How to paint realistic Tyranids

[@philiptither8530]

Hi Ross, this is an excellent video! Thanks for sharing. Having seen the standard of your painting on Instagram, I would love to see more videos like this!

[@rgbminiatures]

Hi! Thanks very much. It’s a start at least, I’m hoping to make it a regular thing though. Really appreciate you taking the time to watch it!

[@flipnutdodad8841]

This is one heck of a 1st video.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it

[@hullk89]

Agreed!

[@notreallydavid]

secondeded

[@notreallydavid]

Looks great. 'Realistic' is an oddish word here, but we know what you mean. I prefer crustacean / Alien colour schemes for 'nids to psychedelic ones, and this is a great one. Really well produced video too. Done this before? Good luck with the channel. Three months before you quit your job! (or something)

[@rgbminiatures]

@@notreallydavidthanks! No first time filming, editing or talking on camera

[@S.A.S.H.]

The finished paint scheme looks great. I appreciate that you show how it should look for the end of each step, before moving on to the next step. Super helpful to do that.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much. It’s good to hear it was helpful, I thought showing the result of each step would be useful

[@robertwatson1985]

I’ve never use streaking on a nid definitely has a great effect, but man all thoughts spiky bits catching your towel and your cotton swab would be a tedious job. Love the look 👍🏻 The blue on the carpace was a definite X Factor nice touch

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much. I’ll have a follow up video up soon with an alternative to the streaking grime and airbrush

[@StigmaNYC]

It took six days for the algorithm to bring me here. I don’t even play Warhammer 40K. I play Battletech. We all paint minis. I’ve never seen a first vid kill like this one. Flawless technique. To the point. Please continue.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you! I’ve no idea why this has been viewed much in such a short space of time, I honestly had no expectations of anyone watching it all! Thanks so much for watching it though, it’s really appreciated

[@jonnyroxtar]

Great video, very clear and easy to follow . Not sure which scheme to use when I get my Leviathan box but this one is a contender for sure .

[@rgbminiatures]

Glad to hear it was helpful! If you do decide to give it a go make sure to tag me on instagram, it would be great to see them. Thanks very much for watching

[@jefferypretti6096]

Very impressive! I especially appreciated the reassurance and acknowledgement that many of these steps are intimidating to new painters (or those new to a particular technique). I really look forward to future videos!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I think it’s important to not assume prior knowledge of a technique, I know not everyone has the confidence to try these things but I want to try and make people aware that it can be easier than you think. Thanks for watching

[@mikaell4111]

Great video. I really like the more natural looking colour scheme.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much! Thanks for watching

[@pointandshootvideo]

They look great! Probably the best Tyranid color scheme and painting technique I've seen to date. Well done!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks so much!

[@jamesmcilroy5016]

I loved this. Been wracking my brain on a proper method to make my 'nids a bit more GrimDark and watched countless videos on here. This is so effective and really gives off that Geiger Alien vibe. I've been painting for many, many years but always struggle with the method behind schemes and effects, thank you for this. Oh, and Subbed to.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much! Glad it was useful

[@Secretgeek2012]

Agreed, the carapace is just perfect for the Alien look. I think if you did the non-armour parts in the same style as this model but matt Grey/Black (with added slime 😁), you'd have the full effect.

[@carlh8731]

Really love this scheme and may use it on the repaint of my nid army. Love the way it does actually look grim dark while still having some visual interest to it. Also the airbrush control is very good as others have said.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@NorTacPaddy]

Ross, great quick scheme. great first video. Definitely going to try this but without the streaking grime. Going to try out a mix of brown and red contrasts/or pro acryl washes. that AK stuff is scary! Love the look of the termaguants but would love to see more videos and how it translates to smaller models. Thanks and good luck

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks for watching. I’ll have some pictures up on Instagram of the smaller tyranid models done in this scheme so have a look for me there

[@benbrown3778]

Been following on Instagram. Delighted you’ve done a video, looks great. Love the format; no bull just straight down to it, and less than 10 minutes. If you do more, and they follow this format, I’ll probably watch every one!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks so much, that’s really nice of you to say. I think the plan currently is to continue with this format as best I can. I didn’t really have a plan when I made this one, but people seem to like it

[@Twr0740]

I've been struggling with a color scheme for my Tyranids for some time now. I love these and I think I've found my inspiration. Thank you for the content!😊

[@rgbminiatures]

That’s great to hear! Thanks very much for watching

[@ajja638]

Right out of thr corner you came swinging! This is a GREST first video.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@Orannis01]

Love the colour scheme and your airbrush control is immaculate!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you! Lots of practice over the last few years 😂

[@jonathanjackson5255]

Brilliant , think a lot us struggle to make nids look truly organic.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you. I was trying to get an organic look but that was also quick. I don’t want the leviathan box to take ages to paint! Thanks very much for watching.

[@Secretgeek2012]

Love it! Also, really appreciate that you include a 'no air brush' method as well. 👍👍

[@rgbminiatures]

I’ll try and put a dedicated “no airbrush” video for this scheme together soon

[@Secretgeek2012]

@@rgbminiatures That would be great!

[@jbird4h30]

LoL, dropped my jaw with the grime application. 😆😆😅 Looks fantastic. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much for watching, it’s really appreciated

[@astonio7399]

Awesome scheme, excellent work! Definitely applying this to a couple of nids from the leviathan box, might try it on a few marines too 🤔

[@rgbminiatures]

Go for it!

[@esosmond]

Coming out the gates swinging with this video! Immediately subscribed after watching it

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much!

[@jaretmoskal5558]

Welcome, I’m seriously considering giving this a go. Maybe adding some color shift paint to the armor bits to make them more beetle like. Looking forward to more, really we’ll done

[@rgbminiatures]

That’s great, if you do try it make sure to tag me in some pictures on Instagram. I’d love to see what the colour shift paints do to the scheme, I’ve never tried them myself.

[@namuesmeralda155]

Looks STUNNING! Amazed that this is your first video. Plz keep up the good work!🎉🎉

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much!

[@TheKlawwGang888]

Looks outstanding! Honestly still out of some people's skill set even from the get go (like me). I always paint my models the exact same way every time just with different colour schemes. Prime black Base coat main colour Fill in details Wash Base Using this method I painted & based 20 blightlords, 6 deathshroud & biologus putrifier in 2 weeks and I live a busy life so can usually only get like 6 hours a week in.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it, really appreciated.

[@jamesbgood25]

I really like this scheme and may use it. It’s like a grimdark natural look to Hive Fleet Behemoth

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks so much, please give it a go and if you have an instagram account make sure to tag me

[@Hades-Abyss]

Wow, talk about setting the bar high. I can not wait to see where this channel goes next. Love the paint job!!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much! That’s really nice of you to say. Thanks for watching

[@Hades-Abyss]

@rgbminiatures oh yeah I will definitely be sticking around to see what all you come up with..

[@crimsontietv]

Nice one. Keep it up. Like the no fuzz straight forward styl.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much!

[@miller413]

Can't wait to see more. Unbelievable first video 🎉

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much, that’s really nice of you to say

[@mrspeigel3593]

Damn, those are some nice looking Tyranids

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@bruceottenberg373]

I used some of tgese techniques... and i am loving my bugs!

[@rgbminiatures]

That’s great to hear! Thanks for watching

[@Atmoseeker]

Fantastic job. Really good breakdown of all the steps

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much! I follow you on my other account! Great work!

[@nailbunny26]

I really like the look of your grim dark nids! Been looking for something similar to this, thank you.

[@rgbminiatures]

Glad it was helpful! There’s a couple more videos on the channel on my tyranids. Thanks very much for watching!

[@Punkstar911]

You enter one of these models into a competition, they look awesome

[@rgbminiatures]

No I’ve never entered a painting competition, one day maybe. Thanks for watching

[@mattheo7634]

Thanks for sharing this recipe, great work ✌️

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you very much! You’re very welcome, I hope it was useful. I’ll hopefully have a few more up soon.

[@mattheo7634]

@@rgbminiatures Nothing better than finding someone that can achieve grimdark results with a more practical method. You really found the perfect balance between done and perfect ✌️

[@billdefranza4927]

EXCELLENT video. Congrats on your strong start.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much. I’m a bit in shock at how many people have watched it already, I honestly wasn’t expecting anyone to see it.

[@588holly]

when i buy my first big intro case into 40k hobby, this'll be a good place for me to start for a Nid army. already have a lot of hours with my airbrush painting Gunpla.

[@rgbminiatures]

Great news! Glad it was helpful

[@Maladjester]

Looks great. The blue stripes on the armor coupled with the shiny varnish give it an iridescent quality.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks. I tend to use Matt varnish on a lot of the models I paint, it didn’t seem appropriate for this one.

[@Maladjester]

@@rgbminiatures I always imagine Tyranids as looking wet, like they've been freshly squirted out of the birthing pods, or they have a natural slimy coating, or they have the same slick bio-metalloid armor as Xenomorphs. I painted clear nail polish onto a couple of mine (tried spray, wasn't shiny enough) and people always think the paint is still wet, haha.

[@billybobhouse9559]

They look amazing. Wish the video was longer. Good work mate. Very inspiring!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much. I’m glad it was helpful

[@TheMiniJunkie]

This is such a cool (and relatively easy/fast) scheme! Great stuff and welcome to KZbin!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you very much and thanks for taking the time to watch it

[@djkamnz]

Love it! I plan to do something similar for mine but running a bit darker and a bit more red. Will def use some of your techniques in there too

[@rgbminiatures]

Sounds great!

[@kastork82]

Love the scheme and well explained simple techniques. Great show, good luck with the channel!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks so much!

[@haydnc]

Heck of a debut. Well done.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@GamifyLabs]

Love the scheme the reddish highlights are amazing!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@VoiceInTheGrimDark]

Great work! The whole mini looks great but I particularly like how the shell came out, there's a really nice pearlescent read to it. I've been thinking about how to paint a few of the Nids from the new box up and the your video has given me some ideas to play around with. Just thrown you a follow here and on IG to keep up with your work.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks so much! Please remember to tag me if you try the scheme out, I’d really love to see some pictures

[@Paul-vt3nf]

Fantastic paint scheme and congratulations on your first video. You have another subscriber here

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you, it’s hugely appreciated

[@TheMichaellathrop]

I really like how the carapace came out, on first glance I thought you had sponged on some metallic green in the highlighting step and was still expecting to see that when you were putting down the Eathermati Blue.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you. I think metallic green would be a great alternative

[@N00b_Bot]

Hi, stumbled across this channel (good timing as its your 1st vid). Great style on these miniatures and simple tutorial. Earned a sub! 👍 Reminds me of Alien with the dark carapace and the hint of colour through it. I'd love to see your take on the ultramarines too! Cheers

[@rgbminiatures]

I’m hoping to do an ultramarine one too soon.

[@nurbson3202]

You made me repaint my whole army :D Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@rgbminiatures]

Really?! That’s amazing. I’d you’re on instagram make sure to tag me, I’d love to see them. Thanks for watching

[@craigcook5121]

Great looking nid. Nice directions and easy to follow. Keep up the great work. Would be nice to get some of your background etc cheers

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you very much. I’ve been in the hobby for a few years, went into commission painting too in my spare time. I tend to just do this as a hobby though at the moment and post most of my work on instagram.

[@rag9993]

Can’t wait to see the second video. Streak and grime looks terrifying

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you. The streaking grime looks scary to use but it’s actually very easy. If you’ve never tried it before I’d suggest using it on a model you don’t care about first, maybe pick up something cheap on eBay or the free model you can get from a gw store.

[@telswood]

Absolutely love it - just in time for my first nids from leviathan!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks! I hope it was useful

[@RobbieB2606]

Excellent work

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@HasteHobbies]

Excellent video, informative and concise

[@rgbminiatures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@humantwist-offcap9514]

Funny, I drew up a similar color scheme to this last night on impcat. Wanted to keep it like a beetle that also grew flesh that wasn’t covered by exoskeleton

[@rgbminiatures]

Hope the video was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@Nortic111]

A great start for a new channel! Subbed!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much! It’s really appreciated

[@Seraphim2611]

First video? Crazy dude. Well done

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you! I’ve never tried to edit or do a voice over before, I’m a bit of an introvert so I had to push myself to talk on camera. Hopefully it’ll get easier and a bit more natural the more I do it. Thanks so much for watching, it’s really appreciated.

[@Seraphim2611]

@@rgbminiatures seemed very natural man. Going to sit back and watch the subscribers grow haha

[@luiswendt2112]

That looks so sick! Keep going man!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much!

[@Trinioutsider34]

Amazing work👍🏽

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@brasenfenouil5717]

Just awesome !🤯

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much! Thanks for giving it a watch, it’s really appreciated.

[@alwo9297]

Looks really good. I have been searching for a good "creature" scheme. I can't stand the purple/white/blue hive fleet thingy. Like the coconut crab scheme but this may top that.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you! It’s a lot faster than the crab scheme!

[@ghandi050285]

Awsome video and some really nice painting ! Plus you didnt say "like and sunscribe" so i subscribed straight away ! Keep up the good work !

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@richardbradley2335]

Best ever Nid in my useless opinion...good luck with the channel.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you very much!

[@julvatn]

Great video, lovely work and great editing!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much. This was a first attempt at editing a video, it was a fun process.

[@kiemenhund]

Great video bud, thanks for sharing your approach! I came across your scheme on Instagram and might copy it. We'll see! Anyhow, keep it coming, this is fantastic.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it, I hope it was useful

[@joshwalker7578]

This video is really good, I would like to more videos like it

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you. More on the way

[@SweetManaT]

Wow great scheme

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@GoultyUK1]

Great video I may have to test this scheme out myself

[@rgbminiatures]

Go for it! Thanks for watching, really appreciated.

[@neilkirkley1500]

Bangin video mate, subbed.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much, really appreciated and glad you enjoyed it

[@KhoalNZ]

Hey @rgbminiatures would you add a third accent colour when doing brain parts like on zoanthrope or maleceptor? Or just go much stronger with aethermatic blue? Thanks!

[@rgbminiatures]

You could experiment with another colour, maybe a pink wash like carroburg crimson? I think a few layers of the blue would work well too

[@Bobfett1982]

I love this! If i wanted red instead of orange, what contrast paint would you recommend?

[@rgbminiatures]

Depending on the sort of red you want maybe try blood angels red which is a bright red or flesh tearers red which is darker and slightly more purple

[@Bobfett1982]

Cool thanks. I suppose a brighter red is better considering i'm gonna wash with some dark oils

[@bananaknight8575]

Really cool video

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much! I’ve been really busy this week but I’ll have some more up soon hopefully. Thanks for watching

[@davethe13th]

Brilliant video for a first video! subbed

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it!

[@Worldcat-hj1jo]

Super impressed by your airbrushing technique! Im working on starting a youtube channel of my own and would love to know how you achieve such a professional sound quality. Thanks!

[@rgbminiatures]

I have an iPhone 14, everything was recorded and edited on that. No external mics etc.

[@mauritz3724]

Good stuff! Is there a particular reason why you chose not to airbrush on streaking grime?

[@rgbminiatures]

The only reason is that I like to keep enamels and oils separate to acrylics. I could of used it but it’s just more work to clean it out!

[@yoandriperaza8556]

Great video!!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@NatukoAndy]

Awesome vid and great results

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@toi_techno]

Way better than the cartoony box art

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much! Thanks for giving the video a watch, it’s really appreciated

[@BecomeHeroes]

Incredible video as others have said. Subbed 100%

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you, I’m happy you enjoyed it

[@richardokeeffe8375]

Fantastic video dude!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much mate! Thanks for taking the time to watch it

[@alandelon911]

Keep up the good work!!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hobojoescommissions]

Yeap, that has to be had a go at now, as just finished the leviathan box build.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@tebusan6217]

Subbed let's see where this goes😮

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much!

[@jules9094]

Great video. Got yourself another subscriber

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much!

[@curtcleancut]

My Lord Man. Amazing! Can you show us how you used this technique on a smaller tyranid?!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks! I was considering doing a video showing all the leviathan box being painted

[@curtcleancut]

@@rgbminiatures That would be excellent! Definitely make another video. This is quality stuff and I learned a thing or two. I think your explanations are perfect - and they go into the right amount of detail. Two small things you might consider, because I’m definitely using your video as a painting guide lol. Showing the paint colors on that you’re using on the screen a bit longer, and maybe time stamps? It may be more work than it’s worth. Regardless, really loved the video!

[@TheWoadwarrior]

Awesome vid bud, keep it up!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you! I’ll hopefully have some more up soon

[@wombatturd]

Good looking bug

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@QuimFreecss]

The video is really good, I enjoyed it a lot. But, I can't let that abuse of the poor drybrush go unnoticed. Using a paper towel to wipe off the paint will take the mosture off of the brush, and that will result in a choky finish and a dying brush. You want to have a bit of moisture un the brush and wipe it in a plastic palet or ideally in some bits or bases ( I use 3d printed spare bits with lots texture) that will sophen up your drybrush and make it will look great, you can always build up the colour if you want a strong striking look, it doesn't take much time. Try it out 👌

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks for watching! I’m aware of the method, but as this was just to get some very quick light highlights this was just the quickest way

[@BecomeHeroes]

Hey just want to confirm im using the right product. My streaking grime doesnt look as green as yours? More brown. Its the AK Interactive 012 streaking grime enamel colour yes?

[@rgbminiatures]

I’m not sure which one it is, it’s marked as “for all vehicles” on the bottle if that helps

[@cjmenard]

Aaaaand subscribed.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you so much!

[@marvinw.1765]

@rbminiatures Im total new to Warhammer 40k and will be receiving my Leviathan box soon. The whole process of painting is making me anxious and nervous, but WOW! Im really tempted to try this out first go. Your models look so good. Do you think you can put the paints you used in the description?

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you! There’s no need to be anxious about painting, it should be fun. The goal should be to enjoy it and hopefully improve each time you paint something. Also keep the first model you paint and come back to it after a year of practice and see how much you’ve improved. I’ll make sure to add the paints in the description too.

[@marvinw.1765]

@@rgbminiatures I'll give it a go then!

[@Rave.-]

The only person willing to add some sheen to their models instead of making them dry as a fucking bone. INSTANT subscribe.

[@Rave.-]

On a different note, can you explain the final step in a little more detail? That seemed like a LOT of excess and I'm not quite sure how much of it you actually took off, and how much was left on. I'll be painting Seraphon with the end goal being a bit more saturation on color, so would I use a different color grime or amount? Or just wipe more of it off?

[@rgbminiatures]

I tend to put more in than I need to be honest, I find it gives me a bit more flexibility when removing it, I can do it by eye then and leave it when I’m happy how it looks. I’d suggest picking up some cheap models on eBay that you don’t care about and practicing first if you’ve never used enamels or oils before. It’s very easy to do though

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks, I wanted it to have a bit of shine, makes it look more like a living thing. Thanks very much for watching

[@Rave.-]

@@rgbminiatures I've got some two decade old Lizardmen to start on before I get to the new release models, thankfully. They'll get an outdated paint job to match them. Thanks for the feedback :)

[@rhainex5952]

Id just like to say Wow! I cant believe i just now seen this video. As for someone who just got i to the hobby this year and starting a nids army this was the nail on the head for a scheme ive been looking for. Ill love the methods used and look anxious to attempting it. My idea i am mainly going for is that forest underearth tone and using valejo mud and moss to the top of the models to give them a ambush predator theme. Loved the video and would like to see more tutorials. If anything in your future videos could you list your tools that yoive used. If yoi dont mind me asking whete did you get the blue tip q-tip sponges from ? Thank you for sharing!

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks very much. I’ll make sure to add info on tools etc in the next one.

[@andreaskarlsson6352]

You get a more natural transition with heavy shades

[@rgbminiatures]

Ok

[@pizzalord3n]

Literally deep striked into my sub library

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@KhoalNZ]

Hey mate love the first video! What kind of streaking grime do you use?

[@rgbminiatures]

It’s from AK and has for all vehicles on the bottle. Think it’s just their generic one. Hope that helps

[@goforitpainting]

Cool tutorial.

[@rgbminiatures]

Thank you!

[@Rettungsdackel]

That looks so Amazons. I want it for my tyranids but i have no airbrush

[@rgbminiatures]

I’m planning on doing another quick video to show how to do this without an airbrush. Hopefully that will help

[@Rettungsdackel]

@@rgbminiatures First, sorry for my bad english. I am not a native speaker. I startet with Warhammer 2 month ago. I have no expierence with painting. But this looks so amazing. Can you please start with the Standard figures? Please please please ;)

[@rgbminiatures]

No problem at all. I’ll put something together soon using a termagant.

[@fernandozepeda7612]

What type of streaking grime did you use? Or any would do?

[@rgbminiatures]

The one I use is from AK and has “for all vehicles” on the bottle. Hope that helps

[@isaiasmena7]

Hi! Great video! For the airbrush you used a 0,4 aperture? Or 0,2?

[@rgbminiatures]

Thanks so much! Its a 0.4. Sparmax max 4. It’s a good all rounder airbrush. Thanks for taking the time to watch it, really appreciated.

[@patches5410]

gonna try adapt this scheme for my genestealer cult army

[@rgbminiatures]

Great idea!