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

So you want to learn to paint your first Warhammer or Warhammer 40,000 miniature after playing Space Marine 2? Well, you have come to the right place! Painting miniatures is an incredibly rewarding hobby and I have been doing it since I was 11 years old .In fact, my very first miniature I ever painted was a Space Marine but I had no one to show me what to do and as you can see, mistakes were made! Luckily, in this day and age, there are plenty of great tutorials to help you along, just like this one. Now even though we are painting a Space Marine here, the techniques demonstrated in this tutorial are a perfect foundation to paint any miniature from any game you like! All the techniques are easy to achieve and I still use them all today! Now go grab a mini, some paint and brushes and follow along, but most of all, have fun!
Cheers
Dunc & Rog
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Paints used:
Mechanicus Standard Grey Spray (Citadel)
Marine Blue (TTC)
Oblivion Black Wash (TTC)
Elysium Blue (TTC)
Death Reaper (TTC)
Scorched Earth (TTC)
Sir Coates Silver (TTC
Dragon’s Gold (TTC)
Elven Skin (TTC)
Guilliman Flesh (Citadel)
Vampire Fang (Optional) (TTC)
Astrogranite (Citadel)
Brushes Used:
Medium Base Brush (Citadel)
Medium Wash Brush (Citadel)
Small Dry Brush (Citadel)
Medium Layer Brush (Citadel)
Small Layer Brush - Optional (Citadel)

[@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

[@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.😂

[@kookooburu]

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

[@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."

[@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 😊

[@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. ;)

[@elinoirsmythe224]

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

[@mysticjason9259]

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

[@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

[@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..... 🤦‍♂️

[@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!

[@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.

[@RevanR]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 😂

[@SimpleModel-6]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@kwk9415]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@jarrodmunro7749]

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

[@67hughman]

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

[@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 :-)

[@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

[@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

[@jonathancali5676]

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

[@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 :-)

[@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.

[@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!

[@pip2therescue754]

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

[@SynthWaveEx]

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

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you like it!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.....

[@BockWurstler]

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

[@stoffeandersson9768]

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

[@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.

[@nlupercio1]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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 👍

[@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 :)

[@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... 😂

[@deadliftyournan3293]

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

[@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

[@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

[@Real_Mick3y6]

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

[@brandenj6512]

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

[@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!

[@btr9428]

A well made and descripted video. Thanks

[@Dracobyte]

Another incredible guide!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you, we hope it helped:-)

[@Purplemasx]

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

[@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

[@Neal_Flores]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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. :)

[@b.e.654]

Great video Duncan.

[@afs101]

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

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Noooo....you can do it.

[@minnijawsx9060]

5 thick coats

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

😮 nooooo 🤣

[@ghost_vana46]

"500 thick coats"

[@kod8933]

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

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Perfect 👍👍

[@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.

[@lwo7736]

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

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thanks, will do!

[@deanm375]

Great tutorial!! Thank you!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@Magnicentrabbit]

Your voice is so calming

[@poseidon1680]

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

[@kristopherdecker6549]

The picture of the first space marine 20sec in looks like a derpy clansmen.

[@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?

[@MrLizard08]

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

[@gregoryfranck6879]

Fantastic video thank you sir

[@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!

[@KeeferDaReefer-o7k]

CONGRATS, YOURE SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN SOMEONE ELSE AT PAINT BY NUMBERS. warhammer painting = paint by numbers

[@graczol56]

If I had a channel like yours back in 2001 when I painted my first minis (goblins of moria) maybe my goblins wouldnt look like blobs, still have them 😂

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Keep 'em!

[@cylondorado4582]

Looks fine to me. Iron within, Iron without 🫡

[@BionicGhost24]

"Lads wake up, another Duncan Rhodes lore video just dropped"

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , DRPA . 🐺Loupis Canis .

[@loupiscanis9449]

Shame on you , "Smurfs !!" All the chapters there are and you pick Smurfs , SHAME !! 🔔 🔔 🔔 SHAME !! 🔔🔔🔔 😉 🐺Loupis Canis .

[@mikprankster9283]

LETSGOOOOO

[@Auriorium]

I really need to find my old pictures of my first ever minis, so I can see my progress.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Worth doing for sure!

[@Auriorium]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA yes, just finding them now is a problem, they might still be on my old pc.

[@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

[@maskedgaming2798]

Let’s go

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Let’s gooooo!!!!!

[@twiztidnoodle5784]

Great video

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thanks!

[@cobracommander6606]

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

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Perfect