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Hi guys,

I'm looking for all sorts of advice on how to effectively paint models that look good for table top, not too bothered about display quality right now.

I'm looking to paint a Space Marine army using Vallejo paints but don't know where to start with the colour palette, not just for the blues but the whole shebang!

My initial idea would be to try and base the models with some good basing materials and then paint as best I can to get them looking pretty good. But I have no idea how to set up a hobby station or where to source things other than GW and Wayland Games.

If you can help with any of this I would be grateful x

1. Marines don't have to be blue. There are 1000 (ish) 'Chapters' which all have their own colour scheme. But there's nothing wrong doing Ultramarines if you like their scheme. GW are now stocking Macragge Blue spray. Use a spray primer, either grey or black (I use Halford's) then use the Macragge Blue spray.
2. There are many companies out there which do stuff. Warlord Games also do coloured sprays & so do B&Q. WG & GW do paint stations which are handy but not essential. One thing you do need is a decent light source. Look on Amazon for a hobby lamp with a daylight bulb. Also buy decent brushes - ie not a cheap set from the Works. Use a white bathroom tile (cheap) on which to water down & mix your paints on or buy an artist's palette (more expensive).
3.Once you have a blue marine, I would use a blue wash (eg GW's Drankenhof Nightshade). If using Vallejo, mix a dark blue with their glaze medium & water. Coat the mini with this. It will settle in the cracks & crevices & shade the model. Once this is dry, use a lighter blue to add highlights on the raised parts of the model. Pick out details like the eyes, the chest eagle, purity seals etc. It might be easier to shade these with black first.
4. I find that some red will help any model pop.
5. I base my models mostly with sand mixed with railway modelling ballast. Glue this onto the base with watered down PVA.
6. Check out these pages & search youtube for videos for more help.

Vallejo offer starter packs of paints, and you can find them on Amazon. You can also grab them individually in person in Boyes.

You're going to want a primer paint first. Get theself to a car shop and ask for a can of white acrylic primer and a can of black acrylic primer. These will run you <£12 for a pair at most places or you can get big cabs at halfords.
Primer means your paint grips the plastic. Without it, you'll struggle.




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You don't need a "workstation" when starting out. Most people don't use one at all, even decades in. A shoebox and a few MDF paint racks (look on eBay for "Vallejo paint rack" if that's the brand you like) will see you up and running.

Collect Pringles lids. They make quick and portable palettes.

Hi There and welcome to the hobby.
This link will answer a lot of questions, I believe: http://www.how-to-paint-miniatures.com/miniature_painting_getting_started.html