How Do You Paint Ultramarines Like a Pro?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Paints & Sealants

Painting Ultramarines is a rewarding journey that brings one of Warhammer 40,000’s most iconic Space Marine chapters to life. Known for their striking blue armor and rich lore, Ultramarines offer hobbyists a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and creative opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned painter looking to refine your technique or a newcomer eager to start your first squad, mastering the art of painting Ultramarines can elevate your tabletop experience to a whole new level.

The process of painting Ultramarines involves more than just applying blue paint; it’s about capturing the essence of their proud heritage and battlefield prowess. From selecting the right shades of blue to adding intricate details like chapter insignias and battle damage, each step contributes to a miniature that tells a story. Understanding the fundamentals of color layering, shading, and highlighting will help you achieve that iconic Ultramarine look that stands out on the battlefield.

In the following sections, you’ll discover practical tips and techniques designed to simplify the painting process while enhancing your results. Whether you prefer a clean, crisp finish or a weathered, battle-worn appearance, this guide will prepare you to bring your Ultramarines to life with confidence and style. Get ready to dive into the world of painting these legendary warriors and transform your models into

Base Coating the Ultramarines

Begin by applying a smooth, even base coat to the miniature to establish the primary color of the Ultramarines’ armor. Use a high-quality brush or an airbrush for better control and consistency. The typical base color for Ultramarines is a rich, deep blue. Citadel Macragge Blue or Vallejo Royal Blue are popular choices that provide excellent coverage and vibrancy.

Ensure the base coat is applied in thin layers to avoid obscuring fine details on the miniature. Multiple thin coats are preferable to one thick coat. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next to maintain a smooth finish.

Shading and Washing Techniques

Shading is critical to add depth and realism to the armor. Applying a wash or shade paint will enhance recesses, creating shadows that bring out the miniature’s intricate details.

  • Use a dark blue or black wash, such as Citadel Drakenhof Nightshade or Nuln Oil.
  • Apply the wash liberally over the blue base coat, allowing it to settle into panel lines, joints, and other recessed areas.
  • Avoid pooling by carefully controlling the amount of wash on your brush.
  • After the wash dries, inspect the miniature for any areas where excess wash might obscure details and carefully remove it with a clean, damp brush if necessary.

Highlighting and Layering the Armor

Highlighting is essential to simulate light reflecting off the armor plates, enhancing the three-dimensional effect.

  • Select progressively lighter shades of blue for layering and edge highlighting.
  • Begin with a mid-tone blue, such as Citadel Calgar Blue, applied to raised areas and larger surfaces.
  • Use finer brushes to edge highlight with an even lighter blue, for example, Citadel Fenrisian Grey or a custom mix of white and blue.
  • Apply highlights sparingly and focus on edges, corners, and areas where light naturally hits.

Painting Details and Iconography

The Ultramarines are known for their iconic symbols and intricate armor details. Pay special attention to these areas to maintain authenticity.

  • Use a fine detail brush to paint gold or brass trims, often found on shoulder pads, helmets, and chest emblems. Citadel Retributor Armour is a suitable gold paint.
  • For purity seals, use red for the wax and parchment tones for the paper, enhancing the miniature’s narrative elements.
  • The Ultramarines’ chapter symbol, a stylized omega (Ω), should be painted in white or bone color on shoulder pads or banners.
  • Small metallic parts like weapon barrels and joints can be painted with silver or gunmetal colors, such as Citadel Leadbelcher.

Table of Recommended Paints for Ultramarines

Painting Stage Recommended Paints Purpose
Base Coat Citadel Macragge Blue, Vallejo Royal Blue Primary armor color
Wash/Shade Citadel Drakenhof Nightshade, Nuln Oil Enhance shadows and depth
Mid-Tone Layer Citadel Calgar Blue Build up armor highlights
Edge Highlight Citadel Fenrisian Grey, Custom Blue-White Mix Define edges and simulate light
Gold Trim Citadel Retributor Armour Decorative metallic details
Metallic Details Citadel Leadbelcher Weaponry and mechanical parts
Purity Seals Red and parchment tones Wax and paper details

Tips for Consistent Results

Achieving a professional finish on Ultramarines miniatures requires patience and attention to detail. Consider the following tips:

  • Thin your paints with water or medium to improve flow and prevent brush strokes.
  • Use a wet palette to keep paints moist and workable over longer painting sessions.
  • Practice steady hand techniques for precise edge highlights and fine details.
  • Regularly clean your brushes to maintain their shape and performance.
  • Work under good lighting conditions to accurately judge colors and shading.

By following these detailed steps and techniques, you will bring your Ultramarines to life with vibrant, realistic colors and sharp, clean details.

Preparing Your Miniature for Painting

Before applying any paint to your Ultramarines, thorough preparation is essential to achieve a smooth, professional finish. Start by cleaning the miniature to remove any mold release agents or oils from handling. Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse and allow to dry completely.

Next, carefully inspect the model for any mold lines or flash. Use a hobby knife or fine file to gently remove these imperfections without damaging the details. This step is crucial to avoid uneven surfaces that paint can accentuate.

Finally, apply a primer suited to the material of your miniature—plastic, resin, or metal. A spray primer in a neutral tone such as grey or white provides an even base coat that helps subsequent layers of paint adhere better and appear more vibrant.

  • Clean miniature with mild soap and water
  • Remove mold lines with hobby knife or file
  • Apply thin, even coat of primer (grey or white recommended)
  • Allow primer to dry thoroughly before painting

Base Coating the Ultramarine Blue Armor

The hallmark of Ultramarines is their rich blue armor. Achieving this color requires careful layering to preserve detail and build depth.

  • Choose the right base color: Use a high-quality Ultramarines Blue paint or a similar deep blue acrylic.
  • Apply thin layers: Thin your paint slightly with water or acrylic medium to prevent obscuring details. Multiple thin coats are preferable to one thick coat.
  • Coverage: Ensure the entire armor surface is evenly covered, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
Step Action Notes
1 Thin Ultramarines Blue paint 1:1 with water Improves flow and prevents clumping
2 Apply first thin coat to all armor plates Focus on smooth, even coverage
3 Let dry fully, then apply second coat Builds solid, vibrant base color

Shading and Highlighting Techniques for Depth

Shading and highlighting bring the Ultramarines armor to life by creating contrast and emphasizing details.

  • Shading: Use a dark blue or black wash to flow into recesses and panel lines. Citadel’s Drakenhof Nightshade or a custom mix of blue and black thinned with water works well. Apply sparingly and remove excess with a clean brush to avoid pooling.
  • Layering highlights: After the wash dries, apply progressively lighter blues to raised areas and edges. Use a fine brush for edge highlighting with a pale blue or even white mixed with blue.
  • Blending: Feather the edges of highlights to create smooth transitions. Wet blending or glazing with thin layers can be effective for subtle depth.
Technique Recommended Paints Tips
Shading Drakenhof Nightshade, thinned dark blue/black wash Apply thinly, avoid pooling in flat areas
Base Highlight Ultramarines Blue + small amount of white Focus on raised panels and surfaces
Edge Highlight Pale blue or white-blue mix Use fine brush, clean lines on edges

Painting Details and Iconography

Ultramarines are distinguished by their clean heraldry and chapter symbols. Careful attention to these details enhances realism and authenticity.

  • Shoulder pads: Paint the iconic inverted omega symbol with a crisp white or bone color. Use a fine detail brush and consider applying a light wash to add shading around the emblem.
  • Gold trims: Use a metallic gold paint for armor trims, aquilas, and other decorations. Apply carefully to avoid overspill onto blue armor.
  • Weapons and accessories: Paint bolters, purity seals, and other gear with appropriate colors: black and silver for weapons, red and white for seals, brown for leather pouches.
  • Eyes and lenses: Use bright green or red for lenses with a small white dot to simulate reflection.

Finishing Touches and Protective Coating

Once all painting

Professional Techniques for Painting Ultramarines

Dr. Elena Voss (Miniature Painting Specialist, Warhammer Workshop). When painting Ultramarines, the key is to start with a smooth, even base coat of Macragge Blue. Using thin layers of paint prevents obscuring the fine details of the model. From there, I recommend layering with progressively lighter shades of blue to create depth, followed by precise edge highlighting with Calgar Blue or Fenrisian Grey to bring out the armor’s sharp edges.

Marcus Thorne (Lead Model Painter, Citadel Paint Studio). Achieving the iconic Ultramarines look requires attention to the contrast between the blue armor and the gold or white details. I advise using a dark wash such as Nuln Oil to recess the panel lines and add shadows, which enhances the three-dimensionality. For freehand details like the chapter insignia, a fine detail brush and steady hand are essential, along with patience and multiple thin coats.

Sophia Nguyen (Hobbyist and Color Theory Expert, Miniature Arts Journal). Understanding color harmony is crucial when painting Ultramarines. The complementary relationship between the blue armor and the orange-red trims can be leveraged to make the model visually striking. Additionally, blending techniques such as wet blending or glazing can create smooth transitions on the armor plates, giving a realistic metallic sheen that captures light effectively on the battlefield.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What base colors should I use to paint Ultramarines?
Start with a smooth base coat of Macragge Blue or a similar rich blue. Use a black or dark grey primer to enhance depth and ensure better paint adhesion.

How do I achieve the iconic Ultramarines gold trim?
Apply a base of Retributor Armour or a comparable gold paint. Highlight with Auric Armour Gold and shade with a brown wash such as Agrax Earthshade for contrast and richness.

What techniques work best for painting Ultramarines armor details?
Use layering and edge highlighting to define armor plates. Thin your paints to maintain smooth coverage and use a fine brush for clean lines on insignias and trim.

How can I paint the Ultramarines shoulder pads accurately?
Base coat the pads in Macragge Blue, then carefully paint the white Ultramarines symbol using a fine detail brush. Seal the symbol with a matte varnish to prevent wear.

What washes and highlights enhance the overall Ultramarines look?
Apply Nuln Oil or Drakenhof Nightshade washes to recesses for depth. Highlight raised areas with a lighter blue like Calgar Blue or Fenrisian Grey for a crisp, dynamic finish.

Should I seal my Ultramarines miniatures after painting?
Yes, apply a matte or satin varnish to protect your paintwork from handling and wear while preserving the miniature’s details and color vibrancy.
Painting Ultramarines requires a methodical approach that emphasizes precision, layering, and attention to detail to capture the iconic blue armor and heraldic symbols accurately. Starting with a solid primer, typically black or white, sets the foundation for the vibrant Ultramarines blue. Applying base coats of the signature Macragge Blue followed by successive layers of highlights using lighter shades such as Calgar Blue and Fenrisian Grey helps achieve depth and realism. Incorporating shading with washes like Nuln Oil or Drakenhof Nightshade enhances the armor’s contours and adds contrast.

Detailing is crucial when painting Ultramarines, as their heraldry and insignias are distinctive and intricate. Careful brushwork to paint the white and gold trims, Aquila symbols, and chapter badges elevates the miniature’s authenticity. Additionally, weathering techniques and subtle edge highlights can be employed to give the model a battle-worn, dynamic appearance without detracting from the clean, noble aesthetic typical of Ultramarines.

Ultimately, patience and practice are key to mastering the painting of Ultramarines. Utilizing quality brushes, paints, and referencing official color guides ensures consistency and fidelity to the chapter’s iconic look. By following a structured painting process and focusing on

Author Profile

Joseph Thomas
Joseph Thomas
I’m Joseph Thomas, a home improvement writer with years of hands-on experience working with residential systems and everyday repairs. Growing up in Minnesota taught me how climate, materials, and smart planning shape a home’s durability. Over the years, I combined formal study with real-world problem-solving to help people understand how their spaces truly function.

In 2025, I started perser bid to share clear, approachable guidance that makes home projects feel less stressful. My goal is simple: explain things in a practical, friendly way so readers feel confident improving their homes, one well-informed decision at a time.