Painting Space Marines is one of the most popular ways into the Warhammer 40,000 hobby. Whether you’re following the classic 2004 guide or tackling a full company, there’s a method that fits your ambition.
The classic guide
Games Workshop published ‘How to Paint Space Marines’ in 2004, a 97-page book by Adrian Wood. It’s part of their ‘How To…’ series and covers techniques for painting various Chapters.
The book includes step-by-step tutorials for Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Dark Angels, Black Templars, and Space Wolves. It also explains how Codex Chapters are organised and helps you create your own Chapter.
Planning your force
Before you pick up a brush, decide what kind of army you want. Is it a tank company, a fast assault force, or the favoured sons of your Primarch? Having a clear vision keeps you motivated.
Think about armour marks too. A regimented Ultramarines company in MkIV looks very different from gritty Iron Warriors in MkIII. Your choices tell a story.
- Choose a Legion or Chapter that excites you.
- Pick models you actually like the look of.
- Consider your local gaming group’s preferred game size.
- Build one unit at a time to avoid burnout.
Painting techniques
Modern tutorials cover everything from clean, shiny red armour to weathered, battle-worn finishes. You can layer translucent reds for a saturated look, or use stippling for texture.
For characters, techniques like non-metallic metal (NMM) and freehand details can push your painting further. But for rank-and-file troops, a simple basecoat, wash, and highlight is often enough.
Tackling a whole company
Painting an entire company is a big project, but it’s doable. The key is to build in stages: build one unit, paint it to a basic standard, then treat yourself by building the next.
If you love building more than painting, resist the urge to assemble everything at once. Breaking the project into manageable chunks keeps momentum going.
Key facts
- ‘How to Paint Space Marines’ was published in 2004 by Games Workshop.
- It’s 97 pages long and written by Adrian Wood.
- The book covers Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Dark Angels, Black Templars, and Space Wolves.
- It includes guidance on creating your own Space Marine Chapter.
- Modern tutorials often focus on techniques like weathering, NMM, and freehand.
FAQ
What is the best way to start painting Space Marines?
Start with a single unit and a simple colour scheme. Basecoat, wash, and highlight are enough to get them tabletop-ready.
Do I need the 2004 ‘How to Paint Space Marines’ book?
It’s a useful reference for classic techniques and Chapter backgrounds, but modern online tutorials cover similar ground and more.
How long does it take to paint a whole company?
It varies, but expect weeks or months. Breaking it into small goals helps you stay motivated.