Lena Rivera
Painting German SS camo for bolt action can be a tricky process. The complex patterns of the Waffen-SS, such as the distinctive pea dot and plane tree camouflage, require a careful approach. Some painters prefer to start with the base colours, working from the inside of the miniature outwards, while others paint the camo first to avoid spoiling other areas. To achieve the desired effect, a range of tools can be used, from brushes with fine tips to cocktail sticks or toothpicks for smaller dots. Practising on multiple miniatures simultaneously can help improve your skills in painting German SS camo for bolt action.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base colour | VMC 823 Luftwaffe Cam. Green/F 70B French Dragoon Green or Forest Skin from Vallejo |
| Other colours | Necromancer Cloak, Uniform Green from Vallejo, AK3021, Citadel Reikland flesh wash, AK3022, AK3023, AK3025 |
| Tools | Winsor and Newton Series 7 miniature series size 000, cocktail stick, toothpick, sponge |
| Techniques | Stippling, dabbing, varnishing, black lining |
| Tutorials | Warlord painter Andres Amian Fernandez, The War Gamer, Peter Motas, Sonic Sledgehammer Studios on YouTube, Duncan Rhodes |
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What You'll Learn
Priming the figure
Start by choosing the right primer. For German SS camo, a grey primer is often used, such as the Vallejo 74.601 Grey primer. This creates a neutral base that can work well with the colours typically used in SS camo patterns.
Before applying the primer, ensure that your figure is clean and free of any debris or residue. You may need to lightly sand the figure to create a smooth surface and remove any mould lines or imperfections.
Apply the primer using a thin and consistent coat. You can use a brush or a spray primer, depending on your preference and the materials you have available. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the primer you are using.
Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. This may take some time, so be patient and avoid touching or handling the figure during this period.
Once the primer is dry, inspect the figure for any imperfections or areas that may require additional attention. Use a small brush to carefully touch up any missed spots or areas that need more primer.
After you are satisfied with the primer coverage, you may want to consider applying a second thin coat to ensure a smooth and even base for your paint. Again, allow this coat to dry completely before moving on.
By following these steps, you will have a well-primed figure that is ready for the painting process. Remember to take your time and work in a well-ventilated area to ensure the best results.
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Painting the face
Start by priming the figure with a suitable base colour. For the face, a mix of Vallejo fleshtone and flat white in a 2:1 ratio can be used. This will create a natural skin tone for the face. Apply this base coat to the face, neck, and hands for a consistent skin tone across the visible areas.
Once the base coat is dry, it's time to add depth and shading. Use a wash of Games Workshop Ogryn Flesh over the face and other skin areas. This will add shadows and bring out the details of the face.
After the wash has dried, it's important to highlight the raised areas of the face to create a three-dimensional effect. Mix German Camo Pale Brown with water in a 2:1 ratio and use this to highlight the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Adjust the colour as needed by adding additional coats for a stronger colour.
Finally, to add further depth and realism, consider using a pinwash technique on the face. Mix a slightly darker shade than your base colour, such as Barbarian Flesh, and apply it to the recessed areas of the face, such as the eye sockets, nose, and jawline. Finish by highlighting the raised areas with a pale flesh colour to enhance the contrast and bring out the details of the face.
Remember, when painting the face, it's important to work in thin layers, gradually building up the colours to achieve a natural and realistic skin tone. Take your time and refer to reference images of German SS uniforms to ensure accuracy in your painting.
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Using light and dark spots
Painting German SS camo for bolt action can be a tricky process, especially given the complexity of WWII German camo patterns. One approach is to start with the base colours and work outwards. For the distinctive pea dot camo, you can start with a base colour of AK3021, washing it with Citadel Reikland Flesh Wash and then highlighting it with the base colour again.
Now, for the light and dark spots. Start with some light spots using AK3022, and then add darker spots with AK3023. The key here is to ensure that the spots overlap different areas and are not restricted to being inside the coloured spots. This helps to blend the camo. You can use a fine-tipped brush to keep the dots small, or opt for a cocktail stick or toothpick if that's more comfortable.
Next, add some more spots using AK3023, and finish with the final spots using AK3025. This process will give you the characteristic Waffen-SS pea dot camo.
Another approach for the oak leaf camo is to start with a pale brown base, using something like Forest Skin from Vallejo. Then, stipple some darker grey spots, such as Necromancer Cloak, in various places. Finally, add spots of bright green, like Uniform Green from Vallejo, or orange, depending on whether you want summer or autumn colours.
Remember, it's a good idea to practice on multiple miniatures simultaneously, and you can always add black lining to bring out the details and finish with a matt varnish.
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Adding black lining
When it comes to adding black lining to your German SS camo for bolt action, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, it is recommended to prime the figure with a base colour, such as Vallejo 74.601 Grey, before moving on to the other colours. This provides a good foundation for the rest of the painting process.
Once you have your base colours in place, you can start working on the camo pattern. For the distinctive pea dot camouflage, you can start with the base colour AK3021, washing it with Citadel Reikland Flesh Wash, and then highlighting it with the same base colour. You can then add spots in various shades, such as AK3022, AK3023, and AK3025, blending the colours by overlapping them.
After you have completed the camo pattern, you can use black to add some black lining to your figure. This technique helps to bring out the finer details and add depth to your creation. It is a simple yet effective way to enhance the overall appearance of your model.
Additionally, you can add shadows to your figure using a mixture of black and another colour, such as AK3046, to create depth and dimension. This step is particularly useful for areas that would naturally have darker shadows, such as the underside of the helmet.
Finally, to protect your work and ensure its longevity, it is advisable to apply a matte varnish to your miniature before finishing the base. This step not only adds a professional touch to your creation but also safeguards your hard work.
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Varnishing
Once you have completed painting your miniature, it is time to apply the varnish. Varnishing your miniature will protect it and ensure that it lasts longer. It is advisable to varnish the miniature after painting it.
First, you need to decide what type of varnish you want to use. You can use a gloss varnish, which will provide a protective layer and a shiny finish. However, if you prefer a matte finish, you can apply a coat of matt varnish over the gloss varnish to reduce the shine. If you do not apply a gloss varnish, you should still apply at least one coat of matt varnish to get rid of any unwanted gloss from the paint.
When applying the varnish, use a fine detail brush or a tool that you find comfortable, such as a cocktail stick or toothpick. Make sure to cover all the areas of the miniature, including the base.
For the varnish, you can use products such as AK183 or Matt White undercoat (Halfords), which is a cost-effective option.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to paint German SS camo for Bolt Action. You can paint the base colour first and then add spots in different shades, or you can start with the face and work your way outwards. You can also try the stippling technique, or use a sponge to dab on the paint.
The colours you use will depend on the type of camo you want to create. For example, the Spring Plane Tree camo pattern uses Luftwaffe Cam. Green as a base, while the Autumn Plane Tree camo pattern uses French Dragoon Green. Other colours used include black, brown, green, and grey.
You can use a fine-tipped brush to create small dots, or you can use a cocktail stick or toothpick if you find it easier.
Yes, it is recommended to use a matt varnish to finish your miniature and remove any gloss.
