Master the Art of Painting Necrons: A Montreal Warhammer 40k Guide

When it comes to Warhammer 40k, painting your miniatures isn't just a hobby—it's an art form. The Warhammer 40k Necrons, with their sleek and mysterious design, offer players an exciting challenge in terms of painting. Whether you're a seasoned painter or new to the hobby, learning how to paint Necrons can be rewarding but frustrating. For those in Montreal, this guide will help you take your Necron army to the next level with easy-to-follow tips and tricks, ensuring your army stands out on the battlefield and in your display case.

This article will walk you through the essentials of painting for Warhammer 40k Necrons, covering everything from choosing the right colours to achieving a professional finish. If you're looking to elevate your painting skills and make your Necron army the pride of Montreal's Warhammer scene, you've come to the right place.

Key Takeaways

• Necron miniatures require a different approach compared to other factions due to their metallic appearance and intricate detailing.
• Key steps include preparing your miniatures, applying base coats, layering metallics, and adding highlights for depth.
• Choosing the right tools and paints can make a significant difference in the final result.
• Montreal Warhammer enthusiasts benefit from specialized resources like Card Brawlers to guide them through painting techniques and offer hands-on help.

Preparing Your Warhammer 40k Necrons Models

Before you even touch a paintbrush, proper preparation is key. Whether you're assembling your Warhammer 40k Necrons models from scratch or painting pre-assembled miniatures, there are several important steps you must follow to ensure a smooth painting experience.

Cleaning and Priming:
Start by cleaning your Necron miniatures with warm water and soap to remove any oils or dust that may have accumulated. Once cleaned, it's essential to prime the models. Priming creates a surface that allows the paint to adhere better. A matte black or white primer is most commonly used for Necrons, as it helps enhance the metallic sheen you're going to achieve later.

Base Coating:
A solid base coat sets the stage for the layers of paint that will follow. For Warhammer 40k Necrons, you'll typically use a dark metallic or bone colour to create the look of ancient metal. For a traditional look, a black base coat followed by a silver or bronze dry brush works wonders. If you're aiming for a more high-tech look, a chrome base coat might be more fitting.

Applying Metallic Paints: Key Techniques

One of the signature features of Warhammer 40k Necrons is their metallic and otherworldly aesthetic. To achieve this effect, you'll need to work with various metallic paints, highlighting the detail and giving them a polished, futuristic look.

Layering Metallic Paints:
When learning how to paint Necrons, layering is a technique that stands out. After your base coat is dry, apply a layer of metallic paint such as Leadbelcher (for silver) or Brass Scorpion (for gold). Then, drybrush lighter shades over the raised surfaces of the miniatures to give them depth. This technique will make the Necrons look like they have been aged through centuries of battle.

Shading and Washes:
Shading is crucial for adding depth to your Necron models. Use washes such as Nuln Oil (black) or Agrax Earthshade (brown) to fill in the recesses and give your miniatures a realistic, aged effect. Make sure the wash flows into the crevices, which will give the models their intricate, shadowed details.

Highlighting:
Once the washes are dry, use a lighter metallic shade to highlight the edges and raised areas. This step is essential to making your Necrons look polished and sophisticated. For a cool effect, consider using a blue or green metallic paint for some of the highlights to give your Necrons a glowing, high-tech appearance.

Adding Details: Eyes, Necron Glyphs, and More

One of the things that makes Necron miniatures so captivating is the detail, particularly their glowing eyes and cryptic symbols. These features are a chance for you to get creative and make your army truly unique.

Painting Eyes:
The glowing eyes are a hallmark of Necron warriors. To paint glowing eyes, use a bright color such as green, red, or blue. Start by painting the eyes in a bright base color, then use a fine detail brush to paint the surrounding area with black or dark brown to create contrast. For an enhanced glowing effect, you can use a subtle glaze or drybrush white or light yellow over the eyes.

Glyphs and Runes:
Many Necron miniatures feature intricate symbols or runes on their armor. To paint these, use a fine-tipped brush and a contrasting color such as white, gold, or even purple. These symbols give your Necron army a touch of ancient mystery and will make them look even more detailed and menacing.

Customizing Your Necron Army: Color Choices and Scheme Variations

While Necrons are typically metallic, you can explore different colour schemes to make your army stand out from the rest. For example, if you want a more regal look, consider using gold as your primary metallic, and add some deep green or purple highlights to create a royal theme. Alternatively, for a more aggressive appearance, you could use shades of red or silver with darker washes for a more battle-worn look.

Consider experimenting with different shades of metallics or even adding glowing elements like energy weapons or glowing scars to the armour. This customization will not only make your army look unique but will also give you a greater sense of ownership over your models.

Implications of Choosing the Right Techniques for Your Army

Choosing the right painting techniques can greatly impact your Warhammer 40k performance and enjoyment. For Montreal players, the decision to create a detailed, high-quality army could be the difference between a mediocre army and one that truly shines in a competitive setting. By taking the time to perfect your technique, you not only improve your models but also become more invested in your hobby, enjoying the process and the reward of your work.

Many players underestimate how much of a difference a well-painted army makes in terms of both aesthetics and strategy. A beautifully painted army boosts your confidence, helps you connect more deeply with the game, and provides an edge during tournaments where every detail counts.

Conclusion

Painting Warhammer 40k Necrons is a rewarding challenge that allows players to create an army that reflects their vision and creativity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, Montreal’s Warhammer enthusiasts can take their painting skills to the next level, whether they’re entering a local tournament or just showing off their work at home. So, why wait? Master the art of painting Necrons, and let Card Brawlers help guide you on this artistic journey.

Ready to learn how to paint Warhammer 40k Necrons like a pro? Let Card Brawlers help you bring your Warhammer 40k vision to life. With expert advice and painting tips, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Visit us at 7105 Saint-Denis St, Unit 202, Montreal, Quebec H2S 2S5, or call us at (514) 495-7758 to get personalized help with painting your Necron army today!

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to paint a Necron army?

A: The time it takes to paint a full Necron army varies based on the number of models and the level of detail you want. For a basic army, expect to spend a few hours per model, but for more intricate details, you may need several days or even weeks to complete your entire army.

Q: What colors should I use for Necron warriors?
A: Necron warriors typically use metallic paints like silver or gold for their armour. For glowing effects, green, blue, or red are popular choices for eyes and weapons.

Q: How can I make my Necrons look like they have glowing eyes?
A: To make your Necrons’ eyes glow, paint them with bright colours such as green or red, and add a subtle glow effect using glazes or drybrush white over the edges to create a glowing effect.

Q: Can I use the same techniques for painting other Warhammer 40k armies?

A: While some techniques, like dry brushing or washing, are universal, each Warhammer 40k army has its own aesthetic. Necrons require a focus on metallics and glowing details, which might not be as relevant for other factions.