Lena Rivera
Painting the Blood Angels' Death Company miniatures is a rewarding task for any Warhammer 40,000 enthusiast, as it allows you to bring these iconic, frenzied warriors to life on the tabletop. The Death Company is known for their distinctive black armor, contrasting with the Blood Angels' traditional red, symbolizing their descent into the Black Rage. To achieve this look, start with a smooth black basecoat, ensuring even coverage on the armor. Highlight the edges with a dark grey to add depth, and consider using a red glaze or drybrush on the trim to tie them back to their chapter. Flesh tones for the exposed skin should be pale and ghastly, emphasizing their tragic fate, while the blood effects can be layered with bright reds and deep browns for a visceral, battle-worn appearance. Adding details like battle damage, chipped paint, and glowing eyes will further enhance the dramatic and chaotic nature of these models.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base Colors | Mephiston Red (primary armor), Abaddon Black (details), Leadbelcher (metal) |
| Shading | Carroburg Crimson (red areas), Nuln Oil (black/metal areas) |
| Highlighting | Evil Sunz Scarlet (red armor edges), Wild Rider Red (extreme edges) |
| Bone Details | Ushabti Bone (base), Agrax Earthshade (shade), Screaming Skull (highlight) |
| Gold Trim | Retributor Armour (base), Reikland Fleshshade (shade), Runefang Steel (highlight) |
| Weapons | Leadbelcher (base), Nuln Oil (shade), Stormhost Silver (highlight) |
| Eyes | White Scar (base), Druchii Violet (pupil), Ardcoat (gloss varnish) |
| Base Texture | Astrogranite Debris (texture paint), Dryad Bark (earth tone) |
| Blood Effects | Contrast Blood Angels Red (base), Carroburg Crimson (depth), Evil Sunz Scarlet (edges) |
| Sealing | Matt varnish (overall), Gloss varnish (blood/wet effects) |
| Unique Features | Black rage symbols in Abaddon Black, battle damage with Typhus Corrosion |
| Recommended Tools | Citadel Layer/Base/Shade paints, fine detail brushes, wet palette |
| Time Estimate | 2-3 hours per model (excluding drying time) |
| Skill Level | Intermediate (due to layering and detail work) |
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What You'll Learn
- Priming and Base Coats: Apply black primer, then zenithal highlight with white spray for depth and contrast
- Red Armor Technique: Use thin layers of Mephiston Red, shaded with Carroburg Crimson, highlighted with Evil Sunz Scarlet
- Bone Details: Paint bones with Ushabti Bone, wash with Agrax Earthshade, edge with Screaming Skull
- Black Carapace: Base Abaddon Black, drybrush Mechanicus Standard Grey, edge with Dawnstone for worn look
- Blood Effects: Apply Druchii Violet for dark blood, layer with Carroburg Crimson, add glossy varnish for wet effect
Priming and Base Coats: Apply black primer, then zenithal highlight with white spray for depth and contrast
The foundation of any great miniature paint job lies in its priming and base coats. For Blood Angels Death Company models, a black primer serves as the perfect canvas, enhancing the dramatic, grim aesthetic of these berserkers. Black primer not only provides a strong base for subsequent layers but also deepens shadows, adding a natural sense of darkness to the recessed areas. This is particularly crucial for Death Company miniatures, whose chaotic poses and intricate details demand a technique that accentuates depth and texture.
Zenithal highlighting with white spray is the next critical step, transforming the flat black base into a dynamic surface. Hold the white spray at a 45-degree angle and apply it from above, focusing on areas that would naturally catch light—helmet crests, shoulder pads, and raised edges. This technique creates a gradient effect, with the white spray fading into the black primer in the recessed areas. The result is a built-in contrast that mimics natural lighting, giving the miniature a three-dimensional quality before you even apply the first brushstroke.
While zenithal highlighting is straightforward, it requires precision and practice. Overspraying can mute the black primer’s depth, so maintain a consistent distance (approximately 12–15 inches) and apply thin, even coats. For best results, use a high-quality white primer like Vallejo’s White Surface Primer, which offers fine pigmentation and smooth coverage. If you’re new to this technique, practice on a spare model or sprue to gauge the spray’s flow and angle before committing to your Death Company miniatures.
The interplay between black primer and white zenithal highlighting sets the stage for the Blood Angels’ iconic red armor. By establishing deep shadows and natural highlights early, you reduce the need for extensive layering later, streamlining the painting process. This method is especially beneficial for Death Company models, whose frenzied poses and battle-worn details benefit from a technique that emphasizes depth and contrast from the outset.
In conclusion, priming and base coats are not mere preparatory steps but foundational elements that define the final look of your Blood Angels Death Company. A black primer provides the necessary darkness, while zenithal highlighting adds dimension and focus. Master these techniques, and you’ll create miniatures that capture the relentless fury and tragic nobility of the Death Company, even before the first coat of red is applied.
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Red Armor Technique: Use thin layers of Mephiston Red, shaded with Carroburg Crimson, highlighted with Evil Sunz Scarlet
Achieving the iconic red armor of the Blood Angels' Death Company requires precision and patience, especially when employing the Mephiston Red, Carroburg Crimson, and Evil Sunz Scarlet technique. This method leverages thin layers to build depth and vibrancy, ensuring the armor pops without appearing flat or unnatural. Start by priming your model with a white or grey undercoat; white enhances brightness, while grey provides a neutral base. Apply the first thin layer of Mephiston Red, allowing it to dry completely. This foundational coat sets the tone, so ensure it’s smooth and even, avoiding pooling in recesses.
Shading is where the armor gains dimension. Use Carroburg Crimson, a deep red shade, to define recesses and edges. Apply it sparingly with a fine brush, focusing on areas where shadows would naturally fall, such as panel lines and crevices. Let the shade dry thoroughly before reassessing; it’s easier to add more than to correct over-application. This step creates contrast, making the armor appear more dynamic and worn, fitting for the battle-hardened Death Company.
Highlighting with Evil Sunz Scarlet brings the armor to life. Mix a small amount of this bright red with a glazing medium to create a translucent layer, then apply it to raised edges and surfaces that catch light. This technique, known as edge highlighting, mimics natural light reflection and adds a polished, professional finish. Be deliberate with your brushstrokes, as too much highlight can overwhelm the model. Repeat the highlighting process in thinner layers if necessary, building intensity gradually.
A practical tip for this technique is to work in stages, completing one section of the model before moving to the next. This approach ensures consistency and allows you to refine your technique as you go. Additionally, keep your brushes clean and well-maintained, as Mephiston Red and Evil Sunz Scarlet can stain bristles if left unattended. For best results, use high-quality brushes with a fine point for precise application, especially during shading and highlighting.
The Mephiston Red, Carroburg Crimson, and Evil Sunz Scarlet method is not just about color—it’s about storytelling. The layered approach captures the duality of the Death Company: their armor is both a symbol of their chapter’s pride and a testament to their relentless fury. By mastering this technique, you not only enhance the visual appeal of your models but also honor the lore and legacy of the Blood Angels. Patience and practice are key, as this method rewards attention to detail and a steady hand.
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Bone Details: Paint bones with Ushabti Bone, wash with Agrax Earthshade, edge with Screaming Skull
The bones on a Blood Angel Death Company model are a critical detail, serving as a stark reminder of their grim fate. To achieve a realistic, weathered look, start by applying a base coat of Ushabti Bone. This warm, off-white shade provides a solid foundation that mimics the natural tone of aged bone. Use thin layers to ensure smooth coverage, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. This technique prevents the paint from pooling in recesses, which can detract from the overall effect.
Once the base coat is complete, apply a generous wash of Agrax Earthshade. This dark brown shade will settle into the crevices, adding depth and dimension to the bones. The wash not only enhances the texture but also creates a sense of wear and tear, as if the bones have been exposed to the elements for centuries. Be mindful of the wash’s consistency; too thin, and it won’t provide enough contrast; too thick, and it may obscure the base coat. Aim for a balance that highlights the bone’s natural contours.
The final step is to edge the bones with Screaming Skull. This bright, almost chalky white adds a striking contrast to the darker wash, creating a sharp, defined edge that catches the light. Use a fine detail brush for precision, focusing on the raised areas and ridges of the bone. This technique not only emphasizes the bone’s structure but also gives the model a more polished, professional appearance. Take your time with this step, as clean edges can make or break the final result.
A practical tip for this process is to practice on a test model or spare piece before applying it to your Death Company miniatures. This allows you to refine your technique and ensure you’re happy with the color balance. Additionally, consider using a matte varnish to protect the paint job, especially if the models will see frequent use in games. By following these steps, you’ll achieve bones that are both visually striking and thematically appropriate for the doomed warriors of the Death Company.
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Black Carapace: Base Abaddon Black, drybrush Mechanicus Standard Grey, edge with Dawnstone for worn look
Achieving a weathered, battle-hardened look for the Black Carapace of your Blood Angels Death Company miniatures requires precision and a deliberate layering technique. Start by applying a smooth, even base coat of Abaddon Black. This deep, matte black serves as the perfect foundation, mimicking the underlayer of the carapace while providing a stark contrast for subsequent layers. Use thin coats to avoid obscuring detail and ensure full coverage, especially in recessed areas where shadows naturally occur.
Once the base coat is dry, the transformation begins with a drybrush of Mechanicus Standard Grey. Load a flat brush with a small amount of paint, then remove most of it on a cloth or palette. Lightly sweep the brush over raised surfaces, allowing the grey to catch the edges and create a metallic sheen. This step simulates wear and tear, as if the carapace has been scraped against debris or enemy armor. Focus on areas like joints, edges, and protrusions where friction would naturally occur.
The final touch is edging with Dawnstone, a lighter grey that adds depth and realism. Use a fine detail brush to carefully trace along the most exposed edges, such as the rims of shoulder pads or the tips of armor plates. This highlights the wear pattern, giving the impression that the black underlayer is peeking through chipped or eroded surfaces. Be deliberate with your strokes to maintain a clean, intentional look rather than a haphazard one.
This technique not only enhances the visual appeal of your miniatures but also reinforces the narrative of the Death Company—warriors driven to madness by the Black Rage, their armor bearing the scars of countless battles. By mastering this method, you’ll create a cohesive, thematic army that stands out on the tabletop. Experiment with varying pressure during drybrushing to control the intensity of the effect, and practice on test models to refine your technique before tackling your entire squad.
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Blood Effects: Apply Druchii Violet for dark blood, layer with Carroburg Crimson, add glossy varnish for wet effect
Achieving realistic blood effects on your Blood Angel Death Company miniatures requires a nuanced approach to color layering and texture. Start by applying Druchii Violet as your base layer for the blood. This deep, dark shade serves as an excellent foundation, mimicking the rich, coagulated look of older blood. Use a thin coat to ensure the pigment adheres smoothly to the model’s surface, focusing on areas where blood would naturally pool or splatter. This initial step sets the tone for a visceral, battle-worn aesthetic.
Next, layer Carroburg Crimson over the Druchii Violet to introduce depth and variation. This crimson shade adds a fresh, arterial quality to the blood, creating a contrast that suggests recent wounds. Apply it sparingly, allowing the underlying violet to peek through in places. This technique not only enhances realism but also avoids a flat, monochromatic appearance. For best results, use a fine detail brush and thin the paint slightly with water or a medium to achieve smooth transitions between layers.
The final touch is a glossy varnish, which transforms the blood from static to strikingly lifelike. Apply a thin coat of gloss varnish over the blood areas, focusing on the edges and high points to simulate the wet, reflective surface of fresh blood. Avoid overloading the brush, as too much varnish can obscure detail. This step is crucial for adding a tactile, visceral quality to your miniatures, making the blood appear freshly spilled on the battlefield.
While this method is effective, be mindful of a few pitfalls. Overlayering can muddy the colors, so work in thin, controlled coats. Additionally, gloss varnish can yellow over time, especially in direct sunlight, so store your miniatures in a cool, dark place. For advanced painters, experiment with adding subtle highlights of a brighter red or even a touch of orange to the Carroburg Crimson layer for an even more dynamic effect.
In conclusion, combining Druchii Violet, Carroburg Crimson, and a glossy varnish creates blood effects that are both visually striking and narratively compelling. This technique not only elevates the realism of your Blood Angel Death Company miniatures but also reinforces their thematic identity as frenzied, bloodthirsty warriors. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll master this method, ensuring your models stand out on the tabletop.
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Frequently asked questions
The essential colors include Mephiston Red or Evil Sunz Scarlet for the red armor, Abaddon Black or Eshin Grey for shading, Wild Rider Red or Wazdakka Red for highlights, and Leadbelcher or Ironbreaker for metallic details like weapons and trim.
Start with a Mephiston Red basecoat, apply Carroburg Crimson or Nuln Oil for shading, and layer Evil Sunz Scarlet or Wild Rider Red for highlights. Blend carefully for a smooth, vibrant finish.
Use Typhus Corrosion or Ryza Rust for chipped paint, apply Leadbelcher or Ironbreaker for metallic scratches, and add Blood for the Blood God or Contrast Flesh Tearers Red for blood splatters. Drybrushing with Boltgun Metal or Stormhost Silver enhances worn edges.
