
There are many ways to paint Sons of Horus miniatures, and several tutorials are available online. The official GW paints for Sons of Horus are Sons of Horus Green and Lupercal Green. However, some users have found that the paint does not provide the best coverage, and requires multiple coats. One user recommends using black or dark green primer, then stippling and overbrushing with Kabalite Green, and repeating the process with Sons of Horus Green. Another user recommends priming white, then using two coats of Vallejo xpress color Heretic Turquoise, and dry-brushing with Sybarite Green.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base coat | Lupercal Green |
| Mid-tone | Sons of Horus Green |
| Shade big areas | Black |
| Highlight | AK Green Sky |
| Spray paint | The Army Painter Warpaints Air Unforgiven Green |
| Zenithal highlight | Warpaints Air Exile Green |
| Primer | Black or dark green |
| Brush | Soft round head brush |
| Sealant | AK Interactive Semi-Gloss Varnish Spray |
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What You'll Learn

Using GW Sons of Horus Green as a base coat
GW's Sons of Horus Green paint is a great option for a base coat when painting the Sons of Horus miniatures from Warhammer 30k. This paint colour is designed to evoke the characteristic pale green armour of the Sons of Horus. While the paint itself can be difficult to work with, as some users have reported issues with coverage and opacity when applying it with a brush, it can serve as an effective base coat with the right techniques.
To start, prime your miniature with a black or dark green primer. You can use a brush or a spray primer for this step. If you're using a brush, dip it into the primer colour of your choice and wipe away the excess before stippling and overbrushing the model to build up the colour. Focus on leaving the parts that will be in shadow darker.
Once the primer is dry, you can apply the Sons of Horus Green paint. This paint can be applied in thin coats, and you may need two or more coats for full coverage. When using a brush, some users recommend a technique called "overbrushing," which is similar to dry brushing but with thinner paint and more paint on your brush. Aim the brush downwards, focusing on the areas that would naturally catch the light to create a gradient.
If you're using an airbrush, you can mix the Sons of Horus Green with a bit of black to shade large areas of the miniature. You can also use AK Green Sky to add pops of colour. Alternatively, you can use spray paints to create a green gradient. Start with a dark colour as your base, then spray a lighter colour at an angle from above as a zenithal highlight.
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Stippling and overbrushing with Kabalite Green
To paint Sons of Horus with GW paints, you can follow these steps:
Start with a black or dark green primer, such as The Army Painter Warpaints Air Unforgiven Green, and ensure you cover the entire model. Then, dip your brush into Kabalite Green and wipe away the excess paint. Now, start stippling and overbrushing the model to build up the colour, leaving the shaded areas dark. Stippling involves applying paint using a dabbing motion rather than brush strokes, and can be done with a sponge or the tip of a paintbrush. Overbrushing is similar to dry brushing, but with slightly more paint on your brush, and is done by pressing lightly to avoid getting paint into recesses, as you want the original colour to show through.
For stippling with Kabalite Green, you can use a sponge or a paintbrush. If using a sponge, gently dab the paint onto the model to create a textured, random pattern that gives a weathered look. If using a paintbrush, use the very tip of the brush with diluted paint for more control, and stipple the paint onto the model. For overbrushing with Kabalite Green, use the side of your brush and press lightly to avoid getting paint into the recesses, as you want the black primer to show through in the shaded areas.
Repeat the stippling and overbrushing process with Sons of Horus Green, but this time, aim the brush downwards, focusing on the areas that would naturally catch the light to create a gradient. Finally, seal the model with a coat of gloss varnish to protect the paint job from the enamel washes you will use to shade the model.
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Using enamel washes to shade the model
When using enamel washes to shade your Sons of Horus model, there are several steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is important to seal the model with a gloss varnish before applying the enamel wash. This is because the aggressive alcohol-based wash will soak into the acrylic paint and stain it if not protected. A suitable product for this is the Top Coat Gloss from Mr Hobby, or a gloss varnish spray from Tamiya. Apply two to three thin coats of gloss varnish to the model, allowing it to dry between coats.
Once the varnish is dry, you can begin applying the enamel wash. Load your brush with the enamel wash of your choice, such as the Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color, or an oil paint of your choice mixed with white spirit. Drag your brush over the miniature, focusing on the areas that should have the most shading. For example, if you are painting a cloak, drag the brush towards the folds to deposit the wash in the lower areas, creating shadows and depth.
It is recommended to work in sections when using enamel washes, as this allows the wash to dry naturally without being disturbed. This takes more time but reduces the risk of mistakes. You can use a normal layer brush, or a shade brush with a larger belly to hold more wash.
After you are happy with the shading, you can paint the rest of the model and seal it with a matt varnish to finish.
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Using spray paints to create a green gradient
Spray paints can be used to create a green gradient effect for the Sons of Horus models. This technique is ideal for larger pieces. Here is a step-by-step process:
Firstly, select your colours. Gradients work best with colours that are close in tone or create a striking contrast. For a green gradient, you could start with a dark green shade, such as Caliban Green Spray from Games Workshop, Angel Green Colour Primer from The Army Painter, or Renegade Green Spray from Colour Forge.
Next, prepare your surface. Ensure the surface is clean and free of any debris. If necessary, use side cutters or nippers to cut out the pieces you will be painting. Apply a primer to the surface; this will help the paint adhere better and create a more even finish. A grey primer, such as Tamiya Surface Primer Grey, can work well as a base for green shades.
Now, you are ready to start spraying. Hold the can of spray paint level, and maintain a consistent distance from the surface as you spray. Start spraying from one direction, covering the desired area. Allow the first coat to dry, which usually takes around 10 minutes.
Once the first coat is dry, spray from the direction you didn't spray before. This will create a natural gradient as you cover the previously unpainted areas. Ensure you have enough paint to cover these areas; running out of paint midway can create splatters and an uneven finish. Keep your coats light and thin; it's easier to correct a too-light application by adding more paint than to fix a too-dark area.
If you want to create clean lines or defined gradient sections, you can use painter's tape or stencils. This will help you achieve sharp edges and precise colour transitions.
Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. Creating a smooth gradient requires patience, precision, and experimentation. You may need to adjust your technique depending on the size and shape of the surface you are painting.
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Using an airbrush to add zenithal highlights
Zenithal highlighting is a painting technique that involves adding a highlight colour over a dark-painted model. The word ""zenith" refers to an astronomical term for a point in the sky or a celestial sphere directly above an observer. This technique can be done using an airbrush or other spray device, and it is a quick and simple way to add contrast to a miniature.
To start zenithal highlighting with an airbrush, prime your model with 2-3 colours (black, grey, and/or white) to create a gradient effect from the shadows to the uppermost areas. You can use paint instead of primer, but make sure to prime first. The primer/paint must be applied through an airbrush or spray can, and you should always add thinner before adding paint to your airbrush. For the zenithal highlighting step, use a bright colour, usually white, and spray directly downward onto a dark-coloured model. This will create a high-contrast miniature with almost no work.
After the zenithal highlighting, you can add colour to your model. Glazes and transparent inks are the best way to do this. Slowly layer on the colour, using the zenithal undercoat as a "map" for applying certain shades and washes.
If you don't have an airbrush, you can still achieve zenithal highlights using a dry brushing technique. Use a white or bright colour and apply paint in thin layers by gently sweeping your bristles over the top of your model. Gradually build up your highlight layers by working around the circumference of your model and focusing on the top to create a downward gradient.
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Frequently asked questions
The GW 'Sons of Horus Green' works well as a basecoat and mid-tone. Using black mixed in to shade big areas of it, and AK Green Sky, it can really pop.
You can prime with white, then apply two coats of Vallejo xpress color Heretic Turquoise and then a dry brush of Sybarite Green.
You can try using Terradon Turquoise as a base and then layer up with normal green paint.
You can try using the contrast paints which are easy to use and give great effects.
You can use spray paints to create a green gradient. Start with a dark colour and then spray a lighter colour at an angle from above as a zenithal highlight.




























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