Introduction
So, you've decided to dive into the world of Warhammer 40,000 and have chosen the mighty Orks as your green-skinned horde? Excellent choice, mate! Orks are not only a blast to play on the tabletop, but they're also incredibly fun to paint. Their ragtag, ramshackle appearance means there's a lot of room for creativity and experimentation. But, painting your first Ork miniature can feel a bit daunting, especially with all those details and textures. Fear not, fellow Warboss! This comprehensive guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you transform your plastic greenskins into a fearsome WAAAGH!.
This guide isn't just about slapping some green paint on your Orks. We're going to delve deep into the essential techniques that will make your miniatures stand out on the battlefield. From priming and base coating to highlighting and adding those crucial details, we'll cover it all. We'll also explore some more advanced techniques like weathering and creating realistic textures to give your Orks that gritty, battle-hardened look they deserve. Remember, painting Orks is all about embracing the chaos and having fun. There's no single right way to do it, and the imperfections are often what make them so characterful. So, grab your brushes, paints, and your first Ork miniature, and let's get started on this epic painting journey! We will explore the importance of preparation, including cleaning and assembling your miniature. Then, we'll move on to priming, a critical step that ensures your paint adheres properly. Next, we'll tackle base coating, the foundation of your color scheme, and then delve into layering and highlighting to add depth and dimension to your Orks. We'll also discuss various techniques for painting skin, metal, and other materials, and finally, we'll cover basing, the finishing touch that brings your miniature to life. So, whether you're a complete beginner or have some painting experience, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to paint Orks that will make Gork and Mork proud!
Preparing Your Ork Miniature
Before you even think about picking up a brush, proper preparation is key to a successful paint job. This involves cleaning, assembling, and basing your miniature. These steps might seem tedious, but they lay the foundation for a professional-looking finished product. Think of it as building a house – you wouldn't start painting the walls before the foundation is solid, would you? So, let's get our Ork ready for its transformation from plastic to a fearsome warrior!
First things first, you need to clean your Ork miniature. Why is this important, you ask? Well, the plastic or resin used to create miniatures often has a thin layer of release agent, a substance that helps the miniature pop out of the mold. This release agent can interfere with paint adhesion, causing it to chip or rub off easily. To remove this, simply wash your miniature with warm, soapy water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the surface, paying attention to those hard-to-reach crevices. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Next up is assembly. Most Ork miniatures come in multiple parts, requiring you to glue them together. Before you start slathering glue everywhere, take some time to dry-fit the pieces. This means holding the parts together without glue to see how they fit and identify any potential gaps or misalignments. This is crucial for ensuring your Ork looks like a cohesive unit rather than a collection of glued-together bits. Use plastic glue for plastic miniatures and super glue (cyanoacrylate) for resin or metal miniatures. Apply the glue sparingly to avoid unsightly blobs and hold the pieces together firmly until the glue sets. If you do end up with any gaps, you can fill them with a modeling putty like Green Stuff or Milliput. These putties can be sculpted and sanded to seamlessly blend with the miniature.
Finally, consider basing your miniature before you start painting. The base is the little plastic stand your Ork will stand on, and it's an integral part of the overall look. Adding texture and details to the base can really bring your miniature to life and tie it into your chosen battlefield environment. You can use a variety of materials for basing, such as sand, gravel, cork, or even bits of plastic scenery. Apply a thin layer of PVA glue to the base and then sprinkle your chosen material over it. Once the glue dries, you can paint and drybrush the base to match your desired terrain.
Priming: The Foundation of Your Paint Job
Priming your Ork miniature is an absolutely crucial step that many beginners often overlook, but it's the secret weapon to a paint job that lasts and looks fantastic. Think of primer as the foundation of your paint job – it's the layer that helps your paint adhere properly to the plastic or resin surface. Without primer, your paint might chip, rub off, or even bead up, leaving you with a frustrating mess and a miniature that looks less than its best. So, let's dive into why priming is so important and how to do it right.
The main reason to prime is to create a uniform surface for your paint to stick to. Plastic and resin surfaces are often smooth and non-porous, which means that paint doesn't have much to grip onto. Primer, on the other hand, has a slightly rough texture that provides the perfect surface for paint adhesion. This is especially important for Orks, with their many details and textures. A good primer will ensure that your paint goes on smoothly and evenly, without pooling or running. Another benefit of priming is that it provides a consistent base color. This is particularly helpful if you're using multiple colors in your scheme, as it ensures that the colors look vibrant and true. A grey primer is a good all-around choice, but you can also use black for a darker, grittier look or white for brighter, more vibrant colors. The color of your primer can subtly influence the final look of your miniature, so choose wisely!
There are two main ways to prime your miniatures: with a spray primer or with a brush-on primer. Spray primers are the most popular option, as they provide a quick and even coat. They come in aerosol cans and are easy to use, but it's important to use them in a well-ventilated area. Shake the can thoroughly for a few minutes to ensure the primer is properly mixed, and then apply it in short, controlled bursts, holding the can about 10-12 inches away from the miniature. Avoid spraying too much primer at once, as this can lead to clumping and loss of detail. Several thin coats are always better than one thick coat. Brush-on primers are a good option if you're working indoors or prefer more control over the application. They are applied with a brush, just like regular paint, and can be a good option for priming small areas or touch-ups. However, they can be more time-consuming to apply and may not provide as smooth a finish as spray primers.
No matter which method you choose, the key to a successful priming job is to apply thin, even coats. Don't try to cover the entire miniature in one go. Instead, build up the coverage gradually, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This will prevent the primer from clumping or obscuring details. Once your miniature is primed, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the type of primer you're using and the ambient humidity. A well-primed miniature is a joy to paint, and it will make all the difference in the final result.
Base Coating: Laying the Foundation Colors
Now that your Ork is primed and ready, it's time to lay down the base coats. Base coating is the process of applying the primary colors to your miniature, creating the foundation for all the subsequent layers and details. Think of it as painting the walls of your house before you add the furniture and decorations. A good base coat is essential for achieving a vibrant and consistent color scheme, and it sets the stage for all the exciting techniques to come. So, let's grab our paints and brushes and bring some color to our green-skinned warrior!
The first step in base coating is to choose your colors. Orks are known for their green skin, but you can also incorporate other colors into your scheme, such as browns, reds, and yellows for their clothing, armor, and weapons. Consider the overall look you're going for and choose colors that complement each other. For example, a dark green skin tone might pair well with browns and yellows for a gritty, earthy look, while a brighter green might look better with reds and oranges for a more vibrant, chaotic feel. Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different combinations – Orks are all about individuality and customization!
Once you've chosen your colors, it's time to start painting. Use a brush that is appropriate for the size of the area you're painting. A medium-sized brush is generally a good all-around choice for base coating, but you might want to use a smaller brush for tight areas and details. Thin your paints with a bit of water or a paint thinner specifically designed for miniatures. This will help the paint flow smoothly and prevent it from clumping or obscuring details. Apply the paint in thin, even coats, building up the coverage gradually. Multiple thin coats are always better than one thick coat, as they will dry more evenly and prevent the paint from pooling in recesses.
When base coating, it's important to be patient and methodical. Start with the largest areas, such as the skin and clothing, and then move on to smaller details like weapons and armor. Try to avoid getting paint on areas that you've already base coated in a different color. If you do accidentally get paint in the wrong place, don't panic! Simply let the paint dry completely and then carefully paint over it with the correct color. It might take a few coats to achieve full coverage, especially with lighter colors over a dark primer. Don't rush the process – take your time and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your miniature come to life.
Base coating is not just about slapping color on your miniature. It's about creating a solid foundation for the rest of your paint job. A well-executed base coat will make the subsequent steps, such as layering and highlighting, much easier and more effective. So, take your time, thin your paints, and apply them in thin, even coats. With a little patience and practice, you'll be laying down base coats like a pro in no time! Remember, the base coat is the canvas upon which you'll create your masterpiece, so make it count!
Layering and Highlighting: Adding Depth and Dimension
With the base coats down, your Ork is starting to look like a proper green-skinned warrior, but it's still a bit flat and lacking in dimension. That's where layering and highlighting come in! These techniques are all about adding depth, contrast, and visual interest to your miniature, making it pop on the tabletop and look truly stunning. Think of layering and highlighting as sculpting with paint – they allow you to create the illusion of light and shadow, bringing out the details and making your Ork look more three-dimensional. So, let's grab our brushes and learn how to add some serious visual punch to our miniature!
Layering involves applying progressively lighter shades of the base color to the raised areas of the miniature. This creates a subtle transition between the base coat and the highlights, adding depth and realism. To layer effectively, you'll need to mix your base color with a lighter shade, such as a lighter green or a bone color for skin, or a lighter shade of metal for metallic areas. Apply the first layer to the majority of the area, leaving the recesses and shaded areas untouched. Then, mix an even lighter shade and apply it to a smaller area, focusing on the most raised parts. Repeat this process with progressively lighter shades, each time applying the paint to a smaller area. The goal is to create a smooth gradient from the base coat to the highlights, with the lightest color concentrated on the areas that would naturally catch the most light.
Highlighting, on the other hand, is the process of applying the lightest colors to the extreme edges and sharpest points of the miniature. This creates a strong contrast and draws the eye to the focal points. There are several ways to highlight, but one of the most common techniques is edge highlighting. This involves using a fine-tipped brush to carefully apply a thin line of paint along the edges of the miniature, such as the edges of armor plates, weapons, and facial features. Another technique is drybrushing, which involves loading a brush with a small amount of paint, wiping most of it off on a paper towel, and then lightly brushing the miniature. This technique is great for creating texture and highlighting raised areas, especially on rough surfaces like fur or cloth.
When layering and highlighting, it's important to be patient and apply the paint in thin, controlled layers. Multiple thin layers will create a smoother transition and prevent the highlights from looking too stark or unnatural. It's also important to consider the light source when deciding where to apply the highlights. Imagine where the light would be hitting the miniature and focus your highlights on those areas. For example, if the light is coming from above, the tops of the shoulders, head, and weapon would be the brightest areas. Experiment with different colors and techniques to find what works best for you. There's no single right way to layer and highlight, so don't be afraid to try new things and develop your own style.
Layering and highlighting are the techniques that will take your miniatures from looking good to looking amazing! They add depth, dimension, and visual interest, making your Ork stand out on the battlefield. So, take your time, thin your paints, and practice these techniques. With a little effort, you'll be creating stunning highlights and bringing your miniatures to life in no time!
Painting Skin, Metal, and Other Materials
Now that we've covered the core techniques of base coating, layering, and highlighting, let's delve into some specific tips for painting different materials on your Ork miniature. Orks are a diverse bunch, and their models feature a variety of textures and materials, from their signature green skin to rusty metal armor and tattered clothing. Each material requires a slightly different approach to achieve a realistic and convincing look. So, let's explore some techniques for painting skin, metal, cloth, and other common materials found on Ork miniatures.
Painting Ork Skin
Ork skin is, of course, the most defining feature of these green-skinned warriors. The classic Ork skin tone is a vibrant green, but you can also experiment with darker or more olive greens for a different look. To paint Ork skin, start with a base coat of your chosen green color. Then, use layering and highlighting to add depth and dimension. Mix a lighter green or a bone color with your base color and apply it to the raised areas of the skin, such as the muscles and facial features. Use progressively lighter shades to create a smooth transition. For highlights, use a very light green or a bone color and apply it to the extreme edges and sharpest points, such as the knuckles, cheekbones, and brow ridges. You can also add some subtle shading to the recesses of the skin, such as the armpits and around the eyes, using a wash or a darker green color. Washes are thin, translucent paints that flow into the recesses, creating shadows and adding depth. For a more realistic look, consider adding some texture to the skin by stippling on some thin layers of paint with a fine-tipped brush. This will create a slightly bumpy, uneven surface that resembles the rough skin of an Ork.
Painting Metal
Orks are notorious for their ramshackle, often rusty, metal armor and weapons. To paint metal, start with a base coat of a metallic paint, such as silver or gunmetal. Then, use washes and drybrushing to create a weathered, battle-worn look. Apply a wash of black or brown to the entire metal area, allowing it to flow into the recesses and create shadows. Once the wash is dry, use a drybrush with a lighter metallic color to highlight the raised areas and edges. This will create a contrast between the dark shadows and the bright highlights, giving the metal a realistic sheen. To add rust effects, you can use specialized rust paints or pigments, or you can mix a brown or orange paint with a texture medium to create a thick, chunky rust effect. Apply the rust to areas where rust would naturally form, such as around rivets, joints, and edges.
Painting Cloth
Ork clothing is often tattered and worn, so you'll want to create a similar effect on your miniatures. Start with a base coat of your chosen color, such as brown, red, or black. Then, use layering and highlighting to add depth and dimension. Mix a lighter shade of the base color with a white or bone color and apply it to the raised areas of the cloth, such as the folds and wrinkles. Use a drybrush with a very light color to highlight the edges and create a worn, frayed look. You can also add some texture to the cloth by stippling on some thin layers of paint with a fine-tipped brush. For a more realistic look, consider adding some rips and tears to the cloth by carefully cutting away small pieces with a hobby knife.
Basing: The Finishing Touch
You've spent hours painting your Ork miniature, meticulously layering and highlighting every detail. Now it's time for the final step: basing! Basing is the process of adding texture, scenery, and details to the base of your miniature, creating a miniature diorama that brings your Ork to life and ties it into its environment. Think of the base as the stage for your miniature – it's the backdrop that sets the scene and enhances the overall look. A well-based miniature not only looks fantastic on the tabletop, but it also tells a story and adds character to your model. So, let's explore some tips and techniques for creating bases that will make your Orks stand out from the crowd!
The first step in basing is to choose a theme. Consider the environment you want your Ork to be in – is it a muddy battlefield, a rocky wasteland, or a scrap-filled junkyard? The theme will dictate the materials and techniques you use. Once you've chosen a theme, you can start gathering your materials. There are a wide variety of basing materials available, from natural elements like sand, gravel, and rocks to hobby materials like static grass, flocking, and plastic scenery pieces. You can also use bits of leftover sprue or plastic from your miniature kits to create scrap and debris.
To apply the basing materials, start by adding a layer of texture to the base. This can be done by spreading a thin layer of PVA glue or a basing adhesive over the surface of the base and then sprinkling on sand, gravel, or other materials. Press the materials firmly into the glue and let it dry completely. Once the glue is dry, you can add larger elements like rocks, cork pieces, or plastic scenery. Use super glue or a stronger adhesive to attach these elements to the base. Arrange them in a way that looks natural and creates visual interest. Consider adding some variation in height and texture to make the base more dynamic.
After the glue is dry, it's time to paint the base. Start by priming the entire base with a black or brown primer. Then, use a combination of base coating, layering, and drybrushing to paint the base in your chosen colors. For example, if you're creating a muddy battlefield base, you might use a base coat of dark brown, followed by layers of lighter browns and a drybrush of a tan color to highlight the texture. You can also add washes to create shadows and add depth. Once the paint is dry, you can add any additional details, such as static grass, flocking, or tufts of vegetation. Apply these materials sparingly to avoid overcrowding the base. Use a small amount of PVA glue to attach them to the base.
Basing is an opportunity to add your personal touch to your miniatures. Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and techniques to create unique and interesting bases. Consider adding small details that tell a story, such as spent shell casings, broken weapons, or even tiny Ork glyphs. These little touches can really bring your miniature to life and make it stand out. A well-based miniature is a joy to behold, and it will make your Orks look even more fearsome on the battlefield.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you've made it to the end! You've taken your first Ork miniature from sprue to a tabletop-ready warrior, and hopefully, you've learned a lot along the way. Remember, painting miniatures is a journey, not a destination. There's always something new to learn, and the more you practice, the better you'll become. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques, try new colors, and develop your own style. Orks are all about individuality, so let your creativity shine!
We've covered a lot in this guide, from preparing your miniature and priming to base coating, layering, highlighting, and basing. We've also discussed specific techniques for painting different materials, such as skin, metal, and cloth. But the best way to improve your painting skills is to simply keep practicing. So, grab your brushes, your paints, and your Orks, and get painting! Don't be discouraged if your first few miniatures don't look perfect. Every painter starts somewhere, and even the most experienced painters make mistakes. The key is to learn from your mistakes and keep pushing yourself to improve.
Painting Orks can be a particularly rewarding experience. Their ragtag, ramshackle appearance means that there's a lot of room for creativity and experimentation. You can use a wide variety of colors and techniques to create unique and interesting paint schemes. And because Orks are all about the WAAAGH!, you can really let your imagination run wild when it comes to basing and adding details. So, embrace the chaos, have fun, and let your inner Warboss shine!
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start painting your Orks! And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. WAAAGH!
