
Painting the eyes of Primaris Space Marines can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and practice, it can be a rewarding experience. The eyes are often considered the most expressive feature of these miniatures, bringing life and character to the warriors. There are various methods to achieve this, from using specific colours to creating a glowing effect. One popular approach is to start with a black base or a darkened area, leaving a thin black outline around the edge of the eye. The next step is to apply the base colour, such as Mephiston Red or Khorne Red for a classic red-eyed Space Marine. To add depth, shade the lens with a brighter colour towards the front corner and a darker tint towards the back. You can also try using white as a base coat, followed by the desired eye colour, or experiment with silver and gemstone paints for a unique look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting order | Paint the lenses first, then the rest of the helmet |
| Base colour | Mephiston Red, Khorne Red, or white |
| Additional colours | Blue, grey, yellow, green |
| Technique | Thin layers, shading, highlighting |
| Paint type | Contrast paint, gemstone technicals |
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What You'll Learn

Paint the lenses first
Painting the lenses first is a good idea because it's easier to clean up around them as you paint the rest of the helmet afterwards. If you want the eye colour to pop, try putting down a white layer on the lenses first and then painting the desired colour over the top. This works well for red eyes in particular, as red paint generally has poor coverage and can be tricky to paint over darker colours.
If you're painting red lenses, use Mephiston Red or Khorne Red as your base colour. You can then shade the lens, with a brighter colour towards the front corner and a darker tint towards the back corner of the helmet. For the front of the lens, you can mix Mephiston Red with Fire Dragon Bright paint, ensuring that your paint is thin and flowing smoothly. You can then add a thin white dot to the upper corner of the eye. If you want to enhance the glow effect, add a touch of Gold Yellow to the front portion of the lens.
If you're going for an extreme highlight effect, put a dot of black paint in the back corner of the lens, and then put a smaller dot of white inside that. Highlight the opposite corner of the lens using a bright shade of your chosen colour. For red lenses, you could use Evil Sunz Scarlet.
For a different effect, you can use either white or silver as an undercoat and then add one of the gemstone technicals on top, such as spirit stone red or Soulstone blue.
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Use a white base coat
Painting eyes on Primaris Space Marines can be a challenging task. One of the most important steps is to start with a white base coat. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
First, it is recommended to prime the eyes with a white base coat. This will help the subsequent colours stand out and make the eyes more vibrant. It is important to ensure that the white paint is thin and evenly applied. You can test the consistency of your paint by doing a small ""dot" on your fingernail before applying it to the model.
After priming, you can move on to painting the desired eye colour. If you are painting red eyes, for example, it is suggested to use Mephiston Red or Khorne Red as your base colour. You can add a thin layer of this colour over the white base, focusing on the bottom third of the lens.
Next, you can mix a small amount of white paint with your chosen eye colour to lighten it. Apply this mixture in a thin line over the bottom half of the previous layer. By mixing white with your base colour, you can create a brighter shade that will add depth to the eye.
For an even more intense highlight, you can create a third mixture by adding a little more white to the previous mix. Paint a thin line with this new shade, following the curve of the bottom half of the lens. This gradual lightening process will create a glowing effect, making the eyes appear more realistic and striking.
Finally, you can add a small dot of white paint in the back corner of the lens, adding an extreme highlight. This technique will make the eyes pop and give them a shiny appearance.
By following these steps and using a white base coat, you can achieve vibrant and detailed eyes for your Primaris Space Marines. Remember that practice makes perfect, and don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and techniques!
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Add a layer of red paint
To paint eyes for Primaris Space Marines, you will need to add a layer of red paint. The first step is to paint the lenses with a base colour of red. You can use Mephiston Red, Khorne Red, or Blood for the Blood Good paint. If you want the red to really stand out, you can start with a layer of white paint first, as red paint generally has poor coverage and can be difficult to paint over darker colours.
Once you have your base layer of red paint, you can start to add the highlights. Mix a small amount of white paint with your chosen red to lighten it, and paint a thin line around the bottom third of the lens. Then, mix a little more white into this new colour and paint an even thinner line over the bottom half of the previous line. This will create a bright highlight towards the front corner of the lens, making the eye appear shiny and giving it a glow effect.
You can further enhance the glow effect by adding a small dot of white paint to the upper corner of the eye. This may take a few attempts to get right, so brace your hands and get into a comfortable position. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a touch of gold or yellow paint to the front portion of the lens, as this will make the glow effect even more striking.
Finally, you can add some shading to the eye. For red lenses, you can use a darker shade of red, such as Evil Sunz Scarlet, towards the back corner of the lens, creating a sense of depth and making the eye appear more realistic.
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Outline with black paint
Painting eyes on Primaris Space Marines can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and some practice, you can achieve impressive results. Here's a detailed guide on how to outline the eyes with black paint for a striking and defined look:
Prepare the Area: Before you begin outlining, ensure that you have a steady hand and a fine-tipped brush suitable for detailed work. It's essential to work on a clean and dry surface. If necessary, use a small amount of water to thin your black paint to achieve a smooth and consistent consistency.
Create a Darkened Area: Start by painting a small black area around the eye. This will serve as the outline and provide a base for the eye colour to pop. Work carefully and precisely, following the natural shape of the eye. Leave a thin line of black paint around the edge, creating a subtle outline effect.
Build the Base: Once the black outline is in place, it's time to add the base colour for the eye. For red lenses, a popular choice is Mephiston Red or Khorne Red. You can also experiment with other colours, such as blue or green, depending on the aesthetic you want to achieve. Apply the base colour carefully within the black outline, ensuring it doesn't overlap.
Add Dimension: To make the eyes more realistic and captivating, add shading and highlights. Use a brighter colour towards the front corner of the lens and a darker tint towards the back corner, closest to the black outline. This creates a sense of depth and makes the eyes appear three-dimensional.
Enhance the Glow: For an extra touch of realism, consider adding a small dot of white paint in the centre of the eye, surrounded by a smaller dot of black. This technique mimics the reflection and shine of a glowing eye. You can also experiment with a touch of gold or yellow on the front portion of the lens to enhance the glowing effect.
Clean Up: After completing the eyes, take your time to clean up any paint that may have strayed outside the black outline. Use a small, detailed brush to carefully remove any excess paint and define the edges of the black outline.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to painting eyes on Primaris Space Marines. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out exactly as planned. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to create striking and intimidating eyes that bring your Primaris Space Marines to life.
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Highlight with a bright shade
Painting eyes on Primaris Space Marines can be a challenging task. Here are some detailed tips to help you highlight the eyes with a bright shade:
Start by painting the lenses with a base colour. For red lenses, a popular choice is Mephiston Red, but you can also use Khorne Red or a custom mix of red and blue. If you want the red to really stand out, consider painting a layer of white underneath the red. This will make the red pop, but be aware that red paint can be tricky to work with and may require multiple coats.
Once the base colour is dry, it's time to add the highlights. Mix a small amount of white paint with your chosen base colour to lighten it, and paint a thin line around the bottom third of the lens. Then, mix a little more white into this new shade and paint an even thinner line over the bottom half of the previous line. This technique adds depth and brightness to the lens.
For an even brighter effect, you can carefully add a small dot of white paint to the upper corner of the eye. This can be tricky, so take your time and correct any mistakes. If you're feeling adventurous, add a touch of gold or yellow to the front portion of the lens to enhance the glow.
Remember, the key to achieving the desired result is to work with thin layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. With practice, you'll be able to create stunning and vibrant eyes for your Primaris Space Marines.
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