![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/193328874_211202764023858_4122839001244354682_n-1024x768.jpg)
Painting an Ultramarine.
So, today we are going to paint an Ultramarine for the Horus Heresy but I didn’t want to do the usual flat Ultramarines blue. I want to give them a metallic finish as Forge World have done with many of their Horus Heresy armies.
I started by gluing some cork and sand onto the base then primed the entire model with a leadbelcher spray.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_151730.jpg)
Once the spray primer was completely dry I used Games Workshops contrast talassar blue. I took my time with this layer working from the feet u to make sure I covered all of the armour.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_151750.jpg)
Once the contrast paint was dry I used Bronze by Vallejo to paint the trim around the shoulder pads. I took my time with this as it would take a long time to tidy up the blue armour if i slipped with the bronze.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_153843.jpg)
The pipes, under amour and vents as well as the bolter were painted with Games Workshops leadbelcher.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_155117.jpg)
All of the areas that were painted with leadbelcher and bronze were given a wash with Games Workshops agrax earthshade.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_160901.jpg)
Next I used Coat d arms tank light grey to paint the tactical and Ultramarines symbol as well as the eyes.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_161843.jpg)
The gun casing was then painted black.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_170244.jpg)
While the black was drying I doted the eyes with Games Workshops contrast blood angels red.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_171125.jpg)
The base was painted with Coat d arms red brown.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_171244.jpg)
I then covered the base with PVA glue and dipped it into Geek Gaming Mars earth.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_172251.jpg)
Once the basing material was fully dry I gave it a light drybrush with Ryza rust then painted the rim black.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210427_172432.jpg)
Adding some little details or splashes of colour can make individual marines pop on the table top. Now we are going to have a look at some of the little details that can be added.
Purity seals are a great way of adding a little colour to break up the flat armour.
Paint them white, then give the wax seal a coat of contrast blood angels red and the parchment a coat of contrast skeleton horde.
Once the base colours are dry you can highlight them with wild rider red and screaming skull.
Painting faces for a table top ready army has never been easier, just paint the head with a light white or cream then use The Games Workshops contrast paint. For these two i went with Guilliman flesh and dark oath flesh.
The contrast paints are great for these little areas, creating a shade and highlight at the same time.
I wanted the power swords to be very pale in comparison to the armour.
I started with a base coat of Grey Seer. Once that was dry i made an equal mix of contrast Aethermatic blue and contrast medium. I split the blade in two down the centre and painted the top 80% of the left side and the bottom 20% of the right. once this was dry i repeated the step 4 more times painting less of the blade each time.
To finish off the blade i gave the Sharpe edges an edge highlight using a bright white.
Transfers or decals are another way of adding details to a miniature relatively quickly.
Just follow the instructions on the back of the sheet. once the decal has dried add a thin layer of gloss varnish over the top to seal the decal to the miniature. Don’t worry it wont stay shiny. Once you varnish the miniature the gloss will dissapear.
![](https://burningbeardstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/188274655_375332250583418_5004919147112322961_n-1024x869.jpg)