a Death Guard force to oppose my space marines force. This is a big help.

[@187Finch]

Just bought these 3 minis and will be using this as my paint scheme thanks 👍👍👍

[@dasmichel1268]

Very helpful - and entertaining video! All your „yuk‘s“ and „ach‘s“ made me laugh real hard! 😅😂

[@ferris928]

Great video. Will definitely be useful when i get some Death Guard!

[@IndefiniteMark]

Thank you - Great guide. I opted to use a light flesh-tone in the wart-like obtrusion bits and stained them with orange wash with a lick of red, then ardcoated' so they're proper rancid!

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Bleeeuuurgh. Nothing quite as gross as well-painted Nurgle stuff! ;)

[@RedPilgrim.]

Tbh, as disgusting as Plague Marines are, I find their armor variant is the most interesting amounts the Chaos units. My 2nd choice would be the Word Bearers, for the same reason. Please make a daemonic WB videos, the more I watch... the more i wanna buy them X@

[@douglasreynolds76]

They are a high quality low effort force to paint.

[@TashiMortier]

I love how Warhammer TV also uses the green Contrast paint to get a very similar effect now :D Instead of putting Agrax Earthshade all over. :D

[@mdbboyd]

Grubby little protuberances. A Sylvester McCoy Doctor Who line if I remember rightly.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Well remembered!

[@gcs79]

Hello. I started collecting WH 40K Conquest a few weeks ago and I had lots of doubts about how to paint muy Death Guard. I have watched loads of videos to help me paint them but in my opinion, your color pattern and your order of painting is the best. I will do it like you as much as possible. Thanks, congratulations and best regards.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

There's a saying I've heard that I really like, "Done is my favourite colour." You don't have to spend a week on each miniature just to get a decent result, though it can seem that way when you're getting started! Like everything, a bit of practice is the key. :)

[@tp6498]

Fantastic paint job! I can't believe how easy you make it look. If only it were so...lol

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

It doesn't have to be hard! :D

[@keithamos2287]

After selling off all my chaos marines a while back the bug bit when saw in my local newso the 40k conquest packets of space marines then 2nd set was the 3 set nurgle boys and fell in love with them and thanks to your video and using the agrax instead all over nuln oil have really improved them and the flubbery bits arnt urgh

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

It's important to get the right mix of 'urgh' and 'yuck' instead. ;D

[@keithamos2287]

THANKS using the basics of your scheme for the death guard 'ie lamia in the agrax' this weekend in the gw armies on parade in perth western australia scored the 3rd place .

[@valdemardaraujo7811]

Great tutorial i will work on my death guard soon thanks

[@clood0814]

First of all great tutorial. Helped me a lot. I know it's super late to ask but maybe you will see it. Do you have any suggestions for a balthasar gold equivalent from vallejo? I couldn't find anything online and I have to save money where I can.

[@mattvandart9055]

This is my favourite recipe I have seen in your vids, they are all great though!

[@tobiasjanssen4129]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you ✌️😊

[@dennisflood9546]

thanks - i struggled with my first chaos marines - but this looks like a straight forward way to a great result.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Much obliged! Marines - and Death Guard in particular - benefit from a really simple process. Basecoat, wash and highlight and you're pretty much finished!

[@SmellySoxMan]

I'm new the hobby, and not so great at painting yet. Thank you for the informative video and painting tips.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Welcome aboard! You're well on the way to a lifelong obsession. ;) Keep at it and you'll be cranking out miniatures in no time!

[@williamscarvie4498]

Love this one. I have a request too: I would love to see how you would approach painting tartan. Napoleonic Highlanders, Scottish Clansmen from many periods of history, Hordes Trollbloods, etc. all feature plaid, and I’d love to see how you’d approach it, such that you get your “looks great at tabletop distance” result...

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Tartan! Jeez, you don't ask much... ;D There was another fantastic tartan tutorial I remember from a gentleman who was painting Scots for his Bolt Action army - just try and tell them a kilt isn't acceptable battledress! I'll see what I can find...

[@williamscarvie4498]

Ha! If anyone can pull off a (relatively) easy and effective tartan, it’s you :)

[@ckwargamestudios7733]

Amazing Plague Marine! :-)

[@tompratz4848]

that would make an awesome army.....great vid...i'm gonna try one!

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Death Guard are cool, if super gross! I'm pretty sure there's a bonus against your opponent if you can make them physically ill by looking at your troops. :D

[@TheRyanos]

Badass paint job man and what an awesome video. I'm going to use this exact same technique for my plague marines ;).

[@fatbastard9147]

I only really paint my death guard marines because it doesn’t feel so.........boring I guess, it doesn’t feel like you are painting the same model over and over and over again

[@ProgZombie]

Adore your guides! Keep up the great work and great attitude!

[@leejshaw77]

Hi fantastic tutorial will be using this for my death gaurd. I do have one question for dry brushing would you use a makeup brush or a dedicated dry brush?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

With the grubby drybrush you're looking for over these guys, it honestly won't matter much. I'd suggest a pack of makeup brushes anyway since they're dead useful for just about everything, and a regular drybrush for the purpose will do the job as well.

[@samwilson3178]

Pretty good, mate. Like the vid very much

[@aussiecoastie72]

Fantastic !! Great panting guide , thank you 🙏🏻 . And I love the plague marines !!

[@pio1511]

I LOVE UR TUTORIAL NEXT MONTH BUYING THEM

[@carpemkarzi]

Nice. I also use carromberg crimson and drakenhoff nightshade as a shade for the wounds etc...it gives a nice infected,irritated look.

[@ForeverBeGamer]

Fantastic tutorial mate! I've just picked up the Dark Imperium starter set, so plenty of painting ahead of me.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Yesss. :D Great stuff! Lots of awesome miniatures in Dark Imperium - gotta love the Death Guard in there.

[@lewisbellinger4058]

Did you varnish him as well? I been using the ak ultra Matt varnish you showed in one of your videos... kinda worried its a little to strong

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

The Ultra Matt can be pretty strong if you're using it straight from the bottle. Try thinning it out with a little water if it's giving you a chalky effect somewhere. I didn't varnish this Death Guard specifically, but if I were I'd probably use a spray like Munitorum Varnish for the slight satin finish it's got.

[@yoyoyo9669]

wow this is amazing your work is truly beautiful thank you for everything you are doing 10/10 very entertaining not to mention informative! :D

[@muzzaro]

Found your videos while trying to work out how to paint primaris marines fast. Now I'm currently using this video to help me paint my Death Guard. I love your videos!

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Nice one! Thanks a lot, and I hope this helps get your gross, nasty, dirty Death Guard on the table as fast as possible. ;D

[@muzzaro]

@Sonic Sledgehammer Studio i hope so too! I have been putting them off now for... half a year? Out of interest how would you paint up Marines Malevolent primaris? Yellow with black chest piece

[@aceonyoutube]

Followed step by step and mine came out exactly the same as yours by the end, practically identical 😆

[@Fr0z0rz]

I had my videos autoplaying at work so I can listen, had to look because without that transition sound I wasn't sure if it was you or Duncan, lol! Love the videos, great job man!

[@fatbastard9147]

I think a small layer of carroburg crimson over the pustules make it look a bit more sore and gross looking, that or some reikland fleshshade

[@L33TCHI3K3N]

Great video mate going to use this for my models.

[@Gabbiano88]

About to start these guys up this week 😃

[@maxschmidt666]

Great explanation and nice work! I would assume that on those models, wet blended oil paints on the armor parts would look especially good.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I've seen people do some amazing things with oils on miniatures, particularly vehicles. The grease and grime that can be realistically applied is really neat, and I think you're right - it'd probably look properly grim on Death Guard!

[@CaPtInFOOSHSAck]

This was an awesome video to watch and very informative. Super easy to follow along and definitely earned a sub from me :) Keep up the great work man.

[@Sturmhawke]

@sonic What base and shade, and highlight colours would you recommend for a lighter creamier coloured armour as worn by some companies of the Death Guard? Many thanks.

[@Jonatron101]

Well heck. I'll be getting a couple of these from the Conquest magazine but damn. I'll never be able to paint mine up like that! On account of my limited valejo collection and more limited citadel paints selection.

[@callumbalodis1760]

HMMMM they use a difference colour pallete in the Conquest Magazine that I’ve just started, this looks amazing -

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I think the 'official' look is a little brighter than how mine turn out? I quite like both looks, but I'd definitely call this the way easier method. ;D

[@G-Phunk]

I did mine , warboss green with skatsnik as a highlight

[@Edgarspiffy]

It’ll be awesome if you painted a space marine and death guard only using the citadel painting starter kit! I want to see what’s possible :)

[@marcosvieira8313]

Would the new agrax work as well? If not what would be a good substitute from army painter?

[@MrMinidreams]

New to your channel. I found it looking for Death Guard how tos. I'm working on the DG from the Know no Fear set I'm going an orange color rather then the Death Guard green but I'm needing help and inspiration on detailing them up. Thanks for your video it's a great lead forward to progress my ideas. Mini

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Orange is an interesting one! I've had some success before using Ryza Rust as an orange drybrush on a few things, though I wouldn't have thought to try it on Death Guard - that might look pretty cool over a basecoat of Jokaero Orange with a Fuegan Orange wash. Something I'd need to try myself, I think!

[@MrMinidreams]

I think when I get back home on Tuesday I'm going beng watch more of you videos. I quit enjoyed this one . Easy to follow and very informative. Mini

[@fredslipknot9]

I really like your channel dude. Youre very good at teaching this. Thanks!

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Thank you! I hope it comes across as easily as possible. :D

[@davidhansson4399]

Rly nice guide. Simple bit nice result. =) good pase, to to fast not to slow. Good tips on certen steps. Rly nice work, thx for the guide !

[@mkulchar]

I usually get coffee like stains on models when I do the washes.. how do I fix that? Should I water them down?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Shake them a little more than you usually would, and if you're seeing the shade settle in big blotches on flat areas then get in with your brush while it's still wet and move the shade around. It can be easy to let it pool too much in some places.

[@Omanion83]

Your drybrushes are great, i always thought dry brush is for noobs but it looks great with little of work!:P

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Everybody is new once! ;D Drybrushing is a useful tool in anybody's list of talents, and with just a few little touches is can be the base of a lot of different miniatures. It's good practice for brush control, paint mixing and colour selection, too.

[@RogerVicki]

Great video

[@Chopperkelly73]

Great work, going to try this method. Did you make a how to paint poxwalker?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I haven't got around to it yet, unfortunately. I think that might now be one of the most requested videos!

[@Chopperkelly73]

Sonic Sledgehammer Studio look forward to seeing it, hopefully. Cheers 🍻

[@Angron_Of_Nuceria]

Not gonna lie. I'm stealing this but gonna add rust into it

[@steveb7853]

Looks great, any alternatives for the athonian shade?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Military Shader from Army Painter would be pretty close!

[@steveb7853]

@@SonicSledgehammerStudio thanks your videos help a lot, just getting back into it and building up my paints.

[@thedonnyman1]

nicely done,indeed,,thx mark..

[@Zillawill]

Found my paint scheme, looks good and most important is simple haha, love your IG/AM scheme too, if its not too much issue could you start putting paints in description? saves having to keep pausing video while seeing which valejo/army painter paint they are :)

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Not a problem! I figured it might be useful at some point and then managed to completely forget about doing it. Whoops. :D

[@Zillawill]

Sonic Sledgehammer Studio are you doing poxwalker in future at all?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

At some point! I've got another couple of requests I want to clear first, but the poxwalkers will definitely get their turn on the table too.

[@dl-q3387]

Just curious, why no wet pallet? Or is that what that is?

[@ДимитърБързанов]

Very good video man i like it :) when i look you all is so easy haha

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I hope it helps! None of this needs to be difficult. ;)

[@ДимитърБързанов]

Yes but look very good :) i start with warhammer before 1month,оtherwise I dye hobby models from 2007. But it's nice when I see the color scheme instead of wondering what to use.BIG THX from Dimitar,Bulgaria.

[@IDICBeer]

Really great job :D

[@OldAverageBritGaming]

Just gained a new sub! Great tutorial sir

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Thank you kindly! Hope there's plenty more you'll find useful. :D

[@maikrogge363]

thx guy! lets go!

[@loganstafford249]

I got dark imperium and Im going to paint them as Alpha Legion

[@naomy1701]

i see u waste alot of paint on a dry palette, wouldnt it be better to use some sort of eraser-paper in a slight wet condition to keep that paint useable and at same time need alot less of it, hence waste less? im curious how someone with more painting experience than myself thinks about that

[@АндрейПрокошин-ъ2д]

Why you do not dilute the paint with water?

[@max.t957]

I don’t know if I should say cool or gross

[@rossgruenberg9700]

Is that a piece of paper you put down paint on?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

This would be one of the Citadel Palette Pad sheets. You can use any non-absorbent surface - I quite like having a polished floor tile, of all things, or a plain saucer can work pretty well - but it's nice to be able to just up and throw out the sheet once you're done with it.

[@DamianMavis]

What am I missing here? My deathguard green spray and/or pot are no where near the same shade of green as your deathguard green lol, yours is very bright, I like it, I spray my guys deathguard green and hes very drab, put on the athonian camo shade and still very drab. I will not get the same end result, Im looking at the screen right now and your based green guy is a much brighter green than mine.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Strange! It might just be that the contents of the can aren't quite as bright as the pots of paint, then? I'd try giving a single thin coat of Death Guard Green from the pot over the miniature you just sprayed and see if that makes a difference. Dark and grungy might still look better overall, but my first thought would be to try from the pot and see if it's brighter than the basecoat spray.

[@DamianMavis]

They are both the same, but if you look at other peoples tutorials using deathguard green they are more drab like mine and not bright like yours, yours is the only one that is brighter! is this possibly a lighting or camera thing?

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

It's possible it's a lighting thing, then, or simply the drybrush of Nurgle Green that brings things up a bit. I do tend to keep my work area pretty well lit so I don't miss anything!

[@DamianMavis]

ya its not the nurgle green hehe every step of the way your mini looks bright and rich green compared to mine in my hand, Im disappointed because I actually prefer your green

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

If I were to suggest anything, I'd try going a little heavier on your Nurgling Green drybrush, see if that brings up the green a little. Remember to do that one after the Athonian Camoshade. :)

[@tofathi195]

thanks

[@bigboybittman7773]

him using the silver out of the pot kills me

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

My hand pops off-screen a couple times to go and get some water. Don't panic. 🤣

[@soerenheriksen]

Do you ever use ‘ardcoat to give a shine to lenses?

[@Orkduck]

깔끔하게 칠하시네요;

[@jakeelee8366]

You are the equivalent of Bob Ross. I enjoy your videos, I have watched this one more then a few times, thanks for the tips.

[@Mailed-Knight]

I see it!

[@Fluffykeith]

Wait...did you just quote Doctor Who? I think you did...Sylvester McCoy, Remembance of the Daleks!

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

I was wondering if anybody would ever actually catch that... :D

[@Fluffykeith]

Sonic Sledgehammer Studio You even said it the way he did 😉.

[@racerdeth]

I got it too!

[@spaleks5596]

i am learning from this viedo

[@genuz]

I know I'm way too late to the party with this comment, but I'm only painting my Death Guard Army up now. I will recommend anyone painting Death Guard green armor washing it with Agrax Earthshade instead of Anthonian Camoshade as per Games Workshops recommendation in their Lord of Contagion painting video. I wanted to do something different and followed the recommendation of this video and paintet up a test model, but I was dissapointed by how dull it ended up especially with current LED warm white lightbulbs (it does look OKish in daylight). The warmer and dirtier shade of Agrax gives a better result both in daylight and artificial light and has the added benifit of saving time since you can wash other details like bone and gold at the same time.

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Not quite sure how yours would have looked much darker than mine, as this actually gets an Agrax Earthshade over all the bone and gold, as you pointed out. It starts with an Athonian Camoshade over Death Guard Green, then a Nurgling Green drybrush to introduce a little more depth to the armour. Agrax Earthshade is one of the last few finishing touches.

[@genuz]

@@SonicSledgehammerStudio I understand. I just wanted to advice people that there is an easier way that gives you a little better result if you are going for the armor color that mimics the box art. Oh and mine doesn´t look darker. It looks the same. Your way of doing it is by no means wrong and your model looks great.

[@deanm375]

You sound like another you tuber called the 'Spiffing Brit".

[@stainlesssalih8505]

You sir deserve a delicious cup of Premium Yorkshire Tea Gold.

[@slowturtle8890]

The yellow wash did it, man. After that, it was really gross. Lulz.

[@n0slava]

Ok painting but remember to drill barrels!

[@jag7441]

Your disgust for the Deathguard is obvious..

[@deltaflash7889]

These guys look impossible to paint compared to the space marines

[@SonicSledgehammerStudio]

Honestly, I actually find the Death Guard a little easier to paint than regular Space Marines. Since they're supposed to be blotchy and gross you don't have to be anywhere near as careful with your brush. :D