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Hello Dakkaites.

Been lurking for ever here. Decided to delurk because I'm breaking my head over what paint scheme to use.

I've photoshopped these 4 as a basis, along with the inspiring critter right under the scheme. I'd like to know your opinions and some pointers on what might and what might not work, perhaps some changes here and there. They will have urban bases for possible future necromunda games.



Now, I haven't painted a mini in yeaaaaars, only the occasional piece of terrain. These are even going to be my first nids ever. Not sure if I'll ever make an army, but you have to start somewhere, right? Some tips on the right GW paint or wash (never used washes before) would therefore be much appreciated. There are no Vallejo paints where I come from, but enamel paints are an option.

If you can paint it well, the lobster (4) will look freaking amazing.

You hit the nail on the head with "if". I do like the 4th one but the task of painting it is a little daunting. It makes my stomach kind of eurgh.

If I do decide on the 4th scheme, what GW paint resembles the sort of eggplant skin colour? What about the 'hot pink' arm part? For the rest Tausept Ochre + Hawk Turquoise (perhaps too light?) and chaos black for the claws and carapace and bleached bone for the joints.

I vote 2 or 4. 2 has a very natural feel to it, while 4 stands out more while still not being over the top.


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I'd also say don't limit yourself to GW colors. Vallejo Model Colour is a huge range that would lend itself well to this project.

I like the first one the best. I don't think it would be to difficult to paint.
Second runner up for me is the shimp one. I like the sea creature idea too, never thought of nids that way.

Lol, ok thanks, so that's about one vote each.

I've never seen Vallejo where I live, but looking at vallejo ranges does seem to bring up some desired colours. I'll see what's possible to acquire these in Holland. Do the model and game ranges mix?

100%. Same formula just different colors. The Game Colour range is made to be a 1:1 comparison to GW colors while Model Colour range is a broader scope range.

I wouldn't say GW and Game Color are the same formula, just from using em you can tell they lay down a bit differently. As for the schemes I'm a fan of #1 based on the blue, but the lobster looks amazing!

I would probably say that the shrimp(#3) is my favorite. I'm about to start a new Tyranid army myself and had the same idea, I've been studying the colors and patterns of crustaceans, insects and arachnids, frogs and snakes. Nature is one hellofa source for inspiration with the Tyranids.

I like #1 best.

#2 looks the best to me.

you should make this a poll

#3 for me!

The scheme for #1 looks good to me. I also like how you used crustaceans for examples. Ive always thought of Nids more along those lines than bugs.

If you haven't painted a model in years and will be painting any kind of a 'nid army (rather than single models) I would advise against 2 and 4, with 2 or more colours blended on a single plane. Unless you're really good and don't care about taking a hundred years to finish a unit of gaunts that will just end up looking messy. I think Tyranid look best when they're striking and simple. I vote 3, it looks a little like Kroothawk's 'nids.

About the paints. I don't know if you're near a big city but if you are (preferably one that has an art academy) there is bound to be a model/train store or art supplies store around. I myself get my paints at Harolds in Rotterdam, which is a large art supplies store. It's not Vallejo game color, but something like deco color or something. I don't have my paints on me now.

And you can always order Vallejo paint off the internet of course.