Painting C'tan Shard: Nightbringer Techniques And Tips

how to paint c tan shard of the nightbringer

The C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer is a formidable Warhammer 40K miniature, wielding the power to evoke shadows that consume stars and souls, leaving nothing but a chilling void. Painting this enigmatic model can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavour, with its sweeping robes and intricate body details providing ample opportunity for creative shadow play and highlights. To begin, a thin coat of primer is applied, followed by a basecoat of a medium shade like The Fang for the body and Abaddon Black for the clothing. The next step involves shading with a wash to add depth, before layering with lighter shades to highlight edges and create dimension. The final step is to seal the masterpiece with varnish, preserving the paint job and ensuring a consistent finish.

Characteristics Values
Step 1 Prime the miniature with a thin, even coat of primer
Step 2 Basecoat the body with a medium-sized brush and a base color like The Fang
Step 3 Basecoat the clothing with Abaddon Black
Step 4 Shade the body and clothing with a wash like Nuln Oil
Step 5 Layer the body with a lighter shade like Fenrisian Grey to highlight edges and raised areas
Step 6 Paint the scythe Balthazar Gold, then Gehenna's Gold for the staff
Step 7 Paint the blade Leadbelcher with the edge highlighted with Runefang steel
Step 8 Seal your work with varnish to protect your paint job

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Prime the model with black paint

Priming your model with black paint is an important step in the painting process, as it creates a solid base for your paints to adhere to. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for priming your C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer model with black paint:

First, ensure that you have chosen the appropriate primer for your project. For black priming, you can use a spray primer or a brush-on primer, depending on your preference and the size of the model. Spray primers can be faster and more convenient, especially for larger models, but be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions.

When priming with black, it is essential to apply thin, even coats to achieve a smooth and consistent finish. Start by shaking or stirring your primer well to ensure it is mixed properly. Then, apply a thin coat of black primer to the entire model, holding the spray can or brush at a consistent distance to avoid uneven coverage. Let this first coat dry completely before proceeding. Depending on the primer you are using, you may need to wait several minutes or longer.

Once the first coat is dry, inspect the model for any areas that may require a second coat. It is common to miss spots or have areas of thinner coverage, especially in crevices or detailed areas. Apply a second thin coat of black primer as needed, again ensuring even coverage. Allow this coat to dry completely as well.

If you are priming a complex model with intricate details or hard-to-reach areas, you may need to use a small brush to touch up any missed spots after spraying or brushing on the primer. This step ensures that every part of the model is properly primed and ready for painting.

Some painters prefer to prime their models with a different colour, such as grey or white, depending on the final colour scheme they have in mind. While black primer can work well for a wide range of colours, especially darker shades, warmer colours like yellow, orange, or red may require a lighter-coloured primer to achieve the best results. However, with modern paints, some painters find that the choice of primer colour matters less, and you can choose whichever option makes it easier for you to paint.

By following these steps, you will have successfully primed your C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer model with black paint, creating a solid foundation for the subsequent painting steps. Remember to allow sufficient drying time between coats and always work in a well-ventilated area when using sprays or paints.

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Paint the body with a base colour

Painting the body with a base colour is a crucial step in achieving the desired look for your C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer miniature. Here's a detailed guide to help you through this process:

To begin, ensure you have a medium-sized brush suitable for applying paint to the body of the miniature. The chosen base colour should be something like The Fang, as suggested by Warhammer 40K enthusiasts. It is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint to achieve a smooth and even coverage. This technique is important to preserve the intricate details of the miniature. Avoid overloading your brush, as a little paint goes a long way. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes, ensuring each coat is consistent and free of excess paint.

It is important to be patient and allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying subsequent layers. The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the paint and the humidity in your environment, so give it ample time. A good foundation is key to achieving a professional-looking miniature. Once the base colour is applied, you can move on to the next step, confident that you have laid a solid foundation for the more intricate details to come.

Before you begin painting, it is essential to prepare your paint by giving it a thorough shake. Then, mix your chosen base colour paint on a wet palette to achieve the desired consistency. For basecoating, a consistency similar to heavy cream is ideal. This preparation ensures that your paint will flow smoothly and prevents any issues with coverage. Remember, the goal is to apply thin coats of paint to preserve the miniature's intricate details.

Additionally, when applying the base colour, start with the areas that are hardest to reach. This approach ensures that you avoid accidentally painting over areas that you've already perfected. Take your time and work carefully, as this step sets the tone for the rest of your painting process. A steady hand and a good eye for detail will ensure that your C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer miniature starts to come to life.

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Paint the clothing with Abaddon Black

Painting the clothing of your C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer miniature with Abaddon Black will give it a sleek and ominous look. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Start by assembling the miniature's body, including the head and neck area. This will make it easier to paint the clothing without accidentally getting paint on other parts of the model.

Once the relevant parts are assembled, it's time to apply the primer. Use a thin, even coat of black primer to the entire miniature, including the clothing. This will create a uniform base for the Abaddon Black paint to adhere to. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Now, it's finally time to paint the clothing with Abaddon Black. Using a medium-sized brush, carefully apply the Abaddon Black paint to all fabric areas of the miniature. Take your time and work in thin coats to achieve smooth and even coverage. Make sure to get into all the crevices and folds of the clothing to ensure a consistent finish.

After applying the Abaddon Black, let it dry completely. Once dry, examine the model closely to see if any areas require touch-ups or additional coats. If necessary, apply another thin layer of Abaddon Black to any spots that need extra attention.

Once you're satisfied with the Abaddon Black base, you can add further details. For example, you could use a lighter shade, such as Celestra Grey, to highlight specific areas of the clothing, creating a subtle contrast. This step is optional but can enhance the overall appearance of the miniature.

Remember, take your time, work in thin coats, and always allow sufficient drying time between coats. By following these steps, you'll achieve a professional-looking finish on your C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer's clothing.

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Wash the model with Drakenhof Nightshade

To paint the C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer, one of the steps is to wash the model with Drakenhof Nightshade. Drakenhof Nightshade is a blue wash that is used to create shadows and highlights in one go. It is a powerful technique that is forgiving of mistakes and does not require a high level of accuracy or skill with a brush. The wash is applied over a basecoat or bright undercoat, and the diluted paint flows into the recesses and crevices of the model, creating a natural-looking shade.

When using Drakenhof Nightshade, it is important to work quickly as it can start to dry within a few minutes. It is recommended to work in sections to avoid the wash drying in some areas while you are still painting. Additionally, make sure that the wash is fully dry before painting over it, as trying to paint over wet wash will lift up the paint and ruin the area.

To apply the wash, load your brush with a generous amount of Drakenhof Nightshade. Then, spread the wash over the desired areas of the model, allowing it to flow into the recesses and crevices naturally. You can use a bigger brush to speed up this process. If you have the time, it is recommended to do two coats by mixing the wash with Lahmian Medium, which will result in a smoother and cleaner finish.

When washing the model with Drakenhof Nightshade, pay attention to the crevices and areas where light would be blocked. Use the wash more sparingly in these areas to create shadow. You can also use a clean, wet brush to apply water to these areas before introducing the wash, allowing for more control and precision.

Overall, washing the C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer model with Drakenhof Nightshade is a simple and effective way to add depth and shading to the miniature. By following these steps and working quickly and carefully, you can achieve a satisfying finish that enhances the overall appearance of the model.

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Seal your work with varnish

Sealing your C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer miniature with varnish is the last step in the painting process. It is a clear liquid coating that protects the miniature's surface from chipping and paint rubbing off. Varnish also shields your work from the oils and dirt from your hands, as well as minor scrapes and bumps.

There are various types of varnish finishes, including matt, satin, and gloss. Depending on the type, they can add depth, enhance colour vibrancy, or create specific effects like wetness or shine on certain areas. For instance, a glossy varnish gives a high-shine, glossy finish and can make details pop. On the other hand, a matt varnish removes the shine from paint and creates a flat finish. A satin varnish offers a balance between the two, providing some sheen without the intense reflectivity of a gloss finish.

When applying varnish, it is important to work in sections and use quick, smooth, and even strokes. For spray can varnish, hold the can about 6-12 inches from the miniature and spray in sweeping motions. Be sure to test the varnish on something else before applying it to your miniature, as you may encounter some bad finishes with spray cans. If using a brush, apply the varnish with smooth, even strokes. Allow each section to dry completely before moving on to the next, as disturbing the varnish while it is drying can cause streaks or a frosted look. A fully dry miniature should not feel tacky and will take about 20-30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

The first step is to prime your miniature by applying a thin, even coat of primer to create a solid base for your paints.

For the body, use a base colour like The Fang, applying several thin coats to achieve smooth and even coverage. For the clothing, use Abaddon Black to ensure even coverage and create a strong foundation.

After basecoating, use a wash like Nuln Oil on both the body and clothing to add depth by emphasizing recesses and details. Then, use a lighter shade like Fenrisian Grey to layer and highlight edges and raised areas, adding dimension to the miniature.

To protect your work and ensure its longevity, apply a varnish to seal the paint and give it a consistent finish.

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