White Scars Paint Starter Set: Master the Art of Painting the Swift and Deadly
Key Takeaways:
- White armor techniques
- Red and gold detailing
- Weathering and battle damage
- Chapter-specific iconography
- Skin tone variations
The White Scars, known for their lightning-fast attacks and masterful mounted combat, present a unique challenge and opportunity for painters.
Their primarily white armor, accented with vibrant reds and intricate tribal markings, creates a striking appearance on the tabletop.
We’ll explore various techniques to bring your White Scars to life, from basic paint schemes to advanced weathering methods.
Understanding the White Scars
Before we dive into the painting process, it’s crucial to understand the essence of the White Scars Chapter. These Space Marines, hailing from the harsh steppes of Chogoris, embody the spirit of the Mongolian warrior tradition.
Their combat doctrine emphasizes speed, precision, and hit-and-run tactics, often utilizing bikes and fast-attack vehicles.
The White Scars’ history is rich and complex, dating back to the early days of the Imperium. As one of the First Founding Chapters, they played a pivotal role in the Horus Heresy, ultimately siding with the Emperor.
This legacy is reflected in their heraldry and markings, which we’ll incorporate into our painting process.
Essential Paints for Your White Scars Starter Set
To begin your White Scars journey, you’ll need a well-rounded selection of paints. Here’s a list of essential colors for your starter set:
For the White Armor:
- Corax White (Base)
- Apothecary White (Contrast paint)
- White Scar (Layer)
For Red Details:
- Mephiston Red (Base)
- Carroburg Crimson (Shade)
- Evil Sunz Scarlet (Layer)
- Wild Rider Red (Highlight)
For Gold Trim:
- Retributor Armour (Base)
- Reikland Fleshshade (Shade)
- Liberator Gold (Layer)
- Stormhost Silver (Highlight)
For Black Areas:
- Abaddon Black (Base)
- Eshin Grey(Highlight)
- Dawnstone (Fine Highlight)
For Leather and Parchment:
- Zandri Dust (Base)
- Agrax Earthshade (Shade)
- Ushabti Bone (Layer)
- Screaming Skull (Highlight)
Mastering the White Armor (Quick Steps)
The hallmark of the White Scars is their pristine white armor, which can be intimidating for many painters. However, with the right technique, you can achieve a stunning result. Here’s my preferred method:
1. Priming Start with a white primer like Corax White. This gives you a clean base to work from and saves time on building up the white color.
2. Base Coat Apply a thin layer of Grey Seer over the entire model. This slightly off-white color will serve as our true base, allowing for depth in the recesses.
3. Shading Here’s where the magic happens. Thin down Apothecary White contrast paint with contrast medium (roughly 1:1 ratio) and apply it carefully to the recesses and panel lines. The key is to be selective – we want shadows, not an overall gray tint.
4. Layering Once the shade is dry, it’s time to bring back the white. Use thin layers of White Scar, focusing on the raised areas and flat panels. Build up the intensity gradually for a smooth finish.
5. Edge Highlighting For that extra pop, add fine edge highlights using pure White Scar or even a mix with a touch of Pallid Wych Flesh for extreme edges.
Mastering the White Armor: A Journey in Light and Shadow (A stylized approach)
The pristine white armor of the White Scars is their most iconic feature, gleaming like freshly fallen snow on the steppes of Chogoris. Yet, achieving this look can be as challenging as taming a wild Thunderhawk. Fear not, for with patience and technique, you’ll soon be fielding warriors that shine like beacons of the Emperor’s light.
1. Priming: Laying the Foundation
Imagine yourself standing before your bare plastic marines, spray can in hand. The air is crisp, and anticipation builds. With a steady hand, apply your white primer in smooth, even strokes. Watch as the grey plastic disappears under a coat as white as the clouds over Terra. This isn’t just paint; it’s the canvas upon which you’ll create your masterpiece.
2. Base Coat: The First Whisper of Character
Now, with your brush loaded with thinned Grey Seer, you begin to paint. Each stroke is deliberate, transforming the flat white into something with depth. This slightly off-white hue hints at the battles to come, the dust of a thousand worlds that will cling to your warriors’ armor. As you work, envision the history you’re laying down – every brush stroke a tale of heroism yet to unfold.
3. Shading: Where Shadows Dwell
Here’s where your White Scars truly begin to take shape. With your Apothecary White mixture – thinned to the consistency of milk – you’ll bring dimension to the flat surfaces. As you guide this wash into the recesses, imagine the interplay of light and shadow on a cloudy day. The paint flows like water, seeking out every crease and panel line. You’re not just adding shade; you’re defining the very form of your warrior’s armor.
4. Layering: Reclaiming the Light
Now comes a meditative process. With each layer of White Scar, you’re slowly bringing light back to the raised areas of the armor. Picture yourself as an artist sculpting with light. Each brushstroke is a ray of sunshine, picking out the edges of shoulder pads, the curves of knee guards, the sharp lines of the backpack. Patience is your greatest ally here – rushing will only lead to chalky, uneven coverage. Build up the intensity gradually, and watch as your White Scar emerges from the shadows, resplendent in his armor.
5. Edge Highlighting: The Final Touch of Brilliance
This is where your White Scars will truly shine. With the finest brush you own and a steady hand, you’ll add razor-thin lines of pure white to the sharpest edges. Imagine tracing the path a drop of water might take as it runs down the armor. These highlights are like the glint of sunlight on a drawn sword – sharp, bright, and full of promise. As you work, you’re not just painting; you’re honing each edge of your warrior’s armor to a keen brightness that speaks of their swift and deadly nature.
Bringing the Red to Life: The Color of Victory
The vibrant red used by the White Scars isn’t just a color – it’s a statement. It speaks of the blood they’ve shed, the fire in their hearts, and the speed of their attacks. Here’s how to make it sing:
- Begin with Mephiston Red, applying it smoothly to create a rich, deep base. This is the color of fresh blood, of passion and fury.
- Now, take your Carroburg Crimson and let it flow into the recesses. Watch as it deepens the red, creating shadows that speak of hidden depths and ancient traditions.
- With Evil Sunz Scarlet, you’ll start to bring light to the raised areas. Each brushstroke should be deliberate, leaving the deeper shade visible in the recesses. This creates a sense of volume, as if the color itself is bursting with energy.
- Finally, with Wild Rider Red, you’ll add those final, bright highlights. These are like the sparks flying from a blade in combat – brilliant, fleeting, and full of life.
As you layer these reds, imagine the stories they tell. The deep recesses might speak of the Chapter’s long history, while the bright highlights represent the burning passion of their current battles. Each stroke of red is a tribute to the White Scars’ legacy of swift and decisive victory.
Intricate Gold Details: The Wealth of Conquest
The gold trim on White Scars armor isn’t mere decoration – it’s a testament to their nobility and the richness of their conquests. Achieve a gold that seems to glow with inner fire:
Start with Retributor Armour, applying it carefully to the trim. This is the foundation of your gold, rich and warm like the treasures of a thousand worlds.
Now, wash it with Reikland Fleshshade. As you apply this, imagine the gold taking on the warm hues of a setting sun over the steppes of Chogoris. The wash settles into the recesses, giving depth and age to the gold.
Layer with Liberator Gold, but do so sparingly. You’re bringing light back to the raised areas, as if the gold is catching the glint of starlight.
Leave some of the shaded areas visible – this interplay of light and shadow is what gives the gold its rich, realistic appearance.
For the final touch, use Stormhost Silver to add the finest of highlights.
These are like the flash of light on a golden blade – bright, sharp, and full of promise. Apply these highlights sparingly; they should be like the glint in a warrior’s eye – present, but not overwhelming.
As you work on these gold details, think of each line and curve as a story of conquest and glory.
The deeper, shaded areas might represent ancient victories, while the bright highlights speak of honors yet to be won. Your brush isn’t just applying paint; it’s weaving tales of heroism into every golden detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my white paint from becoming chalky?
Thin your paints properly and apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat. Also, consider using an off-white like Ulthuan Grey as your base before pure white.
What’s the best way to paint the lightning bolt symbol of the White Scars?
Start with a thin yellow line, then add white highlights. Finally, edge it with a fine black line for definition.
How can I make my White Scars stand out from other white-armored chapters?
Focus on the red details and tribal markings. Also, consider adding Chogorian-inspired freehand designs to shoulder pads or vehicles.
What’s the best primer color for White Scars?
While white is often recommended, I find that a light grey primer like Grey Seer provides a good neutral base for both the white armor and colored details.
How do I paint convincing leather on my White Scars?
Start with a base of Mournfang Brown, shade with Agrax Earthshade, then highlight with Skrag Brown and finally Deathclaw Brown for a worn leather look.
Conclusion – Unleash Your Inner Khan
Painting White Scars is a rewarding challenge that allows you to combine crisp, clean armor with intricate details and weathering. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to field a truly impressive force that captures the spirit of these noble warriors.
Remember, patience is key when working with white, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
Whether you’re painting a single character or an entire army, these methods will help you create stunning White Scars that will be the envy of your gaming group.
At WarhammerUniverse.com, we’re dedicated to helping hobbyists like you bring their visions to life. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and may your brush be as swift and precise as a White Scars’ charge!
Looking for a much more broader guide for painting? Checkout Goonhammer for longer guides!