Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

So I have my first batch of chaos space marines that I got, so they were a learning curve. I am hoping with y'alls help, my next batch can be even better.







Anyone got any advice?

Paint lines look fairly clean, no overspills. my advice would be to get some inks/shades for your details. the models are quite dark, work on some highlights on the armour. Maybe reconsider the blue/green colour of the robe and rope belt, and definitely get rid of that orange on the base rims(keep them black, brown or tan). While on the subject of bases, do something with them. Even simple applications of sand and small stones can give life to your bases. throw an odd chunk of sprue here or there, paint grey, ink then drybrush, and you have a simple urban rubble look, which will help bring your models to life.

You're off to a good start, mate.

Some highlights on the armour panels and metal trim would really go a long way to improving their overall look. It looks like you've already given your blokes a dark wash if the robes are metal sections are any indication. So that's good.
The helmet horns are crying out for a sepia or brown wash.
Basing the models would also be a good next step. As Queen Anne says, some simple sand and stones is basic and don't take much effort but often looks quite good on it's own. Throw on some grass or rubbley details to taste if you feel like it.

The blue robes and orange base rims are a bold choice. Many people wont like them but if you do like them, don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
If I were painting them i'd be going more a greyblue over a brighter blue like you have. But as you have them now, a couple of highlights are about what the robes need.

 Snrub wrote:
You're off to a good start, mate.

Some highlights on the armour panels and metal trim would really go a long way to improving their overall look. It looks like you've already given your blokes a dark wash if the robes are metal sections are any indication. So that's good.
The helmet horns are crying out for a sepia or brown wash.
Basing the models would also be a good next step. As Queen Anne says, some simple sand and stones is basic and don't take much effort but often looks quite good on it's own. Throw on some grass or rubbley details to taste if you feel like it.

The blue robes and orange base rims are a bold choice. Many people wont like them but if you do like them, don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
If I were painting them i'd be going more a greyblue over a brighter blue like you have. But as you have them now, a couple of highlights are about what the robes need.

Washes make SO much difference to a models finish.

I just painted a bunch of various CSMs I had kicking around for practice and to work out the colour scheme before I start on my CSM army proper, and they are at the stage of all having a base colour and a wash, and they already look better than the finished models I did (without applying a wash) last time I was painting models (some years ago). I suspect when I get onto my proper army I'll do several wash-base stages before highlighting to build up the depth of colour.

My 7yo has got a decent finish on his vanilla SMs by doing base-wash-slightlydrybrushed base-drybrushed highlight.

Seriously, they look better than the Space Wolves I spent hours and hours trying to edge highlight when I was 16.

Thank you all for your input, an to answer your questions....

1.) I added earthshade to the horns for that needed aged look,THANK YOU for pointing that out! They look much better now!

2.) I am sticking with the orange bases as a means to identifying my minis from anyone elses, as I play in a hobby store with other 40k players, so there is no mistaking my units for another chaos player.

3.) I reccently acquired some rubble texture paint, so I am using that to texture my bases, giving them that needed life.

4.) I am holding off on highlights only cause I have limited skill and paints to do so. Keep in mind that I just started this hobby last march, so I wanted to get basic colors down.

5.) The blue and red robed models actually tell a bit of story. Since these models were donated to me, I had to figure out what to do with them. I figured that I could have the robes be used as part of a mini ceremony. Since the word bearers and chaos legions can't create their own, they would have to somehow lure Space Marines from other chapters to join their ranks for new recruits. These robes are the colors of the marine's pervious chapter, as a way to show that the honor and creed they once dedicated themselves to, can now be as easily torn and shed as cloth. While the new recruit wears the armor of their new legion, they go into battle, and let the robe be torn as they fight in combat against their brothers.
I will admit the robes need work, but that is the idea I am sticking to...


Thanks for the pointers folks, gonna see what I can do with the next batch of chaos marines I can get!


current progress...

PainofLego wrote:

2.) I am sticking with the orange bases as a means to identifying my minis from anyone elses, as I play in a hobby store with other 40k players, so there is no mistaking my units for another chaos player.

I wouldn't worry too much about that. Generally players tend to paint their models in a way that's different enough from others to be noticable. For example yesterday in 30k mega battle we had three Sons of Horus armies. You couldn't however mix each other despite general colour theme being same...Even justacaerin(black armoured terminators) were easily identifiable.

Prioritize the look. Of course if you prefer look of that then fair play but if you would feel some other colour better but you want identification and seriously worry about it(unlikely anybody paints at same style though) howabout paint identification colour UNDER the base?

5.) The blue and red robed models actually tell a bit of story. Since these models were donated to me, I had to figure out what to do with them. I figured that I could have the robes be used as part of a mini ceremony. Since the word bearers and chaos legions can't create their own, they would have to somehow lure Space Marines from other chapters to join their ranks for new recruits. These robes are the colors of the marine's pervious chapter, as a way to show that the honor and creed they once dedicated themselves to, can now be as easily torn and shed as cloth. While the new recruit wears the armor of their new legion, they go into battle, and let the robe be torn as they fight in combat against their brothers.
I will admit the robes need work, but that is the idea I am sticking to...

Actually chaos marines can and do create new ones but still new loyals turn constantly so your idea works well enough though not sure they would become part of word bearers anyway. But it's minor enough and big enough universe that can't be refuted either so go for it!

looks like you are off to a good start

If you have a pin vice I recommend you try drilling out the gun barrels, it can be a bit infuriating if you can't centre the hole but it's the little things, like with the bases, that make a noticeable difference. You'll want a drill bit that is a about 1/32" maybe a little less

tneva82 wrote:

PainofLego wrote:

2.) I am sticking with the orange bases as a means to identifying my minis from anyone elses, as I play in a hobby store with other 40k players, so there is no mistaking my units for another chaos player.


I wouldn't worry too much about that. Generally players tend to paint their models in a way that's different enough from others to be noticable. For example yesterday in 30k mega battle we had three Sons of Horus armies. You couldn't however mix each other despite general colour theme being same...Even justacaerin(black armoured terminators) were easily identifiable.

Yeah, seriously, do everyones eyes a favour and get rid. Orange is too strong a colour, and clashes horribly with the red of the armour. if you want to paint the rim, paint them a neutral green. Green and red are complimentary colours, and thus usually visibly pleasing on a subconscious level. Reading about colour theory will also help with your painting.