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I think for most models, I usually end up ~10 colors, including washes and basing. My painting skill is not tremendously advanced, nor do I have a large skillset. I usually just "color in the lines", and then douse stuff in ink wash.

For the Grey Knights I just finished, I think I ended up at 11 for most of the models.

Black primer
Leadbelcher base
Runefang Steel layer
Mephiston Red - details/capes/wax seals/etc
Shining Gold - details/hilts/pauldrons/etc
Bone - details/scrolls/skulls/etc
Privateer Trollblood Base - Blades
Privateer Underbelly Blue - Blade shade
Privateer Boostrap Leather - Dirt/mud
Privateer Trollblood Highlight - Dirt/Mud
Agrax Earthshade - Wash

Most recently for pretty standard Ultramarine Scouts... 15 colors before washes. Then another 5-10 for highlights.

And I finally got my nuln oil and naggaroth nightshade delivered! So I havent actually even finished any of them yet.

I voted 16-20 but it's > 20 if you include the base

I personally would include colors used for the base.

On a general note: I find it interesting that the votes are pretty fairly spread. And it is nice to read about some different painting procedures.

I used 41 different steps on my Neophytes, not including base coating.






I use like less than 10 on my Termagants though.

Depends on the model and my goals for the project.

20+ for my Salamanders:

Black undercoat, backpacks, and various bits
Gray highlights
Green base and some chapter symbols
Light green highlights
Dark green ink wash
Gunmetal on guns, backpacks, and other metal bits
Silver highlights
Black ink wash
Bronze in low areas of bling
Gold on the rest of the bling
Brighter gold highlights
A smoke ink, red, reddish orange, orange, orangish yellow, yellow, brighter yellow, and white on flames. White, red, orange and yellow also on some chapter symbols
Different red on the eyes

Counting the base brings it to 21, since I coat with a muddy brown or drab green before flocking and adding foliage

Miscellaneous add ons like purity seals, leather bits, weapon options, or lizard skins add colors to most models, so most of the army gets into the mid 20's, but even the most bare bones dude gets at least 20/21