If you’ve ever put a Thousand Sons model on your desk and thought: “How do I get that deep blue and gold to really pop?” — this guide is for you.
This is my usual approach to painting Warhammer 40K Thousand Sons, using Citadel paints and a few tricks to get crisp edges and magical depth. It’s not the only way, but it works, and you can follow it easily with the right paints and some patience.
Step 1: Cleaning & Preparing the Miniature
Before paint touches plastic, prep work is essential.
- Remove mold lines with a hobby knife or fine file — nothing ruins a paint job faster than a seam down the shoulder.
- Assemble most of the model, but leave off parts like weapons or backpacks if they’ll block your brush later.
Tip: Wear gloves or wash your hands before priming to keep oils off the miniature.
Step 2: Priming for Rich Color
For Thousand Sons, I use Chaos Black spray primer.
- Black primer hides mistakes and gives instant shadows.
- Spray in light passes — avoid overloading to keep details crisp.
Step 3: Base Colors – Armor, Robes & Gear
Armor (the star of the show)
- Basecoat with Macragge Blue.
- Use two thin coats to avoid clogging details.
Robes
- Start with Khemri Brown for a muted base.
- Layer Zandri Dust on raised folds for lighter cloth.
Metallics & Leather
- Metallics: Leadbelcher
- Leather straps: Mournfang Brown or Rhinox Hide
Step 4: Washes for Depth
Washes add instant depth and realism.
- Armor: Drakenhof Nightshade — keep it in recesses but a slight tint overall is fine.
- Robes: Agrax Earthshade for natural shadows.
- Metallics: Nuln Oil for darker gaps and shine contrast.
Step 5: Highlights & Layering
This is where they start looking like true Thousand Sons.
Armor Highlights
- Calgar Blue for raised edges.
- Fenrisian Grey for sharp, bright points (helmet ridges, shoulder edges).
Robes
- Lightly drybrush Ushabti Bone over folds.
- Optional: add Screamer Pink touches for magical flair.
Metallics
- Stormhost Silver for top edges — keep it subtle.
Step 6: Details That Sell the Miniature
- Eyes & lenses: Mephiston Red + tiny white reflection dot.
- Gold trim: Retributor Armour, then Auric Armour Gold for edges. (Oof. Have fun with this part).
- Runes & markings: Teclis Blue with a white highlight for glow effect.
- Blades: silver edge with a streak of Fenrisian Grey for shine.
Step 7: Basing & Finishing Touches
- Base: Steel Legion Drab, drybrush Tallarn Sand, add tufts/rocks.
- Fix patchy armor with a thin Macragge Blue glaze.
- Seal with matte varnish, add gloss varnish to lenses/magic effects.
Quick Tips for Painting Thousand Sons
- Thin paints — two thin coats always beat one thick one.
- Dark to light — base → wash → highlight.
- Focus highlights where the eye naturally goes.
- Work in batches to stay motivated.
Painting Thousand Sons can be a test of patience, especially with that gold trim — but the payoff is an army that looks gorgeous on the table. If you try this method, I’d love to see your results. Drop a comment below with your favorite Thousand Sons painting tips. The Rubric Marines aren’t going to paint themselves — so grab your brush and let’s get to work.
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Husband, Florida State Seminole, and fan of all things grimdark, sometimes even winning a game or two.
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