Combat Patrol Painting 2024: Beginner's Paint & Accessories Guide

Nov 30, 2025 by Alex Johnson 66 views

So, you're diving into the exciting world of Combat Patrol and ready to bring your miniatures to life with vibrant colors? That's fantastic! But before you unleash your inner artist, it's crucial to have the right tools and paints at your disposal. This comprehensive guide is designed for complete beginners, ensuring you have everything you need to embark on your painting journey in 2024. We'll cover essential paints, must-have accessories, and helpful tips to get you started. Let’s transform those grey plastic figures into a stunning force ready for the tabletop!

Getting Started: Essential Paints for Beginners

When you're new to miniature painting, the sheer variety of paints available can be overwhelming. Don't worry! You don't need to buy every color under the sun to get started. A curated selection of essential paints will allow you to create a wide range of effects and color schemes. Investing in high-quality paints from the outset will also make a significant difference in the final result, ensuring better coverage, smoother application, and richer colors.

Core Colors: The Foundation of Your Palette

Start with a set of core colors that can be mixed to create a vast spectrum of hues. These are your workhorses, the colors you'll use most often. Think of them as the foundation upon which you'll build your miniature masterpieces. A good starting set includes:

White: Essential for highlights and lightening other colors.
Black: Used for shadows, outlining, and darkening colors.
Red: A vibrant color that can be mixed to create various shades.
Blue: Perfect for cool tones and adding depth to your miniatures.
Yellow: A bright color that adds warmth and can be used for highlights.
Green: Ideal for natural elements and adding contrast.
Brown: Necessary for earth tones, wood, and leather.
Metallic (Silver/Gold): If your Combat Patrol includes any metallic elements, these are essential for achieving a realistic look.

These core colors will allow you to mix and match, creating a diverse palette for your miniatures. It’s like having a painter’s primary set, allowing you to create almost any hue imaginable. Remember, the key is to experiment and discover the endless possibilities of color mixing!

Layering and Highlighting Paints

Once you have your core colors, you'll want to consider paints specifically designed for layering and highlighting. These paints are typically lighter shades of your base colors and are used to create depth and dimension on your miniatures. Layering involves applying thin coats of progressively lighter colors to build up highlights gradually. This technique adds realism and makes your miniatures pop on the tabletop. Highlighting, on the other hand, focuses on the extreme edges and prominent areas to catch the light, creating a visually striking effect.

Some essential layering and highlighting paints to consider include:

Lighter shades of your core colors: For example, a lighter blue for highlighting a dark blue armor panel.
Off-whites or creams: Perfect for creating subtle highlights on various surfaces.
Metallics: Lighter shades of silver or gold can add brilliance to metallic areas.

Layering and highlighting paints are your secret weapons for achieving a professional-looking finish. By carefully applying these techniques, you can transform a simple paint job into a stunning work of art. Think of it as sculpting with color, bringing out the intricate details of your miniatures.

Washes and Shades: Adding Depth and Definition

Washes and shades are essential for adding depth and definition to your miniatures. These are thinned-down paints that flow into the recesses and crevices, creating shadows and enhancing details. Using washes and shades is one of the easiest ways to elevate your painting, giving your miniatures a more realistic and battle-worn appearance. Imagine them as liquid shadows that bring out the character of your models.

Popular washes and shades include:

Black Wash: A versatile wash that adds shadows and definition to almost any color.
Brown Wash: Ideal for earthy tones, leather, and wood.
Flesh Wash: Perfect for adding depth to skin tones.

Washes and shades are incredibly forgiving and easy to use, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Simply apply a thin layer over the area you want to shade, and let the paint do its magic. The result is instant depth and definition, making your miniatures look more dynamic and visually appealing.

Essential Painting Accessories: Tools of the Trade

Having the right paints is just the first step. To achieve the best results, you'll also need a selection of essential painting accessories. These tools will make the painting process smoother, more efficient, and ultimately more enjoyable. Think of them as the brushes, chisels, and sculpting tools of a miniature artist.

Brushes: Your Most Important Tools

Brushes are arguably the most critical accessory for miniature painting. Investing in a good set of brushes will make a significant difference in the quality of your paint job. Different brush sizes and shapes are used for various tasks, so it's essential to have a variety on hand. A high-quality brush will hold its shape, apply paint smoothly, and last for a long time with proper care.

Here are some essential brushes to include in your collection:

Large Brush: For basecoating and covering large areas.
Medium Brush: For layering and general painting.
Small Brush: For fine details and highlighting.
Detail Brush: For the tiniest details, such as eyes and small emblems.
Drybrush: For drybrushing techniques, which create a textured effect.

When choosing brushes, consider the material of the bristles. Synthetic brushes are a good option for beginners as they are more affordable and easier to clean. Sable brushes are higher quality but require more care. No matter what type you choose, proper brush care is essential. Clean your brushes immediately after use with brush cleaner or mild soap and water to prevent paint buildup and maintain their shape.

Palette: Your Mixing Station

A palette is essential for mixing paints and keeping them from drying out too quickly. There are several types of palettes available, each with its advantages. A palette is your canvas for creating the perfect hues and shades, allowing you to mix colors and experiment without wasting paint.

Common types of palettes include:

Wet Palette: This palette uses a damp sponge and parchment paper to keep paints moist for longer, preventing them from drying out.
Dry Palette: A simple palette made of plastic or ceramic, suitable for quick painting sessions.
Palette Pad: A disposable pad of paper sheets, convenient for easy cleanup.

A wet palette is highly recommended for beginners as it helps keep your paints workable for longer, reducing waste and making the painting process more enjoyable. It allows you to mix colors and come back to them later without finding them dried out. This is especially useful for layering and highlighting techniques where you need to work with subtle gradations of color.

Hobby Knife: For Preparation and Cleanup

A hobby knife is a versatile tool used for preparing miniatures for painting. It's essential for removing mold lines, cleaning up excess plastic, and making minor adjustments to the model. A sharp hobby knife is a must-have for any miniature painter, ensuring your models are clean and ready for paint.

Key uses for a hobby knife include:

Removing Mold Lines: These are thin lines of plastic left over from the molding process.
Cleaning Up Flash: Excess plastic that can occur around the edges of the model.
Cutting Plastic Components: For conversions or kitbashing.

Always use caution when using a hobby knife, as the blades are very sharp. Use a cutting mat to protect your work surface and replace the blade regularly to ensure a clean, precise cut. A sharp blade is safer than a dull one, as it requires less force and reduces the risk of slipping.

Glue: Assembling Your Miniatures

Before you can paint your Combat Patrol, you'll need to assemble the miniatures. This typically involves gluing plastic or metal components together. Choosing the right glue is essential for a strong and durable bond. Proper assembly is the first step in creating a stunning miniature, ensuring all the pieces fit together seamlessly.

Common types of glue for miniatures include:

Plastic Glue: Melts the plastic together, creating a strong bond. Ideal for plastic miniatures.
Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate): A fast-drying glue that works well on plastic, metal, and resin miniatures.

Plastic glue is the preferred choice for plastic miniatures as it creates a permanent bond. Super glue is more versatile and can be used on various materials, but it can be brittle and may require pinning for extra strength. When gluing miniatures, use small amounts of glue to avoid messy spills and ensure a clean finish.

Other Essential Accessories

In addition to the tools mentioned above, several other accessories can make your painting experience more enjoyable and efficient. These items may seem minor, but they can significantly improve your workflow and the final result. These little helpers can make a big difference in your painting process, from holding your miniatures steady to keeping your workspace tidy.

Clippers: For removing plastic components from the sprue.
Pin Vise and Pins: For pinning metal or resin components together for extra strength.
Files and Sandpaper: For smoothing surfaces and removing imperfections.
Painting Handle: A handle that holds your miniature, making it easier to paint without touching the model.
Wet Palette Sponge and Paper: Replacement sponges and paper for your wet palette.
Brush Cleaner: For cleaning and maintaining your brushes.
Water Pot: For rinsing your brushes.
Paper Towels: For cleaning up spills and dabbing excess paint.
Magnifying Glass or Headset: For painting fine details.
Lamp: Good lighting is essential for accurate color mixing and detail work.

Painting Techniques for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your paints and accessories, it's time to start painting! Miniature painting can seem daunting at first, but by breaking it down into simple steps, you can achieve impressive results. This section will guide you through the basic painting techniques that every beginner should know. Mastering these techniques will lay the foundation for more advanced painting styles and allow you to create stunning miniatures.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you even touch a brush to your miniature, preparation is key. This involves assembling the model, removing mold lines and flash, and priming the surface. Proper preparation ensures the paint adheres well and the final result is clean and professional.

Assemble the Miniature: Use plastic glue or super glue to assemble the components, following the instructions provided. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on.
Remove Mold Lines and Flash: Use a hobby knife to carefully scrape away mold lines and flash. Be patient and work in small increments to avoid damaging the model.
Wash the Miniature: Use warm soapy water to remove any residue or oils from the model's surface. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
Prime the Miniature: Apply a thin, even coat of primer to the model. Primer provides a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. Black, white, and grey primers are common choices, depending on the desired effect. Spray primer is the easiest to apply, but brush-on primer is also available.

Step 2: Basecoating

Basecoating is the process of applying the first layer of paint to your miniature. This layer provides the foundation for all subsequent layers and colors. A solid basecoat is the cornerstone of a great paint job, ensuring even coverage and vibrant colors.

Choose Your Base Colors: Select the primary colors you want to use for your miniature. Consider the overall color scheme and the individual components of the model.
Thin Your Paints: Thin your paints with water or a paint thinner to achieve a smooth consistency. This will prevent the paint from clumping and ensure even coverage.
Apply Thin Coats: Apply the basecoat in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat, as they prevent the paint from obscuring details.
Cover All Surfaces: Make sure to cover all the surfaces of the model that you want to paint with the base color. Use a brush that is appropriate for the size of the area you are painting.

Step 3: Layering and Highlighting

Layering and highlighting are techniques used to create depth and dimension on your miniature. Layering involves applying progressively lighter shades of the base color to build up highlights gradually. Highlighting focuses on the extreme edges and prominent areas to catch the light. Layering and highlighting are the keys to making your miniatures look three-dimensional and visually striking.

Choose Your Layering and Highlighting Colors: Select lighter shades of your base colors for layering and highlighting. You can mix your base color with white or a lighter color to create these shades.
Apply Layers: Apply thin layers of the layering color to the raised areas of the model, gradually building up the highlights. Use a smaller brush for more precise application.
Highlight Edges: Use a detail brush to apply highlights to the extreme edges and prominent areas of the model. This will make these areas stand out and catch the light.

Step 4: Washing and Shading

Washes and shades are thinned-down paints that flow into the recesses and crevices, creating shadows and enhancing details. They are an easy way to add depth and definition to your miniatures. Washes and shades are your secret weapon for adding instant realism and character to your models.

Choose Your Wash or Shade: Select a wash or shade that complements your base colors. Black, brown, and flesh washes are versatile options.
Apply the Wash or Shade: Apply a thin layer of the wash or shade over the area you want to shade. Allow the wash to flow into the recesses and crevices.
Remove Excess Wash: If the wash pools in certain areas, use a clean brush to remove the excess.

Step 5: Detailing and Finishing Touches

Once you've completed the basecoating, layering, highlighting, and washing, it's time to add the details and finishing touches. This is where you can really bring your miniature to life. Details and finishing touches are what set your miniatures apart, adding personality and making them truly unique.

Paint Details: Use a detail brush to paint small details such as eyes, emblems, and other intricate features.
Add Textures: Use drybrushing or other techniques to add textures to the model.
Base Your Miniature: Add basing materials such as sand, flock, or static grass to the base of your miniature to create a scenic effect.
Apply Varnish (Optional): Apply a coat of varnish to protect your paint job. Matte varnish is a popular choice for a non-glossy finish.

Conclusion: Your Combat Patrol Awaits!

With the right paints, accessories, and techniques, you're now well-equipped to tackle your Combat Patrol painting project in 2024. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Miniature painting is a rewarding hobby that allows you to express your creativity and bring your tabletop armies to life. So, gather your supplies, clear your workspace, and get ready to transform those grey plastic figures into a stunning force ready for battle! Happy painting!

For more in-depth information on miniature painting techniques and tips, check out Warhammer Community.